In this captivating episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we welcome Amanda, the founder of Good Play Guide and FUNdamentally Children. We discuss Amanda's unexpected journey from aspiring marine biologist to a toy industry expert, informed by her background in psychology and child development. We also delve into the significance of play in child development and Amanda's research-backed methodologies for evaluating toys. Amanda shares about the Good Play Guide's accreditation process, the challenges with getting toys to align with child development benchmarks, and the importance of authentic play environments for research. Amanda's role as the chair of the Association of Play Industries, particularly in advocating for outdoor play. Listeners are treated to insightful advice on toy development, including the importance of fun, inclusivity, and early-stage research to mitigate risks. Amanda’s passion for ensuring toys contribute positively to children’s lives is both evident and inspiring.

⭐️ Highlights:

00:00 Welcome to Toy Business Unboxed

00:37 Exploring the Dynamic World of Toys with Amanda

01:08 Amanda's Journey into the Toy Industry

03:42 The Genesis of Good Play Guide and FUNdamentally Children

05:48 Challenges and Insights from the Association of Play Industries

06:46 The Importance of Evidence-Based Toy Design

08:21 Understanding the Accreditation Process for Toys

10:04 Introducing the MESH Accreditation Program

13:55 Natural Play Environments vs. Traditional Testing

20:59 The Balanced Play Pyramid Framework

23:09 Advice for Toy Business Owners

26:02 Final Thoughts and Where to Connect

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