In this captivating episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we welcome Amanda, the founder of Good Play Guide and FUNdamentally Children. We discuss Amanda's unexpected journey from aspiring marine biologist to a toy industry expert, informed by her background in psychology and child development. We also delve into the significance of play in child development and Amanda's research-backed methodologies for evaluating toys. Amanda shares about the Good Play Guide's accreditation process, the challenges with getting toys to align with child development benchmarks, and the importance of authentic play environments for research. Amanda's role as the chair of the Association of Play Industries, particularly in advocating for outdoor play. Listeners are treated to insightful advice on toy development, including the importance of fun, inclusivity, and early-stage research to mitigate risks. Amanda’s passion for ensuring toys contribute positively to children’s lives is both evident and inspiring. ⭐️ Highlights: 00:00 Welcome to Toy Business Unboxed 00:37 Exploring the Dynamic World of Toys with Amanda 01:08 Amanda's Journey into the Toy Industry 03:42 The Genesis of Good Play Guide and FUNdamentally Children 05:48 Challenges and Insights from the Association of Play Industries 06:46 The Importance of Evidence-Based Toy Design 08:21 Understanding the Accreditation Process for Toys 10:04 Introducing the MESH Accreditation Program 13:55 Natural Play Environments vs. Traditional Testing 20:59 The Balanced Play Pyramid Framework 23:09 Advice for Toy Business Owners 26:02 Final Thoughts and Where to Connect