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.

Behind the Design Part 2: From Prototype to Playroom

Behind the Design Part 1: From Spark to Blueprint

Backyard Recess: The Benefits of After School Activities

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 Final 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 design 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.

Backyard Recess: The Benefits of After School Activities

Backyard Recess: The Benefits of After-School Activities After a long day in the classroom, kids need a chance to move, stretch, and recharge. While structured after-school programs are great, sometimes the best post-school activities for kids are the ones that happen right at home in your own backyard! That’s the inspiration behind our Backyard Recess campaign, where families show how they use their playsets and playhouses to transform ordinary afternoons into memorable adventures. Discover the benefits of after-school activities and see how creators like Elizabeth Homen and Courtney Williams are bringing fresh after-school activity ideas to life. How After-School Activities Benefit Your Child After-school activities go beyond just keeping kids occupied; they play an important role in healthy development. Whether climbing, swinging, or diving into imaginative play, children build physical strength, sharpen cognitive skills, and strengthen social connections when they engage in fun, structured activities that challenge and inspire them. Here are some of the key benefits kids gain from after-school activities. Provides physical activity. Movement burns energy, improves coordination, and supports growth. Relieves stress. Gives kids an opportunity to unwind and reset after the structure of the school day. Fosters creativity and imagination. Open-ended play sparks storytelling, problem-solving, and self-expression. Develops social skills. Siblings, friends, and neighbors learn teamwork, sharing, and cooperation. Backyard recess blends these benefits with the convenience of at-home play, so kids can jump right into fun the moment school ends. Elizabeth Homen’s After-School Routine with the Kids For Elizabeth Homen, afternoons are about giving her daughter space to explore and recharge. And the Lantana Lane Playhouse provides the perfect spot for imaginative play, whether her daughter is pretending to cook, plant flowers, or serve a hot beverage. The cozy design of the Lantana Lane Playhouse invites creativity, while the hands-on elements keep little ones engaged, bringing both parents and kids joy once the school day is over. How to Keep Recess Going After the Bell Rings View this post on Instagram A post shared by Elizabeth Homen (@elizabethhomen) Courtney Williams’ Creative Take on After-School Play Courtney Williams takes after-school play outdoors with the Laurel Retreat Swing Set. From climbing and zooming down the slide to relaxing on the swings, her kids of various ages enjoy the mix of movement and freedom they need to shake off the school day. The Laurel Retreat gives her children screen-free structure and a place to unwind and laugh together. It’s also the perfect spot for much-needed downtime while juggling a busy schedule. Easy Back-to-School Routine with KidKraft's Durable Swing Set View this post on Instagram A post shared by Courtney N. Williams (@courtnwilliams) What Families Are Loving About These After-School Setups Across both Elizabeth’s and Courtney’s routines, a few themes stand out: Balance: Kids need both active play and imaginative downtime. Imagination: Whether it’s a playhouse “restaurant” or a pretend castle on the swing set, creativity is at the center of fun. Connection: These spaces create chances for siblings to bond and families to spend time together. After-school play gives kids a space to recharge, grow, and connect. With the right setup, families can create fun and meaningful routines, setting the tone for the rest of the evening. It’s these little daily moments that become the memories kids carry with them. More After-School Activity Ideas to Try Looking for more things to do after school beyond playhouses and swing sets? Here are a few simple, screen-free favorites to spark your child’s imagination: Nature scavenger hunt in the yard or neighborhood Obstacle course using outdoor toys, chalk, and household items Backyard picnic or snack time under the trees Creative crafts with leaves, sticks, or stones Mini sports games, like soccer, basketball, or relay races Sand play with a sandbox or sand table These activities pair perfectly with your existing playset setup, adding variety to your child’s routine. Find the Perfect Playset for At-Home After-School Activities Ready to make your backyard the go-to spot for after-school fun? Our collection of swing sets and playhouses makes it easy to create a space your kids will love coming home to. Explore our swing sets, outdoor playhouses, and other outdoor products to find the perfect fit for your family’s after-school routine. Give your children the gift of a backyard recess they’ll always remember.

