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.

Why You Should Start Holiday Shopping Early This Year

Tiny Worlds, Big Imagination: Why Dollhouses are the Ultimate Holiday Gift

Cooking Up Holiday Magic: Why Play Kitchens Make Perfect Gifts

Why You Should Start Holiday Shopping Early This Year

'Tis almost the season, and holiday magic is just around the corner. If buying gifts seems more like a chore than cheer, here’s a little holiday hack: Start early! Checking off your gift list ahead of time means less stress and more time for cookie baking, tree decorating, and all the giggles that make this season so special. When to Start Christmas Shopping While there’s no single "right" time to start, aiming to begin your Christmas shopping in October or the beginning of November can make a significant difference. Santa’s elves start early and smart gift givers know why. Wait too long and you’ll be battling crowds, scrambling for this year’s must-have toy, and hoping Rudolph himself helps with delivery. Taking your time allows you to head into the season with more mindfulness and intention. The Perks of Early Christmas Shopping Getting your holiday shopping done ahead of schedule comes with several fantastic advantages. From saving money to reducing stress, here are some of the best reasons to start early. Gift With Purpose Getting a jump on your shopping gives you plenty of time to thoughtfully consider what each child on your list would genuinely love. Instead of rushing and picking whatever is available, you can discover gifts that are truly personal and meaningful. This approach makes the gift extra special for the recipient and brings you greater joy as the giver. Enjoy Stress-Free Gifting Imagine a December where your shopping is already complete. You can spend your weekends watching holiday movies or relaxing by the fire instead of navigating crowded stores. Early shopping removes the last-minute rush, allowing you to be more present and enjoy the festive atmosphere. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that all your gifts are wrapped and ready, turning what can be a stressful task into a joyful one. Stick to Your Budget Spreading your holiday spending over several months is much easier on your wallet than trying to fit it all into one or two paychecks. You can take advantage of sales and promotions as they pop up throughout the fall. This allows you to allocate your funds more effectively, avoid impulse buys driven by panic, and prevent the financial strain that can come with last-minute shopping sprees. Get the Best Selection Popular toys and gifts often sell out long before December arrives. Early shoppers can get the first pick of the most sought-after items. You won’t have to worry about your child’s number one wish being out of stock or settling for a second-best option. Having a wider selection means you can find the perfect color, size, and style, ensuring the gift you give is exactly what you envisioned. Avoid Shipping Delays Mailing your packages or having them delivered? As the holidays get closer, shipping carriers become overwhelmed with packages, leading to potential delays. Making pre-peak season purchases gives your gifts plenty of time to get where they need to be. Still not sure it’s time to start? See how Madison Fisher got ahead of the holiday rush. Her KidKraft playhouse is already home, decorated, and ready for Christmas fun. @kylerandmad We’re getting ahead on holiday shopping this year 🎁 The kids are already obsessed with their new @KidKraft playhouse! You can save up to 60% off now with their Pre-Black Friday sale! #KidKraftPartner ♬ original sound - Fishfam How to Start Christmas Shopping Early It’s beginning to look a lot like…shopping season! These easy tips will help you get a head start on your holiday shopping. Make a Detailed Gift List Take a tip from Santa: make a list and check it twice. The first step to successful holiday shopping is knowing what you’re looking for. Create a detailed list of everyone you need to buy for, and next to each name, jot down a few notes, like: Gift ideas: Include items they’ve hinted at or toys that fit their interests. Maybe a dollhouse for little storytellers who love make-believe, or a play kitchen for mini chefs who dream up their own five-star menus. Favorites: Think about what makes them smile—arts and crafts, building blocks, or pretend play. A train set or art table could be perfect for kids who love to create and explore. Ages: Match gifts to their age and skill level. A toddler might love a ride-on toy, while older kids might be ready for competitive games. Must-buys: Don’t forget the special pieces that will become cherished parts of the backyard, like an outdoor playset for backyard adventures or a sandbox for sunny-day fun. Need some inspiration? Browse holiday gift guides to spark ideas and discover new favorites. This list becomes your holiday shopping roadmap. It helps you stay organized and on budget. Plus, it keeps you from overbuying or forgetting someone special. Shop for the Big Gifts First Focus on the most important or largest gifts on your list first. For many families, this means finding the perfect "wow" gift for the kids. Securing these big-ticket items early, like a two-story outdoor playset or an expansive swing set, guarantees you’ll get what you want before it sells out. Once the main presents are taken care of, you can relax and have fun picking out smaller stocking stuffers and other gifts at your leisure. Keep an Eye on New Arrivals and Promotions Many brands release their most exciting new products in the fall, just ahead of the holiday rush. Sign up for newsletters from your favorite stores to stay informed about new arrivals and upcoming sales. Following brands on social media is another great way to get a sneak peek at new items and be the first to know about special promotions. This way, you can snag the latest and greatest gifts while often saving a little money. By planning ahead, you can transform your holiday shopping from a frantic race into a thoughtful and enjoyable experience. You'll not only find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list but also give yourself the gift of a more peaceful and merry holiday season.

