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.

Top 5 Indoor Activities for Kids at Home

Christmas Playhouse Makeovers: How Real Families Transformed Their Playhouses for the Holidays

Playroom Inspiration to Refresh Your Kids’ Space This New Year

How to Organize Toys in 3 Steps

Tired of stepping on that rogue toy car or searching high and low for a doll's missing shoe? As sweet as it is to see your children play, the aftermath can sometimes look like a mini tornado hit your living room. The good news? You don’t have to choose between creativity and a clean floor. Organizing toys can actually be enjoyable (really!), and it doesn’t mean locking everything away in a closet. With the right strategies, you can turn cleanup time into a game, make play easier, and even teach your kids a little responsibility along the way. Ready to reclaim your space without interrupting their imagination or slowing down the fun? Let’s get started! Getting Started: The Basics of Toy Organization Before you buy new bins or start rearranging furniture, take a moment to notice how your child actually plays. Paying attention to their habits helps you figure out what should stay within easy reach and what can be stored higher up or put away. Effective organization relies on a few core principles: Accessibility: Keep your child’s favorite toys and activities within reach so they can play independently. Visibility: Clear bins or open shelves help kids see what they have. Simplicity: A simple organization system is easier to maintain than a complicated one. Step-by-Step: How to Organize Children’s Toys Like a Pro Creating a sustainable organization system takes a little time upfront, but the payoff is a playroom that cleans up quickly. Involve your child in the process to make it more enjoyable and teach them valuable skills. When kids help set up the system, they’re more likely to understand where things belong and take ownership of keeping the space tidy. It also fosters independence and helps them practice making decisions. Follow these steps together to organize and optimize your space. Step 1: Sort and Declutter The first step to organization is to sort and declutter. It is impossible to organize efficiently if you have broken items or toys your child has outgrown mixed in with their current go-tos. Start by gathering everything in one room and sorting through the pile. Create three distinct piles to streamline the process: Keep: The toys your child plays with regularly. Donate or sell: Gently used items that someone else can enjoy. Toss or recycle: Broken items or puzzles, toys, and games with missing pieces. Step 2: Group Toys by Type or Activity Once you have pared down the collection, categorize the remaining items. Involve your child by asking for their input—what toys they like to play with together, which items feel similar, or what should share a bin. For example, you may want to group items by how they are used: Building: Blocks, magnetic tiles, and construction sets. Pretend play: Costumes, play food, cars, and dolls. Creative: Art supplies, coloring books, and play-dough. Step 3: Label and Store Strategically Grab your labeler or some stick-on labels and create a simple label for each bin or shelf. Labels make cleanup feel more like following a map than a chore. And for little ones who aren’t reading yet, picture labels make it easy to match items to their spots. Once everything is labeled, use these storage strategies: Put heavier items and everyday toy and activity favorites on lower shelves. Reserve higher shelves for items that require supervision, like messy art supplies. Utilize open bins for bulky items that are hard to stack. How to Organize Plush Toys and Other Soft Items Stuffed animals can quickly take over a bed or corner if left unchecked. Since they are soft and lightweight, you have more flexible storage options than with rigid toys. Here are a few ways to corral the plush collection: Baskets: Large, soft baskets on the floor make it easy to toss animals in. Hammocks: Take advantage of corner space by hanging a net or hammock for display. Toy boxes: Classic toy boxes and benches hide the clutter while keeping plush friends accessible. Best Ways to Store Toys in Small Spaces If you are working with limited square footage, vertical space is your best friend. Also, consider dual-purpose furniture or storage that fits into unused nooks. Maximize your area with these organization ideas: Vertical shelving: Tall bookcases and shelves draw the eye up and can offer more storage than low, wide units. Just be sure to anchor them securely to the wall to keep them safe for little climbers. Under-bed storage: Roll-out bins utilize the dead space beneath beds. Multi-functional furniture: Save floor space by using tables with built-in drawers or benches with storage compartments. Storage Solutions Simplify Play and Cleanup Time Ultimately, the goal is to create a space made for play where cleanup is just a quick reset for the next adventure. Putting these affordable playroom organization ideas into practice gives every toy a home, and creates a system that can grow and adapt as your child moves from blocks to board games to brand-new picks. Shop KidKraft's storage collection today to make cleanup time simple and fun.

