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.

How Kitchen Toys Support Cognitive Development in Young Kids

Behind the Design Part 2: From Prototype to Playroom

Behind the Design Part 1: From Spark to Blueprint

How Kitchen Toys Support Cognitive Development in Young Kids

When it comes to supporting early learning, the right toys can help kids build real-life skills while having fun. Among the most beloved and beneficial are kitchen playsets. These imaginative mini-kitchens spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and support key developmental milestones in young children, from toddlers to preschoolers to school-aged kids. Discover how toys, especially play kitchens, support cognitive development and why they’re a staple in so many homes and classrooms. Do Toys Help Child Development? Toys do help child development. While a source of entertainment, they're also tools that help little ones understand the world around them. Through play, kids experiment, problem-solve, and develop social and cognitive skills naturally. And toys that invite open-ended play, like kitchen sets, promote creativity, independence, and confidence. When children engage in play that mimics real-life activities, such as playing kitchen, they build essential brain connections that support memory, decision-making, and language development. What Are the Cognitive Benefits of Playing Kitchen Games? Playing with kitchen playsets provides a wide range of benefits that go far beyond “cooking.” Pretend play like this encourages thinking, planning, and storytelling, which are all crucial pieces of cognitive development in the early years. Play kitchens are toys that help with cognitive development in the following ways: Imagination and Role-Playing Skills Kitchen playsets for kids transform into whatever your child dreams up, from a busy bakery to a five-star restaurant. This type of pretend play helps kids explore roles, emotions, and social situations in a safe, low-pressure environment. They practice empathy and problem-solving just by “cooking” dinner for a teddy bear or serving pancakes to a sibling. Language and Communication Growth Kitchen playsets are excellent developmental toys for toddlers, particularly in building language and communication skills. From naming foods to describing cooking steps, they encourage rich vocabulary and conversation. Whether your child is narrating their actions or pretending to take an order, they’re building these skills in a way that feels completely natural. Memory, Sequencing, and Task Planning Making “meals” in a toy kitchen encourages children to remember steps and follow sequences, such as putting toast in the toaster before serving it. These activities help cognitive development in areas like working memory, task completion, and organizational thinking, all of which are building blocks for academic success down the road. Which Kitchen Toys Help with Early Childhood Development? Look for kitchen playsets that are designed with realistic details and interactive features. Functional doors, light-up stovetops, turning knobs, and built-in sounds all support cause-and-effect learning. Accessories like play food, utensils, and cookware let kids personalize their play and expand their stories. Modern kitchen sets that mimic real appliances give kids a relatable, immersive experience that naturally encourages learning through exploration. The more lifelike the toy, the more likely kids are to get deeply involved in pretend play and have more opportunities to grow their cognitive muscles. Can Toys Increase Intelligence Through Play? While toys themselves don’t increase IQ, the right kinds of play can absolutely support brain development. Engaging, imaginative toys like kitchen playsets stimulate areas of the brain tied to decision-making, memory, language, and problem-solving. They help kids develop executive functioning skills like planning, self-control, and flexible thinking. Overall, one of the benefits of playing with toys that encourage creativity and critical thinking is that they can lay the groundwork for emotional intelligence and academic readiness. See How KidKraft’s Kitchen Playsets Got a Modern Makeover At KidKraft, we believe that when pretend play feels real, the learning comes naturally. That’s why we’ve reimagined our kitchen playsets with updated designs, modern finishes, and thoughtful details that both kids and parents will love. Our latest kitchens combine fun and function to create an engaging experience from toddlerhood and beyond. Before: A Classic Favorite Our original kitchen playsets had all the charm of a timeless classic—soft colors, sturdy construction, and all the essentials for endless make-believe cooking fun. They’ve been a beloved part of countless childhoods, sparking creativity for years. After: A Fresh Take for Today’s Kids (and Interiors) Our updated design keeps the timeless charm and sturdy construction of the original, while introducing a lighter, brighter feel. This beloved play kitchen now comes in white and natural wood, offering versatile options to complement any space. It features upgraded materials, a warmer color palette with soft brass accents, and realistic finishes that bring extra charm to playtime. Thoughtfully placed interactive features invite imaginative play, while its clean, modern style blends easily into your home. Explore the Full Collection From compact corner kitchens for small spaces to deluxe sets for imaginative chefs-in-training, there’s something for every little learner in our redesigned lineup. Each set is built to inspire storytelling, skill-building, and—of course—big-time fun. Bring home a kitchen where learning is always on the menu when you shop KidKraft. Here, pretend play meets real learning. Discover our updated kitchens today.