8 Thanksgiving Activities for Kids

If we’re being honest, Thanksgiving is definitely an adult’s idea of a holiday: watching football and parades, eating until we’re stuffed, reflecting on gratitude, and sneaking in an afternoon nap. Heaven, right? But with no presents, fireworks or snowball fights, Thanksgiving for kids can be a little underwhelming. Thankfully, all it takes to change that is a little imagination, and we’ve got ideas to make this Thanksgiving memorable and fun for your kids. Here are eight easy activities to get kids in the Thanksgiving spirit and keep them busy and engaged on the big day. Gratitude Box A little box and a few index cards are all you’ll need for this simple yet meaningful activity. Each day leading up to Thanksgiving, have kids name or write one thing they’re thankful for, and then read them together over Thanksgiving dinner. You’re bound to end up with a few silly answers that make for great keepsakes! Add to the fun by letting kids decorate the box. Leaf Rubbing Garlands Leaf rubbing is a classic kid activity that’s educational (hello, vascular system) and nearly free. Place a leaf under a blank piece of paper and have the kids rub over it with a fall-colored crayon until they can see the entire outline of the leaf on the paper. The only downside? It doesn’t last very long. Stretch out the fun by letting kids collect their own leaves in the yard. After they’ve completed their leaf rubbings, they can carefully cut around each one and tape it to a streamer or ribbon. They’ll love hanging up their DIY fall decorations in their room. Thanksgiving Sensory Bins When it comes to simple, engaging play for toddlers, sensory bins are where it’s at. Fill the bins with whatever Thanksgiving-related items you think your child will find interesting to touch, shake or smell. Small pumpkins are cheap and fun to splash in bins of water; spice jars or freezer bags filled with popcorn kernels are great for shaking; and crunchy autumn leaves are always a hit. Sensory bins can get messy, so take this activity outside or keep it tidy in the bins of a kid-sized crafting table. Fine Motor Turkey Feathers With a few tweaks, this one works well for toddlers as well as the older kids in your family. You’ll need some large crafting feathers and styrofoam crafting balls. The fine motor challenge of pushing the feather into the styrofoam will keep younger kiddos engaged while you work on the real turkey. For older kids, throw in a few extra crafting supplies so that they can create a centerpiece-worthy turkey (paint, googly eyes, construction paper for beaks and waddles, and pipe cleaners for feet). If your tiny toddler doesn’t have the strength or dexterity to push feathers into styrofoam yet, swap out the balls for a toilet paper roll. Use a pencil or hole puncher to add holes for the feathers on one end and create your turkey face on the other. Pretend Thanksgiving Cooking Your kitchen will be going full steam Thanksgiving morning, so it’s only natural that the play kitchen will be too. Kids will love mimicking your special Thanksgiving meals, so in addition to their usual pretend cookware and pretend food, set them up with a few extra goodies to make their own pretend Thanksgiving meals. If you have any turkey crafts lying around, repurpose them by putting them in the play oven. Provide a small baking sheet or bowl and some clean veggie scraps for them to add to the “pan.” Throw in the right playdough colors to make pumpkin pie, rolls, and some cranberry sauce, and they can “cook” up their own Thanksgiving spread. Real Thanksgiving Cooking No, we’re not crazy. We know the littles probably aren’t up to basting a turkey, but there are plenty of small tasks they can help with. From rinsing cranberries to measuring French onion straws to stirring green beans, let them get involved however they can—they just might be extra thankful for the dish they helped create. DIY Turkey Placemats The kids’ table will be looking fly this year (pun intended) with this spin on the classic paper plate turkeys. Help kids trace the outline of the plates they’ll use onto a placemat-sized piece of construction paper or poster board. Provide some crafting feathers and a glue stick to let them create a turkey tail around the outline of the plate. Come dinner time, their plate full of turkey will look like a turkey too. Thanksgiving Pictionary When you’re too stuffed to move, a nice game of Pictionary is the perfect post-dinner activity for the family to do together. Write a list of Thanksgiving-themed words (or pictures for pre-readers) and throw them in a hat, tailoring the level of difficulty to your kids’ ages. Set up the kids’ art easel in the living room and have fun.

Gifts to Update Your Toddler's Playtime

As your toddler grows and develops new abilities, incorporating a few new, high-quality toys that match the skills they’re working on is a great way to support their development and keep playtime exciting. (Plus, opting for developmentally appropriate toys means your toddler will actually play with their holiday gifts for months or years to come!) And the holidays are the perfect chance to do just that. Here are a few of the time-tested, toddler-approved toys sure to update playtime. Realistic Play Kitchens for Dramatic Play Unwrap a realistic-looking play kitchen on Christmas morning, and we guarantee your toddler will be whipping up pretend Christmas treats all day long. Play kitchens are great for encouraging practical life skills as well as imaginative and dramatic play. This year you can take advantage of the Holiday bundle with the sweet and simple Uptown Elite, or the spacious Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen. With a variety of sizes, styles, features, and price points, we chose these play kitchens so that everyone could choose one that works for their budget, space, and toddler’s interests. Outdoor Playset for Active Play A new swingset is the ultimate “Wow” present, and it’s a gift that comes with years of benefits like tons of motor skill practice and more time spent getting active outdoors. Kid-Sized Tables for Creative Play Around age 2, toddlers are starting to move beyond the “eating-the-crayons” stage and are getting more interested in actually scribbling and creating. Around age 3, they’ll actually attempt to start drawing shapes and pictures. And at any age, toddlers love playing with sensory activities and other craft materials. Providing them with an ergonomically correct table can help them focus on and feel ownership over types of activities even more as they’re better able to reach their materials and sit comfortably. Plus, they make great setting for tea parties! Dollhouses & Play Sets for Imaginative Play Isn’t there something so classic about an unwrapped dollhouse or train set waiting under the tree on Christmas morning? And even when the holiday decorations are packed away, and the novelty has worn off, dollhouses still get played with as they encourage your toddler to engage in child-led, imaginative play. For a few classic “girly” dollhouses, check out the Celeste Mansion Dollhouse, or the Uptown Dollhouse.For a more gender-neutral option that blends well with chic, minimalist decor, try the So Stylish Mansion Dollhouse in Boho Naturals. Or for boys or girls who don’t want a dollhouse at all, you can offer similar types of fun imaginative play with the Everyday Heroes Wooden Playset or the Waterfall Mountain Train Set & Table.

