When we pick gifts out for our boys, we try to choose open ended toys. Things that don't have to be played with in only one way, but rather can be used in any number of ways. Listed below are 10 of my favorite gifts for hours of pretend play, storytelling, and make believe.
I have been wanting to get the kids an indoor tent. I have many fond memories of the one my brother and I had, and I would love for my boys to have a similar tent in which they could read, or stage dramatic scenes, or use to "camp out" in our living room. The knight's playhouse pictured above in grey and red or in pink looks like just the thing.
As soon as I saw the Paper Boat Pretend Play kit from you make do, I was hooked. This set contains sails and flags to outfit your sailboats, sailors, sea creatures and charts of sailor's knots and nautical flags. Cutting out and setting up the paper toys is just the beginning of the fun. Once your child has made the toys, hours and hours of pretend play await!
I have heard amazing things about this Magna-Tiles 100 Piece Set. It also comes in smaller sizes. Other parents have told me how much they themselves enjoy creating with them. It's a bit pricey, but I know it would spark the imagination of my almost-5 year old!
Small puppeteers will find a dream come true in the Deluxe Puppet Theater by Melissa & Doug. There is a puppet theater like this at our local outdoor education center, and both of my sons make a beeline towards it whenever we go. I know this would be a hit!
Once Upon A Time is a storytelling game that I am so excited about! The players work together to create a story. One person is the storyteller, who tries to tell the story her way. Other plays try to become the storyteller, and veer the joint story toward their own ending. I can see this game being a great one on rainy indoor days.
There are so many open-ended play ideas with a dollhouse. This wooden Doll House from Plan Toys has a beautiful, open playspace, so 2 kids could even play side by side.
Eeboo Picnic Game is a game centered on having a pretend picnic inside. The game even includes the ants! One of my almost 5 year old's favorite things to do for lunch is to have an indoor picnic, and I know that he will enjoy this game!
Costumes are wonderful vehicles for imaginary play. Melissa and Doug have an amazing collection of child-friendly costumers, including this Doctor and Vet Costume Set. I know that my boys would have fun tending to their stuffed animal patients outfitted in these costumes.
My almost 5 year old received a ZOOB 250-Piece Set as a gift, and I have to say, they are really cool. As with many building sets, they come with instructions, some of which are pretty complex. But my son usually plays without the instructions, creating inventions and machines of his own.
My kids love pretend play involving food- shopping, restaurants, cooking, eating. Last Christmas my mother gave the boys the combination of the Learning Resources Teaching Cash Register and Fruit & Vegetable Play Food Basket, and it has lead to hours and hours of pretend play. These are also the toys that other children tend to gravitate towards on playdates.
What are your favorite toys to inspire imagination? For my favorite stocking stuffers, check out this post.
Check out all these other amazing gift guides:
Fun Gifts Beyond Toys by No Twiddle Twaddle
Book + Toy Companion Gifts by What Do We Do All Day?
Best Art Supplies for Kids by To Train Up a Child
Gifts to Inspire the Imagination by The Pleasantest Thing
Gifts for Your Backyard Explorer/ Gifts for Your Animal Lover by Blog Me Mom
Educational Games by True Aim Education
Basic/Traditional Toys by Creative Playhouse
Therapeutic and Fun Gift Ideas for Child Development by Creative Learning Fun
Top Toys for Babies by B-InspiredMama
Top Toys for Curious Kids by KC Edventures
Educational/ Headache Free Toys for Christmas and Hanukkah by CAUTION: Twins at Play
4 Gift Ideas for Everyone: Want, Wear, Need, and Read by Home Learning Journey
Gifts that Inspire Pretend Play by Connecting Family and Seoul
My Favorite Books and Toys for Preschoolers by Mama Miss
Educational Toys for Preschoolers by The Freckled Homeschooler
Montessori Inspired Toys by Smiling Like Sunshine
Gift Ideas for Older Kids (9-12) by Kitchen Counter Chronicles
Toys for the Classroom by Teach Preschool
Gift Ideas for Budding Readers by Mom 2 to Posh Lil Dives
Stocking Stuffers: A Teacher's Top 10 by Kindergarten & Preschool for Parents & Teachers
Book Ideas for Everyone on Your List by Pragmatic Mom
Toys that Stand the Test of Time by Mamas Like Me
Top Board Games for Kids and Families by Coffee Cups and Crayons
Home Made Gifts Children Can Make by How to Run a Home Daycare
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