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.
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How to Develop Motor Skills in Toddlers
The toddler years are a time of rapid growth in kids’ cognitive and physical abilities. Within a few years, those once-wobbly toddlers have the motor skills necessary to run, jump, get dressed, feed themselves, and more! There’s plenty of things you can do to support your toddler’s motor skill development, and fortunately they’re all as simple as playing and performing everyday tasks together! What are toddler fine motor skills? Fine motor skills refer to the development of strength and coordination in small muscle groups, usually in the hands and fingers. Kids work continually throughout their toddler years to develop the dexterity and strength they’ll need for everyday fine motor tasks like writing with a pencil, buttoning buttons, and opening jars.Fine motor development also happens in the muscles around the mouth and the tongue as kids learn to do things like drink from cups and straws and pronounce certain sounds. How to develop fine motor skills in toddlers Observe a toddler for a few hours, and you’ll notice that they’re driven to develop their fine motor skills all on their own! These little explorers have a natural desire to handle new objects, figure out how they work, and master tasks they see adults performing. Helping your toddler develop their fine motor skills can be as easy as providing a few simple toys and activities. Here are some activities you can offer immediately with materials you probably already have: wooden blocks and building with building bricks Clapping and performing motions to simple songsOpening an closing different types of containers with lidsPlaying with shape sortersColoring with pencils and crayonsDigging and building with play sand, writing on vertical surfaces like chalkboards, whiteboards, and easels (This helps kids develop shoulder stability and the correct pencil grasp).Using craft supplies like glue sticks and safety scissorsPracticing with forks, spoons, and open cups at meal timesPouring from small pitchersPlaying with play dough, especially with tools like rolling pins and cuttersPracticing everyday tasks like brushing teeth, combing hair, and getting dressed What are toddler gross motor skills? Gross motor skills refer to the development of strength and coordination in large muscle groups needed for balance, walking, running, climbing, lifting, jumping, etc. How to develop gross motor skills in toddlers Just as toddlers naturally gravitate toward fine motor activities, they definitely have a natural instinct to explore gross-motor-building activities as well! Just ask any parent who’s ever tried to stop a toddler from climbing the furniture or jumping on the bed! You can help support your toddler’s gross motor development by offering toys and activities that let them move and get active (and you just might save your couch cushions in the process!). Here are some ideas to help them burn some of that toddler energy and boost their gross motor skills: Take trips to parks and playgrounds Install outdoor toys like swing sets and climbers Ride balance bikes or training bikes Play catch with balls Play chase and other running activities Offer chances to lift, push, and move heavier objects (i.e. moving laundry baskets, arranging garden stones, or carrying buckets of water) Spend time outdoors where kids have room to run, jump, and play! Overall, there’s no need to stress about developing your toddler’s motor skills. Their own desire to play will help them develop both fine and gross motor skills all on their own! You can support them by providing simple toys and activities and limiting screen time, which can distract them from the motor-skill-building play they need. Still, if you’re worried that your child isn’t reaching their Developmental Milestones, always ask their pediatrician about your concerns!