12 Playhouse Decor Ideas

Playhouses are just too cute to not want to decorate them a little. I mean, who can resist tiny wreaths and picket fences? And the interiors? Tiny furniture? Cozy reading nooks? We’re all about it. Here are some of our favorite playhouse decorating ideas for swoon-worthy playhouses: For the exterior Planter Boxes & Wreaths Tons of our favorite KidKraft playhouse DIYs feature adorable tiny wreaths and planter boxes. They’re an easy, inexpensive way to add a lot of extra cheer to the playhouse. https://www.instagram.com/p/CCJbH8KpbES/ Mailboxes Sure, the mail person isn’t coming to visit, but tiny mailboxes just look so precious – plus, they give you the chance to sneak sweet notes to your kiddos as they play. If your playhouse didn’t come standard with a mailbox, adding a little letterbox like this one is easy. Custom Paint Job If you’re up for a bigger project, a custom paint job can give your playhouse the exact vibe you’re looking for – from storybook cottage to farmhouse to modern. We’ve been so inspired by all of the custom KidKraft playhouse paint jobs we see on Instagram that we made a playhouse just for that purpose: the Modern Outdoor Playhouse in White is the perfect blank slate for whatever color scheme you or your littles can think up. String Lights Now that daylight hours are getting shorter, outdoor twinkle lights are a fun way to add a little magic to evening play. We especially love the look of Edison bulbs for lining the edge of your playhouse. Just be sure to use lights made for the outdoors! Welcome Mat Simple, precious, and practical, adding a welcome mat to your kiddo’s front door is a cute way to keep it clean and welcome friends inside for a playdate. Holiday Decorations If you’re like us, you have a little too much fun decorating for the holidays, and you might have just a few too many decorative pumpkins and snowmen in the attic. So spreading some holiday fun to the playhouse every season is a no brainer. We love these cozy fall decorations on our Hobby Workshop playhouse and these not so spooky Halloween decorations on our Country Vista model. If you do decorate your KidKraft playhouse for fall or Christmas this year, be sure to share and use #kidkraftkids. We’d love to see what you come up with. For the interior With the outside looking inviting and adorable, next comes the question: what do you put in a playhouse? After all, this is where all the magic and make believe really happen! Curtains Decorative and super fun for kids to open and close, curtains effortlessly dress up your little one’s own personal hideout. Café curtains are usually just the right size for playhouse windows. Kid-sized furniture Depending on the size of your playhouse, a piece or two of kid-sized furniture could be a great addition. While you don’t want to overcrowd the space, furniture can add to the realism of the playhouse and help facilitate more imaginative roleplay. Shelves While you might be tempted to fill the shelves yourself, you’ll have more fun seeing what your littles decide to put on them. Some favorite toys, their own artwork, a collection of pinecones or feathers… the possibilities are really endless with kids. Cushions & pillows Even as an adult, cuddling up in a personal getaway with your favorite book sounds amazing, doesn’t it? A few fluffy cushions or pillows can turn the playhouse into a cozy outdoor reading nook. Of course, to avoid mold or mildew, make sure to use outdoor cushions. Rugs Rugs are another playhouse accessory that can up the coziness factor. Again, be sure to go for outdoor rugs to avoid mold and mildew. Outdoor toys & games The playhouse can be an ideal place to store a few outdoor toys. It will (mostly) protect them from the elements, and kids will have easier access to them than if they were stored in a shed or garage. While big toys like basketball hoops will take up too much space, smaller things like miniature golf sets, balls, and gardening or sandbox tools make for fun additions to playhouse time.For more playhouse decorating and accessory ideas, keep up with us on Instagram. Parents are always wowing us with the way their playhouse DIYs, and we’re sure you’ll find plenty of inspiration too.And if you’re still searching for the perfect playhouse to decorate, our quality wooden playhouses have classic, aesthetic designs and “great bones” for any projects you have in mind.

