Made for Play
Explore child development through play, find inspiration for your next DIY project, and discover tips for selecting the perfect toys for your little ones.
Latest Articles
How to Choose the Best Dollhouse for Toddlers
Christmas, birthdays, or just because – dollhouses are always a hit, and it’s easy to get just as excited about them as your kids do. Finding the perfect one, though, can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re shopping for a toddler. You’ll have a few extra factors to consider when it comes to safety and durability, but finding a great dollhouse for your toddling tot doesn’t have to be difficult. To help you out, here is our quick guide to choosing the best dollhouse for toddlers! Durability: Can it take the toddler treatment? To survive through the rough-and-tumble toddler stage and into the school years, that dollhouse needs to be durable and made of high quality materials. Dollhouses made from plastic may be more prone to breaking well before your child reaches school age years. On the other side of the coin, that lovely antique or handmade dollhouse you inherited may be well-made but is likely too delicate to stand up to toddler play. Generally, sturdy wooden dollhouse are the best bet to make it through these slightly destructive but completely adorable years of play. Doll size: Who’s living there? Whether you already have a family of dolls looking for a home, or you’re buying the dolls and the dollhouse all at once, make sure they’re compatible sizes. Dollhouses usually specify what size doll they’re made for, and common sizes include 5”, 12” and 18”. If you think that 12” or 18” dolls are still a bit too big for those adorable chubby toddler hands, then opt for a dollhouse meant for smaller dolls. Safety: Does it have small pieces? We’re all familiar with the warning labels, and we know kids under three shouldn’t play with toys that could pose a choking hazard. Obviously, the dollhouse itself isn’t a choking hazard but small pieces that come with it could be. Check the suggested age range on the dollhouse to make sure it’s considered appropriate for toddlers, or remove all accessories or detachable pieces that could be potential choking hazards. When in doubt, consider anything that your child could fit entirely in their mouth to be a choking hazard. Put it away and save it for when they’re older! Size: How big is a dollhouse? Pictures can be deceiving, and the last thing you want is to end up with a dollhouse twice as big as the space allotted for it. Double check the measurements, and if necessary measure the space it’s meant to fit in to avoid any surprises. Consider what size will work best for your children come playtime. If you plan to upgrade to a larger dollhouse when they get older, you may opt for a smaller dollhouse now. If you plan to keep this dollhouse for years, then don’t let larger sizes scare you – they’ll still enjoy playing with them now, and they’ll grow into them before you know it. Look: What’s your style? Finding a dollhouse that meshes well with your decor is always a bonus, especially if it’s going to be in a common area of the house. You’ll have the best luck with brands that offer a wide variety of colors and styles. Shameless plug time: Not-so-coincidentally, we just happen to meet that description with our collection of artfully-crafted wooden dollhouses that are built to last and look great in your home. The little things: What makes your toddler beam? Last but far from least, what little touches or features would make your toddler extra excited about their new dollhouse? Whether it’s their favorite princess or the chance to decorate it and make it their own, look for those special features or accessories that make the dollhouse perfect for your toddler. Want to explore KidKraft’s selection of dollhouses by age? Discover our dollhouses for 2-to-4-year olds, 3-to-5 year olds, and 5 years and up now.
