China's various national industries began to take shape after the May Fourth movement in the 1919. During that time, the semi-colonized China was constantly subjected to the divisions of the big powers. A group of patriots began manufacturing & developing national products. Amongst them were some toy manufacturers & publishers like Shanghai Commercial Press, China Can Company and The New Art Toy, who took the lead in the development of the toy industry in China.

However, many toy factories were forced to cease business during World War Two. By the time the war ended, only about 200 toy workers were left. The People's Republic of China was established in 1949 and the Central Government re-defined the development of the toy industry, laying down the standards for the upgrading of technical expertise. In 1958, the toy industry started to formulate a standard system and compiling proper merchandise code for export.

Under the command from the headquarters to eliminate the capitalist class, however, China kickstarted the Cultural Revolution in 1966. Under the slogan to wipe out the Four Olds, many fine toy designers were unable to give full play to their talents. The toy industry became stagnant during this period. In the 70s, under the instruction of Premier Zhou Enlai to "adapt foreign things to Chinese needs", electronic technology was introduce to produce high quality toys, thereby enabling the Chinese toy industry to enter a new domain.

The Museum of Shanghai Toys is the first museum of its kind in the world. My name is Marvin Chan and my collection originates from China.

In 1989, I came across a toy shop in Malaysia where I bought a few tin toys that I've played with when young. Who would have thought those few pieces would lead me to a new chapter in my life!

My enthusiasm for toys grew from there. In 1993, I visited a famous toy museum in Japan. I was impressed by the way they had held on to their cultural heritage - it reinforced my feelings for Chinese toys. Thus the seed to MoST was planted.

Setting up MoST marks my first major step towards my China Toys dream. I'm truly happy to be able to share my dream and passion with you through MoST and I hope you'll enjoy your trip here too.

The Museum has an extensive toy collection - toys have been, and continue to be, central to the childhood experience. In the past, most children would have had home-made toys, made from materials commonly found around the home.In ancient times, Greek and Roman children are known to have played with marbles, spinning tops and clay dolls. It was not until the nineteenth and twentieth centuries that toys were mass produced.

Noah's Arks

Noah and his Ark has always been a popular biblical story for children, and toy versions of the ark have been made since the 18th century. They were particularly popular during the Victorian period when children were restricted to play with biblical toys on Sundays.

It is believed that the Noah's Ark toy originated from a small village in Germany, called Oberammergau, an area that is renowned for its wood craftsmanship. The industry started out as a cottage industry, with different families producing particular animals, which would then be collected together and assembled with an ark. Later on, as the industry expanded, new techniques we formed to speed up the process. A ring known as a Seiffen (named after the place where it was invented) would be carved out from wood and shaped with a lathe. The ring would then be sliced into sections, with each section forming the basic shape of an animal. Each animal would then be finished by hand, with tails and horns being added where needed.

The ark itself comes in two basic shapes; the first is a flat bottom ark which is a flat piece of wood in a raft shape with a hut on the top, the second is a boat ark, which has a deep hull with a large building on the top. The animals are stored inside, with access from a hinged roof. Some arks can have up to 400 animals which, when placed nose to tail, can extend for up to 30 metres. Like many toys, arks can vary in quality. Some of the most sought-after ones are decorated with inlaid straw which looks golden in the light, or inlaid with different types of wood.

Most arks have a dove carrying a olive branch painted onto the roof, a symbol of hope. Arks were very popular up until the 1920s and were exported from Germany to markets all over the world. Their decline came when export tax was imposed on them during the war. The tariff was based on size and weight, so many makers of arks switched to making toys which were smaller and lighter.

Toy Horses

Toys horses, in various forms and made from many materials, have been around for several thousand years. Often they closely resembled their real counterparts and the work that they performed, and they were usually for boys. Toy horses encouraged imitative play, teaching children adult skills for the future, riding being an essential skill for the male sex. Boys would mimic their fathers riding into war, or hunting, or driving. This is illustrated by the words James I of England wrote to his young son: 'the honourablest and most commendable games that ye can use are games on horseback'.

The earliest type of 'rideable' horse was the hobby horse which has appeared in illustrations in Europe since the 15th century. In its simplest form the hobby horse could be a plain straight stick. However, more complex designs developed, with carved heads, wheels attached to the bottom of the stick, or even covers to hide the riders' legs. They were generally toys for older children who could run around.