Tiny Worlds, Big Imagination: Why Dollhouses are the Ultimate Holiday Gift

If you're searching for a holiday gift that will truly spark joy and fuel creativity, look no further than dollhouses! Classic wooden dollhouses have been captivating kids’ imaginations for centuries. Why? Other than looking magical underneath the Christmas tree, dollhouses offer endless fun and a ton of developmental benefits. Let’s dive into why dollhouses spark such wonder and how you can find the perfect one for your little one this holiday season! The Allure of Dollhouses: Why Dollhouses Make the Ultimate Holiday Gift Kids have a natural desire to act out everyday life through pretend play, and dollhouses provide the perfect opportunity to do just that! As the dolls wake up, do chores, and “interact” with each other, kids get a chance to make sense of the daily routines and interactions they have in real life. And of course, kids don’t stop with “real life” pretend play. They love to get creative and come up with some seriously wacky scenarios and magical adventures. All that pretend play has major developmental benefits, boosting creativity, social skills, empathy, and storytelling skills.Finally, dollhouses are a slow-paced, imagination-powered toy in an age where kids are inundated with screens and stimulation. Dollhouses provide a chance to engage in meaningful, child-led play, offering a soothing escape from the hustle and bustle of the digital age. Exploring Enchanting Dollhouses: Finding the Perfect One for Your Child With so many options available, finding the perfect dollhouse for your kiddo might feel overwhelming. To narrow your choices down, consider their interests, personal style, and the worlds they dream of exploring. Whether it's a treehouse or a grand dollhouse mansion, there's a dollhouse waiting to bring their dreams to life this holiday season!Let's take a closer look at some of our most popular KidKraft dollhouses, so you can find one that sounds just right for your child!Hamptons Mansion & Pool House Dollhouse: Where nature meets imaginationDiscover the ultimate holiday gift for sparking boundless imagination: the KidKraft Hamptons Mansion & Pool House Dollhouse. Standing at over 4 feet tall, this luxurious wooden dollhouse offers endless play possibilities. With a garage, penthouse, dining room, kitchen, living room, spa bathroom, and top-floor bedroom suite, it's a dream home come to life. Outdoors, a pergola, grill, and built-in pool await. So Stylish Mansion Dollhouse: Simple, chic, and openThe natural wood finish and open-air design of the So Stylish Mansion Dollhouse offer a pleasing aesthetic that looks just as good in your living room as it does in a playroom! Kids love that they can play on all four sides of this large dollhouse, creating tons of room for friends and siblings to play together.Majestic Mansion DollhouseAt four and a half feet tall, the KidKraft Majestic Mansion is spacious enough for even the biggest imaginations! With four levels and eight rooms to decorate and explore, there's plenty of space for kids to play together with all their favorite dolls. Interactive features include garage doors that open and close and a gliding elevator. Holiday Magic in Miniature: Shop Dollhouses for Every Imagination! Choose from our favorites for this holiday season above, or browse our full line of KidKraft dollhouses. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to create big smiles and hours of play on Christmas day!

Cooking Up Holiday Magic: Why Play Kitchens Make Perfect Gifts

'Tis the season to be jolly, and oh, the excitement is bubbling like a pot of hot cocoa on a frosty winter morning! Picture this: twinkling lights adorning every house, the scent of gingerbread cookies wafting through the air, and a blanket of snow turning the world into a glistening wonderland. But the true magic of the holiday season? It's the look of sheer delight on a child's face as they unwrap the perfect Christmas gift on that magical morning.Parents, brace yourselves for a festive adventure as you embark on a quest to find the ultimate present that will light up your little one's world. And if you're yearning for a gift that will set their imaginations on fire, stoke the fires of learning, and ensure endless hours of joy, then gather 'round, because we've got just the ticket: a pretend play kitchen!Imagine the scene on Christmas morning: your child's eyes, wide as saucers, reflecting the glow of the twinkling tree lights, their heart racing in anticipation of what's hidden beneath the wrapping paper. With a flourish, they tear away the festive wrapping, revealing a pretend play kitchen that's so vibrant it practically sings with holiday cheer.The possibilities are endless as they dive headfirst into a world of make-believe culinary adventures. They'll concoct whimsical dishes, brew imaginary potions, and host tea parties for their favorite stuffed animals. As they stir, sizzle, and serve, they're not just playing; they're learning essential life skills, all while having a blast.But how do you choose the perfect pretend play kitchen to make this holiday truly special? Let's explore your options and the incredible benefits these magical playsets can offer. The Appeal of Play Kitchens The appeal to kids is pretty obvious – but why should parents put a play kitchen on their holiday wishlist too? Nurturing Creativity Play kitchens are fertile ground for imaginative play. Kids can concoct make-believe dishes, host pretend tea parties, and act out scenarios from home life and restaurants! Role-playing and Social Skills Enhancement Through role-playing in their mini culinary worlds, kids develop essential social skills. They learn cooperation, communication, and negotiation as they play with friends and siblings, fostering relationships and making memories in the process! Encouraging an Interest in Cooking and Food Kids mimic what they see, and by pretending to cook, they become curious about what happens in a real kitchen. This interest can later translate into valuable life skills and a love for healthy, homemade meals. Choosing the Perfect Play Kitchen So how do you find the best play kitchen for your child? Try to choose one based on their interests and your space and style! Are they pizza fanatics? We’ve got just the thing! Are they most engaged by realistic toys? A kitchen with realistic lights and sound effects is sure to be a hit! These are some of our favorite picks for this holiday season: Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen with Lights & Sounds This corner play kitchen has all the beeps, glows, and dings of a real kitchen – without the mess! Retro Cool Play Kitchen Curvy corners, turquoise appliances, and gold details make for some seriously cool retro vibes. 3-Piece Play Kitchen Set With separate pieces for the refrigerator/freezer, oven/stove, and sink/washing machine, this play kitchen lets you customize the setup for your space! Gift the Magic of Cooking: Shop KidKraft Play Kitchens Now! Cook up some holiday magic in your home, and choose from one of our favorites above, or browse our full line of KidKraft play kitchens!