Behind the Design Part 2: From Prototype to Playroom

Part 1 of Behind the KidKraft Design was all about the creative process of our toy and playset designs, from initial inspiration to mood boards and trend research. In Part 2, we’re focusing on what happens next: bringing those concepts to life through prototyping, collaboration and production. Get ready to discover how sketches become computer-aided design (CAD) models, concepts evolve into real products and collaboration ensures every detail is just right before landing in your child’s hands. Turning Playset Designs into Prototypes How we design a playset starts with translating ideas into tangible form, and at KidKraft, structural design and mood board creation happen side by side. Early in the process, the team prepares for a concept approval meeting, where executives review CAD models or sketches alongside mood boards and “moments.” These “moments” are the small but memorable details—like a working elevator in a dollhouse or a cozy nook in a playset—that capture both the overall art style and the emotional feel of the design. These checkpoints ensure that the product’s story is clear, the functionality makes sense, and the look ties back to the original inspiration. Style previews further bring the vision to life, helping the team visualize how these details will appear in a child’s world. Hands-On Collaboration With Manufacturers Prototyping is only the beginning. From there, our designers work in close partnership with manufacturers in China and Taiwan to bring each concept to life with precision. This collaboration allows us to maintain meticulous control over details that many brands overlook, such as color consistency, texture and gloss levels, making this approach truly unique to KidKraft. The process is highly interactive: designers send Adobe Illustrator files overseas, manufacturers print and return samples, and the KidKraft team conducts rigorous checks to ensure every element matches the original vision. Even something as simple as a color swatch can go through multiple rounds of review before approval. By carefully managing these details, we guarantee that every product, from dollhouses to playsets, looks and feels exactly as intended, right down to the smallest finish! Testing, Feedback and Adjustments Toy and playset design is a team effort, and not everyone involved speaks the same “design language.” Interpreting feedback from non-design stakeholders can sometimes pose challenges. But it’s all part of the process. When feedback comes in, our designers collaborate across teams to rethink, rework and refine, whether it’s improving usability, enhancing safety or simplifying the assembly process for parents. The goal is always the same: a toy that delivers lasting fun while being safe, sturdy and easy to set up. Designing for Longevity and Everyday Play KidKraft goes well beyond chasing trends, making sure our designs are created with longevity in mind. Some dollhouse designs from 15–20 years ago are still in production today, loved by new generations of kids! At the same time, our team is just as excited about refreshing those legacy designs, breathing new life into classics so they feel modern, relevant and ready for years of play ahead. We also love embracing new ideas, like designing kids’ furniture. This requires a different mindset that draws heavily on color, wood stain and natural fiber trends in exterior and landscape design. Our team is also working on outdoor products like playhouse and wooden playset designs, which bring in more architectural design elements along with updated stain and plastic colors. With every new or updated design, our focus always remains on quality materials, timeless color palettes and durability that stands up to everyday play. How Play Inspires Design Evolution The most valuable insights come straight from the playroom. Our design team digs into customer reviews to better understand what families love—and where there’s room to improve. They also incorporate a hands-on research approach by regularly visiting homes to see how kids actually interact with toys in real life. These in-person observations and direct feedback loops often lead to meaningful innovations, such as the “open and closed” dollhouse concept, which was born from seeing the need for a toy that could double as storage. This gave kids more ways to play while offering parents a practical solution that keeps play areas tidy. Blending imagination with functionality results in toys that are fun while also fitting seamlessly into family spaces. This immersive research process helps our team continuously improve designs and create toys that kids want to play with and parents want to buy. Bringing It All Together: From Factory to Playroom Once the design is finalized, it moves into full-scale production and quality assurance. Every detail is double-checked so families receive a product that’s safe, durable and true to KidKraft’s design vision. For the design team, the most rewarding moment is seeing their work come to life in homes—knowing that what started as a sketch is now a centerpiece for play, learning and imagination! Discover the Finished Designs From bold ideas to beautifully crafted toys, every step of the KidKraft design journey leads to one thing: more imaginative play. Explore the full KidKraft collection, including play kitchens, dollhouses and activity tables, and see where creativity comes to life in your own home.