7 DIY Sandbox Ideas for Creative Play
7 DIY Sandbox Ideas for Creative Play Sandboxes are a summer play staple. They let kids get imaginative and a little messy outdoors while providing numerous benefits in the process! Get the most out of your sandbox this summer with these easy backyard DIY sandbox ideas for creative play. 1. Fossil Dig First, have kids create their own “fossils” indoors. Use a few small, plastic animal toys to create imprints in modeling clay. Let the clay dry completely; then, bury their fossils in the sandbox. Provide your little paleontologists with some small shovels and sieves for their search. They’ll also love dusting off their finds with paintbrushes! 2. Sandbox Volcano Take the classic baking soda volcano outside for even more fun. Give the kids some water and have them construct a volcano shape in the sandbox (be sure to leave a hole on top and some space in the middle). Then, pour in the baking soda, followed by colored vinegar, to create a volcano explosion! 3. Ice Fun Ice cubes in the sand box—simple yet surprisingly entertaining! Kids will love seeing how the sand sticks to the ice and watching the ice slowly melt as they play! 4. Colorful Sand It’s easy to DIY your own colorful sand! You’ll just need some food dye, water and gallon zipper bags. Mix a few drops of food coloring with two cups of water in the bag. Add sand and shake! Once the sand has absorbed the colored water, you can let it dry in the sun or just add it back into the sandbox wet and start playing! 5. Sand Letters Finger drawing letters in a medium such as sand or shaving cream is a classic preschool activity. It’s much easier for toddlers and young preschoolers to start “writing” with their fingers since they still lack the fine motor skills to control a pencil well enough to write. By practicing writing in the sand, they can still build familiarity with the shape and significance of letters, giving them an edge when they’re ready to write for real. Simply provide some printouts of letters for them to trace or copy as they play in the sandbox. Older kids can practice spelling short words. 6. Construction Site Sandbox If your little one has some construction toys, put them to use scooping and pouring real sand. Let them find some pebbles, rocks, sticks and other “rubble” to remove from the construction site with their toys. 7. Sensory Sandbox Sandboxes are already a great form of sensory play, especially when you add extra tools that let kids dig, sieve, scoop, pour and build. Increase the fun by adding some of your go-to sensory bin fillers for the kids to search for in the sand. Just be sure to choose objects that won’t spoil or mold if they get left in the sandbox. Still looking for the perfect sandbox for your backyard? KidKraft’s wooden sandboxes are cute, sturdy and big enough for some major digging adventures! Once you have your sandbox, determine how much sand you need for your sandbox and the best way to keep your sandbox clean. DIY Sandbox FAQ Looking to take the DIY route and build a sandbox? The below FAQs will help you get started. How to build a sandbox? When making a DIY sandbox, choose a level spot, then use wooden boards (like 2’ x 6’ or 2’ x 8’ lumber) to frame it and secure the corners with screws or brackets. Line the bottom with landscape fabric for drainage, fill it with play sand, and consider adding a cover to keep debris and animals out. How do I find sandbox plans? You can find sandbox plans online by searching DIY websites, Pinterest, or home improvement stores. Look for free printable plans or video tutorials that match your space, budget and skill level.
The Benefits of Wooden Toys
Stroll through any toy aisle, and as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says, you’ll find yourself “inundated with all kinds of sensory-stimulating noise and light toys.” With all the flash of electronic toys, it’s easy to overlook the simpler choices. But classics like wooden toys boast clear benefits that continue to make them a great choice for kids and parents alike. Here are a few reasons we make wooden toys a priority here at KidKraft: They’re Not Overstimulating Toys with sound effects and flashing lights will definitely grab your toddlers’ attention – but maybe not in the best way. These types of toys are entertaining for a moment but can cause kids to passively observe what the toy does rather than actually engaging in play themselves. They can also overwhelm your child with too many sensory inputs, making them more irritable and less focused. The AAP put it best when they encouraged cargives to “choose toys that are not overstimulating and encourage children to use their imaginations.” They’re Open-ended & Multifunctional The simplicity of wooden toys is their strength. Kids have to engage and get creative when they play with them, whether that means building with wooden blocks or playing pretend with a wooden play kitchen or dollhouse. Unlike electronic toys, wooden toys don’t simply entertain. They promote child-directed play, allowing kids to play on their own terms and discover multiple uses for a single toy. These are exactly the type of “simple toy” the AAP says “may be best” for kids. They’re More Durable When it comes to durability, quality wooden toys have an edge over most of their plastic counterparts. They’re sturdier and more likely to survive through years of play with your kids. That means less money spent for you and fewer toys in the landfills. Our tips on cleaning your wooden toys can help them last even longer! They’re Aesthetic There’s no doubt that wooden toys tend to blend better with your home’s decor than bright plastics – especially when it comes to large toys like dollhouses, play kitchens, and outdoor playsets. While choosing toys shouldn’t be about what looks best on the ‘gram… it doesn’t hurt when a great open-ended toy also happens to look great. Speaking of the ‘gram… you can check out ours to see how parents incorporate KidKraft’s wooden toys into their home’s aesthetic!At KidKraft, we’re devoted to creating beautiful, durable toys that let kids play their way! That’s why wood is our material-of-choice for nearly all of our toys.