Top 5 Indoor Activities for Kids at Home

When the weather outside is chilly, soggy, or downright moody, it’s your cue to bring the good times indoors. Inside play keeps kids active and their imaginations buzzing. Snowy day? Rainy day? Here’s a handful of fun ideas that can flip “I’m bored” into “let’s do that again.” Fun and Easy Indoor Activities for Kids of All Ages Keeping kids entertained indoors doesn't have to be complicated. With a little creativity, you can turn your living space into a hub of activity and discovery. Here are five simple ideas to get you started. 1. Host a Play Kitchen Bake-Off Challenge Make your child’s play kitchen the center for a pint-sized cooking competition. Choose a theme, such as “Cupcake Creations” or “Crazy Pizza Toppings,” and let the little ones use toy food or craft supplies to whip up their culinary masterpieces. You can even add real prebaked cookies or cupcakes for decorating. Just be sure to supervise as they spread frosting or add sprinkles. Evaluate and score the “dishes” based on creativity, presentation, and teamwork. Finish with real snacks as a tasty reward. 2. Stage a Puppet or Doll Performance It’s showtime! Create a mini stage out of a cardboard box or by draping a tablecloth over an activity table. Kids can step into the role of aspiring directors as they cast puppets, dolls, and stuffed animals in the starring roles and bring their stories to life. They can develop scenes, try out voices, and put on a full performance. 3. Play Dollhouse Detective Who doesn’t love a little mystery? Hide a few tiny objects in your child’s dollhouse and set up a seek-and-find game inspired by favorites like I Spy. Your tiny sleuths can search, decode clues, and cheer successful discoveries, all while building problem-solving and attention skills. 4. Dig Into Indoor Gardening Cultivate their curiosity about science. Give kids a small planter, cup, or jar to plant their seeds. They can water them regularly and watch the slow, steady changes over time. Your young gardeners can check for sprouts, make observations, and celebrate each new leaf. It’s a rewarding way to build patience, responsibility, and early science skills. Plus, it gives them something to look forward to long after the day is over. 5. Pump up the Playroom Jam Strike up some indoor fun with a little music-and-movement corner. It doesn’t take much to get things rolling. Pull out noisemakers, bells, rattles, play instruments, or even a pot and a wooden spoon. Toss in a few scarves for swirling, and suddenly your living room will feel like the hottest club in town. Put on a favorite song (or let the kids be the band), and you’ve got a full-on family jam session. Tips for Making Indoor Play More Engaging Every Day You don’t need new toys to keep indoor playtime interesting. Just think of fresh ways to use the ones you already have. Here are some tips for making indoor play more engaging: Rotate toys regularly. Bringing out different items each week makes familiar toys feel new again. Create simple “stations.” Set up a small art corner with an easel. Add a building zone with blocks or toy bricks. Then, create a pretend-play area with a play kitchen, dollhouse, or themed play set, allowing children to transition easily between activities. Join in on the fun. Playing together strengthens your connection and provides guidance kids can use when they play on their own. Mix and match toys. Consider how toys can be used together in unexpected ways. For example, blocks can become car garages, train set scenery, or castles for dolls. Encouraging Creativity and Connection Through Indoor Play Indoor play is an opportunity to create lasting memories and foster family bonds. These shared moments of imagination and laughter transform an ordinary afternoon into something meaningful. With thoughtful activities and encouragement, you’re helping your child learn and grow while making the most of your time together.

Screen-Free Activities for Kids

We all know the struggle of peeling little eyes away from tablets and televisions. Everyone likes a cartoon or movie, now and then. But while tech has its place, swapping pixels for paintbrushes, playsets, and puzzles opens up a world of wonder right in your living room or backyard. Ready to trade digital time for creative time? Here are a few simple ways to get your kids excited about playing without screens. The Benefits of Screen-Free Play Why unplug for play? Stepping away from devices helps boost brainpower and build essential life skills. When children engage with physical toys, they develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Hands-on activities support other areas of early development, too. Bricks and playsets, for instance, encourage cognitive play by helping young minds recognize patterns and explore cause-and-effect relationships naturally. Easy and Fun Screen-Free Activities for Kids When considering which activities to choose, look for ones that are relatively simple to implement and impossible for children to resist. Here are a few ways to get everyone busy. Screen-Free Activities for Toddlers Toddlers thrive on exploration and sensory experiences. Try these easy, low-prep ideas: Create an art station. Set up an art station with an easel and encourage creative play. Whether your little artist uses chalk, markers, crayons, or finger paints, they can express themselves freely while honing fine motor skills. It’s messy, marvelous, and completely captivating for curious tots. Put together a sensory bin. Fill a shallow bin with rice, scoops, cups, or a few small toys. Pouring and digging lets toddlers explore new textures in a calming, playful way. Offer chunky blocks or bricks. Building towers (and knocking them down) helps toddlers practice early problem-solving and coordination. Screen-Free Family Activities to Do Together Play becomes even more magical when everyone joins in. Transform your living room into a bustling restaurant or a castle that invites imaginative pretend play. Creating stories and scenarios together strengthens bonds and builds vocabulary. If the weather is cooperating, move the offline fun outdoors. A backyard swing set or climber enhances physical development and offers the ultimate outlet for active play. Racing down slides or soaring on swings in the fresh air burns energy and creates those giggly, breathless moments that childhood memories are made of. How To Make Screen-Free Time a Daily Habit For a natural transition to increased screen-free time, try these strategies: Designate specific "unplugged zones" or times of day where devices disappear. Schedule regular game nights or playdates that focus on social group play. When kids interact with peers or parents without digital distractions, they learn negotiation, empathy, and sharing much faster. Encouraging a Lifelong Love of Screen-Free Play The goal isn't to banish screens, but to make the real world more enticing than the virtual one. By providing engaging environments, like a well-stocked playroom or an adventure-ready backyard, you show your children that the best stories aren't just watched; they are lived. Keep it fun, keep it fresh, and watch their imaginations blossom.

Christmas Playhouse Makeovers: How Real Families Transformed Their Playhouses for the Holidays

