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Open-Ended Toys that Nurture Creativity.
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items Open-ended toys are toys that children can use in multiple ways. They don't come with instructions or a specified outcome. Because open-ended toys don't have a finite purpose other than to explore and create, your child can tap into their creativity ...
Sections
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Open-ended Toys
Open-Ended Play Tips for Parents
Kids' Non-toxic & Eco-friendly Art Supplies
Open-ended Toys
Here, you'll find a collection of the best open-ended toys to nurture language, creativity, STEM, and literacy skills in children birth-age 7.
When I was in the classroom, my students adored magnetic tiles. Not only do these tiles nurture creativity and imagination, they also help teach valuable STEM skills through play.
CONNETIX Pastel Mini Pack, 32 Pieces | Official Store
The Picasso Tiles are similar to the Connetix and Magnitiles brands. These have slightly smaller magnets and may not be as sturdy for building larger structures and could potentially break easily depending on how your child plays with them. Because they're lighter in weight, they are great for toddlers.
PicassoTiles 80 Piece Magnetic Building Block Set w Car Base
As far as I know, these are the original magnetic tiles (and the ones I had in my classroom). These materials only come in primary colors, and they are more expensive. However, they are sturdy, durable, great for building larger structures, and perfe...
MAGNA-TILES 32-Piece Magnetic Set
These are so much fun! Squigz connect to each other and any porous surface. Children can use these during water explorations and bath times for building structures. I appreciate how these support fine motor development because they're smaller and req...
Squigz
I discovered play silks in grad school and always kept a basket in my classroom. Today, I recommend play silks to new parents for tummy time and sensory exploration. Because play silks grow with your child, they can later be used with wooden blocks, magnetic tiles, and dramatic play! These silks are worth the investment!
Playsilks
I believe wooden blocks should be a staple in every child's toy collection. I love these blocks in particular because they're made in Germany of sustainably sourced wood.
Basic Building Blocks 102 Piece Extra Large Wooden Starter Set
You might think that a dollhouse is a close-ended toy, but when your child pairs this dollhouse with the blocks, magnetic tiles, silk scarves, and their imagination. they create a magical world of limitless possibilities.
Little Friends Dollhouse Bundle with Doghouse
As a parent coach, I encourage parents to cook with their children. I also recommend having a play-kitchen. The VEVOR Play Kitchen is packed with realistic features—working knobs, a pretend microwave, and plenty of storage to organize their ‘ingredients.’ It’s the perfect way to encourage imaginative play, social skills, and even early math (measuring, cou...
VEVOR Wooden Play Kitchen Toy for Kids
I love finding toys that blend STEM with play and creativity. These soft, magnetic building blocks introduce kids to early engineering, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning in the most engaging way. They click, rotate, and connect effortlessly, mak...
Blockaroo Magnetic Foam Bath Building Blocks
One of the things I love most about the Montessori philosophy is the attention to making sure that children learn real-world skills. This wooden play food set has chunky wooden pieces that help toddlers develop fine motor skills, color recognition, a...
32 Pcs Wooden Play Food Set for Kids
I prefer wooden toys over plastic because they're generally more durable, non-toxic, and eco-friendly. This play food set is for children 3+ and is a great addition to your child's play kitchen. I love the Farmer's Market theme because it introduces literacy, math, and financial literacy concepts.
Tiny Land Wooden Play Food Set - 43 Pieces
These natural rubber blocks are absolutely genius! They're a great alternative to wooden blocks and can be used with water.
Natural Rubber Blocks
This is a great summer toy! These colorful discs are a fun, screen-free way to build fine motor skills and spark creativity. Kids strengthen hand muscles as they snap pieces together, and the open-ended design encourages imaginative building—from flo...
Brain Flakes® 500pcs Interlocking Plastic Disc Set
Open-Ended Play Tips for Parents
Not sure how to guide your child in their open-ended toy journey? I will share my trade and true tips for successfully implementing open-ended toys into your child's life-from my classroom to your home!
Here is a quick list to help you get started with open-ended toys.
Parenting Tips: 10 Open-Ended Toys Every Child Should Own
4 Reasons Why Open-ended Toys are Better than Close-ended Toys.
4 Reasons Why Open-Ended Toys are Better
Children should have some close-ended toys in their collection. Here's what every parent should know about close-ended toys.
What are Close-Ended Toys? What Every Parent Should Know
Here are 5 Open-ended questions to ask your child during playtime that nurture critical thinking and language development.
5 Powerful Playtime Questions
5 Examples of Open-Ended Toys
What are Open-Ended Toys?
You already know that Open-ended toys foster creativity and imagination, but how do they nurture language and literacy?
How Do Open-Ended Toys Support Literacy and Language
Kids' Non-toxic & Eco-friendly Art Supplies
Art is more than just fun—it’s essential for early childhood development! Engaging in art builds fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and early problem-solving abilities while also boosting self-expression and confidence. Giving your child the t...
This paint is made with non-toxic, plant-based ingredients; it’s perfect for little hands to explore colors, textures, and early sensory play. Plus, it washes off easily (a major bonus for parents!).
Finger Paint 4 Pack
This adjustable, double-sided easel gives kids so many ways to explore—chalkboard, whiteboard, and a paper roll for endless drawing and writing fun. It’s sturdy, easy to set up, and grows with your child, making it a fantastic investment for years of...
Tiny Land Double-Sided Kids Magnetic Easel
I love this company's mission of igniting creativity through purposeful. safe and sustainable products. This collection of paints is skin-friendly, easy to wash off, and comes in 6 colors. Perfect for your little artist!
Honeysticks Finger Paint
As an early childhood educator, we introduce young children to early writing with thicker crayons and pencils. These brushes are made for babies and toddlers, allowing them to explore fine-motor control.
Honeysticks My First Paint Brush Set - 3 Pack
I always included a watercolor palette on my school supply list for parents. This palette and brush set is perfect for when your child is ready to transition from the thicker brushes.
Honeysticks Watercolor Paints
I first discovered coloring scrolls while working on my post-graduate certification in Reggio-Inspired Childcare. I recommend taping them to the wall to allow your child to stand and move while they color, helping them take a break from sitting and b...
Coloring Scrolls