KidKraft Parent Series: Family Favorite Pretend Play Activities
Family Favorite Pretend Play Activities From preparing kids for real-life scenarios to boosting their emotional intelligence, pretend play is essential for every child’s development. That’s why “Made for Make Believe” is the motto behind everything we make at KidKraft– and why KidKraft toys will always be a huge part of playtime in our own homes! As part of our KidKraft Parent Series, we asked two KidKraft parents to share how they use KidKraft products to foster fun, brain-boosting pretend play for their kids. Here are some of their kiddos’ favorite toys and pretend play ideas! How does your family like to play together? TAYLOR: We love just being silly and creative together. We'll do crafts, play dolls or dress up or just make up really elaborate characters for each other and see how long we can keep the story going! LEAH: We love playing board games together. We started a collection when they were young and keep adding to it throughout the years. There's always something to play when we have those stormy Texas days or a Friday night in. And of course, imagination and pretend are a huge part of how we play together daily. What are your family's favorite KidKraft toys? TAYLOR: Our favorite KidKraft toys are dollhouses and play kitchens. Pretend play is what our daughter has always gravitated toward. Those toys do a really great job of giving kids enough of a framework to play while still leaving a ton of room for their individual imaginations to push the limits, so they’re a perfect fit for the way our daughter loves to play!LEAH: We love the Farm to Table Kitchen! It comes with so many accessories that aren’t included in most play kitchens. One of our favorites is the planter boxes with “choppable” veggies – they let the girls pretend like they’re really growing and cooking their own food! What are your kids’ favorite ways to pretend with KidKraft toys? TAYLOR: Our dollhouses are so fun because they can be so much more than a dollhouse, and we often pretend one is a hotel, a school, or even a vet's office for all her little doll pets. Kitchens are equally as fun because we'll make them a restaurant or burger shop and create wacky food combinations. LEAH: The girls love pretending they have a store/market setup with a-la-carte food items and drinks. Then they can wrap up their snack stop and move on to pretend shopping! How does KidKraft help your family with pretend play? TAYLOR: What I love most about our pretend play toys is really that balance between real life and imagination. We give kids a kitchen that looks realistic so they can mimic mom or dad, but we incorporate really fun features that we know kids love and features that we know are important for development. We give them a base, and their imaginations take it from there!LEAH: All of the KidKraft toys in our home bring so many opportunities for imaginary play. They have just the right balance of real life details and fun play features. This has helped our girls really engage with the toys but also understand and prepare for real-life situations by allowing them to imagine and explore creative responses. Need some more inspiration to keep the kids busy this summer? Try out one of our 12 Outdoor Pretend Play Ideas!
KidKraft Parent Series: Toddler Hacks for First Time Parents
Toddler Tips for First Time Parents They say it takes a village… and that’s especially when you’re a first-time parent facing the toddler years! And trust us – we’ve been there. Because here at KidKraft, most of us are parents ourselves. Since we know how tough toddler parenting can be, we asked six of our KidKraft parents to share their best toddler tips and what they learned (or are still learning!) through their own kids’ toddler years. Here’s what they had to say: Tell us a bit about yourself and your family! GEOFF WALKER: I’m Geoff, KidKraft’s CEO. My wife and I have two kids, a daughter and son who are now into their teenage years.TAYLOR HERRERO: I'm Taylor! KidKraft’s Director of Digital Marketing. I've worked at KidKraft for almost 4 years. I have one daughter, and we call our little family “The Triangle.” You'll often find us in the backyard, watching movies in a giant fort or having a Friday night dance party in the living room. NERINGA: Hi! I'm Neringa, Finance Assistant for KidKraft. I joined KidKraft in November of 2021. My partner and I have a 1 year old son, Cyrus, and we call ourselves a "squad."LEAH HOOKE: Hi! I'm Leah, I work as Dealer Support with KidKraft. I've been with KidKraft for 4 years, almost 5, and work with the best people! I have two little girls who mean the world to me (but also want me to pull my hair out).KAREN CANE: Hello! I'm Karen, Assistant Brand Manager here at KidKraft. I joined the KidKraft Brand Team in November 2021. My family is a party of five! I have three amazing kiddos that I adore. We love going on walks at the park and are always singing, dancing and playing instruments in our house.HELEN ADAPPA: I'm Helen Adappa, KidKraft’s Director of Brand Marketing. I