My toys growing up were mostly of the low-tech variety: Lincoln Logs and Legos, Hot Wheels Cars and Big Wheels. Few things in the house required batteries, and with four siblings all pretty close in age, our toys were built to take a beating. The latest flashing, squealing, spinning gizmo? Not even on birthdays—we were deprived children.

Or maybe not, says a new study out of UBC in Vancouver: Maybe my traditional, low-tech toys led to more creative, interactive, and educational play. "When I was your age, we played with tin cans and rocks!" You've probably heard someone say something along those lines, or maybe you've even said it yourself.