The holiday season is made for memory-making and a little “deck the halls” magic of your own. Transforming your child’s playhouse into a winter wonderland brings the joy of the season right to your backyard. With twinkling lights, mini wreaths, and a sprinkle of creativity, it becomes their very own North Pole hideaway. Whether your child is pretending to run Santa’s workshop or relaxing in a winter cabin, a Christmas playhouse makeover turns everyday play into something truly merry and bright. Let’s look at some fun, festive decorating ideas and showcase a couple of amazing transformations from real families to inspire your own holiday project. Christmas Playhouse Inspiration for the Holiday Season A playhouse can become whatever your child dreams up. During the holidays, it can turn into a gingerbread house, Santa's headquarters, or a reindeer stable. Make decorating it together with your children a family tradition. As you work side by side to hang lights and arrange decorations, you’re building memories that will be treasured for years to come. This shared project fosters creativity and teamwork, making the result even more meaningful. Playhouse Decorating Ideas to Create Holiday Magic Ready to dress up your outdoor playhouse for the holidays? Here are some tips. Add Lights and Garland Let's illuminate your playhouse! Few things capture the holiday spirit quite like shimmering lights and beautiful garland. Drape string lights: Use battery-operated string lights along the roofline, windows, and doorway. Choose classic white for a warm glow or multi-colored strands for a playful feel. Wrap with garland: Adorn pillars, railings, and windows with garland. Choose classic green garland for a natural look, or a pre-lit or flocked variety for extra flair. Add festive accents: Add small, shatterproof ornaments or red bows to your garland to instantly make the playhouse feel like a miniature holiday home. Bring the Indoors Out With Cozy Decor Give the playhouse the same inviting feel as your home with a few simple accessories: Welcome mat: Add a cheerful mat at the door for instant charm. Mini wreath: Hang a small wreath or door sign to make it feel lived-in. Soft rug: Lay down a durable outdoor rug for a warm, finished look. Decorative pillows: Use weather-friendly pillows in bright or seasonal colors to make the space feel comfy and fun. Just make sure everything you add can handle a little sun, wind, and rain. Incorporate Holiday Play Accessories and Toys Enhance the atmosphere with seasonal additions that invite imagination and play: Mini Christmas tree: Set up a small artificial tree your child can decorate again and again. Pretend hot cocoa station: Add toy mugs and cotton balls as marshmallows for a sweet twist on make-believe play. Toy mailbox: Let your child “send” and receive letters to Santa. Holiday books or play baking tools: Create a snug reading corner or a pretend gingerbread bakery. Interactive elements: Make the space truly engaging with hands-on features like a chalkboard for drawing or writing “Santa, stop here!” messages. Real Family Christmas Playhouse Makeovers Need a little inspiration? Some of the sweetest playhouse makeovers come straight from real families who went all out for the holidays. Take a peek at three of our favorites. Elizabeth Homen’s ‘Santa’s Workshop’ Playhouse Transformation Elizabeth brought holiday magic to her KidKraft playhouse, giving it a merry makeover worthy of the North Pole. With paint, seasonal sparkle, and plenty of creativity and Christmas spirit, she turned it into the cutest Santa’s Workshop for her 5- and 2-year-old elves. See how her vision came together in the video below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Elizabeth Homen (@elizabethhomen) A Classic Christmas Welcome Two adorable pups are all set for the holiday paw-ty, looking perfectly at home on the porch of a playhouse dressed in timeless Christmas style. Green wreaths with bright red bows adorn the double doors, while soft white lights twinkle overhead. On each side of the entrance, potted evergreens frame the scene, completing the picture-perfect setting. Sugarplum Snowday This dreamy setup features a white playhouse with a soft pink door framed by a balloon garland in wintry greens and blush tones. Snowflake cutouts dance across the garland and around the playhouse, adding a sprinkle of winter wonder, just right for a little pretty-in-pink princess. A fluffy wreath and welcoming doormat tie it all together, while a wooden reindeer out front complements the storybook scene. Bring extra joy to the season with KidKraft’s outdoor playhouses. Explore creative ways to dress up your child’s playhouse and turn it into a family-friendly space for active play and imagination all season long. Looking for a special gift? Check out the KidKraft gift guide and discover something for every kid on your list.

Buying Guide: Kids Kitchen Playset

Children’s Pretend Kitchen Buying Guide: Tips for Choosing the Best One There's a special kind of magic that happens when a child steps behind their very own pretend kitchen counter. The clatter of wooden spoons, the turn of a pretend stovetop knob, and the serious look of concentration as they prepare a feast for their favorite stuffed animals. These are the sweet moments where imagination takes flight. If you're ready to bring this world of make-believe into your home, this guide will help you find the perfect KidKraft play kitchen for your little chef. Why a Pretend Kitchen Is the Perfect Toy for Imaginative Play A pretend kitchen provides a rich environment for pretend play, where children can imitate the grown-ups in their lives and explore new roles. It supports cognitive development as kids build real-life skills when they “bake,” “cook,” and “wash.” Language development: Naming ingredients, describing creations, and using new vocabulary expand children’s communication abilities. Problem-solving skills: Figuring out how to whip up imaginary meals or organize their kitchen fosters critical thinking. Social skills: Sharing the play space and "food" with siblings or friends encourages teamwork and cooperation. Creative storytelling: Inventing scenarios and pretending to be a chef or baker nurtures imagination. Practical life skills: Imitating real-world tasks helps build confidence and familiarity with everyday activities. Key Features To Look For in a Pretend Kitchen When shopping for a children’s pretend kitchen, consider your child’s age, personality, and your available space. Consider the following important factors to find a set that will engage your child and inspire hours of joyful play. Size and Space First, be sure to measure the space you plan to locate your new play kitchen—eyeballing it is not the way to go here. Then, check the kitchen’s measurements to ensure it can comfortably fit in your chosen spot. As for the right toy kitchen size for your child, there’s a lot of flexibility. Younger kids will grow into larger sets, while pre-schoolers still enjoy playing with smaller models. Older children may also be drawn to more detailed designs that let them take the lead in pretend play, from arranging and stocking their “pantry” to planning elaborate menus. When it comes to play kitchen height, aim for a model with countertops that sit around hip level for your child. Interactive Features and Design The details often make the biggest difference: Interactive features: Do the knobs on the oven click and turn? Do the appliance doors open and close? These unique features make playtime more realistic and entertaining. Exciting extras: Many of our pretend kitchens for kids include fun elements like: Ice makers that dispense play cubes Stovetops and faucets that light up and make sounds Beautiful styles: From retro-inspired designs to modern culinary setups, there’s a play kitchen style to match every home and personality. Accessories and add-ons A kitchen is not complete without food to cook and dishes to serve it on. While many children’s pretend kitchens come with starter accessory sets, you can expand the fun with additional play food and cookware. A well-stocked pantry of play food dishes encourages sorting, counting, and inventive recipe-making. Discover our must-have play kitchen accessories to create a complete culinary experience that will keep your little one happily occupied. Top KidKraft Pretend Kitchens to Explore While we have an entire collection of play kitchens for toddlers and older children, here are a couple of favorites that families adore. Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen Designed to fit conveniently into a corner, the L-shaped Ultimate Corner Wooden Play Kitchen is a dream come true for mini chefs-in-training. Its innovative layout is packed with features, including burners that glow, an ice maker that makes sounds, a spinning Lazy Susan under the sink, and a phone to take orders. The butcher-block style countertop, functional doors, and ample shelving provide a realistic setting for cooking adventures. Vintage Play Kitchen With timeless charm and a sweet, simple design, the Vintage White Play Kitchen captures the heart of imaginative play. Kids love the interactive details, like oven knobs that click and see-through doors on the oven and microwave to check on food’s “progress.” The durable wooden construction ensures this kitchen will be a beloved part of your playroom for years to come. This classic is perfect for toddlers developing their creative skills, and it complements any decor tastefully. Inspire Imagination With a KidKraft Pretend Kitchen A children’s pretend kitchen is a gift that keeps on giving, offering a special place for your child to grow, learn, and create memories. It’s a stage for a thousand stories, from hosting a simple tea party to running a bustling five-star restaurant. Bring imagination to life with a beautifully crafted KidKraft pretend kitchen. Discover our entire collection of play kitchens to find the ideal set for your budding chef today.

