Autumn is blowing into the country and that brings with it many fun events, including a visit from a very special man and his horse. To bring St. Nicholas and Pete some inspiration, we would like to tell you a bit more about open-ended toys.
What are open-ended toys?
The name gives it away a bit, open-ended toys are toys that have no limit or end. The toys that, as adults, we sometimes think 'and what exactly is the purpose of that?' ’
As adults, we have kind of lost the unlimited use of our imagination growing up. With children, this is very much alive and it is important to stimulate it, which is why we would like to introduce you to some open-ended toy items. Because it responds to the imagination, it can be played with for a very long time, it encourages independent play without instructions. It is versatile and can go in any direction because there are no rules attached to it.
Children who sometimes experience some fear of failure are also greatly helped by this type of toy. Because there are no rules to follow or goals to achieve, nothing can go wrong. The child decides how the game goes and what can or cannot happen. .
1. Stapelstein®
The first item we would like to introduce to you are the play elements from Stapelstein®. These products are versatile for young and old. Toddlers as young as one year old can play with them, and even adults can use them. Because the possibilities are endless, you encourage your child to discover and develop himself. The Stapelstein® is versatile, at home, in the garden or as a floating island in a bath or swimming pool. You can sit on it, step on it, roll it, stack it, sort it, throw it, the movement possibilities are endless.
To push the game into motion, you can work on it together. Explore together what is possible or get inspired by the (digital) playing cards from Stapelstein®
As an adult, you can use it as a stool, yoga block, help with movement exercises, and so much more. Stapelstein® products are an enrichment for the whole family. Here they are already on our wish list!
2. The Wobbel®
The second toy we would like to tip to St. Nicholas is the Wobbel®. Where we adults see a curved board, children see an infinite list of possibilities.
This toy is ideal for playing together, working on individually or unwinding on after an active play session. Thanks to its fun design, the Wobbel® may be the only toy you don't have to clean up, it fits nicely into your interior. The Wobbel® can be finished with a felt in the color of your choice or cork. This finish is not only aesthetic but also functional, it reduces noise and can serve as a protective layer for your floor.
Even when it is not being played with, the Wobbel® can still serve as a stepping stone in the kitchen to work together at the sink. By playing with the Wobbel® you stimulate balance and strength, allowing you to engage and develop certain muscle groups. Personalize your Wobbel® with an insert or pillow to make quieter play moments more enjoyable. This toy offers endless possibilities that grow with your child.
3. Modu®
The third tip we would like to share is Modu®. Again a toy that encourages active play and has no directed end, this game focuses on developing gross motor skills and insight. This modular system consists of soft blocks and plastic rods that allow you to put down numerous structures. The material is made from recycled materials within Europe and are both child and environmentally friendly. The Modu® system can be used from 6 months old to 6 years old.
What will you build first? A (running) bike, train, or maybe a seesaw? Will you build an obstacle course, a little table, or use the blocks as steps? The possibilities are as far as your imagination takes us, ideal for playing together. .
4. Connetix®
After three tips that get physical play going, now one that capitalizes more on fine motor skills. .
With the Connetix magnetic tiles children can start building 2D and 3D, use magnetic substrates-such as the refrigerator or radiator-to build vertically. Play with (sun) light by letting light shine through the colored, transparent tiles. Watch the colors, shadows and how they change in your constructions. The Connetix® tiles grow with your child, starting at age 3 they can start working with them. With extensions, the shapes of the tiles evolve with the skills your child amasses, a toy that is fun for young and old alike! The possibilities are endless.
5. Stacking Stones van Little Dutch
The fifth and final tip for this blog are the stacking stones from Little Dutch®. The exciting thing about these bricks is that they are all different, not only in shape and color, but they also vary from each other in weight. Get started building towers, will they stay up?
Thanks to this game, we promote your child's eye-hand coordination and problem-solving thinking while having fun. They are easy to maintain, with a damp cloth they will be clean again in no time. This toy is for children 2+ years old and up.
5 tips for St. Nicholas, open-ended toys.