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8 Grandkids Later… Toys & Screen-Free Activities They Actually Love
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items Eight grandkids have given me plenty of chances to see which toys get played with — and which ones get forgotten. 😂 These are the puzzles, magnetic tiles, games, crafts, building toys and screen-free activities my grandkids actually enjoy and come b...
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Sit Down & Stay Awhile
Nana, Can We Make Something?
🧲 Build It, Take It Apart, Build It Again
Sit Down & Stay Awhile
Puzzles, matching games and those quieter activities that somehow get everyone gathered around the table. I especially love things we can pull out together — and anything that keeps their attention longer than five minutes gets bonus Nana points.
My grandkids love Melissa & Doug wooden puzzles! They’re a simple screen-free activity we can sit down and do together, and I love seeing how proud the kids are when they fit that last piece into place.
Melissa & Doug: Puzzles
Candy Land is such a fun first board game for little ones. It’s easy to play together, full of colorful surprises, and a sweet way to spend time with the grandkids away from screens.
Hasbro Gaming Candy Land Kingdom of Sweet ...
Mouse Trap makes game night feel like an event! Kids get to build the silly contraption, then wait to see the trap in action. It’s a fun choice when you want to sit down and play together without screens.
Mouse trap Board Game for Kids Ages 6 and Up ...
Sequence for Kids is a great family game for younger players. The kids match animal cards to the board and work toward getting four in a row. It’s simple enough to learn together and fun to play more than once.
Jax SEQUENCE for Kids
Zingo is a favorite with my younger grandkids! It’s easy for them to join in, even when the older kids are playing games, so no one has to feel left out.
ThinkFun Zingo Bingo Award Winning Game
Nana, Can We Make Something?
Crafts, sticker sets, foil art, coloring and creative activities for those “what can we do?” moments. I love keeping a few of these around for visits, rainy days and times when we need something fun that doesn't involve another screen.
I’ve bought Water Magic sets over and over for my grandkids. They’ll play with them for hours, and watching their creations come to life really does feel like magic!
Kiditos Magic Water Elf Toy Kit Squishies
This LED tracing board is a fun way for kids to practice drawing without using a tablet. The light makes it easier to trace pictures and letters, and they can keep creating something new each time.
Light Pads For Tracing
These 3D Aqua Puff keychains turn craft time into something kids can actually use afterward. They get to make their own little design, then clip it onto a backpack or give it as a gift. Such a fun screen-free project!
JoyCat 3D Art Kit- DIY Foam Texture Painting Kit, Animals Magic Puffy Paint Kit, 20 Pcs Mess-Free Paint Craft for Kids, DIY Color Activity, Creative Gift for Girls & Boys Ages 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Poke art kits are a fun screen-free craft for kids who like making things with their hands. They can work on a colorful design one poke at a time, then proudly show off what they made!
jackinthebox Poke Art Animals Crafts Kits for Kids, Boys & Girls, Ages 4-8 | 1400 fabric pieces, gift, travel activities & toys, essentials, projects for toddlers, 3 4 5 6 7 8 year old, flower pressing
My grandkids keep asking for more of these craft kits! I love having the 24-pack on hand so they can pick a new project when they come over. It’s an easy way to spend a creative afternoon together without screens.
Mumaloo Arts & Crafts Kit for Kids 4-8
🧲 Build It, Take It Apart, Build It Again
Magnetic tiles, blocks, building sets and open-ended toys that don't tell kids exactly how to play. I've watched the grandkids come back to these over and over, which is always my sign that something was worth buying.
For the little bug explorer, this wireless magnifier makes it fun to get a closer look at insects, leaves, and other outdoor discoveries. A simple way to turn a walk around the yard into an adventure.
OAEBLLE Kids Microscope, 4K 1000X Zoom, 2.4" Screen, STEM Toy for Ages 4-8 | Digital Microscope with Photo & Video Recording, 8 LED, USB Rechargeable, No Slides Needed, Birthday Gift for Boys Girls 4-12
I gave magnetic building blocks as gifts this past year, and they’ve been such a fun screen-free find. The kids can build something different each time, and they’re easy to bring along for travel or days on the go.
Apluses 54 PCS Magnetic Blocks ...
Magnetic tiles are always a hit with my grandkids! I gave them as gifts this past year, and I love how the kids can build something new every time. They’re great screen-free fun at home and easy to bring along when we travel.
Ways to Play Magnetic Tiles for Endless Creativity
My grandkids love Melissa & Doug pretend play sets! Whether they’re playing store, cooking, or trying out a new role, they have so much fun making up their own little stories. I love seeing their imaginations at work.
Pretend Play Toys and Play Sets
The Smartivity Plane Launcher is a fun gift for kids who love to build things. They put the launcher together, then test their planes to see how far they’ll fly. I love that the project keeps going even after the building is done!
Hydraulic Plane Launcher | Build-It-Yourself STEAM Toy