Behind the Design Part 1: From Spark to Blueprint

All of our toy and playset designs start with a story. At KidKraft, that story is shaped by imagination, research and a team of designers who never stop thinking about how children play (and how families live). In this two-part series, we’re pulling back the curtain on our toy and playset design process. This first part will take you inside the earliest stages, from the first spark of inspiration to the blueprint that lays the foundation for every kitchen, wooden playset and dollhouse designs we create. Where KidKraft Playset Designs Begin Ideas at KidKraft come from two main places: requests from our sales team or retail partners and the free-flowing creativity of internal brainstorms. Sometimes a retailer asks for a specific product to meet the needs of their customers. Other times, our team imagines new possibilities during yearly brainstorming sessions. Either way, it’s never a solo effort. Industrial designers, engineers and product graphic designers collaborate from the very beginning, ensuring every idea balances creativity with practicality. Together, they start shaping toys that children will love—and parents will be happy to bring into their homes. Gathering Inspiration for KidKraft Designs Creative sparks don’t always happen at a desk. To get inspired, our team steps outside the office. Off-site brainstorms might include excursions in a designer's city, with visits to museums, historic homes or stores to observe design trends in the wild. These experiences fuel days of sketching and sharing ideas back at the studio. From there, mood boards take shape. Our designers gather visuals that highlight color palettes, textures, and architectural details. For wooden playsets or outdoor products, inspiration might come from timeless design elements in nature or real homes, which is why many KidKraft products feel both imaginative and authentic. The Designer Behind the Designs Meet Riley Burrus, Product Graphics Manager at KidKraft Every KidKraft toy begins with a spark of imagination. But behind that spark are real people who pour their creativity and heart into each design. One of those people is Riley Burrus, who has been part of KidKraft for nearly a decade. Riley’s path to toy design wasn’t exactly planned. With a degree in illustration, she imagined herself creating children’s books, weaving stories through words and pictures. But after graduation, while working as a barista and searching for her next step, she stumbled across a LinkedIn job posting for dollhouse illustration. It caught her attention immediately. “I liked children’s book illustration because I love kids and telling stories,” Riley recalls. “When I interviewed for the dollhouse role, I realized this was just a different way of telling stories—one where the artwork itself inspires play.” Today, Riley helps guide KidKraft’s designs from concept to reality. She and other designers often sneak in little “Easter eggs” that make each product feel extra special and enable them to incorporate a tiny bit of themselves into the design. For example, a dollhouse wallpaper might feature their pets, or a tiny framed picture could echo a loved one. For Riley, toy design is more than creating something beautiful or fun. It’s about blending storytelling, imagination and a personal touch that turns play into something magical. And when kids pick up a KidKraft toy, they’re not just playing with wood, paint and accessories; they’re stepping into worlds crafted with care by designers like Riley, who see storytelling everywhere. That same spirit of listening and storytelling doesn’t just come from our design team. It also comes from the families who play with our toys every day. Listening to Customers Of course, inspiration also comes directly from the families who play with our products. KidKraft’s design team studies thousands of product reviews across Amazon, Target, Costco, and other retailers to see what parents and kids love, as well as what could be better. For example, our “easy craft line” was developed to reduce assembly time after hearing from parents who wanted a quicker setup. The team also considers both the child’s perspective (fun, imaginative, colorful) and the parent’s perspective (durability, value, aesthetics). It’s this balance that makes toys both entertaining and practical for everyday family life. Spotting Trends Before They Happen Designing toys isn’t just about responding to what’s popular now. A big part of toy design involves predicting what kids (and parents) will want one or two years down the road, when a toy finally hits the shelves. Our design team looks to high fashion, interior design, fine art, and even kids’ animation for inspiration. Trends trickle down across industries, so a color palette from a runway show might eventually influence the look of a play kitchen or dollhouse. Keeping a finger on the pulse of these creative worlds allows our team to design toys that feel fresh, modern and relevant. Aesthetic Meets Function While toys should always inspire play, they also need to work for the families who buy them. That’s why we blend age-appropriate design (like higher contrast colors for toddlers) with aesthetics parents appreciate, from brass accents to wood textures that echo modern interiors. The goal is to create toys kids love to play with and parents love to see in their living spaces. For instance, a dollhouse or activity table might have a pop of bright color for imaginative play while also featuring textures and finishes that make it blend beautifully into a family room. Visualizing the Blueprint Before a toy becomes real, it lives in sketches, computer-aided design (CAD) drawings, and illustrated “moments” that capture its look and feel. Mood boards, color swatches, and concept art help communicate the vision during concept approval meetings with company leaders. This is where big ideas start to feel tangible, offering an exciting sneak peek of how creativity will soon become reality. From Blueprint to Build: Explore the Designs in Action Every KidKraft product begins with this mix of inspiration, research and artistry. From sketches to mood boards, each step brings us closer to creating toys that spark imagination and fit seamlessly into family life. Don’t miss Part 2 of this series, where we’ll explore what happens next: prototyping, product development, and the meticulous process of bringing these ideas to life with our global manufacturing partners. Explore KidKraft’s full collection of playsets, dollhouses, play kitchens, kids’ furniture, and more to discover where inspiration becomes play.

