Children are naturally motivated to play, and through play, can explore, experiment, discover and solve problems in imaginative and lively ways. Play aids the development of the imagination, enthusiasm, inquisitiveness, and determination.
Through guided play children’s awareness of literacy, mathematics, and science concepts can be brought by interactions with their caregiver. And in self-initiated play, children are exposed to learning and problem solving, stimulating their urge for exploration and discovery.
Here are our ten favourite types of toy that are wonderful for play: open-ended, thoroughly engrossing, imaginative and inspiring PLAY!
1. Blocks
The original open-ended toy! A great set will see your children through childhood, as they have so many uses. They allow children to build, construct, create, imagine, design, engineer, experiment, and problem-solve.
We love these Australian-made Natural Wood Play Blocks for their natural beauty, but if colour is more your thing, you will love this colourful set of play blocks from Gluckskafer.
2. Building Slats
These are a great accompaniment to a set of blocks, expanding and furthering the play. Slats are great for construction: think roads, mazes, structures and patterns. This 32 piece set from Gluckskafer is a great set to use alongside their colourful play blocks
3. Peg dolls/people
Simple wooden figurines are wonderful for small world play, construction and sensory play, additionally, coloured peg dolls are perfect for colour sorting and matching. For slightly older children, more detailed people, like Ambrosius fairies are beautiful play fellows, and through story, different characters can be brought to life, encouraging language and literacy.
4. Wooden Animal figures
All children love little wooden animals – a sweet, pocket-sized buddy to go on adventures with. We love this set of wooden forest animals, perfect for setting up small world play, sensory play, and telling stories.
5. Playcloths / Silks
So simple, yet brilliant for many different types of play. Think sensory play for babies, small world play, dress-ups and telling stories. We sell some gorgeous cotton playcloths in various natural Australian colours, perfect for small world play in particular.
6. Wool Felt finger puppets and playscapes
Soft, natural and tactile wool felted toys are perfect for the young child, for adventures, storytelling, or small-world play. For the most imaginative play, we love this set of rainbow gnomes, along with this river and bridge playscape, so inspirational for play ideas
7. Houses/props
Simple or detailed, a house, arch or bridge is perfect for initiating play scenarios and/or telling stories – try memorising a favourite tale or nursery rhyme and telling it (in your own words) to your children using these props – like this wooden bridge for three billy goats gruff, or colourful wooden arches from this Gluckskafer puzzle used as little houses.
8. Magnetic Tiles
With unlimited ways to be played with, a basic, classic set of Magna-Tiles are an absolute winner for open-ended play. Magna-Tiles Clear Colours 100 Piece Set is a timeless classic, however the new Magna-Tiles MicroMAGS Deluxe 70 Piece set is looking like a strong contender for top spot!
9. Construction Sets
Hardwearing and wooden, Matador sets are an absolute winner in our house! Children can learn by building the example constructions with guidance, then can soon begin to design and construct their own inventions... limited only by their imagination! Our absolute favourite set is the Matador E318, there are just so many options with all those pieces!
10. Yarn
There are so many possibilities with just a ball of yarn! Simple finger knitting or pom pom making require no extra tools, though you may want to use a lucet, knitting needles or loom to expand your knowledge of yarn crafts. Our certified non-mulesed eco-wool is 16ply, and a great choice for young children, it also comes in a rainbow of colours!
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Okay, we're sliding an extra one in, as these can be a bit of a lifesaver when it comes to travel, visiting friends and family, eating out or waiting for medical appointments...!
11. Magnetic Travel Sets
Sometimes, a toy that doesn’t take over the whole lounge is what is called for! Small world play can easily be restricted to a few key pieces, but larger open-ended toys often become restrictive if you take pieces away. However, we’ve found some toys that are perfect – magnetic travel sets are open-ended and limitless for creating shapes and patterns, and most importantly great fun to play with!
These sets are all worthwhile investments, and great in different ways – take a look!
- Djeco Magnetic Geoform Boxed Set
- Tender Leaf Toys Designer Magblocs
- Magna-Tiles microMAGS Travel Set