Remember those very first technology toys designed to take kids' play to the next level? Products like Simon challenged kids to flex their memory muscles with a game of electronic Simon Says.

Tech toys have evolved considerably since Simon's launch in 1978, most notably in their ability to interact with their users in ways Simon's inventors never dreamed possible. Now, instead of just toys we have interactive electronic learning aids, toys that have the ability to adapt and react to a child's successes or near misses.

It has become common knowledge among parents, educators and toy makers that the critical time for brain development is birth to age three. Experts believe that fostering a toddler's intellect during these vital years lays the groundwork for increased learning as children grow -- not to mention the startling fact that by the time children reach three years old, their brains have already achieved 90 percent of their full potential.

Making 'Smart' Decisions

The amount and variety of toys available often leaves parents and caregivers puzzled about where to start and what to look for in a good "smart" toy. Research supports the idea that in order for smart toys to serve their function they should first be appealing, interactive playthings and smart or tech-savvy second.

Additionally, tech toys at their best encourage learning, exploration and discovery through interaction and kid-powered play, as opposed to just "performing" actions for the child.

John Lee, president of Learning Curve, a brand with a long history of award-winning developmentally stimulating playthings, agrees.

"The key to a successful learning aid is its ability to engage children and keep them engaged as they learn," he said.

Although there are many excellent products on the market, parents need to do their homework if they are going to get the most out of an interactive learning aid. The best toys offer children classic, open-ended play patterns that spark creativity and rely more upon the child than the toy for learning.

Enjoyment is also paramount to learning through play; so it is important to match the toy to the child's likes and dislikes. Parents should also look for kid-driven toys that offer a balance of toy and technology. And, it should go without saying, the product a parent selects for a child should be made with durable, safe, high-quality materials to ensure longevity and play value.

Putting Friendly Face On Learning

Imagination and interactivity are essential ingredients for growth and learning.

"No plaything can rival the influence that nurturing parent-child interactions have on growing brains," explains Lee. "However, by offering children a way to interact while they learn, they are more readily able to tap into their brain's potential."

One popular way to accomplish this is through familiar or likeable characters that make learning fun for kids.

Just because excellent interactive toys exist -- a category that continues to grow and improve along with the technology that made them -- does not mean that parents and caregivers are off the hook.

"The development of a healthy, growing young brain is dependent upon involved, engaged adults," explains Lee. All the child development experts agree that reading, singing, loving and playing with your children are the building blocks that form the foundation of well-rounded cognitive development.