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Best Toddler Playsets

We might be known for our play kitchens, dollhouses, and swing sets… but we like to think that play sets are one of the things we do best. We love playsets for their ability to appeal to kids with all types of interests. They’re the perfect dollhouse alternative for kids who don’t want an actual dollhouse but love pretend play. So whether your little ones are into cute-cuddly-animals, fire trucks, or aliens, we’ve got a playset that will spark their interest and foster imaginative play. We’re highlighting our favorites to help you quickly find one that’s perfect for your budget and your kiddo! For Toddlers Who Love Astronauts & Outer Space Rocket Ship Playset $89.99 Astronauts, aliens, and robots team up (or fight against each other!) in this multi-level rocket ship. A working crane, removable top, and tubs of “radioactive” waste make for a harrowing and interactive outer space experience. Ultimate Spaceship Get ready to go warp speed ahead on your next imaginative adventure with the KidKraft Ultimate Spaceship. This immersive experience allows kids to make believe in a spacecraft bursting with out-of-this-world innovation. Lights, sounds, a projecting galaxy map and rocking motion create an exciting atmosphere ready to be explored. For Toddlers who Love Animals Have a little naturalist or aspiring equestrian on your hands? These are the playsets for them! Sweet Meadow Horse Stable or Grand Horse Stable & Dollhouse with EZ Kraft Assembly™ These horse stables feature stalls, grooming rooms, outdoor areas, and jumping hurdles… everything horse-loving kiddoes need to spoil their toy horses! The Sweet Meadow is sized for larger horse toys (like the size a Barbie would ride). Safari 2-in-1 Ride and Play with EZ Kraft Assembly™ Part riding toy, part African Safari set, this playset is a must for kids who love the zoo or nature shows!For more details on these playsets and more ideas for animal lovers, check out our Gift Ideas for Toddlers who Love Animals! For Toddlers Who Love Pirates Is it just us, or do most toddler TV shows eventually have a pirate episode? If your little one can’t get enough of those scalliwags, we made these playsets with them in mind! Pirate’s Cove Playset Think dollhouse but pirate-themed! A rope ladder, jail cell, cannons, crane, and more make the four-level hideout a favorite with all little pirates. And of course, a pirate’s not a pirate without a ship – this one is made to last with wood construction and fabric sails. Adventure Bound™: Pirate Ship This playset skips the pirate hideout but makes the ship even cooler! It opens so kids can have the included pirate toys explore inside the ship as well as on the deck. For Toddlers Who Love Cars Drive. Race. Wash. Repeat… we’ve got your car lovers covered. Wash n Go Wooden Car Garage Three levels of twists and turns and a helipad make this the coolest car wash you’ve ever seen! Mega Ramp Racing Set The elevator and spiral ramp are pretty cool… but the real wow factor of this playset is the racing ramp that launches cars into a daring jump! For Toddlers Who Love all Things Firefighter & Police If your little ones love the flashing lights and sirens of firetrucks, police cars, and ambulances, one of these playsets is bound the be a hit! Everyday Heroes Play Set A helicopter, cool police motorcycle, firetruck, and some trusty canine helpers – oh and a pole for sliding down the firehouse! This set has everything kids love about firefighters and cops! Fire Station Set $109.99 A smaller version of the Hometown Heroes set, this one focuses exclusively on the fire station. Deluxe Fire Rescue Set Another multi-level fire station complete with a sliding pole…but this one comes with a few extra features like an ambulance and space for the fire fighters to play basketball or work out!If you want more details on the playsets we mentioned or need to browse a little more before you decide, you can check out all of our playsets here!