The Benefits of Playtime: Learning Through Play
It’s something every parent knows instinctually: play is more than just play for kids. But exactly what are they learning as they play? As it turns out, a lot. Here’s how play is helping your kid learn, grow, and thrive: Practical life skills From the toddler “helping” with laundry to the six-year-old setting up a pretend restaurant in their play kitchen, kids love to mimic and act out aspects of adult life – even the ones that might seem dull to us. No matter what age or what activity they’re trying or pretending to accomplish, this type of play helps them make sense of the adult world and build the skills to do it themselves one day. For toddlers, that might mean that they’re practicing the fine motor skills they’ll need to fasten buttons or pour water. For older kids, they’re often rehearsing the social norms of everyday interactions (i.e. what do we say when the waiter asks us how we’re doing?). All of these pretend practice sessions are helping shape your kiddo into a confident, capable adult. Fine and gross motor skills Toddlers are naturally drawn to fine motor activities like opening containers, putting puzzle pieces together, and stacking blocks. Those skills have become so second nature to us that we take them for granted, but they’re crucial for everything from holding a pencil correctly to learning to play an instrument one day. Gross motor skills aren’t talked about quite as much, but they're just as important for healthy development. Activities that let young kids climb, lift heavy objects, squat, jump, and balance do more than just strengthen their muscles – they’re helping develop their vestibular system for strong balance, coordination, and spatial awareness. Social and emotional skills Every time kids pretend with their friends, they’re creating unspoken social contracts (adorable, silly unspoken contracts). They decide what they are pretending and how their make-believe world works. If they want to switch gear or change something about their pretend world, they have to communicate and get their friends onboard. Even independent play can help kids develop their emotional and social awareness. Role-playing activities help them grow their ability to empathize and see from others’ perspectives. Dollhouses, for example, encourage kids to take on the roles of multiple family members. In those oh-so-sweet moments of secretly watching them play, you’ve probably noticed that they’re often playing out situations that happen in everyday life: people making plans, running into conflicts, and working to solve their problems. While the scenarios they come up with may be silly, the social and emotional skills they’re gaining are real. Educational and cognitive skills Language development, math skills, and abstract reasoning are just a few of the benefits linked to play. Some of these benefits are ones you’d expect. Talking with your child as you play together naturally builds their vocabulary and language skills. But others are a little more surprising. For example, playing with blocks seems to help kids perform better in math, even years after they’ve outgrown blocks . In addition, frequent play breaks have been shown to increase kids’ ability to focus on academics. Notably, play with electronic items hasn’t been associated with the same benefits. Instead, all that brain-boosting magic happens when kids are engaged in imaginative and creative play social play with adults or peers constructive play (i.e. building their own constructions with toys like building blocks and train sets, etc.) cognitive play We think this quote from the American Academy of Pediatrics sums it up it best: “Play allows children to create and explore a world they can master, conquering their fears while practicing adult roles…When play is allowed to be child driven, children practice decision-making skills, move at their own pace, discover their own areas of interest, and ultimately engage fully in the passions they wish to pursue.” Okay, is it just us, or are you tearing up a little bit too? So, next time your child is building a block tower masterpiece, hosting a ball in their dollhouse, or just running circles around the backyard, take a moment to watch and soak it all in. There’s magic happening there.
Shop by Skill: Social Play
What is social play? In simple terms, social play is a type of play where children directly interact and share with others – whether adults or other kids. Through this type of play they learn social skills like communication, sharing, turn-taking, and following rules.You may be asking, what is the importance of social skills for kids? In a nutshell, these skills help children interact with the world around them. Social skills help kids build relationships and develop skills that will help them be successful as adults.Providing your child with opportunities to engage in social play is one of the best ways to help them build confidence and develop relationships. In addition to these important skills, social play also helps kids to develop emotional intelligence. Toys for Social Development Engaging in simple social play with other children is important for kids to foster social skills, such as peer group leadership skills, emotional regulation, creativity, and working memory.If you’re wondering which type of activity is considered social play, there’s a variety of activities that fall into this category and KidKraft carries an array of toys for both indoors and outdoors that are great for social playing for toddlers and school-aged children. Toys for Social Development Two classic social play examples are playing with dollhouses and pretend kitchens. Kitchen Play Sets – A play kitchen is a classic toy that continues to delight kids and never gets old. Our play kitchens are designed with unique details and features that foster creativity and keep kids engaged in pretend play for hours. Wooden Dollhouses – Playing with dolls and dollhouses is another classic creative and social play activity. Our dollhouses are designed to be interactive and encourage kids to use their imaginations. Outdoor Social Play Toys Social play toys that are excellent for outdoor play are playhouses and swing sets. Outdoor Kids’ Playhouses – Having a kids’ playhouse in your backyard makes it convenient to combine outdoor play with social play. Our playhouses provide kids with hours of fun as they engage in creative, pretend play with their siblings and friends. Outdoor Swing Sets – Bring the playground to your backyard with our collection of wooden swing sets. They’re durable and have a variety of features to keep kids of all ages entertained together for hours. Shop KidKraft’s toys for social development. Your child will have fun and make memories while developing important life skills!Check out our toys for active play, cognitive play, imaginative play, and creative play too!
