The packaging states "For Ages 3+," and in terms of the cognitive development of a 3 year old...Originally Posted by Megatran
* The child is now entering the peak period of imaginary play and enjoys using replica objects as actors in sequenced themes.
* The child has progressed significantly in their gross-motor skills and have now developed the fine motor skills for more manipulative, challenging and complex play patterns.
And for the remainder of a child's pre-school years (Age 4-5), we can see:
+ Dramatic and pretend play is at its zenith
+ Children enjoy creativity and complexity in their dramatic and make-believe play scenarios
+ Children create and coordinate multiple roles in more elaborate scenarios to build story lines
+ Motor skills are further enhanced and they develop more sophisticated levels of dexterity and coordination
(Reference)
Yes, the current Happy Meal toys can hit these developmental markers too, but IMO not at the same qualitative level as the Armada Happy Meal toys. Or let me put it another way, how long do you think a child will maintain their interest in a current Happy Meal toy for? Are these toys that they're going to look back on fondly in years to come or will they simply be forgotten?
e.g. Who remembers any of the 2007 live action movie Red Rooster Meal toys fondly? (if at all) Now who remembers the 1980s transforming McDonalds toys? They weren't marketed as Transformers here, but you know, the transforming Big Mac, Milkshake etc.? Cos I've given all of mine to my daughter who loves playing with them! I gave her the current Happy Meal Bumblebee toy and she just gave it away to her almost 2 year old cousin.
Another thing is something which kids don't understand (but it doesn't mean that it's not irrelevant) - value for money. I'm comparing two sets of $2 Happy Meal Toys. Both toys are aimed at the SAME target demographic and both cost the SAME price. Yet IMHO the Armada figures give parents way more dollar value. If Maccas wants to make cheaper toys then make them cheaper. If they're going to give us half the value, then halve the price. What I find objectionable is that they're giving us toys with half the value at the same price.
Lemme put it this way, imagine if the Last Knight toys hit shelves for these prices:
- Deluxe = $55
- Voyager = $100
- Leader = $190
How would you feel? It's not so much that the current Happy Meal toys are inherently rubbish, but they're rubbish for the price that you're paying. Just as a Last Knight Deluxe Barricade would be rubbish if you had to pay $55 for it.
Reply With Quote