The rocking horse was a later development; no references have been found to this toy before the 17th century. The idea of the rocking horse evolved from three main sources: the traditional rocking cradle, the pull-along tilting seat used in the middle ages for jousting practice, and the wheeled hobby horse. The first rocking horse was very different in appearance from our usual notions of the toy. It consisted of two flat boat-shaped planks bridged by a seat, in front of which was a carved equine head and neck. A tail may have been attached and sometimes two foot rests were placed on the shoulder. The earliest surviving example is the horse thought to have belonged to King Charles I. This method of construction was simple as it avoided the difficulties of carving the horses' legs, and because of its practicality it continued into the 19th century as a design for cheaper horses. Sometimes the solid sides were painted with the lower body and legs of the horse, or with folk patterns, or a scene as if viewed through the horses' legs. This type of horse was usual in Germany, while the English preferred the fully carved type.

As the toy gained in popularity and advances were made in cabinet making, the legs of rocking horses began to be carved in round. The head and body were often made of pine and the legs of the stronger beech wood. At first these horses were rather heavy in structure, although gradually they became more elegant, standing on slender carved rockers with tapering ends. This reflected the changes in the real world as faster and lighter horses were needed for artillery, and in the mid-17th century Arabian stallions were imported into England and hunting became a popular pastime. Rocking horses had also evolved into spirited racing steeds with lowered heads and outstretched legs. These horses were effective training devices as the young rider could easily be thrown if not riding correctly.

The basic structure of the rocking horse was wood, carved in several pieces and then pegged together before being covered with a thin layer of plaster called gesso. The paintwork usually represented a dappled grey, although animal skins, often deer or calf, were also used as a covering. The rockers were often painted green to resemble grass, and the horses' features were usually painted, although glass eyes were sometimes inserted into the heads. Saddles and bridles of leather had metal bits and stirrups so that the child could accustom himself to the riding position. Manes and tails were frequently made of real horse hair which was cheaper and more realistic than carving.

In the 19th century the increase in trade and traffic led to a greater demand for more horses to carry and distribute goods to and from towns and railway stations. As wealth increased, more horses were kept for pleasure and as a result, a greater diversity of horse breeds developed. Similarly, in the toy horse world there was an ever-growing range of models as the rapid expansion of the toy trade meant manufacturers were constantly looking for new ideas. In London in 1877 there were eleven different makers of rocking horses, for these had become standard items of nursery equipment. Photographic studios often posed children, rich and poor, with rocking horses, and illustrations of the toy abounded, for example, accompanying the nursery rhyme Ride a Cock Horse, the original 'horse' having been an adult's knee.

Sometimes, people shun wooden toys because of their prices. They forget that bigger wooden toys that require more time and skill to produce are usually much more expensive than plastic toys. Despite that, More and more people are collecting wooden toys again. What makes a good reason for owning a wooden toy? Why would anyone want to own a wooden toy?

Firstly, there is variety. Many people like to collect wooden toys because they come in many forms. The different forms of toys made from wood include soft toys, puzzles, pedal cars, and so on. That also means there must be something for you. You also will not have to worry about harming the environment with wooden toys as all wooden toys are environmentally friendly.

Secondly, wooden toys are often used for child development. Some children like to use wooden toys for pretend play. Pretend play stimulates a child's imagination. The secret to improving thinking and motor skills is to use simple wooden toys to play simple games. For example, use wooden blocks for counting games, or use puzzles to help encourage thinking. Playing simple games with wooden toys such as building blocks encourages development of motor skills and thinking skills. It doesn't matter if the child is a boy or girl. There will be wooden toys that is ideal for them. For example, boys can choose to play with wooden horses, while girls can choose to play with miniature wooden toys. Wooden toys can also help to stimulate a child's imagination. A quick word of caution: If the wooden toy is made for young children, make sure that the paint on it is non-toxic.

Thirdly, wooden toys are ideal as gifts. Small little wooden toys are the ideal candidate for gifts. Both adults and children will love them. Buying toys online would be a good place to start as most toy stores these days don't sell wooden toys anymore.

Some people buy wooden toys for investment purposes. From a toy collector's perspective, wooden toys that are hard to find and well preserved are worth more. For these people, it makes sense to preserve the general condition of the toy, though you also want to allow it to age gently. Wooden toys that display a sure sign of age but is still well preserved will attract many potential collectors.

Preserving a wooden toy is easy and straightforward. Simply clean it regularly with water or if you like, use a mold inhibitor. Wooden toys can be protected by layers of weather resistant paints, and made suitable for outdoors.

Wooden toys often pass the test of time with flying colors, as they never seem to fade away. Due to its well known durability. many wooden toy owners want to keep their wooden toys because they grow up with these toys. They mean something to the owners.

Although plastic toys may be cheaper, wooden toys are far more durable and can last for a long time. In the longer term, wooden toys will save you more money. They last longer than plastic toys, and have greater replay value.

In summary, you can witness for yourself the many benefits of wooden toys. They can be collected for investment purposes or as souvenirs, they can be used for educate children, and they last longer than most other toys.

