Holiday Gift Guide Pt.2

Today's Holiday Gift Guide is all about open-ended toys, but before we jump right in I want to give some background about why open-ended toys are important.

So, what is an open-ended toy anyway? An open-ended toy is an object that will grow with a child. It helps children explore ideas and concepts however they want, it is meant to be used however your child wants and to become whatever your child needs it to be.

For example, Magnetic tiles are a wonderful open ended toy. A child may build a castle, a barn and stable for their farm animals, garage for play cars, a neighborhood for the garbage truck to come to, sunglasses, and so many more things. Really it is wherever their imagination is taking them that day.

For comparison, a close-ended toy would be something that serves one purpose and has a clear ending point. For instance, rememberer when the big Hatchimal egg was the "gift of the year" a few years back? Once, your animal "hatches" there isn't much left to do with it, the excitement is over. Ava has a few small hatchimals and usually after about 24-48 hours she forgets about them and moves on to something else.

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying you should never get your child a close-ended toy. I think they can be great and they do bring joy and excitement(at least for a little bit) into a child's life. Puzzles, books, board games, shape sorters, etc. are all examples of fantastic close-ended toys.

Now that we have an idea about what open-ended toys are, here is the gift guide of my favorites:

1. Magnetic Tiles - This is number one for a reason! We absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE our magnetic tiles and use them all the time. Like I mentioned before, they can become anything your child want them to be. The possibilities really are endless. We have had these for a few years and the kids still continue to play with them almost daily.

2. Hot Wheel Cars - or really any vehicle on wheels, we just really love hot wheels because they are $1 each at the store and can be used for so much. Whether you use them on their tracks, create your own or make ramps they are a great little car for little hands. We also love to use them in color sorting games. I have seen my kids use them as "tokens," "candy," and really anything their imaginations can dream up.

3. Unit Blocks - There are so many different sets you can get of these, ranging in all prices like these less expensive ones, this mid-range priced set and an investment set. These are the perfect gift to grow with children. From little ones who are just learning to sit unassisted to older kids who love to build. Just like magnetic tiles, these blocks can be anything your child needs them to be - castles, playgrounds, rollercoasters, chairs & tables, really anything!

4. Grimms Mosaic Square Building Set - OK, this one is on our wish list! They are not cheap, but they are absolutely beautiful! A friend of ours has these blocks and the kids make all sorts of beautiful creations togethers. Even teens and adults can resist stacking these. We will own these one day!

5. Animal Sets - We really love our animal sets by Terra. We have a farm, sea and dinosaur one and they have been used and loved so well. They encouraged lots of pretend play that can lasts for hours.

6. Wooden Letter and Number Construction Set - This is a great deal for this set and it is small enough for little hands to maneuver. This is perfect for early introductions to letters and numbers or even for a Kindergarten who is still working through letters & numbers at school and wants a little extra practice at home.

7. Wooden Balance Board - This is a "wish list" item for us, but we will be getting it for the kids this Christmas (shh!). We have played with several of these in the past and absolute love them! They are perfect to grow with your child, they can hold up to 485lbs! Whether your child uses it to practice balance or gets creative and turns it into a seesaw, tunnel, doll bed, slide, step stool, etc. it will definitely provide a childhood of fun!

8. Play-Doh - Last, but definitely not least is a family favorite! I mean who doesn't love some play-doh?! Grab some simple play-doh tools like these and watch their imaginations run wild. We have made play-doh cookies, pizzas, pastas, dog food, letters, animals, and everything else under the sun! Play-Doh makes a great stocking stuffer or small gift!

I really hope this holiday guide gave you some great ideas for all the little ones in your life. Do you have a favorite open ended toy that you use with your kids? Share it below, I would love to know!

Happy Shopping this Holiday Season!

Laura

xoxxo

---

*Many of these are affiliate links. THANK YOU for shopping through my links and for sharing this guide with family and friends. Your support and love means the world to my family and I.