Benefits of Open-Ended Toys
‘Tis the season to begin shopping for the kids on your holiday list.
Every year I struggle with what to get and feel the pressure to get the hot new “it” item. However, I have found time and time again the “it” item is quickly forgotten for the box it came in or some wooden blocks that we’ve had for years. The reason for this sometimes frustrating phenomenon is that kids love to create, make choices, and explore! Open-ended toys are perfect for this.
What are open-ended toys?
An open-ended toy is one that can be played with in a variety of ways without rules or limitations. For instance, a box can be a spaceship, a house, a car, or anything that a child can imagine. These types of toys are typically appealing to all kids of various ages. Some examples of open-ended toys include pretend food, costumes, dollhouses, and building blocks. While using open-ended toys, there is time to explore the toys and decide what it is without an agenda, which promotes imagination and creativity.
Benefits of open-ended play
When children engage in open-ended play the benefits include:
Expanding language skills
Developing independence and fostering leadership skills
Strengthening problem-solving skills and developing a growth mindset
Building self-esteem
Creating a safe space to process emotions and practice self-regulation
Promoting critical thinking and building cognitive flexibility
Aiding with gross and fine motor development
A few of my favorite things
Below is a list of open-ended toys, some are utilized in our playrooms, while others are my personal favorites.
I cannot get enough of these magnetic building blocks. My children play with these daily and can play with them for hours, especially if I include some animal figurines. Follow the Magna-tile Instagram account for countless ideas for these wonderful tiles.
This stuff is worth its weight in gold! All three of my kids will sit down and play with this while I cook dinner. I suggest buying a large container to put it in and some extra tools so that your child has enough space to create.
Art Supplies
Pencil Grip Kwik Stix Tempera Paint - I love these. These are great for large projects. You can even use them on windows!
Liquid Watercolors - Full disclosure - these can be very messy and I wish someone had told me to use them outside the first time I pulled them out. However, the kids really enjoy them.
Rainbow Colored Masking Tape - We use this tape for everything - the possibilities are endless!
Who doesn’t love a fort?! Time to get building!
These stepping stones can be used to create obstacle courses and to play games like the floor is lava. These stones will help with coordination, gross motor skills, and building confidence.
Pretend Play
Melissa and Doug Food Groups - Don’t forget the pots and pans!
Ikea Dollhouse - Just like with all of Ikea’s products, a quick Google search will provide endless ideas for how you can make this dollhouse your own.
Open-ended toys will make a great addition to any playroom. Children can create and engage for longer periods of time with these wonderful toys. Let’s start the new year with some fun!
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WRITTEN BY LEAH GILBERT, MED, LPC-S, NCC, CLINICAL DIRECTOR (SHE/HER/HERS)
Leah Gilbert is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) and National Certified Counselor (NCC). She received her Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of North Texas (CACREP Accredited Program) and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in Interdisciplinary Studies. Leah is currently working towards her Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™) credential.
