No matter how old we are, toys put us in a more youthful and playful frame of mind that can pay benefits in problem solving and creativity. You're more likely to get the truth out and deal with it. Meetings can be draining because of the periods of sustained concentration. A squeeze ball or a slinky can provide a much-needed break for the conscious mind while the subconscious continues to flow with the meeting. But creative solutions require using the whole brain and the whole person.
Toys release the whole person behind the heady intellect.
Many of us are visual learners. Toys provide us with the props that help us to illustrate our ideas and see the ideas of others. Feel free to make it up as you go along. Here are some toys to start with that are easy to find, low cost, and don't take up much room in a bag or case. Many of these toys are given away now at trade shows and conventions.