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Creating a Functional Montessori Playroom

If you're looking to create a Montessori-inspired playroom for your little one, you may feel overwhelmed by the insanely aesthetic pictures you see on social media … or the price point of some Montessori toys! But no worries – we’ve got some great tips for designing your Montessori playroom without stressing about what you see on social media. Here’s how you can get started! Offer Montessori-style activities and toys Of course, a Montessori playroom should have Montessori-approved activities… but this is where many parents get hung up or discouraged. They may feel like their kids should only play with wooden puzzles or feel like they can’t implement Montessori unless they have the budget for expensive Montessori toys. The truth is plenty of Montessori-inspired activities can be recreated with items you already have in your home! And there are plenty of affordable, Montessori-style toys as well. These tips for doing Montessori on a Budget from Ashely Yeh can get you started without breaking the bank! (Plus, she offers the great reminder that Montessori is far more about respect for your child than it is about the stuff!) Observe your child We know, this tip doesn’t actually have anything to do with setting up a playroom, but observation is an essential part of the Montessori method! When your child plays independently, dedicate some time to watching them without interrupting or influencing their play. Take note of what captures their focus and of what challenges or problems they are interested in solving. Doing so will help you identify the types of toys and activities you should offer. Use natural materials Montessori emphasizes the use of high-quality, natural materials like wood, cotton, and wool. Whenever possible, choose these materials over plastics, but again, don’t stress over this. Limit the number of toys Montessori believed that too many toys could overwhelm a child and hinder their ability to focus and engage in purposeful play. By providing a limited number of toys, children are more likely to use them in a meaningful way, explore them in depth, and develop their creativity and imagination. So rather than filling the playroom with a ton of toys, try to keep it simple and rotate out toys as your child loses interest in them. Encourage creativity In most Montessori classrooms, kids can access art supplies any time they’d like (and they’ve been well-guided in how to clean up after themselves, so the messes are minimal!) You can recreate these art stations in your Montessori playroom by providing open-ended art supplies like modeling dough, paints, and other craft supplies. Incorporate practical life skills Montessori education emphasizes practical life skills, so consider adding things like a child-sized broom and dustpan, a watering can, and other child-sized tools to encourage your child's independence and responsibility.Pro tip: Montessori families often add a wooden play kitchen to encourage practical life skills and imaginative play. Many take it a step further by using the play kitchen as a functional kitchen. This means adding real utensils, plates, cups, and even real food ingredients (like simple snacks children can prepare themselves) to the play kitchen. Of course, you know your child best, so only provide the tools and food you know they can handle safely. Remember, your playroom doesn’t need to look Insta-worthy to be authentically Montessori. The most important thing is to create a space where your child feels and empowered to learn, focus, and play at their own pace!

What is Montessori?