Shop by Skill: Creative Play
Creative play is a delightful form of play that enables children to have fun expressing themselves and using their active and growing imaginations. Why is creativity through play important? This form of play allows kids to try out different ideas they have while developing a variety of life skills such as problem solving and critical thinking. Creative Play Toys for Kids & Toddlers At KidKraft, you’ll find a great array of toys and playsets that foster creative play, making it easy to find activities that match your child’s interests, personality, and age.Does your child love doll play? Then be sure to browse the selection of creative dollhouses we have available. Our 12-inch dollhouses and 18-inch dollhouses are some of the best creative play toys for 4-6-year-olds. We also carry a lovely assortment of doll furniture to add more creativity and variety to the dollhouse play experience. Outdoor Creative Play Toys Is your toddler or preschooler an artist at heart? Then why not take their art supplies outside so they can enjoy creating their masterpieces while getting some fresh air and sunshine.Art supplies are wonderful creative kids toys. Our kids’ easel collection offers standing easels in various sizes. These standing easels feature a chalkboard on one side and a dry-erase surface on the other, as well as a paper roll on top. We also carry an art table with drying rack and storage, a tabletop version of the traditional easel design that’s a perfect creative toy for toddlers.Kids’ activity tables are another fantastic option for creative play. From creation stations and chalkboard tables to art tables and more, you’ll find a style your child will enjoy. How Can Creative Activities Impact the Brain? Creative play has a critical role in fostering the development of neural connections, which are essential for enhancing both gross motor skills and fine motor skills. It also provides a way for children to express their emotions through ways other than speaking, such as drawing, painting, and writing.Shop our creative play toys for kids & toddlers. You’ll discover creativity toys your child will love to use again and again. While shopping, be sure to browse our items to inspire active play, cognitive play, imaginative play, and social play.
Shop by Skill: Imaginative Play
Why is imaginative play important? Through this form of play, kids develop creative thinking, language development, and problem-solving skills - critical skills they’ll use throughout their lives.Whether you have a toddler, preschooler, or school-aged kid, they’re the perfect imaginative play age and will reap the benefits of imaginative play.Why is imaginative play important? Through this form of play, kids develop creative thinking, language development, and problem-solving skills - critical skills they’ll use throughout their lives.Whether you have a toddler, preschooler, or school-aged kid, they’re the perfect imaginative play age and will reap the benefits of imaginative play. What are 5 Benefits of Encouraging a Child's Imagination? There are various benefits of encouraging a child’s imagination, 5 of which are:1. Building self-confidence – When kids get to imagine being a superhero or firefighter, it gives them more confidence in their abilities and potential.2. Boosting intellectual growth – As the beginning of abstract thought, using their imagination helps kids think symbolically.3. Developing social skills – Imaginary play helps kids explore relationships with family members and friends. It helps them imagine what it would be like to be in another person’s shoes and develop empathy.4. Practicing language skills – Imaginary play, especially with others, involves a lot of talking, which boosts vocabulary and improves communication.5. Easing their fears – If children use imaginary play to face a situation they’re scared of, such as a monster taking them, it gives them a chance to change the narrative and take control of the scenario in their mind! Imaginative Play Toys for Kids & Toddlers At KidKraft, you’ll discover the best imaginative play toys that give children plenty of ways to play and use their imaginations.Indoor Imaginative Play ToysFrom the best play kitchens and train sets to wooden dollhouses and unique pretend play sets (like our Let's Pretend™ Pop-Ups), our parent and kid-approved imaginative toys offer screen-free playtime fun.No matter which indoor imaginary play toys you choose, your kids will enjoy exploring their curiosity and using their imaginations while playing with them – and you’ll have peace of mind knowing they’re having fun while enhancing important developmental skills in the process. Outdoor Imaginative Play Toys Some examples of imaginative play for outdoors include cloud watching, pretending they have their own house with a play tent or playhouse, and hosting an outdoor tea party that they can set up as a picnic on a blanket or on a kid’s picnic table. Get more imaginative play ideas on our blog.KidKraft has the best imaginative toys that will not only foster your child’s development, but also keep them engaged while playing. Shop our imaginative play toys for kids & toddlers and also check out our toys for active play, cognitive play, creative play, and social play.