How Wooden Blocks Promote Child Development

Sometimes, it’s the simple things that make the biggest impact – and that’s definitely true when it comes to classic toys like wooden blocks. Blocks are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (and nearly every other similar organization) as a great toy to promote healthy child development. But how do these simple toys do so much? Here are a few of the ways blocks help kids develop and thrive! Sensory Play When we think sensory play, bins of colorful rice and squishy sensory bags are probably the first things to come to mind. But for babies, sensory play can be even simpler. After all, nearly everything is new to them, so any new material, texture, temperature, or sound truly fascinates them! While infants may not be stacking blocks just yet, they are learning and playing as they explore blocks’ differing textures, shapes, and weights. They also make great auditory sensory play objects as babies tap, bang, and clap them together. Fine Motor Skills One of the most well-known benefits of blocks are the fine motor skills that are developed as toddlers learn to stack and balance blocks. In addition to developing careful grips and lining blocks up on top of one another, they also get practice with the pressure and speed they use to add new blocks to the tower. Too hard or fast, and they’ll cause the others to tumble! These fine motor skills are the same that will eventually allow them to set a cup down gently on the table without spilling or learn to gently pet the family dog. Cognitive Development A child’s ability to stack blocks always shows up on lists of cognitive developmental milestones. Why? Learning to stack and build encourages problem-solving skills. As toddlers rebuild towers over and over, they begin to learn what makes them crash and what makes them more stable. By age 2, experts expect children to be able to stack 4 or more blocks and 6 or more by age 3. Mastering these simple towers means they’ve likely developed many of the fine motor and problem-solving skills expected for their age. Open-ended Pretend Play Symbolic play is another developmental milestone that often emerges between 18 months and 2 years of age when toddlers begin to use one object to represent another. A common example is pretending that a toy block is a car. While any type of object can be used in symbolic play, open-ended toys like blocks are great for encouraging pretend play. Because they are simple, children are often more willing to use them to represent other objects. Positive Parent-Child Interactions According to the AAP, “A toy’s most important attribute is its capacity to bring the parent or caregiver and the child together in playful interactions that are warm and full of rich language.” Blocks are a great toy for fostering these interactions, so take advantage of opportunities to play and chat together as your toddler pours out the blocks. You can talk about the colors and shapes, about how to make that wobbly tower a little more steady, or about the castle you're building together. A Toy that Grows with Them Some toys have a longer lifespan than others – while rattles and crinkle books may be baby favorites, they won’t hold toddlers’ and preschoolers’ attention. Blocks, on the other hand, can stay in the toy rotation for years as they always present new challenges! Babies love them for sensory exploration. Toddlers are drawn to the fine motor and cognitive challenge of stacking blocks. And preschoolers begin to create more complex structures and use them in pretend play. So whether you have a babbling 6-month old or a precocious 3-year old, if you ask us, a set of blocks is a must have! Our 60-piece wooden block sets are a great place to start, providing a variety of shapes to let your little one explore, experiment, and create!

Play Kitchens Roundup: Our Best Play Kitchens for 2023

Play kitchens are always a fan favorite with little chefs. Between the adorable and durable designs and fun play features, these play kitchens are some of our favorites and are sure to be a hit with parents and kids alike. Modern Metallics Farmhouse Play Kitchen The Modern Metallics Farmhouse Play Kitchen is a favorite with parents thanks to its ability to blend with almost any decorating style. If you love modern clean lines, you’ll love the minimalist design. If you prefer a more rustic, cottage core aesthetic, you’ll love the natural wood finishes and charming vegetable planters.More importantly, kids love this play kitchen too – but more for the fun features than the great design. The choppable veggie toys and planters let them grow, harvest, slice, and cook from their own little garden, and they love writing or drawing the daily specials on the included chalkboard. Metallic cookware and the light and sound effects on the faucet and stove make play time feel even more realistic and “grown up.” Create & Cook Kitchen Set If you want a play kitchen that comes with everything your kiddo needs to get cooking right away, the Create & Cook Kitchen Set is for you. In addition to the adorable, vintage-inspired play kitchen, you get 56 accessories, including cookware, ice cream scoops and cones, and choppable fruits and veggies. Best of all, this set includes three of our most popular and creative food sets: avocado toast, apple pie, and peach popsicles. Let’s Cook Wooden Play Kitchen + 21 Accessories The Let’s Cook Wooden Play Kitchen and Accessories is another combo that comes with fun accessories to let kids get creative and start playing as soon as they open it. With realistic features like a light-up stove and sound effects as well as 21 interactive accessories, it’s a great bang for your buck. Slicing and dicing carrots in the cutting board is always a kid favorite. Then, they can add it to a pot for soup or sizzle up some eggs for breakfast. The Let’s Cook Kitchen is also a favorite for parents who need a smaller play kitchen to fit in their space but don’t want to skip out on the fun features that come with deluxe play kitchens. Pizzeria & Delivery Food Stand For a fun twist on your usual play kitchen, the Pizzeria & Delivery Food Stand takes your little one out of the home kitchen and into the bustling restaurant life! Your little pizza chef can take orders, craft the perfect pizza, ring up your total, and serve the final product to their happy customers. The working conveyor belt lets your little one run their own pizza assembly line, so they can add toppings in record time. When it’s time to bake, they’ll finish the pie off in the magic broiler oven that changes the color of the pizza and beeps when done. Want your pizza to go? We’re sure they won’t mind packing it up in the to-go boxes and tote bag and delivering orders. Minnie Mouse Bakery & Café The Minnie Mouse Bakery & Café is another fun spin on typical play kitchen and is perfect for the Minnie Mouse-lover in your life (or any kid with a sweet tooth!) This little kitchen is all about the sweet treats and comes with interactive cookie cutters, baking mixes, cupcakes, and rolling pin. Best of all, they get to bake with Minnie herself as she holds up the recipe cards for them to follow. With its small dimensions, this kitchen is also a great option for anyone who needs their play kitchen to fit in a tight space. Want to see more options before you decide? You can browse KidKraft’s entire line of wooden play kitchens.