Playroom Inspiration to Refresh Your Kids’ Space This New Year

As we step into the New Year, resolutions are popping up everywhere. But who says they have to be just for grown-ups? How about giving your kids’ favorite space a fresh start, too? This coming year, transform their playroom into a bright, imaginative haven where creativity, laughter, and a little bit of joyful chaos can thrive. Playroom Inspiration for a Fresh Start A playroom refresh creates a space that encourages learning, inspires play, and helps keep things tidy along the way. With a few updates, you can turn their playroom into a cheerful corner that’s ready for new adventures, creative messes, and plenty of “look what I made!” moments. How to Design a Playroom That’s Functional and Fun What goes into a playroom? It’s a mix of creativity, comfort, and smart organization. The goal is to design a kid-friendly space that gives your child room to play and explore, all in a setting that’s safe, practical, and easy to maintain. Here are some tips: Choose Smart Playroom Furniture The right furniture can transform a playroom from cluttered to clean. A few key pieces can define areas for different activities. This intentional design keeps things orderly and helps children take ownership of their own play area. Here are a few playroom furniture ideas: Child-sized table and chairs: A spot for little artists to paint, build cardboard castles, or make paper crowns before sitting down for a well-earned snack break. Low-to-the-ground bookshelves: Bookcases and bookshelves invite tiny hands to grab their favorite bedtime story or discover a new adventure to nurture their own lifelong love of reading. Multi-functional pieces: An activity table with built-in storage keeps art supplies, building blocks, cars, and train tracks close at hand. It makes it easy to switch from playtime to cleanup in no time. Keep It Organized With Storage Solutions Taming the toy takeover turns the playroom from a daily scavenger hunt into a happy, stress-free zone. No more searching for missing puzzle pieces or that one crayon they have to use. Everything has its place, and playtime stays fun and peaceful for everyone. Give every toy a home: Use bins, baskets, and shelving units to keep things tidy. Opt for clear containers: They help kids see what’s inside, making both playtime and cleanup a breeze. Create designated zones: Think a cozy reading nook, a vibrant art station, or a building block corner. Playroom Decor Inspiration to Spark Creativity Decor sets the tone for any room. Here’s some inspiration for making your child’s space more playful, welcoming, and magical. Pick a captivating theme: Let your child's interests guide you. Are they an aspiring astronaut or chef? Do they love animals or adore fairy tales? Choose a theme that makes the room feel special and designed just for them. Embrace bright, cheerful colors: Match the room’s energy to your child’s. Try bold paint, colorful rugs, or pillows to keep the space feeling playful and inviting. Add personality with wall decals: Want color and character without committing to paint or wallpaper? Removable decals add an individual touch and can be easily changed as your child’s interests evolve. Showcase your child's masterpieces: Displaying their artwork not only personalizes the space but also makes kids feel incredibly proud of their creations. KidKraft Favorites to Inspire Your Playroom Refresh Ready to bring your playroom vision to life? Start with one standout toy that pulls the room together and keeps your little one coming back for more. Here are a few ideas: A classic wooden play kitchen: An interactive play kitchen can become the heart of the playroom, perfect for culinary “creations.” A detailed dollhouse: Great for kids who love creating their own little worlds, complete with tiny rooms and big stories. Themed play sets: Select a themed play set that encourages your child to play out scenarios, like parking cars in a garage or steering their own pirate ship. A train set: Whether it’s looping around the room or winding through wooden towns on a train table, a train set brings endless movement and creativity to playtime. Start the Year With a Playroom Full of Possibility Refreshing your child’s playroom is the perfect way to kick off the new year with a clean slate and a burst of fun. A well-organized space makes playtime smoother, cleanup quicker, and independent play a whole lot easier. With a few updates, you can create a space that feels fresh, functional, and full of good energy—ready for all the games, crafts, and big ideas the year ahead will bring. Discover more affordable playroom organization ideas or shop our outlet and our full collection of kids’ furniture.