Shop by Skill: Cognitive Play
Cognitive play is a type of play that helps build a variety of children's cognitive skills. What are cognitive elements of play, specifically? Problem-solving, paying attention, reasoning, and remembering things they’ve learned and experienced are all important skills that are developed during cognitive play. Additional skills that are enhanced in cognitive development in play are vocabulary, language skills, perspective taking, and creativity.Believe it or not, “play” is a critical component of healthy cognitive development in kids of all ages and cognitive development toys and activities help foster these skills. What is Considered Cognitive Play? Cognitive play can include activities that challenge children to overcome obstacles, like playing on monkey bars or creating new games. It can also include activities that help children practice critical thinking skills, such as puzzles, memory games, and building blocks. Essentially, any activity that involves a challenge for kids to overcome will have cognitive benefits of play.What are the benefits of play for cognitive development? Play provides many benefits for and supports cognitive development since it engages children in activities that not only promote cognitive development but also removes barriers to cognitive development. For example, cognitive play enhances problem-solving, collaboration, mental flexibility, and creativity, all of which promote cognitive development. But this type of play also removes barriers to cognitive development like fear, anxiety, and stress. Toys and Cognitive Development There are many types of cognitive toys and activities, both indoor and outdoor, that help foster cognitive development in children. Indoor Cognitive Play Toys Activities such as board games, puzzles, and matching games help develop cognitive skills and are great indoor options. In addition to these activities, our unique kids’ pretend play sets inspire creativity, cooperation, critical thinking, and more. Outdoor Cognitive Play Toys You can also encourage cognitive play through outdoor physical activity. Swing sets and toddler climbing toys provide a foundation for a variety of play options that will offer cognitive benefits through outdoor play. We offer a variety of climbers, which provide hours of fun outdoor play (but many can also be used indoors in a playroom!).These indoor and outdoor cognitive toys will foster your child’s learning while also making playtime fun. Shop our toys for cognitive development today!To shop by other skills, check out our toys for imaginative play, active play, creative play, and social play.
Shop by Skill: Active Play
Active play is essential for kids’ physical development, helping to improve their coordination, balance, gross-motor skills, and fine-motor skills. Active play is also great for directing the natural energy of kids in a healthy way, making it beneficial for kids and parents alike!Curious about what active play in child development consists of? Active play is a type of physical play that helps children develop movement skills, confidence, and physical literacy. It’s often unplanned, self-directed, and comes naturally to kids. And, of course, it’s a ton of fun! If you’re wondering what is an example of active play, it’s hard to narrow it down since there are so many! From simply running and jumping to riding a bike and kicking a ball to building forts and climbing trees, the list is endless. And kids don’t have any trouble coming up with all kinds of active play ideas! Active Play Toys Kids & Toddlers While there are plenty of active play activities for children that don’t require anything but kids and their imaginations, there are also a variety of active play toys for preschoolers through school-aged children that provide even more active play opportunities. Whether indoors or outdoors, active play toys encourage kids to use their energy and creativity. Indoor Active Play Toys Two classic indoor active play ideas all ages will love are indoor scavenger hunts and, of course, hide-and-seek!If you’re looking for another active play idea for toddlers, KidKraft offers a variety of climbers that are perfect for toddlers to burn off their energy and can be used both inside and outside. Climbers are one of the best indoor active play toys and are sure to get plenty of use! Outdoor Active Play Toys For outdoor active play fun, you’ll find an array of swing sets, outdoor playhouses, sandboxes and more that make it easy to foster active play right in your backyard. These types of active play toys encourage kids to play outside while getting physical activity and using their imaginations.Made of durable materials, every one of our kids’ outdoor playsets and swing sets is designed to withstand years of jumping, climbing, and swinging. Discover a variety of active play toys to suit your space and budget at KidKraft.Shop our active play toys for kids & toddlers. Whether you’re looking for a kids’ outdoor playset, other outdoor play activities, or indoor active play toys, you’ll find what you need here.We also have great toys for imaginative play, cognitive play, creative play, and social play.