Best Gifts for Toddlers Who Love Animals

Have a tiny animal lover in your life? Boy, have we got some gift ideas for you! KidKraft animal toys are made with toddlers and preschoolers’ developmental needs in mind. These interactive animals toys are geared toward child-led play, so your little one can build, pretend, and role play at their own speed with their favorite animal pals! Safari 2-in-1 Ride & Play This transforming toy is another great way to bring the animals of the African savanna to your toddler’s play room! Kids can scoot around the house on the safari vehicle and then open it up to reveal full safari landscape and play set inside. This set comes with all their favorite African animals plus a safari guide and small safari truck for him to ride in! Farm Train Set Maybe it’s because of the “Old McDonald” song. Maybe it’s because we always ask them to make their best “moo” or “neigh” noises. Whatever it is, there’s no double that toddlers love farm animals! The farm train set give them two types of toys in one – a train set to build with and farm set to pretend with. A horse, chicken, cow, duck, pig, and farmers make up the cast of characters in this barnyard adventure waiting to happen! Sweet Meadow Horse Stable Shopping for a budding equestrian this year? They’ll gush over the Sweet Meadow Horse Stable. Designed for medium-sized horse toys (think the size a Barbie could ride), this stable setup lets your little one act out a real horse care routine, from feeding in the stalls, grazing in the paddock, or practicing show jumps over hurdles. Grand Horse Stable & Dollhouse with EZ Kraft Assembly™ Standing at almost five feet tall, the KidKraft Grand Horse Stable Dollhouse will have the “neigh”-bors galloping with envy. This 2-in-1 play pattern features a four-story mansion with expansive rooms, walk-through doors and see-through windows plus a connected two-story barn, complete with resident horse. A spinning weathervane tops the structure that includes a room for a live-in groomer or trainer to stay. Need gift ideas for other kids? Get super fun suggestions in our Shop by Age and Shop by Skill pages.

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

Benefits of Sensory Play

If you’re a toddler or preschool parent, you’ve probably seen the #sensoryplay tag on your feed at least a few times… usually accompanied by a bin of dyed rice and small toys. And while cute, themed sensory bins may be a fad, sensory play certainly isn’t! It’s a critical part of early childhood with huge development benefits, and it goes far beyond sensory bins. Here’s what you should know about sensory play and why it matters! What is Sensory Play? As you could probably guess, sensory play is play that engages the senses. Of course, that includes the big five – sight, touch, taste, sound, and smell – but it also includes our sense of balance and location (more on that later). Many sensory play activities focus on touch, encouraging kids to explore different materials and textures through good ol’ messy play (i.e. sensory bins, play foam, slime, etc.). But anything that engages the senses and your child’s attention and focus can count as sensory play. So when your toddler helps you cook and comments on the smells and sounds of food in the pan, they’re getting a great sensory play session too! Playing with scented bubbles in the bathtub, shaking maracas, and having fun taste testing new foods are all examples of sensory play too. Sensory Play for the Proprioceptive and Vestibular System Sensory play extends even beyond the five senses to our less commonly-known senses: proprioception and equilibrioception. Our proprioceptive system is responsible for our sense of place in a given space. It’s how we can feel where we are in relation to other things, even when our eyes are closed. Our vestibular system is responsible for our equilibrioception, or sense of balance. Activities that engage these systems like swinging, balancing, climbing, spinning, and walking backwards can all be considered sensory play as well! Why is Sensory Play Important? Supports Cognitive Development Sensory play actually helps develop the neural pathways (i.e. nerve connections) in babies and toddlers’ brains! The rich sensory inputs and problem-solving challenges that come with sensory play help support healthy cognitive development, laying the foundation for future learning. Our collection of cognitive play toys encourages this development. Refines Motor Skills Many sensory play opportunities also include fine or gross motor practice. Things like pouring items in a sensory bin or rolling out playdough build fine motor skills, while activities swinging and balancing refine their gross motor skills. Encourages Exploration and Curiosity By providing rich sensory experiences for your toddler, you help them discover the world around them. When they get a chance to explore new sensory experiences, their curiosity and natural drive to experiment and problem solve are sure to take over. Enhances Learning and Memory Kids, and adults for that matter, learn more effectively when multiple senses are engaged. This is why so many preschool and elementary teachers try to combine sensory play with learning activities. Activities like tracing letters in shaving cream or using hand motions and songs to learn new concepts are just a few examples of how sensory play can make academic learning easier and more fun for kids. Feeling inspired to incorporate more sensory play into your toddlers’ life? Check out our Sensory Play Ideas for Toddlers to get started!