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Birthday Activities for Kids

Our Favorite Birthday Activities for Kids We think birthday parties should be fun for everyone – parents included! That’s why we love birthday party activities that are as fun as they are easy. These 8 birthday activities for kids will win you some “cool parent” brownie points with minimal prep and stress, so you can enjoy the party too, Bubble Wrap “Firewalk” This activity is easy, cheap, and a kid favorite! All you need is a large roll of bubble wrap! Roll it out in the yard or down the hall if you’re having an indoor party. Then, the kids get to race across it one at a time. For toddler birthday parties, this might be enough entertainment on its own! For slightly older kids, introduce a few rules to make it more fun. Create teams for and play rounds with different rules like trying to pop the least amount of bubbles one round and the most the next. Use your ears to judge! Nerf Wars Small Nerf blasters can double as a party favor and a birthday activity in one! As long as you’re fine with Nerf darts flying around during the party, the kids are sure to have a blast, and the activity is pretty hands-off for you! If your child is a Nerf fanatic, an outdoor Nerf battle fort might be the perfect birthday gift! Balloon Stompers Each child gets a non-helium balloon tied to their ankle on a long string. Then the fun begins as they chase each other around, trying to stomp and pop on each other’s balloons. The last balloon standing wins! Of course, this game is definitely made for older kiddos since popping a toddler’s balloon is just a recipe for a meltdown. For a more toddler-friendly version, just try a game of “keep up the balloon” instead. DIY Photo Booth Photo booths are all-the-rage these days, and kids love to get in on the fun! Set up a simple backdrop using paper streamers or party decorations and provide a few fun props. Don’t worry about having a camera set up – most parents will be glad to use their phones for the photo opp when it’s their child’s turn! Limbo Never discount the classics! Turn on the music, grab a broom or other stick, and let the kids see how low they can go. Older kids can handle the official limbo rules, while toddlers will have a blast just crawling under the limbo pole! Sidewalk Chalk/ Paint If you’re planning an outdoor party and have some space on your patio, sidewalk art makes for great low-key entertainment. Chalk is fun, but they’ll be even more enticed to join in by the novelty of homemade sidewalk paint! Bubbles Yep… just bubbles! At least for toddlers, popping bubbles provides pretty much endless entertainment, so a bubble machine might be a worthwhile investment. Even older kids enjoy blowing bubbles, so leave out enough bubbles and wands for each guest, and they’re sure to get used! Activity Stations We love the idea of setting up different activity stations that the kids are free to explore on their own. This way, the kids are having fun, and the adults aren’t as busy directing the party. Some of the ideas above – like photo booths, bubbles, and sidewalk painting, work great as activity stations. Other ideas include a water play area, a craft table, puzzles, and any toys that multiple kids can play with at once. Any large outdoor toys are going to be kid magnets, so if you have a swing set, sandbox, or playhouse, you’ve already got a few built-in stations!Planning a party in the warmer months? Check out our Summer Birthday Ideas for even more birthday inspo!

Screen Free Learning Activities for Toddlers

Screen time has its place, but don’t buy into the idea that your toddler needs apps or screens to learn. Toddlers learn best from hands-on experiences, so next time you want to give those little brains a boost, skip the screens and try one of these five screen-free activities for toddlers! Sorting Sorting activities are great for helping your toddlers categorize and create order, helping build their attention and problem-solving skills. There are endless ways to introduce sorting activities to your toddler, so as they begin to master one type of activity, you can move on to something more challenging.If your toddler knows a few colors, color sorting is a great way to start. One classic activity is to paint the different compartments in an egg carton with varying colors and provide craft pom poms for them to sort into the correctly-colored compartments. Of course, you can make it even easier by drawing circles with different colored crayons and sorting small household items into the circles by color. If your toddler is a bit older, try out more advanced categories. For example, they can sort their stuffed animals and figurines into zoo animals, farm animals, and pets – or even African animals, ocean animals, etc. Matching Like sorting, matching is a great cognitive-boosting activity that has endless variations. A super easy way to get started? Gather some socks in a basket and let them find the matches! When you first get started, you can make it easy by choosing sock pairs that are clearly different sizes and colors. As they get more skilled, increase the challenge by only sock pairs that look fairly similar.When they’re ready, try more advanced matching activities like matching pictures of different natural settings to the animal who lives there. You can always find free or low-cost printables for these types of activities! Constructive Play Constructive play is just a fancy term for “building things,” and it’s one of the best ways to build your toddler’s pre-math skills! You can provide different ways to explore constructive play with toys like blocks, building bricks, magnetic tiles, train sets, and even play dough. As your toddler gets older, they’ll start to attempt more complex builds, so be sure to build with them often to give them ideas and direction. Tactile Letters When you incorporate multiple senses and make it fun, you can start promoting letter recognition from a young age. A few of our favorites include: Letters in the sand. Put some play sand or kinetic sand in a tray and provide printed letters for your child to practice copying with their finger in the sand. While they’re still learning their letters, you may only want to introduce one or two letters at a time. Ice cube letters. Purchase an alphabet ice tray for a fun sensory and letter-recognition activity in one. Take all your letter ice cubes outside in a bin, and let your child paint them on a hot day. Talk about each letter as they pick them up! Shaving cream letters. Cover the craft table in shaving cream, and let them start practicing their letters in it! It’s messy but oh-so-fun. Real-world Role Playing Remember that, for toddlers, social and emotional learning is perhaps even more important than learning letters and numbers. Pretend play is one of the main ways your toddler makes sense of the world and their place in it, so encourage it any chance you get… especially when they’re interested in role playing real-life scenarios. Fantasy-based pretend play is great too, but real-world roleplaying is especially helpful for learning social norms, practicing their social skills, and growing their vocabulary. Follow their interests and pretend with them as much as possible. You can also encourage their pretend play by providing toys like dress-up clothes, play kitchens, doctors kits, and other real-life props. For even more immersive pretend play, the Let’s Pretend Pop Ups let you set up an entire restaurant, vet’s office, or grocery store in the playroom in minutes. For more educational play ideas, check out our favorite activities to build your child’s communication skills!