Maybe you’ve driven by a preschool with “Montessori” proudly displayed on the sign. Or maybe aesthetic pictures of low, open shelves with simple wooden toys have started to fill your Instagram feed. Or maybe your mom friends are throwing around terms like “sandpaper letters” and “maximum effort.” However you first come across the Montessori method, it can feel equal parts overwhelming and confusing and enticing and attractive. We’re here to help make sense of the basics of Montessori, so you can get your bearings and decide which parts of the Montessori method might be right for your family. Who was Maria Montessori? Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and educator who lived in the late 19th and early 20th century. After graduating medical school, she became intensely interested in education and pedagogy. She opened her first school for underprivileged children in the impoverished areas of Rome in 1907. The results were astounding – the children learned, progressed, and thrived. It wasn’t long before her method of education drew attention, and Montessori schools began opening across Western Europe and the U.S. within just a few years. The absorbent mind Montessori believed that children under 6 have an “absorbent mind,” learning and soaking in information effortlessly. During this stage, children develop language, are driven to explore, and learn from the environment around them. Her method takes advantage of this stage by presenting those “absorbent minds” with opportunities to direct their own learning. The prepared environment An absorbent mind + a prepared environment = child-led learning as kids explore the work available to them in their environment. Montessori classrooms are filled with “Montessori materials,” different manipulatives that lead children to solve puzzles, increase problem-solving skills, develop fine-motor skills, and learn academic subjects like math, reading, geography, and more. Some popular Montessori-inspired materials for babies and young toddlers include: object permanent boxes where children drop a coin into a slot and eventually learn to retrieve it by opening a drawer ball droppers where children drop small wooden balls into a toy and watch it slide down levels of ramps, teaching them cause and effect the wooden egg-in-a-cup or peg-in-a-cup puzzle for babies simple puzzles with one to three shapes sorting and stacking toys For older, school age and preschool age children materials might include: sandpaper letters for teaching the alphabet through sensory experience a “moveable alphabet” of wooden letters for early practice in spelling and forming words puzzles of the continents or countries manipulatives for teaching counting and other math concepts tracing boards or sand trays to trace letters You’ll also find plenty of “practical life” materials in a Montessori classroom such as child-size cleaning supplies, child-size water pitcher and cups, or low sinks to enable independent hand-washing. Maria Montessori believed that children have an innate appreciation for beauty that should be cultivated and that learning happens best in organized, clutter-free environments. Therefore, Montessori classrooms are usually organized and aesthetic. The toys and materials themselves are usually wooden, beautiful, high-quality and are presented to the children on low, open shelving. The strikingly simple-yet-beautiful aesthetic of Montessori classrooms and homes make for eye-catching social media posts and is likely at least part of the reason Montessori has had a resurgence in popularity recently. The prepared adult Montessori teachers, known as “guides,” are trained in specific methods that allow children to lead their own learning. They are taught to observe the children closely to understand their interests and abilities. They present lessons to the children individually or in small groups when the child shows an interest in a particular subject or material. Above all, they begin from a place of deep respect for the child and their innate ability to learn. Freedom of choice As we’ve already mentioned, children direct their own learning in a Montessori classroom and can choose which materials they want to work with. By letting children explore their own interests, the Montessori method aims to inspire a true love of learning instead of rote memorization for a test. But don’t think that “freedom of choice” means “license to go crazy” – Montessori classrooms and homes still have limits and expectations, and in general, they cultivate a calm environment that lets children focus and explore. Independence One of Maria Montessori’s most quoted lines is “Never help a child with a task at which he believes he can succeed.” Montessori was all about teaching young children to be as independent as possible, and from a surprisingly young age, children in a Montessori environment learn to get dressed, practice personal hygiene, prepare food, and care for the home and the classroom. One way Montessori environments foster this independence is by offering child-sized furniture and tools. In a typical Montessori classroom, you’ll see a wide array of pint-sized objects, including tiny tables, chairs, cleaning supplies, water pitchers, and more. Learning from peers Montessori classrooms have mixed ages, allowing younger kids to learn from the older kids and the older kids to learn as they teach the younger. Typically, classes are divided into 3-6 year olds, 6-9 year olds, and 9-12 year olds. What about Montessori for parents? Now that you’ve got an idea of what a Montessori school is like, you might be wondering, “Why are so many parents crazy about Montessori too?” Because the Montessori method is meant to help the whole child flourish (as opposed to simply teaching them academic subjects), many aspects of Montessori transfer to home life as well. In fact, Maria Montessori wrote pretty extensively about the ideal environment for a child at home, even down to the type of bed a baby sleeps in. (Spoiler: it’s a floor bed… to foster freedom of movement and independence, of course.)So when a parent says that they are a “Montessori” family, they could mean that they are homeschooling their children and using Montessori materials and methodologies. But they could also mean that they are parenting with Montessori philosophies in mind. They might set up their home with child-sized furniture, provide Montessori-inspired toys, and encourage independence in self-care and practical life activities. For a deeper dive into how parents can implement Montessori, we recommend the “Montessori at Home” Youtube series from Montessori parent and educator Ashley Yeh. Further Resources Feeling inspired to dive into all things Montessori? The amount of resources available online can be overwhelming, so we’ve compiled a few below that are all great places to start. All are written or created by long-time trained Montessori guides and parents. Youtube channels: Hapa Family, Ashley Yeh Books The Montessori Baby: A Parent’s Guide to Nurturing Your Baby with Love, Respect, and Understanding, Simone Davies and Junnifa UzodikeThe Montessori Toddler: A Parent’s Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being, Simone DaviesHow to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way, Tim Seldin Blogs The Kavanaugh Report, Nicole KavanaughGuide & Grow, Sylvia Arotin Podcasts: The Montessori Notebook, Simone DaviesShelf Help, Nicole Kavanaugh and Amy Dorsch