Nowadays, parents tend to buy toys made of plastic or other materials to their children because most of the time, these toys are more interesting compared to the much simpler wooden toys. Modern toys can do so many things because most often than not, they are battery-operated. However, there are still some specialty toy shops that still sell wooden toys because of their unique characteristics and features.

There are many advantages in using wooden toys. Wooden toys are generally simpler and quieter than modern toys. Modern toys usually produce noise and usually do some acrobatics that some kids might find chaotic and might make them confused. Wooden toys on the other hand, give them a chance to be creative and to do things on their own using their free hands and their imagination because of its generally simple design.

Wooden toys are also safer than other toys made with other materials. Wood is non-toxic and they usually are not very complicated toys which make it easier for children to manipulate or play with, without fear of your children getting hurt. Also, most toys made from wood are not operated with battery.

These toys are also considered to be more educational than plastic toys. Toys made from wood are very simple which children can touch and explore with their bare hands. This helps a lot in their development.

These old-fashioned toys can also stand the test of time. You will still probably see your Dad?s wooden rocking horse in your attic or your Mom?s wooden toy dishes. This can make you save more money than buying plastic toys. Moreover, when a plastic toy breaks, it could even be dangerous to your child. Plastic toys also have negative effects on the environment. And we don?t need that especially now.

Because wooden toys are simple, they are also easier to clean and maintain. They do not have so many nooks and crannies that you might overlook when cleaning. These are also great gifts since most wooden toys are considered rare finds. Plastic toys will lose their value after being used for many times, but not toys made from wood. You can keep your wooden toys for now and after so many years, they can be considered as collectibles.

So you might ask yourself again, have wooden toys had its time even if they have so many benefits?

Probably yes. Because of the increasing popularity of plastic and electronic toys, toys made from wood are now being left behind, despite the aforementioned advantages. Children now prefer toys that can do many things. They do not want very simple toys anymore. And some wooden toys are more expensive than their plastic counterparts probably because they are considered to be collectibles and very unique and hard to find. Moreover, you can almost hardly see wooden toys in the leading toy shops these days.

To sum things up, the answer to your question ?have wooden toys had its time? is almost. There are only a few of them now. Before these toys went out of the market completely, buy some for your children for them to experience the advantages of playing with wooden toys.

If you are a parent, doting aunt or uncle, older sibling, family friend, or do-gooder who simply wants to make a tiny tot happy, you may have experienced or are experiencing dilemmas when it comes to finding the right toys for children. There are plenty of children's toys lined up in store shelves and neatly stacked on display tables that choosing ones that are safe, age-appropriate, enjoyable and educational can be very challenging.

Different kids have different interests, and different toys match different age groups. With a multitude of options and factors to consider, searching for the right toy can become a tedious task instead of an exciting activity. Now, where do you begin?

Toys are meant to be fun items to play with, so scouting for them must also be a fun event. Buying playthings for kids can be truly entertaining as long as you know what to look for. Take time to think about what kind of toy you wish to give a youngster. A little wisdom goes a long way when it comes to giving toys to little ones. Read on for the top three tips in finding the right toys for kids.

Tip #1: Safety always comes first.

Toys, first and foremost, must be safe for kids to play with. Consider toys that are age-appropriate so it will be easier for you to identify the different health hazards.

Toys with small, detachable parts are dangerous for very small children who might swallow and choke on them. Also, avoid giving pointed toys to small kids. Children like running around and pointed objects can cause serious accidents. While bigger children can already play with toys made of very tough materials, opt for softer, flexible toys for tiny tots.

Steer clear of toys that have harmful chemicals. Many small kids like putting things into their mouth that is why toys must always be free of poisonous substances. When a toy is coated with paint, make sure that the paint is non-toxic.

Tip #2: Think of the toy's developmental value.

Find toys that are both entertaining and developmental. Such toys help kids improve their mental, motor, and social skills. Educational toys sharpen kids' minds as they play and encourage them to think critically and logically. Arts and crafts help youngsters express themselves and practice their creativity. Toys for kids that involve movement, like toddler cubes and magnetic games, practice children's motor skills.

Look for toys that teach children the value of self-reliance, teamwork and sharing. Playing is a great family bonding activity, and it becomes even more so with toys that develop children's knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Tip #3: Make sure you get value for your money.

Finding the right toys involves getting items that will last a long time. Go for quality instead of quantity. Look for toys that are made of durable materials that will not easily tear or break. Durable toys are great picks because they can be passed on to younger family members. Additionally, choose toys that can hold children's interest and attention so they will be played with often.