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KidKraft Parents: Favorite Holiday Traditions

KidKraft Parents: Favorite Holiday Traditions This time of year, we tend to feel a little like Santa’s elves – we work hard all year making toys, especially for the big holiday rush! Of course, even the elves take a break and slow down to make memories with the ones we love. While we all celebrate differently, we’ve all found that the traditions that mean the most are often the simplest – those little things that mean a lot. So from our families to yours, here’s a peek at a few of the traditions that make the holidays feel like the holidays in our homes. Tell us about yourself! What’s your name, position here at KidKraft, and ages of your little ones? TAYLOR HERRERO: I’m Taylor Herrero, Director of Digital Marketing, and I have a 7-year-old daughter.HELEN ADAPPA: My name is Helen Adappa, and I’m Director of Brand and have a 3-year old and 5-year old!JUSTIN VICTOR: Justin Victor, Director of Brand, and dad to a 2-year-old son! What is your favorite family holiday tradition? TAYLOR: Christmas is big in our house, and we have so many little traditions. My favorite is that we make cinnamon rolls for breakfast on Christmas morning. It's nothing big or fancy, but there's something so comforting about the smell of those cinnamon rolls in the oven while we open presents.HELEN: We play "Lottery" at christmas. We use hong bao (red envelopes) and put in cards that list out cash prizes or fun prizes like picking the next restaurant. But beware! There's also punishments in there like doing the dishes or jumping up and down 10 times while saying "Daddy the Great!” JUSTIN: For our family it is all about the stockings! From silly prank gifts, or little keepsakes from places we have visited or memories we have made that year, to our favorite sweets and a gift card or two for our favorite eateries. And after gifts and stockings, it's time to stuff our faces and watch lots of sports from basketball to football, there is always some game going on in the background as we visit and share. When or how did the tradition start? TAYLOR: I think it started when my dad was a kid, and we've done it my whole life and have kept it going with my daughter. When my daughter was four, I got the cutest picture of her with a big cinnamon icing smile, and then my dad found a picture just like it of me from the same age and it was just one of those simple and special memories. HELEN: We started it when I was a teenager, and now it's one of the traditions we look most forward to every year! One year, it was kind of a scavenger hunt and led to the reveal of a big KidKraft kitchen for my daughter! She still talks about it to this day. JUSTIN: It’s one of those things that you can’t really remember where it started – it’s just always been our rhythm as a family. With a 2-year-old, we do a little more gifting for him as he's too young to understand the meaning of the stockings, but we already have his hanging from the fireplace when he's ready! Want to know how we’re celebrating this year? Whether it’s watching your favorite Christmas movie for the millionth time, lighting the menorah as a family, or sipping on your grandma’s famous hot chocolate recipe, we hope your traditions bring joy to you and your family this year. And while the traditions may stay the same, we know that the gifts change from year to year… and can be tricky to get just right! If you need some inspiration, you can check out Taylor, Helen, and Justin’s favorite holiday picks for their kids this year or Shop by Age or Skill to find something your child will love.

