Toys are the highlight of most children’s lives. Beneath the plastic and packaging, and invisible to most children, many toys have hidden attributes that can secretly sneak in. Fortunately, if the child and the parent knew, they would surely be welcome. Toys offer much more than fun, and play is a process that builds and develops a large number of skills in a child. That is why parents should look for fun and appropriate toys for children, especially those with special needs. With a little guidance, parents can find the right toys for their children’s recreational enjoyment as well as their developmental milestones.

So here is a list of five hidden benefits that the right toy can offer:

1. Social connection. Toys are social magnets and connect children socially better than glue. In other words, they promote inclusion. The whole family can play together and this helps children with disabilities to connect with their siblings, friends and relatives.

2. Self-esteem. There are toys that help children develop new skills and confidence. They range from pedalless bikes to baseball jerseys that allow for easy hitting. Through the act of playing, children overcome limitations, explore new skills, and try new ways of dealing with the world.

3. Self-motivation. Children who are reluctant to work toward a goal can often be persuaded to do so when toys and play are the reward (but don’t tell them). That is what makes the game so powerful: the child can lead. And if the child is “driving his own toy bus,” he can go places he would never have advanced if a parent had encouraged or promoted him.

4. Relief from stress. Play is the perfect way for a child to detoxify from school stress and socially stressful situations. Whether a kid gets hooked on a hobby like painting or breaks a sweat pedaling his bike, the game lets him refresh and refill from the day’s assignments and tests. Play can help a child to get out of his bad mood, release muscle tension, and imagine a world in which he can fully delight himself.

5. Sensory input. Whether you want to add sensory stimulation to your child’s diet or relaxing sensations, play can do it. You can look at toys from an auditory, tactile, and visual perspective, allowing parents to work with a child’s individual needs. Sometimes a child needs a trampoline more than a gift when he comes home from school. And a toy that plays Mozart can soothe better than candy.

So the next time you buy a toy for your child, share in the pleasure knowing that you are providing much more than just fun.