have two sassy little ones with my husband. How old is your little one or little ones? GEOFF: Hard to believe, but they’re 18 and 16 already.TAYLOR: Almost 7 now. NERINGA: 13 months, a freshly baked toddler. LEAH: They are 6 and 10, both born in November.KAREN: 6, 4 and 10 months.HELEN: They're 2 and 5 years old. What's one thing you learned early on in becoming a parent? GEOFF: Everyone always told me that patience is the key, and you never know how true that really is until you have kids. TAYLOR: One of the first things I learned is that there is no "right way." Every kid is different, and you have to go with the flowNERINGA: That things will rarely go as you plan... and you have to be prepared for change, to reschedule, cancel, and generally go with the flow of your child instead of trying to stick to what you expected. LEAH: Your life changes like everyone says, but also your version of love changes. It grows every day with your baby into something you've never felt before.KAREN: It's okay to make a mess! You and your child can always clean it up. It's important for your child's development to feel like they can make a mess, throw out all their building bricks ALL over the floor, etc.HELEN: Patience. so much patience. What is one tip you'd give to any new parent? GEOFF: The days might seem slow, but the years go by fast. Be present and connected and know that it's usually the small moments like simply playing together that they'll remember (and you'll cherish) the most. TAYLOR: Don't worry about the latest parenting method. Instead, adopt the "whatever works" method. Take cues from your kid, figure out what works for them and your family and don't compare yourself with other parents. NERINGA: Little kids, little worries. Big kids, big worries... Don't rush anything, stay in the moment, and enjoy this journey. Especially in the 1st year, because time flies by so fast!LEAH: Soak in those first few weeks and months of parenthood. It seems like long days and nights at first, but that is where your bond grows with your child. Soon, you'll find yourself wishing you were rocking that tiny baby again!KAREN: When you get frustrated with them or lose your patience, remind yourself that they are learning everything for the first time. If we can't be patient with them, how can we expect them to be patient? (This of course is still something I have to remind myself of daily!)HELEN: When you're having a bad day (and let's be honest, we all have those days with them), turn it around by playing dress up/ fashion show. Try on all those ridiculously cute outfits that were way too expensive but you or others got for the little one. It just really instantly changes the mood and they're SO CUTE that you can't help but kiss them. What helps you get through the toddler stage? GEOFF: Did I mention patience? TAYLOR: Patience! It's way easier said than done, but try to remember that while something may seem small to us, it's big to them. Take a moment to breathe, get down on their level and hear them out. And know that if you fail (which you will!), you can try again tomorrow. NERINGA: We could take some tips for this one ourselves! :) Our toddler had his first tantrum the other week. We did not know it was a tantrum, we thought something was wrong with him, like maybe he was in pain… so we took him to the doctor. So my advice is to know that you just have to figure out some things as you go… and then have a laugh!LEAH: For toddlers that are throwing a fit or upset – get on their level. Sit with them on the floor or kneel down. Look at them at eye-level and listen fully. Let them try to tell you what's wrong and express their emotions in their own way. They learn that their parents will always be there to listen when they have any troubles. This is so important once they get into grade school.KAREN: Try to focus on the things you LOVE about the toddler stage! The silly things they say, the sweet hugs they give, the way they adore you.HELEN: Remember that just like the tough parts of the baby stage (sleepless nights, spit up, etc.) passed, the tough parts of the toddler stage (tantrums, potty training, etc.) will pass too! You survived baby stage, and you’ll survive toddler stage too! What's your kiddos’ favorite playtime activity? GEOFF: My daughter was super into Barbies, and my son was a huge Lego fan. Both of them enjoyed that creative, make believe play. It's really cool to see some of the toys we make at KidKraft and think about how my kids would have loved them. TAYLOR: Dolls! Really any type of make believe play, but she gravitates to dolls.NERINGA: We have a very active boy, he loves passing and kicking balls, dancing together to his favorite baby songs like "Head Shoulders Knees & Toes,” and playing chase. LEAH: Imaginary play! Anything from playing school to imagining their entire “grown up” life.KAREN: They love pretending they are in a band, building with building bricks, drawing, and playing with anything that drives or flies.HELEN: Role playing! They love pretending to cook, sell food, playing