ParentsTalk: Experts' Advice: Toy Experts: Office Toys

From Toy Tips Magazine

Toy Tips has conducted an eight-year study about toys for the office! The results confirm that it is more effective to release built-up frustration or negative energy on a toy rather than with words or actions directed at co-workers. For an effective break, toys also provide a quick way to challenge your brain.

Based on interviews with 350 adults who work in offices of more than 10 people:

95% think it is office-appropriate for executives to have toys
93% believe toys boost morale
91% allow toys to be used creatively in the workplace
86% agree that toys reduce their stress at the office
82% would buy toys for co-workers and employees as gifts

Current tests have revealed the top choices for stress relief, office parties, travel and creativity:

Stress relief: Walla Balla, Oddzon's Koosh Ball
Idea stimulators: Nerf Ballzooka and Doodletop
Office party ice-breakers: Nerf Bash Hockey, Milton Bradley Twister and Milton Bradley's Jenga
For the desk-bound: Cap Candy Bubbles, James Industries Slinky and Mattel's FLOAM
Travel/ briefcase sized relaxation: Ohio Art's Pocket Etch-A-Sketch, Tiger Electronics' Wheel of Fortune Game
Gifts for retirement: Meccano's Erector Set, Marklin Train Set

Marianne offers some rules of etiquette when bringing toys to the office: "Toys should be idea stimulators, not a distraction," she notes. "They shouldn't be louder than a copy machine or larger than a briefcase -- expect reaction from coworkers." She also reports that colorful screen savers with animated characters and fun sounds perk up workstations.