Best Vanities for Toddlers

Do your makeup brushes mysteriously disappear from time to time? Have you ever been given a “professional” makeover, courtesy of your toddler? Does your little one flip at the chance to wear a touch of lip gloss? If so, a toddler-sized vanity just might be the coolest. surprise. ever. Cue happy dance. But vanities aren’t just for the budding beauty enthusiasts. They’re also a favorite among Montessori parents who want to empower their kids to get ready independently. Our pint-sized vanities are perfect for both: the posh and the practical. To help you pick the right one for your toddler, here’s a quick breakdown of each of our toddler vanity sets. Princess Vanity & Stool As you could probably guess, the Princess Vanity & Stool comes pretty-in-pink with some serious royal vibes. The three-paneled mirror and drawer for storing makeup and hair supplies make it perfect for mini makeovers or just getting ready for preschool. And the golden crown accents will leave your little one feeling like a real princess! Medium Vanity & Stool The Medium Vanity & Stool comes in white, and is slightly smaller than the princess vanity. The simple, design and smaller profile make this vanity a great choice for anyone who wants to provide a child-sized “getting ready station” for their toddler. The table and drawer can hold all the essentials, including a Montessori-style water bowl, rag, and other hygiene necessities to facilitate independent grooming. And of course, if you just want a cute makeup and hair station, it’s great for all the beauty essentials too! Deluxe Vanity & Chair The Deluxe Vanity & Chair is our largest option, with a full cabinet, shelving, and an actual chair instead of a stool. Ample storage and table space means that this vanity can hold alllll the play makeup and can also function as a desk and homework station! This is also our most gender-neutral option, making it perfect for families who are looking for a Montessori-friendly “getting ready station” or a desk for their little boy. Dress Up Armoire & Vanity/span> Is your beauty junkie also a costume junkie? This armoire-and-vanity-in-one is for you! The mini wardrobe is the perfect place to hang dress up clothes, and the shelves are ideal for costume accessories and more! A mirror, stool, and small shelf sit on the side of the armoire, acting as the vanity.Want more details before you make your choice? You can shop our Vanities & Dress Up Section for more pics and detailed product specs!