Sensory Play Activities for Toddlers

No time to dye rice and make fancy sensory bins? No problem. While Instaworthy sensory bins with elaborate themes might be all the rage on social media, there are so many other ways to provide your toddler with sensory play opportunities. In fact, our favorite sensory play ideas require very little prep! Here are some simple, fun sensory activities for toddlers that come together in five minutes or less! Food! If your eighteen-month-old seems more interested in smushing sweet potatoes than eating them, don’t worry. That time in the high chair actually counts as sensory play! For one thing, meal times let your toddler safely explore new tastes, something that’s tough to do with most play materials. But it’s more than just taste! The smell, temperature, texture, and even sounds of all their favorite (and not-so-favorite) foods provide rich sensory experiences that help their growing brains…even if nothing actually ends up in their stomachs. Play Dough Play dough is a great way to combine sensory play with constructive and creative play, allowing your toddler to squish, feel, and mush as they create and build. Crafts Between squishy fingerpaint, sticky glue, fuzzy pipe cleaners, and more, craft materials provide a wide variety of sensory experiences – not to mention plenty of fine motor practice too! Keep a variety of materials on hand and create a mess-friendly craft space. Easels or dedicated craft tables can help keep the mess contained while still giving them a space to explore! Sound Shakers & Musical Instruments Old spice jars and other small containers make great shakers for little hands! Add different materials like dried rice, beans, marbles, or craft supplies so your toddler can explore the different sounds each object makes. To avoid messes and choking hazards, be sure the lids are on securely and hot glue them closed if necessary!When your toddler gets bored with homemade sound shakers, you can graduate to musical instrument toys for more advanced sound play! Chickpea Playfoam Did you know that the liquid from a can of chickpeas can be whipped into a foam that’s perfect for sensory play? Next time you crack open a can, save the liquid, add food coloring if desired, and let your toddler help you whip it with your electric mixer. In a few minutes, you’ll have a taste-safe foam for squishing, splashing, and playing. Sandboxes We like to think of sandboxes as the original sensory bin! And unlike a plastic bin of colored rice in your kitchen, they keep the mess outside! They’re also more versatile as your toddler can dig, bury, and build with sand in ways they can’t with an indoor sensory bin. Consider adding a sandbox and a few gardening tools to your backyard play setup, so that you have a zero-prep sensory bin ready to go at all times! Ice Play Set out a few bowls with water of varying temperatures (none too hot, of course!), a bowl of ice cubes, and a few kitchen tools like spoons, measuring cups, and tongs. The slippery ice and stark differences in temperature provide tons of fun sensory input. Plus, your toddler will love transferring ice with the different tools, and you’ll love the fine motor practice they get along the way! For a simpler version, simply provide a bowl of ice at their next bath! They can play with a few at a time so the cubes don’t all melt at once. Balance, Climbing, & Swinging While we usually think of sight, taste, touch, sound, and smell when we think of sensory play, play that develops your child’s vestibular system actually counts as sensory play as well! The vestibular system is responsible for our sense of our bodies in space. It’s how we keep our balance and sense where we are even when our eyes are closed. Balance beams, swings, and climbing materials are all great for vestibular development! For equipment-free activities, play games where you and your toddler spin around, balance on one foot, or find an object while blind-folded.Looking for simple toys to support sensory play and other types of developmental play? Check out our new Shop-by-Skill section where you can filter for toys by active play, cognitive play, imaginative and creative play, and social play!

How to Support STEM Through Play

Setting our kids up to love learning starts with play – and the STEM subjects are no exception! Even in the toddler years, play helps lay the foundation for early STEM skills and sparks interest in STEM subjects. What Is STEM? STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. STEM in early education often focuses on laying strong foundations in math and science. That part feels pretty self-explanatory to most of us since science and math are basic elementary school subjects that we took as kids too. But the “technology and engineering” part gets a little more confusing to many of us. Those subjects can feel very advanced and foreign to us, leaving us wondering if our preschool kids need to be working with robot kits or building model bridges to get a full STEM education.In reality, toddler and preschoolers get the technology/ engineering component of STEM anytime they’re flexing their creativity and problem-solving muscles. So while those advanced building kits are great for older kids, for toddlers and preschoolers technology/ engineering activities look more like building with bricks or constructing toy train tracks. Toddler STEM Activities and Toys From messy science experiments to block tower masterpieces, these activities support STEM skills, but to your kiddos, they just feel like play! Ramps Playing with ramps is a great way to introduce early physics concepts and experimentation to your kiddos. This can be as simple as propping a cardboard box up against your couch. Roll different balls and other objects down it and encourage your toddler to experiment. Race objects to see which are the fastest, which go the farthest, and what happens when you adjust the incline of the ramp! Magic Milk Magic milk is a classic toddler science activity. They love the swirling colors, and you can introduce some early science concepts as you explain how the soap and fat molecules interact! All you need is need whole milk, dish soap, and some food coloring. Get the details on the science here! Nature Play Getting kids in the great outdoors is a great way to spark an interest in science. You can start conversations and get first-hand experience on so many science-related subjects like the weather, ecosystems, animals, plants, seasons, and more! Get outside, observe what your child is interested in, and explore it together! You can enhance their learning with simple activities like these: Leaf rubbings - Help your child notice the vascular system of leafs and explain what leafs do for plants! Bird/ animal watching - Learn about the different species in your areas and observe and explain behaviors like foraging, nest building, defending territory, etc. Nature scavenger hunts - Help them slow down and notice the little things as you search for items around the park like pine cones, an ant hill, clovers, flowers, etc. This is great for introducing a ton of science-related vocabulary! Fizzy Paint Fizzy paint combines art, sensory play, and science into one fun, kid-approved activity! It lasts a bit longer than your typical baking-soda-and-vinegar activity since the kids interact with the materials more. And as they paint, they’ll also be learning about chemical reactions! Counting Frames Counting frames, also called five frames or ten frames, are a great way to help toddlers understand the concept of numbers rather than just memorizing the order of numbers. Simply make a grid of five to ten squares with painters tape on the floor and gather up a few items to count! Check out the Busy Toddler for ideas to make your counting frames fun! Building Toys Building toys like blocks, train sets, and magnetic tiles are great for fine motor skills, problem solving, and creative thinking! They’re the perfect toddler toy for the “engineering” side of stem! If your toddler is getting bored with plain wooden blocks, they might be ready for more interactive or challenges building materials. Our wooden train sets and building brick activity tables can help make building one of your toddler’s favorite ways to play, making it easy for you to incorporate STEM into their daily lives!