A huge thanks to my friends at Hape Toys for sponsoring today's post and providing my youngest with hours of fun!
Children need imaginative play toys that meet their creative needs as they grow and learn. That's why today I'm sharing a list of open-ended toys to promote imaginative play in toddlers, preschoolers and elementary aged kids.
Pretend play is when children act out the roles and activities that they see going on around them in play. Which helps children better learn and understand the world around them.
Another reason why I love my kids to have opportunities for pretend play is because it's a vehicle for social-emotional development. When children pretend to be a mommy, doctor, teacher or cook they can assimilate the world as they experience it. They play through each new developmental step over and over again so they can learn and grow.
Madison has been enjoying playing with these (1,2,3) darling wooden toys from Hape. I especially like how light weight they are because it makes them so easy to take with us on trips.
Here's a list of 10 great Open-Ended toys:
1. Xcellerator
2. Happy Harp
3. Doctor's Kit
5. Rocket Ship
6. Shop
7. Mansion
8. Fire Station
10. Grand Station
What are your favorite toys for imaginative play?