10 Sleepover Ideas

As a kid, your first sleepover was a rite of passage. As a grownup, hosting your first sleepover feels like a rite of passage too – make it through this, and you’re officially a super parent! Whether it’s a birthday bash or just babysitting your nieces and nephews for the weekend, these 10 sleepover ideas will help you keep the kids busy and having fun! 1. Build-your-Own Dinners An easy way to make dinner time more fun is a “build-your-own” bar with plenty of toppings or fillings for the kids to choose from. Some kid-friendly classics are tacos and personal pizzas. Bonus points if you have cute child-sized tongs for kids to serve themselves. 2. Indoor S’mores Who says s’mores are only for camping? You can melt those marshmallows indoors in your fireplace, over a gas stove, or in the microwave. It’s a dessert that feels super fun and special for kids but involves very little prep for you. 3. Tents, TeePees, & Forts If you’re doing indoor s’mores, you might as well add to the camping theme with a little indoor camping. Whether it’s a real tent, a play teepee, or a homemade blanket fort, kids love playing inside – plus they double as an extra fun sleeping spot when it’s lights out. 4. Cookie Decorating/span> If s’mores aren’t your thing, try some DIY cookies for dessert instead. Most supermarkets have some type of cookie decorating kit on hand all the time, so you’re not on the hook for baking or mixing icing. You and the kids can get straight to the fun part– decorating! Oh and, of course, eating. What’s not to love about a craft-and-dessert-in-one? 5. Book Club Sleepover Trying to raise a kid who loves reading? Get their friends in on the fun, and host a book club sleepover. Depending on the kids’ ages and reading levels, you can read a short story book when they get there or have everyone read the same chapter book leading up to the sleepover. You can make meals, games, decorations, and fun photo booth props all inspired by the book! 6. T-Shirt/ PillowCase Decorating Something about getting to color on a t-shirt is surprisingly fun for kids. Maybe it’s just the novelty of coloring on fabric instead of paper – whatever it is, it’s always a hit, and it’s a pretty hands-off craft for you. Plain t-shirts and fabric markers are usually relatively inexpensive at craft stores. If you think the kids would appreciate a little inspiration, you can provide some stencils as well and make a model t-shirt to give them ideas. 7. Makeovers/Dress-Up Costumes and makeovers are a sleepover classic! If your kiddos are old enough to handle a little makeup and nail polish, go for it. If not, they’ll still have a blast with dress-up clothes and silly hairstyles. 8. Flashlight Tag Odds are your kids rarely get to play with their friends after dark, so take advantage of it with some backyard flashlight tag. 9. Glow Stick Dance Party For another after-dark game, hand the kids glowsticks after the sun goes down and let them have a dance party in the backyard – or just in the living room! 10. Movie Theatre Night Watching a movie in PJs happens at pretty much every sleepover ever, right? Make it even more fun for the kids by setting up a home “movie theater.” You’ll be the ticket taker/ concession stand worker/ and usher. You can print out pretend tickets ahead of time, give them coins to purchase bags of popcorn and other snacks, and walk them to their seats. Bonus: Reasonable Bedtimes To make sure the night ends on a good note, try to get elementary-age kids to bed no later than two hours after their normal bedtime (and even that might be pushing it for preschoolers). They’ll still feel like they got to stay up late, and they’ll get the rest they need to keep having fun with friends in the morning.