KidKraft Parent Holiday Picks

When the holidays roll around, you better believe that the parents who work here at KidKraft always have KidKraft toys under the tree. Why? For starters, they’re durable and developmentally appropriate for littles, encouraging active and pretend play. And most importantly, they’re fun and sure to win some holiday gasps and hugs! We sat down with a few KidKraft team members to learn their families’ favorite KidKraft toys this holiday season, from the classics to the brand new arrivals. Tell us about yourself! What’s your name, position here at KidKraft, and ages of your little ones? TAYLOR HERRERO: I’m Taylor Herrero, Director of Digital Marketing, and I have a 7-year-old daughter.HELEN ADAPPA: My name is Helen Adappa, and I’m Director of Brand and have a 3-year old and 5-year old!JUSTIN VICTOR: Justin Victor, Director of Brand, and dad to a 2-year-old son! What are your favorite KidKraft toys this holiday season? TAYLOR: In our house, dollhouses are still the most-loved items, but the KidKraft toy I am most excited about this year is our new Ultimate Spaceship!HELEN: We’ve got two this year! The KidKraft Grocery Store Check Out and the KidKraft 2-in-1 Jet and Airplane. JUSTIN: The 2-in-1 Transforming Fire Truck Playset! Why is this toy your (or your kids’) favorite this holiday season? TAYLOR: It is just unbelievably cool and one of those toys I wish I would have had because what kid doesn't want to blast off to outer space?! HELEN: I love these items because my kids already love to play “grocery store” and “airport” all the time, and I know they'll love all the little surprises inside! JUSTIN: This transforming toy is perfect as a vehicle for my son to push around the house, and then it turns into an awesome play set with cool, bendy characters and skill and action blasters that he loves to shoot! It also includes a dog and cat character, and he is all about his pets right now. Tell us about your pick! What are the benefits, and why do you love it? TAYLOR: I love it because it really puts kids in the driver seat of their very own spaceship. It has lights and sounds, it rocks back and forth to simulate flying through space and has all the added details kids love like buttons, switches, and a projector to display galaxy lights on your ceiling.HELEN: I love them a lot because they are so realistic! That's key when my kids play. They’re also a fun way to teach my kids life skills, JUSTIN: My son gets so excited when he sees real rescue vehicles, and this great item brings that magic to life in his little world. Shop their picks! Ready to find your own KidKraft holiday favorite? Shop Taylor, Helen, and Justin’s favorites below, or use our Shop by Age or Shop by Skill features to find the perfect gift for your little one’s age and interests. Ultimate Spaceship KidKraft Grocery Store Check Out KidKraft 2-in-1 Jet and Airplane Shop all Play Sets

KidKraft Parent Series: Best Toddler Toys from A KidKraft Parents

Best Toddler Toys from a KidKraft Parent For the parents who work here, KidKraft is more than just a job – it’s part of their daily life at home with their own kids. That’s why there’s no better experts on KidKraft toys than our very own KidKraft parents! As part of our KidKraft parent series, we talked with our own Christine Olsen about which KidKraft toys have meant the most to her kids in the toddler years and beyond. Here’s what she had to say about play, creativity, and the best toddler toys! Tell us a bit about yourself and your family! I've recently joined the KidKraft marketing family but their products have been part of our family for years. How old is your little one or little ones? My son is now 9 and my daughter is 7 but they still LOVE KidKraft and think I work at the "funnest" place in the world. They always offer to come and "test out the toys." What's your favorite KidKraft toy? Our favorite KidKraft toys are the activity tables. Our son is on the spectrum as well as dyslexic and the train tables were absolutely THE favorite in our house. Thousands of hours of building, moving, lining up and taking apart trains and cities were an integral part of his toddler years. As he got older, he transitioned to the brick tables, and these are still part of our daily family life. Everyone that comes to our house is fascinated by the HUGE and intricate city scape with carefully designed tableaus in every nook and cranny. What makes it your favorite? Everyone, child or adult, deserves to have an escape or passion that allows them to escape reality for a little bit and feel like their best selves. For our son, that is the activity of building and engineering his own world where his imagination can run free and he can truly be himself. When he was a toddler, that looked like creating his own worlds with the train tables; now, it’s the same thing on a more advanced level with the brick tables. As a parent of a child who faces additional challenges in everyday school, it's such a gift to have a place in the home that he can always go to that soothes his mind and soul. Looking for a toy that unlocks your toddler’s passions and creativity? Browse our activity tables, train sets, toddler play kitchens, and outdoor toddler climbers to find the perfect fit for your little one’s unique interests.

