Guest Groups: Perform on Imagination
Ever since I became a mama, I have had my head for any accessories and toys that spark the imagination. It is so amazing to see kids play, research, find, or make something with their inquisitive minds. Listed below are 20 finds that require imagination, rather than batteries to come to life.
— Jen from The Haystack Needle
ROMP
Mosaic Madness – $78
This colorful wooden puzzle has unlimited possibilities. Shape-making wooden blocks such as these encourage creative play.
Kitty Baby Love
“Babys First Colors” 6-pack Colorway – $20
These colorful kitties are actually crayons, and they are sized perfectly for little hands. Crayons are one of the very classic toys to encourage creativity.
Sweet william
Gluckskafer Building Slats in Tray – $88
These stacking and nesting wooden blocks offer you a rainbow of possibilities. Little ones will adore the bright, bold colors.
UncommonGoods
Mr. Food Face Plate – $12
Make enjoyable. Kids might be more apt to eat their vegetables if they have a plate to have fun with and make green pea hair and noodle beards.
Acorn
Mushroom Nightlight – $110
Imagine this in your kid’s room. The mushroom layout adds a natural, whimsical style, and the nightlight will eliminate the critters once the lights go out.
Le pingouin p l’espace
Tipi par Nathalie Lété – EUR 135
What kid does not need a key fort? This play jar, or tipi, is one of the best looking of the bunch with its colorful folksy pattern. (Hey, this grownup will really like to take a rest in it too!)
Kid O
BIT Motorcycle, Green
This is one trendy caked toy. The wood bike comes with neon wheels to get a ride. Adventure seekers can roll to where they want to explore.
Drygoods Design Online
Bread & Salt Baby Blanket
Drygoods Design will make a custom playmat using any pattern from their deep choice of fabrics. I had a custom playmat created for my baby girl, and she adores reaching for the critters in the pattern.
Etsy
Fairy Wand Wooden Wand Star by Imagination Kids – $6
Little girls can pretend to be fairies with these star wands. Made from sustainable wood and nontoxic paint, all these wands will endure through several sessions of make-believe moment.
Apple iTunes
Etch A Sketch HD to get iPad – $2.99
OK, I’m like this one digital example because it seemed too cool not to share. Recognize this? Once upon a time, the very simple Etch A Sketch inspired the inner illustrator in us all. This program for the iPad recreates this nostalgic favorite.
Etsy
Snug.Bear Breadboard by Snug Studio – $27
This wooden stand breadboard can act as a fun place setting at the dining table for kids or grownups. Mealtimes will be even more inventive when your tot can play with the meals.
DwellStudio
Tree Multi Large Rug – $550
I’m thinking about getting this carpet for my child’s play area. Plush New Zealand wool and a woodsy scene make for a gentle, enjoyable space for little ones to roll around and play.
Tulp Kids
Gakki Percussion Set – AUD 67.50
These percussion instruments come in different shapes and colors and I love how they’re made from wood with natural beeswax polish. Kids will have fun banging, vibration and creating songs.
Etsy
Baby Nursery Amigurumi Crochet Bumble Bee Mobile by Cherry Time – $68
Infants love contrasting colors, so this handmade bee cellphone is certain to capture his or her eye. I wonder what teenagers are thinking while they gaze at their phones.
My Sweet Muffin
HABA Desserts Set – $16
Make-believe tea parties will probably be more enjoyable with this particular box of cloth desserts. They are so sweet! These fancy desserts look yummy, and they are created out of different textures for infants to explore.
Etsy
DIY Paper Puppet Sheep by Furze Chan – $8
Create a miniature puppet show with your child with these adorable animals on a pole, complete with moving components. I adore this sheep.
UncommonGoods
Traffic 3D Carpet – $150
This carpet takes some inspiration from video games, but unlike playing a video game, it encourages your kiddo to move around, explore and envision cars driving down the street.
Box Play
Choo Choo Train – $10
I really like this concept. Box Play generates eco-friendly stickers that turn regular containers — think milk cartons, macaroni and cheese containers, egg crates, toilet paper rolls to toys, such as milk carton trucks. Let us face it, the kids love the packaging and boxes over the gift most instances anyway.
Etsy
Travel Chalkboard, I Love Dogs from Poplin – $8
Your kiddo can amuse herself or his by drawing with a travel chalkboard when you are on the move. The cloth backing is adorable also, and you can’t beat this price!
Next: 20 ideas for stylish toy storage