9 Playroom Ideas

We’ve been tagged in enough playroom pics on Instagram to know that it’s possible to have a playroom that’s both functional and beautiful. (Some of you are serious about your playroom decor). But as parents of littles ourselves, we also know that even in the prettiest playrooms, the mess can be a constant battle. We’ve got some tips to help you balance it all and keep your playroom beautiful, fun, and tidy (at least most of the time!) Start with One Toy/Activity per Bin If your goal is to get kids to clean up after themselves more in the playroom, it helps if your toy setup is 1) visible and 2) simple. By visible we mean that toys are displayed in open bins or open shelves, not hidden in organizing cubes. And by simple we mean that there’s only one toy (or set of toys such as a pretend doctor’s kit) per bin or per space on the shelf. This is a principle of Montessori-style toy setups because it helps kids develop more independence in their cleanup. When your child gets an activity out, the empty bin or empty space on the shelf acts as a visual reminder of that toy’s proper place, helping them figure out where it should go when it’s time to clean up. Start a Toy Rotation Too many toys can make even the most carefully decorated playroom descend into chaos in 5 minutes flat. Leaving out just a handful of choices at a time cano help kids focus longer on one activity at a time and keep the room calmer and cleaner. But we know keeping toys under control is easier said than done – especially if you have a slew of high-quality toys that you don’t want to declutter because your kids do play with them! We love toy rotations for this reason! Keep your current selections in the playroom and other toys stored in a closet. Swap them out weekly or as your kids lose interest in the current toys. For a larger-scale toy rotation, you can store toys in a large plastic tote in the attic or garage and rotate them in quarterly or bi-annually.We find that kids are a lot more receptive to the idea than they are to completely saying goodbye to toys. It makes old toys feel like new when they come back into the rotation, and it keeps the playroom organized and happy. Win-win! Organize Bookshelves by Color Organizing books by color is an all-the-rage trend that gives your bookshelf a colorful Insta-worthy aesthetic and helps kids easily put the books back in the right place. Since most kids can’t read the spines but can remember the color of a favorite book’s cover, they’ll have an easier time finding the book they want and putting it right back into the correct color section. Make a Craft Corner Crafts are engaging, fun, and great for creativity and fine motor practice. But craft materials are notoriously messy! A dedicated craft table in your playroom can at least help contain all the glue sticks and glitter, especially if it has built-in storage!Bonus tip: opt for a craft table that can double as a train table or building brick table to keep Legos and trains contained too. Store Stuffies in Seating Nothing takes up playroom space like your child’s stuffed animal collection! To tame the stuffie sprawl, we love larger storage solutions that double as seating like our cozy toy box / bench combos. Add Plants for Color & Responsibility Thanks to their ability to brighten even the tiniest rooms, plants appear on pretty much every list of interior design tips. Plus they give kids a fun chore they’ll actually enjoy doing! Watering their plant daily will give them a sense of responsibility and accomplishment and add a touch of color and cheer to the playroom – just be sure to choose a plant that's resilient and easy to care for! Create a Cozy Reading Space For adults and kids alike, we think good books and a cozy spot to read them are a must! Even if they’re years away from truly reading, creating a positive, fun relationship with books early on will help them become a lifelong reader. We love fun seating options like kids’ book shelves that double as comfy reading nooks. Or for that magic “hideaway” feel, try a kids’ teepee or our Book Nook Tent with Shelves – add a flashlight and favorite snacks to make book time feel extra special! Hang Dress Up Clothes If you have the space, a mini open wardrobe for dress up clothes is a cute, whimsical way to make costumes a part of the playroom decor. Plus, it prevents the littles from dumping an entire bin of dress up clothes onto the floor when they’re looking for the right costume! Add Gross Motor Toys Playrooms are usually all about pretend play and fine motor activities – and that’s great! But adding a few gross motor toys can be a lifesaver for rainy days when kids can’t get out on the playground. Obviously a full swing set isn’t going to fit in your playroom, but some indoor climbing toys and balance toys are the perfect way to help kids get some active play and gross motor practice inside!And for more tips to tame the chaos that kids’ stuff can create, check out our Kids Bedroom Organization ideas.

Best Toys for Preschoolers

When it comes to designing the best toys for preschoolers, we like to take inspiration from experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics who say that the “best toys are those that support warm, verbally rich interactions and quality time for the parent or caregiver and the child” and “toys that grow with the child, encourage exploration and problem-solving, and spark the child’s imagination.” And of course, we like to refer to the real experts as well, preschoolers themselves! As it turns out, they know a thing or two about having fun. The categories of toys listed below cater to both the guidelines of childhood experts and the fun-loving spirit of preschoolers. Dolls, Dollhouses, and Play Sets Dolls are known to help promote empathy and social skills in preschoolers, and they’re perfect for fostering some quality time with parents. Dollhouses can help promote imaginative play even more, giving your child more ways to play with their dolls. Unfortunately, boys often miss out on the benefits of playing with dolls and dollhouses due to social pressures. If that’s the case with your son, you can still foster the same type of play with more “boyish” play sets like our Pirate’s Cove or Everyday Heroes Wooden Playset. Blocks and Building Toys Toys that promote constructive play always get mentioned by childhood development experts. Building with blocks promotes cognitive development, fine motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving. So shout out to the humble block – turns out it’s doing a ton for our kids’ growing brains. As preschoolers master building with simple wooden blocks, they can move on to the more challenging building bricks for more ways to build and create. Craft Materials Building with blocks is just one way to explore your child’s creativity – simple crafts materials offer countless other ways for your child to create. Keeping a stock of basic supplies like construction paper, safety scissors glue sticks, chalk, pipe cleaners, and craft pom poms allows your child to get creative on a whim and get some fine motor practice as they learn to handle the materials. Outdoor Toys Two things most kids could use more of? Time outside and active play! Outdoor toys like swing sets or a simple ball and hoop are perfect for providing both… without requiring you to take a trip to the park. Swinging, sliding, and climbing help build strength and gross motor skills and provide kids with some much-needed physical exertion. Toys that Promote Dramatic Play When kids engage in dramatic play –i.e. playing a part– they practice valuable social and life skills. From playing doctor to running a shop to cooking pretend dinners, dramatic play lets kids practice everyday social interactions, giving them the confidence they’ll need when they face those scenarios IRL. A few words of advice… If these categories seem broad, it’s because, truthfully, a wide variety of toys can be great for preschoolers’ development. Take a back-to-basics approach with your toy shopping, and you can’t go wrong. That means avoiding toys that overstimulate or simply entertain your child (like screens or gimmicky light and sound effects) and instead choosing toys that let kids take the lead in pretending, creating, or moving. If you want more specific recommendations for toys that do just that, check out our Shop by Skill page, where we round up toys that promote five crucial areas of play: Active Play, Cognitive Play, Creative Play, Imaginative Play, and Social Play.