KidKraft Parent Series: Family Favorite Pretend Play Activities

Family Favorite Pretend Play Activities From preparing kids for real-life scenarios to boosting their emotional intelligence, pretend play is essential for every child’s development. That’s why “Made for Make Believe” is the motto behind everything we make at KidKraft– and why KidKraft toys will always be a huge part of playtime in our own homes! As part of our KidKraft Parent Series, we asked two KidKraft parents to share how they use KidKraft products to foster fun, brain-boosting pretend play for their kids. Here are some of their kiddos’ favorite toys and pretend play ideas! How does your family like to play together? TAYLOR: We love just being silly and creative together. We'll do crafts, play dolls or dress up or just make up really elaborate characters for each other and see how long we can keep the story going! LEAH: We love playing board games together. We started a collection when they were young and keep adding to it throughout the years. There's always something to play when we have those stormy Texas days or a Friday night in. And of course, imagination and pretend are a huge part of how we play together daily. What are your family's favorite KidKraft toys? TAYLOR: Our favorite KidKraft toys are dollhouses and play kitchens. Pretend play is what our daughter has always gravitated toward. Those toys do a really great job of giving kids enough of a framework to play while still leaving a ton of room for their individual imaginations to push the limits, so they’re a perfect fit for the way our daughter loves to play!LEAH: We love the Farm to Table Kitchen! It comes with so many accessories that aren’t included in most play kitchens. One of our favorites is the planter boxes with “choppable” veggies – they let the girls pretend like they’re really growing and cooking their own food! What are your kids’ favorite ways to pretend with KidKraft toys? TAYLOR: Our dollhouses are so fun because they can be so much more than a dollhouse, and we often pretend one is a hotel, a school, or even a vet's office for all her little doll pets. Kitchens are equally as fun because we'll make them a restaurant or burger shop and create wacky food combinations. LEAH: The girls love pretending they have a store/market setup with a-la-carte food items and drinks. Then they can wrap up their snack stop and move on to pretend shopping! How does KidKraft help your family with pretend play? TAYLOR: What I love most about our pretend play toys is really that balance between real life and imagination. We give kids a kitchen that looks realistic so they can mimic mom or dad, but we incorporate really fun features that we know kids love and features that we know are important for development. We give them a base, and their imaginations take it from there!LEAH: All of the KidKraft toys in our home bring so many opportunities for imaginary play. They have just the right balance of real life details and fun play features. This has helped our girls really engage with the toys but also understand and prepare for real-life situations by allowing them to imagine and explore creative responses. Need some more inspiration to keep the kids busy this summer? Try out one of our 12 Outdoor Pretend Play Ideas!