Unleash Their Inner Fun: Top Toys Older Kids Will Love

Toys for 7 Year Olds Is it just us or does buying toys for older kids seem way harder than shopping for toddler and preschoolers? They still love pretending, playing outside, and other “kid” things…but also want to be seen as older and more mature. But don’t resort to screen-based gifts just yet! Kids in this range still benefit from toys that promote pretend play, creativity, and physical activity. These are a few of our fav toys for older kids thanks to their perfect blend of little-kid-fun and big-kid-cool. Best Toys for 7 + Year Olds Best Outdoor Toy: Cozy Escape Playhouse Older kids still love having their own “secret” hideaways, but they may be getting a little too tall for smaller playhouses. The Cozy Escape Playhouse is the perfect solution. It’s big enough for a seven year old plus a few friends with room to grow for the next couple of years. The modern design gives it a cool vibe that’s perfect if your child feels a little too old for a cutesy, “kiddish” theme. Best Arts & Crafts Toy: Art Table with Drying Rack & Storage Older kids tend to be more focused and ambitious with their art projects, so they’ll appreciate a dedicated space that lets them create and feel like a real artist. This Kids Art Table with Drying Rack & Storage gives them room to get creative with more advanced (i.e. messy!) materials…without getting that mess all over your kitchen table. They’ll have room to store paint and other art supplies, a roll of paper to create masterpiece after masterpiece, and a built-in drying rack. It’s also a great place to tackle tricky homework problems! Best Building Toy: Clever Creator Activity Table Older kids love challenging Lego sets, and the Clever Creator Activity Table gives them the perfect place to build, protect, display, and store their creations. They can stand the table up to work sitting or kneeling or collapse the legs to work laying on their stomachs. Either way, their creations will be sturdy and secure on the building surface. And if they want a change of scenery, they can easily transport it from room to room. Best Backyard Toy for Older Kids: All-in-One Sports Adventure Want to turn your backyard into an all-out sports arena? Well, maybe it’s not high on your list of to-dos, but we bet your older kid would be all for it! Fortunately, you don’t have to take up a ton of space to help your child play and practice multiple sports from their own backyard. The All-in-One Sports Adventure set combines the kid-favorite features of a traditional playset (like slides, climbing ladders, and play decks) with exciting ways to practice skills for soccer, basketball, football, golf, and baseball. It includes all the balls, nets, goals, bats, and clubs you’ll need plus a basket for storage. Set it up, and it’s official – your backyard is the “cool backyard” to all your kids’ playdate pals. Best Toy for 7+ Year Old Girls: Ultimate Slumber Party Mansion Dollhouse Older girls still love dollhouses, but they often want something a little less bright-and-sparkly and a little more “grown-up”. The Ultimate Slumber Party Mansion Dollhouse fits the bill with its trendy, chic style, and at just over 5 feet tall, it’s the perfect big dollhouse for big kids! For another style, try the So Stylish Mansion Dollhouse in Boho Naturals. The natural wood and open-frame design make it another great choice for older girls who want a dollhouse that looks modern and cool. Best Toys for 7 Year Old Boys: Nerf Scout Defense Post Your son can take his Nerf battles to the next level with the Nerf Scout Defense Post. Hiding places, practice targets, defense shields, climbing features, and built-in blaster and dart storage make it the ideal toy for boys who love to get active and competitive. The Nerf Geostrike Headquarters and Nerf Command Base Battle Fort are great options too!Still shopping around? Use our Shop by Age page for a curated selection of toys your “bid kids” will love! Need something for younger sibling too? You can check out all of our favorites for kids 3-6 years old below!Best Toys for Six Year OldsBest Toys for Five Year OldsBest Toys for Four Year OldsBest Toys for Three Year Olds

