Toy

A Toy is an item used in play. Toys are usually related with children and pets, but it is not unusual for adult humans and some non-domesticated animals to play with toys. Many items are manufactured to serve as toys, but items shaped for other purpose can also be used as toys. A child may pick up a domestic item and 'fly' it around pretending that it is an airplane, or an animal might play with a pinecone by batting at it, chasing it, and throwing it up in the air. Some toys are intended largely as collector's items and are not to be played with.The origin of toys is prehistoric; dolls representing infants, animals, and soldiers, as well as representations of tools used by adults are pleasure found at archaeological sites. The origin of the word toy is unknown, but it is understood that it was first used in the 14th century.

Toys and play in general are an important part of the method of learning about the world and growing up. The young use toys and play to discover their identity, help their bodies grow tough, learn cause and effect, explore relationships, and practice skills they will need as adults. Adults use toys and play to form and strengthen social bonds, teach the young, memorize and reinforce lessons from their own youth, exercise their minds and bodies, practice skills they may not use every day, and decorate their living spaces. Toys are more than simple amusement, and they and the way they are used greatly influence most aspects of life.