Play is essential to children's healthy development and learning, and toys are the tools of children's play. Noting that parents are constantly faced with decisions about what toys to buy and what toys to avoid, this guide is intended to help parents promote their children's creative and constructive play by making informed choices about toys, and by working with other adults at home, school, and in the community to promote positive play and toys. Sections of the guide delineate: what parents and other adults can do; choosing toys of value; toys and toy trends to avoid; making shoe box gifts for hours of creative play; and media violence and children. This media violence section includes an action guide with guidelines and resources. (HTH)