10 Imaginative Play Ideas

It’s tough to overstate the benefits of imaginative play for kids. Regularly engaging in pretend play can help boost kids’ creativity, confidence, vocabulary, social skills, and more. Even though imaginative play comes naturally to kids, it can easily get crowded out of your child’s day by busy schedules, screens, and other forms of entertainment. So the next time your child is having trouble putting down the iPad, try inspiring some imaginative play time with one of these ideas. Running a Restaurant It’s pretty much a fact that kids love serving adults silly pretend foods. Use your child’s play kitchen or some (non-breakable) real dishes to set up a little kitchen and dining area. Order the wackiest things you can think of and watch your little chef scramble to please their customer. Veterinarian’s Office Give all the stuffed animals a checkup, take some x-rays, and maybe even perform a surgery or two (ahem, pretend surgeries – we know scattered stuffing is the last thing you need!) No toy doctor’s kit? Just grab some bandaids, a thermometer, and a few old medicine syringes to help your kiddo play the part. If they love it, you can use the Let’s Pretend Pet Doctor Pop Up to create an immersive vet’s office right in the playroom. Dollhouse Guests Imagine that the dolls have guests coming over and need to get the dollhouse ready. Have fun pretending to clean the place up and leaving special surprises for the guests – add a little drama by pretending the bathtub broke or the fridge is out of food. Pirate Ship Playset The play deck on your swingset makes for a great pirate ship – especially if you grab a frisbee to use as a steering wheel and an empty paper towel roll for a telescope. Go on a pirating adventure, and use the slide or swings to “splash” into the ocean. Shopping Trip Pretend shopping trips are super fun and usually pretty low maintenance on your part. Give your child a basket or wagon to gather items from the house and then check them out as you slide them across the coffee table (bonus points for “boop” noises!) Use an old wallet, pretend money, or old cards to add to their fun. Building with Blocks The simplicity of blocks and building bricks offer a great chance for toddlers to showcase their imagination! A simple stack of blocks becomes everything from a hospital to top secret headquarters. Incorporate a few of their favorite figurine-sized toys to inspire even more imaginative creations. As your little ones think up fun storylines for their toys to act out, they’ll likely build structures to go along. Fort Building Speaking of blanket forts, they’re a surefire way to inspire imaginative play. Kids’ imagination will transform them into everything from a rabbit’s burrow to a witch’s lair. Have fun seeing what your little one comes up with. Playing Preschool Give your preschooler a chance to be the teacher for once by helping them set up a “school” for their favorite toys. You can use tape to mark a spot on the floor for each “student” and give them all a few school supplies like paper and crayons. If your little one has an easel, set it up as the chalkboard – oh, and be sure to take notes during the lesson! Act Out Favorite Shows When your child gets upset that screen time is over (we’ve all been there), use their love of their favorite shows to kickstart an imaginative play session! Sometimes offering to take on the role of some of their favorite characters can lessen the blow. Whether that means acting like talking pups with cool gadgets or pajama-wearing superheroes, your child is sure to have a blast and appreciate your interest in one of their favorite things.While no toy can replace your child’s imagination, providing a few quality toys that promote pretend play can help ensure that they engage in imaginative play every day. From classic wooden dollhouses and play kitchens, to outdoor swing sets to innovative setups like the Let’s Pretend Popups and Ultimate Spaceship, all KidKraft toys are designed to foster your child’s love of imaginative play. Because just like our toys, kids are made for make believe!