Creative Art Activities for Preschoolers

Preschoolers are natural artists — give them a blank page and some crayons, and they’ll be occupied for quite some time (even if they’re just enthusiastically scribbling!). Beyond being fun, creative play for preschool-aged kids is a crucial part of early childhood development. Through art, little ones explore their imagination, build fine motor skills, and learn to express themselves in ways words can’t always capture. Plus, there’s something magical about watching a child light up as they mix colors or create art with objects from around the house! What Should a Preschooler Be Able to Do? At the preschool stage, kids are developing important fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creative thinking, so their arts and crafts abilities are all about exploration rather than perfection. Most preschoolers can hold and use crayons, markers, and paintbrushes with increasing control, though their grip may still be a bit unrefined. They can tear, glue, and manipulate paper, experiment with scissors (with supervision), and enjoy hands-on sensory activities like finger painting or modeling with playdough. Keep in mind that, at this age, the focus isn’t on creating picture-perfect artwork but rather on engaging their imagination, practicing problem-solving, and having fun with different textures, colors, and materials. 12 Creative Activities for Preschoolers Stuck in an arts and crafts rut with your preschooler? Add a little excitement back to craft time with these creative art ideas for preschoolers! 1. Make Your Own Paint Making your own paint is surprisingly easy and just might be the fun your preschooler needs to get interested in their art table again! We like this simple recipe for homemade paint with flour. 2. DIY Puzzles Once your preschooler has finished a drawing or painting, extend the fun by asking them if they want to turn it into a puzzle! Let them draw lines throughout the picture and then use safety scissors to cut it into pieces. Then, they can mix it up and work on solving their brand new puzzle! 3. Rain Splatter Painting This creative painting idea doubles as a way to make the most of rainy days! Let your child drop food coloring onto a large piece of thick paper placed on a baking sheet. Take it outside when it’s raining ( a light drizzle or sprinkle works best) and let the rain mix the colors together! The result will always be unique. 4. Art with Natural Materials Your backyard just might have plenty of creative art opportunities! Let your child use garden tools and stones to make their very own “zen garden” in the sandbox. Gather flowers (and yes, weeds count!) to glue to a drawing. Find and paint pinecones. Or if you’re up for a little mess, let your child create a muddy mixture to “paint” with (outside of course!) 5. Kids Camera Let your kids explore a whole new artistic medium: photography! There are plenty of affordable cameras created just for kids (or you can let them use your phone if you’re brave). If they need some inspiration, provide a scavenger-hunt-style list of objects to photograph. 6. Copy a Famous Painting Whether it’s something as classic as Starry Night, or as funky as Andy Warhol’s Soup Cans, most kids will love the chance to recreate something from a “real” artist. Show them a few pieces, let them choose, and provide the colors and materials they’ll need to give it their best shot! (If you have a little perfectionist, remind them that it’s just for fun, and it does NOT need to look exactly like the original to be a success!) 7. Respond to a Piece of Art Instead of copying a piece of art, your child can create something in response to a book, song, or piece of visual art. Maybe they imagine the homes of their favorite characters in a book or make a painting that reminds them of a song. There are no rules! 8. Create a Mosaic You can use anything from pieces of construction paper to extra buttons and coins, to large sequins, Just hand your preschooler a glue stick (or help them with a hot glue gun if needed) and let them get to work! 9. Use Found Items If your preschooler always seems to find random objects on the ground, this project gives them an excuse to collect their little treasures! Let your kids start a “found items” box, and when they have enough, they can use the pieces to create a sculpture or glue onto a picture. For example, they can glue on buttons to create a bunch of balloons, decorate a bird sculpture with real feathers they’ve found, or just combine their pieces into fun, abstract art. 10. Sculpt with Modeling Clay If your child loved (or still loves!) play dough as a toddler, they’re sure to love the slightly more “big kid” challenge of making modeling clay sculptures. If they need some inspiration, we love these original modeling clay ideas. 11. Faux Stain Glass For this project, you’ll need a solution of dish soap, paintbrushes, and different colored cellophane. You or your child can cut the cellophane into any shapes you want to create your stained glass art. You can go for a random mosaic of shapes, or something more intricate. Then, let them paint the dish solution on the window and stick the cellophane to it. It should stick well but come peel right off when you’re ready to clean up! 12. Color Mixing Bottles Fill some used plastic water bottles with water and food coloring in the primary colors (red, yellow, blue). Then, use a funnel to let them combine colors into other empty water bottles, replace the cap, and shake them up. It’s a great way to teach them about color mixing, and they’ll love learning the different combinations they can use to create their favorite colors! FAQ What are some easy preschool crafts for make-believe play? DIY paper crowns are perfect for royal pretend play, cardboard box cars or rocket ships make for exciting adventures, and paper plate animal masks are sure to lead to storytelling fun. What are some May art activities for preschoolers? May is the perfect time for spring-inspired art activities! Preschoolers can create handprint flower bouquets for Mother’s Day, make butterfly collages with tissue paper, or paint bright suns and rainbows to celebrate the season. What are some crafts about friendship for preschoolers? Making friendship bracelets is a classic friendship-themed craft that never gets old! Try making friendship bracelets with beads or pasta. Another idea is crafting "helping hands" by tracing their handprints and then writing or drawing ways they can be a good friend.

Sharing Activities for Toddlers

7 Sharing Activities for Toddlers Teaching your toddler to share doesn’t have to be painful… no, really! These sharing activities for toddlers can help you sneak in some sharing lessons and let your toddler have fun in the process! Pass the Ball It doesn’t get any simpler than this. A classic game of rolling or tossing a ball can help your toddler )learn to willingly give away an object and )see that playing with someone can be a lot more fun than playing alone… even if it means temporarily giving up the toy. Feed the Monster For this activity, you’ll craft a hungry monster (or whatever animal you like) from an old cereal box. Cut out a large hole for the mouth and use paint or construction paper to make a face. Then, it’s time to feed the monster! Fill a bowl with craft pom-poms or dried pasta for the food. Tell your toddler the monster is hungry, and give them a spoon to scoop and “share” with the monster. Sure, it’s not the same as actually sharing with a sibling or friend, but it does let them practice giving something to “someone” else. Choose What to Share This one isn’t a game so much as a pre-playdate activity. If your toddler struggles when they have to share their toys, give them some control and let them choose what to share ahead of time. Let them pick a few “safe” items they don’t have to share, and then put these items away for the playdate. Knowing that they won’t be forced to share their favorite things can help reduce any anxiety and reluctance they feel about sharing.Then, have them pick a few toys they’d like to share. If all goes well, after the playdate you can point out how happy they made their friend because they chose to share. Play Santa Ever notice how much toddlers love being to one to pass out the presents on Christmas day? Keep that sharing attitude alive all year by letting them gather pretend gifts and hand them out to family members or their toy “friends.” Maybe Teddy Bear would like to wear your child’s favorite pair of shoes, and Daddy would love to get a toy truck. Of course, your child won’t actually be giving away their possessions, but even pretending helps them see that sharing can feel great! Add a Santa hat to get them in the spirit, or make it less seasonal and pretend that they’re giving out “thank you” gifts. Crafts (with limited materials) Sharing craft supplies is pretty much an everyday occurrence in preschool, so start getting your little one prepared by sharing craft materials at home. You can work on your own craft or picture as they do and occasionally ask for a crayon, glue stick, etc. Add in a few extra fun items like little gemstones or puffy stickers to let your kiddo get used to leaving enough of the “cool stuff” for everyone. Cook Together Cooking with your child naturally involves a lot of turn-taking and sharing various utensils and ingredients. They’ll love feeling like they’ve contributed to the meal, and they’ll gradually get used to giving up the stirring spoon or taking turns with the rolling pin. You can also practice these skills as you pretend in their play kitchen together – with a lot less mess! Pretend Sharing If your kiddo isn’t buying the whole “Sharing is Caring” thing from you, maybe the message will sink in through a few pretend scenarios. When you’re playing together with their dolls or stuffies, makeup scenarios where the toys have to share an item or take turns doing an activity. The toys’ willingness to share with each other can help demonstrate that sharing can be easy and fun!For more sharing activities and other tips to help your toddler learn to share, see our guide to Teaching Sharing through Play!

