Toys that encourage creativity are a big part of childhood. My son used them to play, problem solve, build, and even to learn to read and write. However, not all toys are equal. There are some that will encourage your child to use their creativity and others that are limited in this area.
Toys where children are required to push a button are called closed-ended toys. They are fun but limit the child’s creativity and problem solving skills. A toy that plays a song after a child pushes a button teaches them cause and effect. This type of play is simple and straightforward.
However, if a child plays with blocks, they can build a tower, ramp, road, house, etc. It can also be used as an instrument or put together to formulate letters and numbers. Blocks can also be incorporated in pretend play. For instance, my son and I built a hospital and did a role play where he was the doctor and his stuffed animals were the patients.
Creativity and imagination are important in children’s lives because it will help them grow socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally. It also aids them in expressing their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. I have observed children planning and conversing with each other on how they will play with open-ended toys such as puppets and Play-Doh.
I have also noticed that open-ended toys are cost-effective. We tend to keep these toys for longer periods of times because they grow with the child. When my son was younger, he made simple towers with blocks. Now that he is older, his towers are taller and more complex.
So, if you want to encourage your child to be creative and keep them busy in a positive way, try these toys below.
- Blocks
- Puppet theater (or a stage made from a big cardboard box for puppet shows)
- Puppets
- Play-Doh
- Modeling Clay
- Art Supplies
- Sandbox
- Play food
- Play Kitchen
- Housekeeping Toys
- Cash Register
- Play Farm
- Dress-Up Clothes and Costumes
- Old Sheets and blankets for building forts/houses
- Play Telephones
- Drum set from pots and pans
- Paper to make their own books
- Sidewalk Chalk
Have fun with these toys!
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My toddler was standing on the table playing with bricks this morning so I think it’s safe to say this list is exactly what I need.
OH wonderful! Your toddler sounds very creative!! Thank you for your comment.
This is a great list and all toys my daughter loves playing with from chalk to play doh and the kitchen , I’m not a big fan of clutter but toys that encourage creativity I don’t mind keeping around!!
YES to all of these! My daughter has most of this and she can play (happily) by herself for hours in her own little dream world. We try to limit toys and gadgets, but anything that encourages thinking and imagination is so important!
Thank you for your comment. Your daughter sounds amazing!
I love this post! We stick to toys that foster creativity too. My kids love wooden blocks, cars and baby dolls.
Thank you! Wooden blocks are one of the best toys out there! Thank you for your comment.
Great post! Creativity is so important to me, and these are great ideas to encourage that!
Great information! Creativity is so important, and it’s great to find ways to encourage it!
Thank you Melissa for your comment! Creativity is so important!
I love the open-ended toy concept! This is a great list to encourage creative play. Thanks for sharing.
Yes open ended toys are the best! Thank you for commenting Jessica.
Yes these are great! I just got some of these for my little one!
Oh good! You little one’s imagination will soar!