The title of a news story on Global News captured my attention: Toy testing council shuts down, leaving parents to their own best guesses.
Established over 60 years ago (yep…) the CCTC enlisted volunteer families each year to test new toys, then published the results. In 2015 and in the midst of exploding social media, is it any wonder that this organization is closing it’s doors? While the announcement made news, it certainly wasn’t news to me.
Online forums, parenting magazine testing panels, and yes, mommy blogs all review toys for parents every single day. If a parent is looking to buy a toy for a two-year-old, a quick Google search will enable them to find a review (maybe ten) within 15 seconds. Then, the consumer needs to determine if the review is in line with their own thoughts on the product (does it matter to them if the battery longevity is poor?) and make a purchasing decision.
To mourn the CCTC, when the alternative is – you know – the rest of the online world, seems silly to me. In the past 7 years that I’ve been writing this blog, reviewing products, and working with brands and public relations teams, I’ve literally had hundreds of items, including toys, pass through my hands. Multiply that by the amount of blogs in Canada (in the US? x100!) and it’s no wonder the Canadian Toy Testing “Council” voice is lost. As I said on Facebook, moms have their own council – it’s called a discussion at the park or over coffee. Times are changing, and this is another indication of it.
I think the title of the news story is rather silly, parents are not left to their best guesses. In fact, they have more information available to them than ever before!
I chatted this, and more, this week on NewsTalk 650 with host David Kirton on Saskatoon Afternoon and you can listen to the 7 minute podcast here! You can catch Saskatoon Afternoon daily from 4-6pm at www.newstalk650.com/listenlive
Although it is kind of sad to see it go away, I totally get why.
There is a new chapter in society entailing all the social media, blogs, etc. A ton of information out there.
I think its terrible its shutting down. I as a parent always look for reviews and testings. But its great that there are still some ways we can look for advice through blogs is one 🙂
I totally agree.
I dont go by CCTC in their choice. Heck, I didnt even know there was such thing.
I read reviews online, such as your blog and go by your take on toys.
It is sad to see them go, as a parent a few years back I did find a need for their reviews. However, it is time to move on and go with the flow of this Armageddon we call Social Media. May the force be with you 😉
This is sad to see them go, but with the new technology and more people going on line, I can understand why!
I definitely find myself relying on blog reviews before purchasing products.
Oh wow! Sad to see but totally understand! I liked to hear about real life experiences and depend on bloggers like you for reviews. Great tips too during your interview
I have to admit. I pretty much turn to online forums for all my review information
I understand but also very sad!!
This is relly too bad because it seemed like an unbiased review, vs people given teh toy to “review” fr free. Those never have bad reviews.
I don’t have kids now but when I was young parents just talked and if not we were left on our own.I thing in the times of social media and blog reviews a council really isn’t needed.
I hate to admit it, but I didn’t ever use it. We bought gifts because we liked them, and read other people’s reviews on Amazon or blogs.
I never looked up or saw report from CTTC, just googled it now. I have always gone by word of mouth by those I know or trust, as well as blogs I follow. I guess it’s time is up.
I totally get why its going,social media has taken it over
What a shame! I honestly trust the opinion of bloggers that I ‘know’ and follow for honest reviews rather than random online sites.. I can understand WHY they are moving this way, but still think it’s nice to have honest opinions out there you know you can trust!
It’s always nice to have a choice of forums to rely on but times they are achanging….
I never even heard of this before! I can see why they aren’t successful anymore with social media
I usually use youttube for toy reviews.
sad to see them go, but more and more people are checking out everything online
This is not a surprise, I think most people turn to online to get their reviews anymore – I know I do.
This is too bad, times are changing and people are going elsewhere for information
Sad to see them go, but must toys I buy for my grandchildren are ones I had seen on social media and had good reviews.
all you need to do is Google ‘top toys’ ‘best toys’ etc for the age group you are after and a number of sites have done that work for them. makes sense they are no longer around really.
I know I always go online first to see what others have said about the product. I like to hear from real people and if I can ask any questions than that is even better.
It is too bad that we are losing a watchdog like the CTTC but such is the way of life with social media so heavily involved today.
It is sad to see them go but I guess that much of this information is easily found online these days.
Too bad.
Sad to see things changing. I relied on them for years. (long before I used social media) I do understand why things are changing though.
Definitely most name brands are true to themselves, mostly speaking the ones that have been around a long time. Social Media has definitely taken over. Great broadcast!
Only recently becoming a FTM I haven’t even heard of CCTC. I love and trust in online reviews from bloggers, consumers, parents, friends and family every single day. I research many products from baby needs to hotels and certainly don’t feel alone!
I love your interview. I really agree with you. I enjoy reading blogger reviews because they put the toys to test and will be honest with their reviews.
Lately, I find blog reviews are the honest approach to anything. Most of the bloggers are doing the research.
I am sorry to see the council go but i understand that everyone uses reviews on blogs nowadays!
Wow, I’m surprised I never heard about this until now just reading your article! But it’s true that there just isn’t a place for councils etc like that anymore with so much info at lightning speed at our fingertips. I did go by some of their toy suggestions for my kids, but am totally fine finding that information elsewhere online.
I completely agree with you. When I purchase things, I rely on trusted blogs that I read for the most part. Reading something written by a mom whose opinion I respect means more to me than anything else.