Do not make a beeline for the most expensive toys because a heavy price tag does not always assure quality. Also think twice when hoarding toys that are on sale. Cheap toys that are made of inferior materials can get destroyed quickly and are not really bargains in the long run. Good finds are toys for kids that will give you your money's worth.

Parents like to see their kids happy. For them, their kids only deserve the best. In view of that, even when it comes to toys, the children ought to have only the best toys. You might think that it is quite difficult to choose toys for your kids. But, actually, it is not. With all the toys that are available in the market, there is nothing to worry about.

There is a wide variety of toddler toys to choose from. How to know which toys are best for your children? Your toddlers are at the phase wherein they are extremely active and curious about everything. For this reason, it would be best if you choose toys which motivate your kids to learn and have fun at the same time. Although there are some parents who choose toys based on the brand or manufacturer. But this should not be the case. It is not the brand or the name of the company that determines the quality of the toys and its value to children.

Even if there are toy manufacturers who produce toys that correspond to certain educational requirements, it does not mean that they always make toys that are best for kids. That's why when selecting a toy for your kid you need to judge the toy according to its specific features. There are several characteristics that make a toy different from all the others. These can be classified according to the sense that the kid utilizes in learning. This means that you have to assess the toy based on its visual appeal as well as physical appeal to kids.

Another important thing to consider is safety. When buying a toy for babies or toddlers, make sure that it is safe. Do not purchase a toy which is hazardous for your little one. See to it that the toy that you will buy is lightweight. Also check if the toy has choking hazards. Does the toy contain small parts that have the tendency to drop easily? Always bear in mind that babies are fond of putting almost anything into their mouth. For this reason, it is important to beware of toys with choking hazards.

The next thing to consider in buying baby and toddler toys is the color. Generally speaking, it is best if you choose toys that are brightly-colored. Kids are attracted to toys with different colors. Colorful toys are known to be effective in grabbing the attention and interest of the kids. Without a doubt, most babies like brighter colors better compared to the pastel ones.

In addition, the age of the baby should also be taken into consideration. There are some parents who fail to realize that they are purchasing toys which are not yet suitable for their babies. More often than not, they tend to buy toys which are very sophisticated for their little ones. They feel that they can boost the development of their babies. But this is not right. Your babies will not be able to build up their skills in advance if their toys are very complex to meddle with. As a result, they will just pay no attention to these toys.

In view of that, it is essential that you consider the preferences of your kids. Try to consider their likes and interests. This can be a big help in finding the most suitable toy for your children. Toddler toys are available in many different features. As parents, it is your job to check the toys that your children are playing with. Make sure that they make the most of their playtime productively and safely.

Most children find holidays and birthdays as very special. They look forward to these special occasions because they expect to receive gifts especially brand new toys. For parents, the toddler phase among children is the most enjoyable to observe. When babies reach the toddler stage, they come to understand how fun it is to celebrate holidays and birthdays, and other special occasions. They long for these opportunities where they can give and receive gifts. Kids love gifts, whatever kind of gift it is. But, of course, the best gifts for toddlers are toys.

The task of finding the best toddler toys can be cool and simple. This is due to the fact that there is a wide variety of a toy for toddlers that are available. Toddlers are known to be excited to almost any kind of gift. But this does not imply that it is not necessary to choose the perfect toy for your little ones. At their very young age, the best toys to give them are those toys that induce learning and mental development.

Since the toddler phase is considered as among the notable period of mental growth and development. This is the phase where children are encouraged to think and learn. That's why the best toys for kids at this stage are educational toys. These toys can help them gain knowledge of the world they live in. Educational toys also help kids develop some vital skills such as the basic motor skills.

However, not all toys are suitable for all children. There are toys that are especially designed for toddlers. For that reason, it is important to consider the age of your child before buying a toy for him or her. There are certain ages which can play a specific type of toy.

Toddlers have the tendency to choke small parts of the toys that's why most children toys have choking hazard sign. In this regard, it would be better if you choose toys that are specifically made for those children who are in the toddler stage. The fines toddler toys have been scientifically tested to ensure that they would be safe for your kids.

In addition, the perfect toddler toy must be fun and exciting to your kids. When choosing a toy, opt for the toy that is colorful and promotes child development. Obviously, this does not imply that the best toddler toys should be state-of-the-art electronic devices. If you still have no idea on what toy to buy for your toddler, just think of your childhood years. Try to remember the toys that you play with when you are still young. This may help you in finding the right toy for your child.

Thus, there are numerous toys for toddlers that are at hand. But educational toys are still the most appropriate toy to buy for your kids. They do not only promote learning but they are also safe to play with. Most of all, do not forget that the toy should be fun and exciting. It is of the essence that your kids get pleasure from playing with their toys. If your kid is enjoying the toy that you buy, that only means that you did a good job in your toy shopping.