From Dollhouses to Dreamscapes: Fostering Storytelling and Pretend Play
Remember back when you and your siblings would dress up, set the stage with pretend play toys, and force your parents to watch the play you’d just made up? Or when you and your friends could spend hours acting out elaborate pretend play ideas? Those moments of imaginative play were more than just fun – they’re powerful drivers of kids’ development, including their emotional and social growth and language development. Unfortunately, today’s kids may not get to experience those moments quite as often, with screens and busy schedules eating into playtime. But by making stories and pretend play a priority in your kids’ lives, you can help bring the same magic into their childhood. So, if you're a parent looking to unlock the power of imagination for your littles, read on as we dive into the benefits of pretend play and practical tips for helping your kiddos discover their inner storyteller. The Benefits of Storytelling and Pretend Play Enhanced Creativity and Imagination Imagination is the fuel of pretend play, and cultivating it benefits our kids throughout their lives. Whether they're crafting a daring escape plan for their stuffies or telling you a story about a unicorn-dragon hybrid, they're flexing their creative muscles. This ability to envision and create something out of nothing is the foundation for successful problem-solving and innovative thinking later. Improved Social and Emotional Skills As kids step into different pretend roles, they often act out complex feelings and social dilemmas. They might practice scenarios of friendship, sharing, and empathy, which can help them develop better interpersonal skills. And when they engage in pretend play with peers, they practice social skills like compromise, collaboration, and negotiation as they decide who gets to be the queen or the dragon or who gets to be the chef in charge of the pretend play kitchen. Reduced Stress and Anxiety Believe it or not, those harrowing adventures through the dark forest or outer space can be therapeutic. Pretend play provides an outlet for kids to process their emotions and fears in a safe environment. By taking on different roles, they can explore situations that might be challenging for them in reality – and in their own world, they always come out victorious! This can be particularly helpful in addressing feelings of stress and anxiety, helping them develop resilience and coping mechanisms. Ways to Foster Storytelling and Pretend Play Dirty toys can be a breeding ground for all sorts of unwelcome guests. Dust, allergens, bacteria, and even mold can accumulate on toys that aren't cleaned regularly. These culprits can lead to allergies, respiratory issues, skin irritations, and even more severe infections in some cases. By prioritizing toy hygiene, you're safeguarding your child's well-being. Set Aside Time for Reading, Storytelling, and Pretend Play We get it – our schedules can get ridiculously busy. But dedicating regular time to reading, storytelling, and pretend play can have huge benefits. Keep your bookshelves stocked by visiting the library regularly; read engaging, immersive stories that spark your child’s imagination, and give them opportunities to tell you their own stories or to act them out through play. Whether it's a silly superhero mission or an adventure through the fairy kingdom, these moments allow your child's imagination to flourish and give them the undivided attention they crave. Join In! Don't just be an observer – jump into the world of make-believe alongside your child! Whether you're the sidekick in their superhero escapades or a wizard in their fantasy kingdom, your involvement shows them that their imagination is valued and celebrated! Be the Best Audience We know that you can’t always drop everything to listen to your kiddo’s stories. But try to carve out a few times where you can. For example, maybe after you’ve told a bedtime story to your child, they get to tell you one that they’ve made up themselves. When they do, try to be the most enthusiastic audience they've ever had! Ask questions and show genuine interest. This encouragement boosts their confidence and motivates them to keep dreaming, imagining, and playing! Provide Props for Storytelling and Pretend Play Imagination doesn't need a lot of bells and whistles, but a few props can certainly spark creativity. Dollhouses, dolls or action figures, costumes, building toys, and even old cardboard boxes can become the inspiration for your child's pretend adventures. The key is to offer a variety of items that can be repurposed in multiple ways – who knew an empty paper towel roll could become a magic wand, a pirate’s telescope, and baker’s rolling pin? Or that a dollhouse could become a castle, a rocket ship, a boarding school, and a villain’s lair?For dollhouses, pretend play sets, and more toys that spark imaginative play, shop KidKraft’s full line of open-ended wooden toys. Because “Made for Make Believe” isn’t just our motto – it’s a belief that drives every toy we create.
