When it comes to teaching our kids to play independently, much of the work can be done with a few wise investments in the way of toys. And although we’ll always believe in prop-free, prep-free learning (i.e. you don’t need bins full of toys and stacks of curricula to teach a child well!), every now and then, we stumble upon a few tools that revolutionize independent learning and play in our own home. Today? We’re talking the power of open-ended toys, plus sharing some of our members’ highly recommended open-ended toys for all ages:
Limitless Creativity
A recent early childhood education study defines open-ended play as play where kids can “express themselves and participate creatively without preset limitations.” Think: sticks transformed as swords, a castle built from blocks, teddy bears standing in as tea party guests. Often described as 90% child + 10% toy, the open-ended toy mantra is simple: It’s not the thing that counts; it’s what can be done with it.
Unlike a closed-ended toy with a limited use (i.e. puzzles, coloring books, etc), an open-ended toy sparks imagination beyond its traditional purpose. If you’ve ever handed your toddler a wire whisk and watched in awe as he ran throughout the house with his new “magic wand,” you’ll have witnessed the power of open-ended toys firsthand.
So why the fuss?
Ever heard the saying, “The more passive the toy, the more active the play?” Because open-ended toys don’t arrive with a template, map, or instructions, the child needn’t conform to any set of standards for operational play. In short: the sky’s the limit! An open-ended toy offers a child boundless opportunity to explore, discover, and engage with his/her world. The result? A budding imagination, growing confidence, increased creativity – not to mention a greater proficiency in fine motor, large motor, and cognitive skills.
Writes professor of Early Childhood Education at the Center for Early Childhood Education Jeffrey Trawick-Smith, “Toys have a powerful influence on children’s thinking, interaction with peers, and creative expression. One trend that is emerging from our studies can serve as a guide to families as they choose toys: Basic is better.”
Because basic, open-ended toys require a child to be proactive (rather than reactive by following a specific protocol), this type of play offers what Harvard researchers call the pedagogy of play – a trifecta of choice, wonder, and delight. “Choice looks like kids setting goals, developing and sharing ideas, making rules, negotiating challenges, and choosing how long to play. Wonder looks like kids exploring, creating, pretending, imagining, and learning from trial and error. Delight looks like happiness: kids smiling, laughing, being silly, or generally feeling cozy and at ease.”
Just think: all that from a wire whisk.
Top Ten Recommendations
Ready to unlock the magic of open-ended toys for all ages? We asked everyday experts (YOU!) to list the ones their own kids couldn’t get enough of. Here are the top picks we received over and over (and OVER!) again:
“Blocks, blocks, blocks! This set is particularly good in that it’s totally versatile for my growing twins’ interests. They play with it EVERY SINGLE DAY. We’ll be keeping these around for years and years – probably even saving the whole set for grandkids!” -Tina I.
“Is it cheating if I say a cardboard box? I’d be lying if I didn’t include it — my kids play with cardboard more than anything else in the house. It’s a ship! A car! An impromptu easel! Hours and hours of free play here.” -Sara M.
“Last year for Christmas, we asked family members to rummage through their kitchen drawers in search of unused spatulas, measuring cups/spoons, even gadgets they no longer used. OMG it was the best Christmas ever! My kids still repurpose the items a million different ways.” -Katie F.
“My kids LOVE a simple pack of playing cards. They’ll use it to (try) to build a card house with, or challenge each other to a game of War, or my toddler son will throw them around the room for a quick game of 52-Pick-Up. The possibilities for play are endless!” -Dani B.
“My kids are big into imaginative play, so play silks are a must. From capes to blankets to pretend snow, we’ve used them for everything! And the big kids love them just as much as the little ones. A big hit!” -Cassie B.
“I suppose this technically falls in the craft department category, but my girls get so much mileage out of a simple roll of washi tape. We swear by this for road trips and plane rides — they spell letters/numbers on paper, make designs on windows, or wear them as rings on their fingers and pretend they’re princesses.” -Jennifer G.
“I don’t know if this counts, but sticks will forever be the ultimate open-ended toy in my house! Stacking, slashing, stomping, sailing – what can’t a stick do?” -Amara Y.
“Ever since we read about power toys, the dump truck has been a forever staple in my daughter’s playroom. She loves to “clean up” with it as she hauls her toys into the bin, and she even uses it to deliver pretend ice cream sandwiches to her baby sister!” -Brit M.
“We can’t get enough of these peg dolls! They’re always all over my house, too, so I know they’re getting good use. Just yesterday I asked my son why one was in the bathtub. His answer: ‘He’s the captain, Mom; he has to stay there overnight.'” -Felicity P.
“I recently passed my old teddy bear down to my daughter and was amazed at how much she plays with him. He comes everywhere with us – sometimes he’s a giraffe, other times he’s a person. This morning he was a girl named Sally Dally who likes donuts.” -Ashley D.
p.s. Speaking of toys, if you’re ready to create a space your child will feel empowered to play in, don’t miss these real-life playrooms and the 5 P’s of Toy Organization.