Society's changing norms and cultural values are often reflected in children's play activities and their choice of toys and games. Empirical findings have revealed that children's game preferences are influenced by several factors including the child's sex and age. The main aim of this study was to examine the game/toy preferences of children living in two distinct societies. The game/toy preferences of 336 (162 females, 174 males) children living in a non-western society, United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), were examined and compared with the preferences of 366 children living in Canada. Developmental trends and sex differences were noted. This study also examined children's current game/toy preferences in relation to past reports (Sutton-Smith & Rosenberg, 1961). Results suggest that children living in the U.A.E. and in Canada share similar game/toy preferences however, differences were found between the game/toy preferences of contemporary children and those 30 years ago. The data are analyzed and discussed in the light of societal's changing norms and values, changes in parenting styles and the advances in technology. The psychological and educational implications of the present findings are discussed.

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