In the past, the term 'play' carried a rather negative connotation, because some parents think that play is just a waste of time and energy. However, child experts will beg to differ, as play time, while it appears to have no outright value, is actually a very effective learning tool. This is what educational toys aim to reconcile - that toys can actually be very academically beneficial. While it may be tempting to buy the largest and hippest educational toy in the bunch, it would be best to, instead, buy something that will bring the greatest value to the child. Get an educational toy that has many features, even though it is small, against an educational toy that looks really swanky but is lacking in the "educational" department. And since infants are the most receptive to new things, because their minds are still unmuddled and untainted with the ways of the world, they are the best subjects for educational toys. From the time an infant is born, introducing him or her to different sounds and sights are important for the development of his visual skills and hand-to-eye coordination. These kits help your child in conducting experiments and making projects like radios, light bulb set ups and much more. Water wizardry kits that can be used by children to create rainbows, gels and snow in a test tube with only some water also enhances your child's abilities. Children will definitely learn a lot from quality educational toys like those toys that teach science and encourage discovery. Preschoolers Educational Toys The demand for educational toys is fast growing, as more and more parents see the value behind these products and children start to appreciate the kind of learning they obtain from them. In fact, the demand for them has surpassed that of traditional toys. In 2005, for instance, educational toy maker LeapFrog's sales surged 120%. Perhaps this is why toy manufacturers have taken to producing a wide range of educational toys - to fill this need. Most parents nowadays rarely have time to spend with their children, as most households are living with both parents working. Parents, therefore, try to go through great lengths to buy their children means of entertainment that would encourage not only enjoyment but also learning.