KidKraft Parent Series: Toddler Hacks for First Time Parents

Toddler Tips for First Time Parents They say it takes a village… and that’s especially when you’re a first-time parent facing the toddler years! And trust us – we’ve been there. Because here at KidKraft, most of us are parents ourselves. Since we know how tough toddler parenting can be, we asked six of our KidKraft parents to share their best toddler tips and what they learned (or are still learning!) through their own kids’ toddler years. Here’s what they had to say: Tell us a bit about yourself and your family! GEOFF WALKER: I’m Geoff, KidKraft’s CEO. My wife and I have two kids, a daughter and son who are now into their teenage years.TAYLOR HERRERO: I'm Taylor! KidKraft’s Director of Digital Marketing. I've worked at KidKraft for almost 4 years. I have one daughter, and we call our little family “The Triangle.” You'll often find us in the backyard, watching movies in a giant fort or having a Friday night dance party in the living room. NERINGA: Hi! I'm Neringa, Finance Assistant for KidKraft. I joined KidKraft in November of 2021. My partner and I have a 1 year old son, Cyrus, and we call ourselves a "squad."LEAH HOOKE: Hi! I'm Leah, I work as Dealer Support with KidKraft. I've been with KidKraft for 4 years, almost 5, and work with the best people! I have two little girls who mean the world to me (but also want me to pull my hair out).KAREN CANE: Hello! I'm Karen, Assistant Brand Manager here at KidKraft. I joined the KidKraft Brand Team in November 2021. My family is a party of five! I have three amazing kiddos that I adore. We love going on walks at the park and are always singing, dancing and playing instruments in our house.HELEN ADAPPA: I'm Helen Adappa, KidKraft’s Director of Brand Marketing. I have two sassy little ones with my husband. How old is your little one or little ones? GEOFF: Hard to believe, but they’re 18 and 16 already.TAYLOR: Almost 7 now. NERINGA: 13 months, a freshly baked toddler. LEAH: They are 6 and 10, both born in November.KAREN: 6, 4 and 10 months.HELEN: They're 2 and 5 years old. What's one thing you learned early on in becoming a parent? GEOFF: Everyone always told me that patience is the key, and you never know how true that really is until you have kids. TAYLOR: One of the first things I learned is that there is no "right way." Every kid is different, and you have to go with the flowNERINGA: That things will rarely go as you plan... and you have to be prepared for change, to reschedule, cancel, and generally go with the flow of your child instead of trying to stick to what you expected. LEAH: Your life changes like everyone says, but also your version of love changes. It grows every day with your baby into something you've never felt before.KAREN: It's okay to make a mess! You and your child can always clean it up. It's important for your child's development to feel like they can make a mess, throw out all their building bricks ALL over the floor, etc.HELEN: Patience. so much patience. What is one tip you'd give to any new parent? GEOFF: The days might seem slow, but the years go by fast. Be present and connected and know that it's usually the small moments like simply playing together that they'll remember (and you'll cherish) the most. TAYLOR: Don't worry about the latest parenting method. Instead, adopt the "whatever works" method. Take cues from your kid, figure out what works for them and your family and don't compare yourself with other parents. NERINGA: Little kids, little worries. Big kids, big worries... Don't rush anything, stay in the moment, and enjoy this journey. Especially in the 1st year, because time flies by so fast!LEAH: Soak in those first few weeks and months of parenthood. It seems like long days and nights at first, but that is where your bond grows with your child. Soon, you'll find yourself wishing you were rocking that tiny baby again!KAREN: When you get frustrated with them or lose your patience, remind yourself that they are learning everything for the first time. If we can't be patient with them, how can we expect them to be patient? (This of course is still something I have to remind myself of daily!)HELEN: When you're having a bad day (and let's be honest, we all have those days with them), turn it around by playing dress up/ fashion show. Try on all those ridiculously cute outfits that were way too expensive but you or others got for the little one. It just really instantly changes the mood and they're SO CUTE that you can't help but kiss them. What helps you get through the toddler stage? GEOFF: Did I mention patience? TAYLOR: Patience! It's way easier said than done, but try to remember that while something may seem small to us, it's big to them. Take a moment to breathe, get down on their level and hear them out. And know that if you fail (which you will!), you can try again tomorrow. NERINGA: We could take some tips for this one ourselves! :) Our toddler had his first tantrum the other week. We did not know it was a tantrum, we thought something was wrong with him, like maybe he was in pain… so we took him to the doctor. So my advice is to know that you just have to figure out some things as you go… and then have a laugh!LEAH: For toddlers that are throwing a fit or upset – get on their level. Sit with them on the floor or kneel down. Look at them at eye-level and listen fully. Let them try to tell you what's wrong and express their emotions in their own way. They learn that their parents will always be there to listen when they have any troubles. This is so important once they get into grade school.KAREN: Try to focus on the things you LOVE about the toddler stage! The silly things they say, the sweet hugs they give, the way they adore you.HELEN: Remember that just like the tough parts of the baby stage (sleepless nights, spit up, etc.) passed, the tough parts of the toddler stage (tantrums, potty training, etc.) will pass too! You survived baby stage, and you’ll survive toddler stage too! What's your kiddos’ favorite playtime activity? GEOFF: My daughter was super into Barbies, and my son was a huge Lego fan. Both of them enjoyed that creative, make believe play. It's really cool to see some of the toys we make at KidKraft and think about how my kids would have loved them. TAYLOR: Dolls! Really any type of make believe play, but she gravitates to dolls.NERINGA: We have a very active boy, he loves passing and kicking balls, dancing together to his favorite baby songs like "Head Shoulders Knees & Toes,” and playing chase. LEAH: Imaginary play! Anything from playing school to imagining their entire “grown up” life.KAREN: They love pretending they are in a band, building with building bricks, drawing, and playing with anything that drives or flies.HELEN: Role playing! They love pretending to cook, sell food, playing firemen/women, restaurant, dinosaurs, pirates, you name it! What’s your Favorite KidKraft toy, and why is it a perfect fit for your little one? GEOFF: My favorite KidKraft toy would have to be one of our swing sets. We have a new one that just launched called the Bear Cave Lodge, and it is insanely cool and offers so many ways to play. My teenagers are too old for it now, of course, but they would have loved it back in the day!TAYLOR: Any of our large, mansion-style dollhouses. We've had a few over the years and are currently loving the Grand Horse Stable Dollhouse. It's perfect because it can be whatever her imagination wants it to be that day – a house, a hotel, a summer camp. And bonus! Our large dollhouses make the perfect wall to build a fort from!NERINGA: He loves the play kitchens! The many little pans and pots always keep him busy. He watches us cook and do the dishes, and then tries to copy the same things we do in his own play kitchen. Adorable! LEAH: The Farm to Table Kitchen. The Farm to Table Kitchen is the absolute cutest and comes with so many accessories to play with. You can combine it with the Let's Pretend Shopkeeper Stand and act like you have a full-service market that can make some delicious salads and tasty drinks!KAREN: We just got a KidKraft study desk for our son who is in kindergarten, and he is loving having a child-size table that is only his where he can draw, do homework, and have a space to himself. (Because that's pretty rare when you have two other siblings!) My daughter loves playing with her Disney princess dollhouse, and the baby also loves destroying the furniture in the dollhouse… even though it makes his sister mad!HELEN: The Farm to Table Kitchen. Super beautiful, really realistic – my kids play with it for hours!Want more tips for getting through the toddler years? Check out our library of posts on child development to learn what makes your kiddos tick and how you can support them through each stage!