Best Play Kitchen Accessories

If you haven’t been served pretend food by your toddler, are you even a toddler parent? Whipping up pretend meals is practically a toddler rite of passage. That’s why play kitchens and pretend food will always be a mainstay toy for toddlers. And while we love their ability to imagine the wackiest entrees (octopus pie with extra sprinkles, anyone?), we know that few play kitchen accessories can help engage and immerse them in pretend play. We’ve rounded up our favs for sparking their culinary creativity and taking their play kitchen to the next level! Tasty Treats Chef Accessory Set Every pretend play scenario is more fun with a costume, right? The chef’s hat, apron, and oven mitts in the tasty treats chef accessory set will have your little feeling like a real chef. Plus, they’ll look *chef’s kiss* adorable. A Coffee Maker Kids love to imitate what they see us do in the kitchen in real life…and if you’re like most parents, that includes starting the morning with coffee. With the Pastel Coffee Set your toddler can brew up their own cup of joe and add in a few sugars and creams until it’s just right – all the fun of a morning coffee ritual minus the caffeine. A Tea Set Maybe tea time is more your toddler’s speed. If so, we bet your little one would love to host tea time with you using the Let’s Pretend: tea time set. This compact little set functions as a full service tea cart, complete with tea cups, cream pitcher, tea pot, tea bags, stirring spoons, and even the faucet and burners to get the kettle boiling. It’s the perfect play kitchen add-on for any family that loves a good cup of tea – or any kid who loves to throw tea parties with their dolls and stuffies! Breakfast Foods You know what they say: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Sets of pretend food usually have a ton of fruits and veggies, but if your little one wants something extra special to go with that tiny mug of coffee, we recommend a few fun breakfast add-ons like our Toaster Set or Fruit Smoothie Set! Baking & Dessert Sets For many kids, helping out with a batch of cookies is their first real kitchen experience. It’s only natural that they’d want to recreate those memories in the play kitchen. It’s why our baking sets are some of our most popular kitchen accessories. With the stand mixer, rolling pin, baking sheets, cookie dough ingredients, and, of course, pretend chocolate chip cookies, they can take the lead and whip up their own batch of cookies! An Ice Cream Shop Setup Nothing turns an ordinary day into the best day quite like a trip to the ice cream shop. We have a feeling your kiddo will love mimicking the simple magic of a trip to the ice cream parlor with the Ice Cream Shop Play Pack. In terms of pretend ice cream toys, this set is the equivalent of a double scoop with extra toppings! In addition to your typical ice cream scoops, it comes with a popsicle stand, trays for brownies, magnetic images to make their own menu, a hanging sign to “advertise” their little business, a cash register insert to check you out, and more! A Complete Cookware Set If your play kitchen doesn’t come with dishes and cookware (or if you just want a few extras), a cookware set is a must. Our 27-piece set covers all the basics your kiddos will need to cook and serve meals from their tiny kitchen, including pots, pans, and a full set of dishes and utensils. Find it in pastels or primary colors. If you prefer the look and durability of metal pots and pans, you can opt for the Deluxe Cookware Set instead.If you’re still looking for the perfect play kitchen too, take a look at our full line of wooden play kitchens. Most come with basic play kitchen accessories to get started. And be sure to check out the Create and Cook Kitchen Set, which comes with all three of our Create & Cook food sets: Avocado Toast, Apple Pie, and Peach Popsicle.