firemen/women, restaurant, dinosaurs, pirates, you name it! What’s your Favorite KidKraft toy, and why is it a perfect fit for your little one? GEOFF: My favorite KidKraft toy would have to be one of our swing sets. We have a new one that just launched called the Bear Cave Lodge, and it is insanely cool and offers so many ways to play. My teenagers are too old for it now, of course, but they would have loved it back in the day!TAYLOR: Any of our large, mansion-style dollhouses. We've had a few over the years and are currently loving the Grand Horse Stable Dollhouse. It's perfect because it can be whatever her imagination wants it to be that day – a house, a hotel, a summer camp. And bonus! Our large dollhouses make the perfect wall to build a fort from!NERINGA: He loves the play kitchens! The many little pans and pots always keep him busy. He watches us cook and do the dishes, and then tries to copy the same things we do in his own play kitchen. Adorable! LEAH: The Farm to Table Kitchen. The Farm to Table Kitchen is the absolute cutest and comes with so many accessories to play with. You can combine it with the Let's Pretend Shopkeeper Stand and act like you have a full-service market that can make some delicious salads and tasty drinks!KAREN: We just got a KidKraft study desk for our son who is in kindergarten, and he is loving having a child-size table that is only his where he can draw, do homework, and have a space to himself. (Because that's pretty rare when you have two other siblings!) My daughter loves playing with her Disney princess dollhouse, and the baby also loves destroying the furniture in the dollhouse… even though it makes his sister mad!HELEN: The Farm to Table Kitchen. Super beautiful, really realistic – my kids play with it for hours!Want more tips for getting through the toddler years? Check out our library of posts on child development to learn what makes your kiddos tick and how you can support them through each stage!
KidKraft Parent Series: Favorite Outdoor Toys for Toddlers
Favorite Outdoor Toys for Toddlers When we were rounding up recommendations for the best outdoor toys for toddlers, we wanted to go straight to the source: the toddlers themselves. But since they were napping, we settled for the next best thing – their parents. Here’s what seven of our favorite KidKraft parents had to say when we asked about their toddlers’ favorite outdoor toys! LAUREN O’CONNER: Bubbles, Sidewalk Chalk, & Family Games Lauren is KidKraft’s Senior Account Manager and mom of a four year old toddler. 1. Our favorite outdoor items are bubbles and sidewalk chalk! Lily loves to create and show off her drawings and writing her name. 2. We love to go for long walks outside as well as play hide and seek! We try to use our imagination as much as possible and just enjoy the beautiful weather together! NERINGA MIKUTAITE: Playground Slides Neringa is KidKraft’s Financial Assistant and mom of a toddler. It's that simple playground slide for us! My boy loves watching the other kids go down the slide and then going and trying it for himself. It's always fun, and it doesn’t hurt that trying to walk up the slide tires him out for better sleep at night! TAYLOR HERRERO: Bubbles, Cozy Escape Playhouse, & Imagination Taylor is KidKraft’s Director of Digital Marketing and a girl mom. 1. Good old fashioned bubbles! The whole family gets into this one, including the dog who loves to jump up and eat them. 2. Our KidKraft Cozy Escape Playhouse. I love how my daughter can explore and play on her own while I take care of things in the yard or house. She gets some much needed independence while I get a few uninterrupted moments too! 3. Pure imagination – especially pretending to be explorers! This one brings back so many memories of being a kid and imagining that my yard was a giant forest, full of obstacles and challenges. It's so fun to see what my daughter will make believe and to pretend to be a kid again too. GEOFF WALKER: Nerf Footballs & Scooters Geoff Walker is KidKraft’s CEO and a dad of two teenagers. When my kids were younger, playing outside was all about burning off energy with things we could do together as a family. We loved to play catch, and our Razor scoots and Nerf footballs were constantly in use. LEAH HOOKE: Bikes + Skates, Sidewalk Chalk, & Imagination Leah is part of KidKraft’s Dealer Support team and is a mom of two under 10. Our girls love scooters/ bikes/ roller skates! They love being active and able to zoom around with friends. Also, you can never go wrong with some sidewalk chalk and an endless imagination! KAREN CANE: Water Beads Karen is KidKraft’s Assistant Brand Manager and is a busy mom of three kids, 6 and under. We love playing with water beads both outside and inside! They're the best sensory items for kids and adults. Need some more outdoor inspiration for your toddler? Follow us on Instagram where we’ll feature other parents’ favorite outdoor KidKraft toys all summer long! And be sure to browse through KidKraft’s full line of outdoor toys, including swing sets, playhouses, and toddler climbers!