KidKraft Parent Series: Favorite Outdoor Toys for Toddlers

Favorite Outdoor Toys for Toddlers When we were rounding up recommendations for the best outdoor toys for toddlers, we wanted to go straight to the source: the toddlers themselves. But since they were napping, we settled for the next best thing – their parents. Here’s what seven of our favorite KidKraft parents had to say when we asked about their toddlers’ favorite outdoor toys! LAUREN O’CONNER: Bubbles, Sidewalk Chalk, & Family Games Lauren is KidKraft’s Senior Account Manager and mom of a four year old toddler. 1. Our favorite outdoor items are bubbles and sidewalk chalk! Lily loves to create and show off her drawings and writing her name. 2. We love to go for long walks outside as well as play hide and seek! We try to use our imagination as much as possible and just enjoy the beautiful weather together! NERINGA MIKUTAITE: Playground Slides Neringa is KidKraft’s Financial Assistant and mom of a toddler. It's that simple playground slide for us! My boy loves watching the other kids go down the slide and then going and trying it for himself. It's always fun, and it doesn’t hurt that trying to walk up the slide tires him out for better sleep at night! TAYLOR HERRERO: Bubbles, Cozy Escape Playhouse, & Imagination Taylor is KidKraft’s Director of Digital Marketing and a girl mom. 1. Good old fashioned bubbles! The whole family gets into this one, including the dog who loves to jump up and eat them. 2. Our KidKraft Cozy Escape Playhouse. I love how my daughter can explore and play on her own while I take care of things in the yard or house. She gets some much needed independence while I get a few uninterrupted moments too! 3. Pure imagination – especially pretending to be explorers! This one brings back so many memories of being a kid and imagining that my yard was a giant forest, full of obstacles and challenges. It's so fun to see what my daughter will make believe and to pretend to be a kid again too. GEOFF WALKER: Nerf Footballs & Scooters Geoff Walker is KidKraft’s CEO and a dad of two teenagers. When my kids were younger, playing outside was all about burning off energy with things we could do together as a family. We loved to play catch, and our Razor scoots and Nerf footballs were constantly in use. LEAH HOOKE: Bikes + Skates, Sidewalk Chalk, & Imagination Leah is part of KidKraft’s Dealer Support team and is a mom of two under 10. Our girls love scooters/ bikes/ roller skates! They love being active and able to zoom around with friends. Also, you can never go wrong with some sidewalk chalk and an endless imagination! KAREN CANE: Water Beads Karen is KidKraft’s Assistant Brand Manager and is a busy mom of three kids, 6 and under. We love playing with water beads both outside and inside! They're the best sensory items for kids and adults. Need some more outdoor inspiration for your toddler? Follow us on Instagram where we’ll feature other parents’ favorite outdoor KidKraft toys all summer long! And be sure to browse through KidKraft’s full line of outdoor toys, including swing sets, playhouses, and toddler climbers!

Introducing KidKraft's Parent Series

Parenting isn’t easy, but we believe it can and should be fun… at least most of the time. That’s why our mission has always been to make toys that promote imaginative and active play – the kind that’s great for your kiddos’ brains and bodies and lets you catch a break. It’s also why we’re launching our new KidKraft Parent Series!Our Parent Series has one goal in mind: make your parenthood easier and more fun! (Okay, so two goals?) We’ll bring you our best tips on everything from avoiding tantrums to packing a toddler’s diaper bag to introducing a new baby to your toddler. Even better? Our Parent Series keeps a heavy focus on the fun with play ideas and product roundups for every situation. Rainy days? Got you covered. Pretend play as a family? We’ll help you make it happen! After over 50 years in the biz of making child-led, child-focused toys, we know a thing or two about helping toddlers, preschoolers, and parents have fun together! And we can’t wait to share it all! So how can you get in on all the good stuff? Just check in on our blog for all of our latest Parent Series posts, and follow us on social media where we’ll link to our favorites! See you soon!