There is so much to say about the benefits of skill toys, that it's hard to know where to begin. So let's start with the TryOut Toys definition. To us, skill toys are toys that improve the development of physical and social skills while encouraging artistic and creative expression. This definition sets the standard for our decisions on which toys we play and perform with, teach and sell. That and they have to be really fun to play with!Physical skills like coordination, dexterity, balance, fluid motion and the integration of both sides of the body and mind are so incredibly important. Writing, driving, sports and even raking leaves is so much easier when you have an awareness of your body and how it works. So everything that you can do to help that along is a good thing, and it definitely helps to have some fun toys.
What about social skills? By encouraging people to get outside and play, they interact with their environment and each other more. It's amazing what can happen when people are away from the tv and video games. Interaction can happen. From our experience, kids of all ages teach each other and teach the adults too. They're proud of what they've learned and want to share it. The adults are reminded that they need to play too and most often join in the fun.
People get to explore their creativity and make art through movement with skill toys. In a non-competitive way, people gain confidence in expressing themselves physically. Skill toys are fun and challenging to play, and they are also beautiful to watch. Everyone becomes a student of play, a performer and an artist. 
Many of our toys have ancient roots. Poi like the Zuni Poi Swings, has been used by the Maori people of New Zealand to tell stories (like hula dancing) and to gain stronger, more flexible arms and shoulders. In China, people have been playing with the Diabolo for thousands of years. Some very skilled people even play with 2 or 3 at a time. SphereplayTM can be dated back to ancient Japan through rice paper drawings of martial arts students balancing spheres on their bodies to gain steadiness and better balance.
It's good to challenge ourselves to do better and there's definitely a sense of accomplishment and higher confidence in ourselves when we learn a complicated new move or discover something new with the toys. We like to say that these are toys that you don't master in five minutes, but you also don't get bored with them in five minutes. The more you play, the better you get, the more you can do and the more you play. It is truly a never ending process. Good thing it's fun!
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