Outdoor toys come in all shapes and sizes, supporting all types of individual, parallel and social play. Outdoor toys provide a variety of healthy activity for children, promoting physical, mental and social health.

Aside from the design, shape, or size, there’s more information you should consider before you spend your money on an outdoor toy. There’s also the material of the product that you should consider, as well as its safety ease of assembly. With all the factors to consider in such a purchase, it can get a little confusing. So, to help you save some time and energy, here is a buying guide to help you simplify your buying decision:

Important Features to Consider:

• Ease of Setup
• Durability
• Style and Appearance
• Value
• Safety

Ease of Setup

One of the most important things that we need to consider when purchasing an outdoor toy is how to set it up. It is challenging to buy an outdoor toy and then take hours and hours just to assemble it. Toys that are easier built not only save time but as well as a huge amount of energy. Go for outdoor toys that do not have complicated parts which are hard to figure out.

An example of this would be inflatable outdoor toys which can be set up in 2 simple steps: place it where you want and inflate it using an air compressor or air pump. This would only take a few minutes of your time and doesn’t require tools to set it all up.

For outside toys that are challenging to set up, like outdoor playhouses, always choose the ones with clear and direct instruction manuals that are easy to comprehend. A good thing is that Aosom provides playhouses complete with their features and reviews to know whether or not they are easy to install.

Durability

When we say durable, it means that the toy is made of strong materials that won’t wear out quickly due to normal use. Since these types of toys are typically placed outside, they are exposed to different weather types and it is important to make sure that they are resistant to both hot and cold weather (We of course recommend deflating inflatable toys and storing them in a dry area during inclement weather regardless). Buying cheap quality toys doesn’t really save any money in the long run, because you’ll end up having to replace them the following year anyway. High-quality materials go a long way, and you get what you pay for.

For example, when it comes to inflatable toys, we recommend you buy ones made of IP44 polyester fabric. This helps ensure that they won’t quickly wear out but will remain intact and usable. Also, when buying inflatables, always check to make sure the base of the toy is sturdy and durable.

Style & Appearance

Children should be able to feel genuine joy when they first see the toy. Purchasing outdoor toys with lively colors and designs increases a child’s excitement right away. Some would want really cute and childish-looking toys, while some would prefer toys that still look colorful but would do away with all the toddler level decorations, if they are a little older. Make sure to purchase something that provides you and your child an exciting and fun ambiance for playtime.

Value

We always want to get the best value for our purchases, especially those for our children. Regardless of your budget, you want to get the most out of what you pay for. Having said that, you should keep in mind that if the materials used for a particular toy do not justify its price, then it’s a sign that you should look for something else. If its price point does not assure durability and long-wear use, then you should probably cross it off your list

When it comes to finding the right product with the right pricing, research is the key. Avoid buying in an instant because you might regret it later on when you see the same or better product at a more affordable price. Instead, look more, assess your options, and decide which best suits your budget and needs.

Safety

As with all things that we expose our children to, we must always ensure that it is safe. Remember to quality check the type of outdoor toy you want to buy. For example, when buying a see-saw, keep in mind the age and height of your child since some seesaws can be too tall for smaller children. Another example would be swings. Assess the hinges and make sure they aren’t loose, and make sure they are tightly secured and lubricated every season.

In Conclusion

Now that we have discussed the importance of: Ease of Setup, Durability, Style and Appearance, Value and Safety, you are ready to go to Aosom.com and buy some great outdoor toys at affordable prices, that your family will enjoy for years! Happy shopping!