Today, I’m sharing my favorite open-ended toys—the kind that spark creativity, keep those little hands busy, and grow with your kids. If you’re looking for ideas to keep your littles engaged and learning, you’re in the right place!
We love open-ended toys in our house. They are my go-to solution for that crazy hour when I am cooking dinner before my husband comes home. These type of toys are my extra pair of hands.
Toy #1: Wooden Blocks
Kids love wooden blocks for their timeless appeal and versatility. My kids of all ages will play with these blocks. They love them so much we had to buy two boxes to limit some fighting.
They stack and build, naturally exploring creativity and problem-solving. From simple towers to intricate castles, they dream up and create endless structures. Blocks foster both independent play and cooperative adventures (we are working on this one) while standing the test of time with their durability and simplicity.
Toy #2: Animal Figurines
Children spark imagination and storytelling with animal figurines. They create zoos, jungles, and farms while learning about animals and habitats. My kids love animals, and since we live in the suburbs, they are great stand-in until we get to the zoo.
They pair them with books, add them to sensory bins, or use them in pretend play, opening up a world of creative exploration with these durable little figures.
Toy #3: Chalk
Kids turn sidewalks and chalkboards into canvases with chalk. You should see the outside of our house in the summer. We do not have any Picassos, but they think they are.
They draw, practice letters, and create games like hopscotch. They enjoy solo play, group activities, and outdoor adventures with this simple yet versatile tool that inspires creativity and active play.
Toy #4: Magnetic Tiles
Children build towers, shapes, and imaginative 3D designs with magnetic tiles. They explore concepts like magnetism and geometry while engaging creativity and engineering skills.
Kids enjoy them solo or in group play, making them a durable and visually appealing favorite. (This is one we also had to double up on.) I love the little “sets” they will come in. It reminds me of LEGOS in this way.
Toy #5: Toy Cars
Kids race toy cars, build tracks, or create bustling pretend cities with them. They park, maneuver, and organize the cars, developing fine motor skills and spatial awareness.
They love pairing cars with play mats or ramps for endless fun and engaging play. Here is a mat and semi-truck we love in our house that ramps up the fun!
Toy #6: Play Silks
Children transform play silks into capes, skirts, blankets, or even ocean waves. They use them to spark creativity, tell stories, and dive into sensory-rich play. We also use them for singing. Check out this blog post about singing with scarves.
These colorful scarves inspire imaginative adventures with their simplicity and versatility.
Toy #7: Pretend Food and Kitchen Sets
Kids role-play with pretend food and kitchen sets, cooking meals, hosting dinners, or running restaurants. This is the toy I have the most vivid memories of in my childhood.
Your kids will work together, practice social skills, and learn life skills in a fun and interactive way. These sets encourage teamwork and creative exploration. Make sure to grab some fun food!
Toy #8: Play Dough and Tools
Children squish, roll, and shape play dough into anything they imagine, from animals to pretend food. This is one I personally had to practice being patient with. I had to learn to be okay with some playdough mess. I got some playdough mats. Still working on it…but it is so good for them.
They use tools like cutters and rollers to enhance their creations while developing fine motor skills and sensory exploration. Play dough offers them hands-on fun and a calming activity.
Toy #9: Musical Instruments
If you know, you know I love music in our home. Kids explore sounds, rhythms, and melodies with musical instruments like tambourines, xylophones, and maracas.
They spark creativity and build coordination, whether playing solo or jamming with family. They enjoy making music while having fun and learning. Be sure to check out any of our song blogs to get some good ideas!
Toy #10: Chunky Crayons and Coloring Books
Children grip chunky crayons easily and dive into coloring fun. These crayons are the perfect size for those hands that are still a little clumsy.
Kids explore colors and shapes while filling in coloring books or creating on blank pages. My child loves to “make” letters. They build confidence and fine motor skills through artistic expression, making these tools a favorite.
I hope these open-ended toy suggestions help your children develop, grow and thrive!
Let me know any other open-ended toys you love in your home!
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