The Role of Play In Our Lives

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to forget the importance of play. "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy," is an old saying that holds true today, and as renowned play scholar Joe Frost argues in his book "A History of Childhood Play and Play Environments," the diminishing presence of play in our lives is causing a crisis that threatens our societal well-being.

Play, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary, is engaging in activities for enjoyment and recreation, rather than a serious or practical purpose. However, play is much more than just fun and games. It has many practical benefits that are essential for our emotional development and well-being. Studies have shown that play is necessary for keeping our brains flexible, preventing depression, fostering optimism, and improving our social-emotional skills. It also provides opportunities for us to connect with others who share similar interests and passions, and it can even be used in teaching and therapy.

Toys are the instruments of play, and they allow us to interact with the world in a safe, controlled, and enjoyable way. As we grow and develop, our toy preferences change. We seek out more complex toys and games that can meet our cognitive demands, but when manufacturers fail to produce toys that meet our needs, we often turn to other hobbies such as sports, movies, art, and so on.

But it's not just kids who enjoy playing with toys. According to data from the NPD Group, adults are buying toys for themselves, and it’s the biggest source of growth for the industry. These "kidults," as they are called, are responsible for one-fourth of all toy sales annually, around $9 billion worth, and are the biggest driver of growth throughout the industry. The NPD Group defines kidults as ages 12 and older, and they have been steadily contributing to the industry for years. However, spending has accelerated in the wake of the pandemic, leading to year-over-year gains despite tough comparisons. Kidults are a coveted consumer because they are often willing to spend more money than others on items for themselves.

At Light Pong, we understand the importance of play in our lives, whether we're kids or kidults. That's why we're dedicated to producing connected toys for millennials and gen-Zs that encourage curiosity and exploration. We're on a mission to bring the joy of play back into our lives, and we believe that play is a priority that shouldn't be ignored.

In conclusion, let's not forget that play is an essential part of our lives, and it has many benefits that are crucial for our emotional development and personal maintenance. Whether we're playing with toys or engaging in other hobbies, we should prioritize play and make time for it in our lives.