Introducing KidKraft's Parent Series
Parenting isn’t easy, but we believe it can and should be fun… at least most of the time. That’s why our mission has always been to make toys that promote imaginative and active play – the kind that’s great for your kiddos’ brains and bodies and lets you catch a break. It’s also why we’re launching our new KidKraft Parent Series!Our Parent Series has one goal in mind: make your parenthood easier and more fun! (Okay, so two goals?) We’ll bring you our best tips on everything from avoiding tantrums to packing a toddler’s diaper bag to introducing a new baby to your toddler. Even better? Our Parent Series keeps a heavy focus on the fun with play ideas and product roundups for every situation. Rainy days? Got you covered. Pretend play as a family? We’ll help you make it happen! After over 50 years in the biz of making child-led, child-focused toys, we know a thing or two about helping toddlers, preschoolers, and parents have fun together! And we can’t wait to share it all! So how can you get in on all the good stuff? Just check in on our blog for all of our latest Parent Series posts, and follow us on social media where we’ll link to our favorites! See you soon!
How To Combine Kids Outdoor Toys with Backyard Decor
Having kids doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your dream backyard! Keep your design on point and make your yard fun for the kids with these design tips for making outdoor toys work with your backyard decor! Start with Toys You Like! If possible, try to start with outdoor toys that have an aesthetic you can work with. Natural materials like wood are always a classic, and they’re easily customizable with paint jobs and accessories.Our wooden playsets and playhouses are a favorite with DIY-designer parents for just this reason! Plus, we have plenty of options for modern designs that look sleek and stylish even without customization. And no, you shouldn’t feel guilty for choosing a design you like because we promise your kids will love them just as much! Use Stylish Storage for Smaller Toys Smaller outdoor toys – like bubbles, balls, chalk, push mowers, etc. – can clutter up your back porch. But storing them away in a garage or shed probably means they never actually get used. Hidden storage like outdoor storage ottomans are the perfect way to keep clutter at bay and give your kids easy access to their toys. For midsize toys like push mowers and riding toys, try a stylish deck box! Tie-ins for the Win! Interior decorators are masters at tying together a room or an entire house to give it a cohesive look. It’s all about those extra little touches that unite a design without being too matchy-matchy. For example, a print that’s on a curtain in one room may appear in a slightly altered version on a throw pillow in another.You can apply the same principle to your outdoor decor and large outdoor kids’ toys to make your backyard look professionally designed! We know plenty of parents love to add their own touch to KidKraft playsets and playhouses with a custom paint job. If you’re using an accent color on the door or trim, try matching it to a color that’s already featured in your outdoor decor.If you’re adding curtains to your little one’s playhouse, try to incorporate those colors or prints in your furniture’s upholstery or throw pillows.Love the potted flowers on your back porch? Add the same flowers to your playhouse’s planter boxes! Don’t be afraid to get creative! The more subtle tie-ins you have between your decor and outdoor toys, the more the toys will look like an intentional part of your backyard design! Oil-Based Paints Even the paint on your kids’ toys is something to consider! We only used oil-based, non-toxic paints, and of course, our paints are completely free of lead and other hazardous materials. Landscape Around Large Toys If you’re worried about large toys interrupting the flow of your yard’s design, try working with them rather than “hiding” them. Simple touches like planting a few flowers around your child’s playhouse or swing set can make them look much more intentional and cohesive with the rest of your yard. We also love adding a stone path that leads to the toy! Of course, safety is still priority #1, so we aren’t suggesting you put shrubs, breakable pots, or stones too close to a swing set (ouch!). Need help picking the perfect outdoorsy toys for your yard? Our guides can help!Check out our Tips for Choosing a Backyard Playset, Best Outdoor Toys for Small Yards, and Buying Guide for Kids Outdoor Toys!
