Dr Amanda Gummer on MESH and Christmas 2024 Toys

Dr Amanda Gummer, who is a Play Expert and child psychologist. Dr Gummer has a PhD in Neuropsychology, a postgraduate certificate in Higher Education and over 20 years’ experience working with children and families. She founded the Good Play Guide in 2012 to provide an independent, expert accreditation service for children’s products, from Baby toys to Apps and learning.

Dr Gummer is widely considered as the UK’s go-to expert on play, toys and child development and can be seen regularly in the media, including BBC News, Sky News, The Daily Mail and many more, offering advice on news stories and issues surrounding children, families and child development.

In this episode, Dr Gummer shares insights on MESH (Mental, Emotional, Social Health) toys and the upcoming Christmas 2024 toy trends. She explains the importance of resilience-building toys and offers practical advice for choosing quality, developmentally appropriate playthings. Early years professionals will gain valuable knowledge to enhance their toy selection process and support children’s holistic development.

In this episode you’ll:

• Discover the eight skills that combine to help children develop resilience
• Learn about the Good Play Guide’s framework for accrediting MESH toys
• Explore innovative uses of technology in toys, including VR, AR, and AI
• Understand the importance of ethical toy design and age-appropriate tech access
• Get insider tips on top Christmas 2024 toy picks and emerging trends

Watch this episode to gain expert insights on selecting MESH toys that truly benefit children’s development and discover exciting new playthings for the upcoming holiday season.

https://www.goodplayguide.com/blog/balancing-the-play-diet

https://www.facebook.com/GoodPlayGuide

https://twitter.com/GoodPlayGuide

https://www.instagram.com/goodplayguide

Toys and Apps mentioned in this session:

https://www.goodplayguide.com

https://www.goodplayguide.com/balanced-play/

Contact the Good Play Guide here:

https://www.goodplayguide.com/contact-us/

Toys mentioned in this session:

Mood Bears

https://www.goodplayguide.com/reviews/mood-bears/

Yoto Mini https://www.goodplayguide.com/reviews/yoto-mini/

NogginStik https://www.goodplayguide.com/reviews/nogginstik-developmental-light-up-rattle/

Quick build Routemaster https://www.goodplayguide.com/reviews/quickbuild-transport-for-london-new-routemaster/

Magazines

https://www.goodplayguide.com/reviews/fun-to-learn-standalone-magazines/

Magna Tiles

https://www.goodplayguide.com/reviews/magna-tiles-metropolis-110-piece-set/

Xtend bike

https://www.goodplayguide.com/reviews/xtend-mg-bike/

Scooter

https://www.goodplayguide.com/reviews/mini-micro-3-in-1/

Scalextric

https://www.goodplayguide.com/reviews/my-first-scalextric-mains-powered/

From Stressed to Resilient: The Guide to Handle More and Feel It Less by Deborah Gilboa:

https://amzn.to/4dxhNrg

https://www.facebook.com/GoodPlayGuide

https://twitter.com/GoodPlayGuide

https://www.instagram.com/goodplayguide

And a couple of very interesting articles that you may find useful:

Christmas Must Haves

Festive Faves

Enjoy!