Tips for Choosing Quality Toys: Why Investing in Toys That Last Matters

As a parent, you want toys that spark joy, fuel imagination, and actually last. But in today’s toy market, flashy packaging and short-lived trends often win out over quality and longevity. So how do you tell the difference between a toy that’s worth every penny and one that’ll end up forgotten at the bottom of the toy bin? It starts with knowing what to look for. Follow these smart, simple tips for choosing quality children’s toys that stand the test of time. Why Is Choosing Quality Children’s Toys So Important? High-quality toys do more than entertain. They encourage skill-building, imaginative thinking, and creative exploration day after day and year after year. Better-built toys can grow with your child, support multiple stages of development, and even become treasured hand-me-downs. And when you choose quality, you're often choosing sustainability, too. Fewer broken pieces and discarded toys mean less waste for your wallet and the planet. What Makes a Toy High-Quality? Quality toys are built to endure everyday play while remaining safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate. Great toys tend to share a few key characteristics: Materials That Stand Up to Daily Play The old saying “They just don’t make them like they used to” rings especially true when it comes to modern toys. While important changes like safer manufacturing standards and non-toxic finishes have improved overall toy safety, many mass-produced toys are made with flimsy plastics that don’t hold up to enthusiastic play. That’s why we’re big believers in the lasting value of wooden toys. Especially for larger pieces like dollhouses, kitchen sets, and outdoor playsets, wood offers a more durable, eco-conscious option. Quality wooden toys often feature non-toxic paints and finishes, giving you peace of mind while your child plays. They’re also designed with sturdier construction that’s ready for years of fun. Timeless Design and Lasting Appeal Some toys are designed to shine for a short season. Others are built to stay relevant for years. Look for toys with open-ended play potential, such as pretend kitchens, dollhouses, train sets, and building blocks. These toys spark creativity, grow with your child, and can be used in multiple ways. The more ways your child can use a toy—whether independently or with friends—the more likely it is to stay in rotation (and out of the donation pile). Thoughtful design matters just as much as materials. Look for toys with sturdy hardware, smooth edges, and construction built to withstand years of rough-and-tumble fun. These little design details may not be flashy, but they make a big difference when it comes to longevity, safety, and everyday enjoyment. Are Toys a Good Investment for Families? Yes! When you choose well-made toys by KidKraft, the best kids' brand for quality materials, you're investing in something that can be enjoyed for years, passed down between siblings, or even saved for future generations. Durable toys for kids reduce the need for frequent replacements, making them a smarter long-term choice for families who value quality over quantity. Tips for Choosing Quality Toys by Age or Stage Here are a few age-specific ideas to help you choose toys that match your child’s current age and developmental stage: Babies (0–12 months): Look for safe, sensory-rich toys made of non-toxic materials, like textured rattles or soft activity mats. Toddlers (1–3 years): Choose toys that encourage fine motor skills and discovery, like shape sorters, stacking toys, or push-and-pull toys. Preschoolers (3–5 years): Opt for skill-building toys that foster early learning and imagination, such as play kitchens, puzzles, activity tables, and pretend play sets. Ages 6+: Encourage imaginative play and independence with building sets, role-play kits, and craft stations that allow for self-directed exploration. Choose Toys That Build Skills and Last Generations By investing in well-made, thoughtfully designed toys, you’re setting the stage for meaningful, long-lasting play. Shop KidKraft and choose toys that grow with your child—and last for years!

Forming Your Toddler's Emotional Intelligence

When we hear “intelligence”, we tend to think test scores. But emotional intelligence is just as important as academic intelligence. Emotional intelligence refers to someone’s ability to understand and manage their own emotions and empathize with those around them. Even though toddlers aren’t exactly known for their emotional control, building emotional intelligence in kids and toddlers is not only possible – it’s absolutely essential for their wellbeing. Here are some day-to-day techniques parents can use to help their toddlers grow up to be emotionally intelligent, empathetic adults. Name Emotions There’s no doubt that little toddlers feel BIG feelings – and those feelings can be even tougher to handle when they don’t have language to express them. You can help your child learn how to identify and verbally express emotions by naming them and empathizing with them. Next time big feelings bubble up, try something like this: “You seem really frustrated that you can’t get your gloves on by yourself. That would frustrate me too.” “You’re feeling angry that you can’t have another cookie right now. I know it’s tough to have to wait.” “You’re disappointed that it’s raining and we can’t go to the park. I understand, and I’m disappointed too!” “It seems like you’re nervous about sleeping at Grandma’s tonight. New things can feel scary sometimes, but…” Dr. Daniel Siegel, the author of the bestselling Whole Brain Child, calls this technique “Name It to Tame It.” The idea is that the more kids know how to talk about their feelings, the better they’ll be able to control them. Oh, and don’t forget to name the positive emotions too – you’ll love hearing your child talk about times they feel excited, fascinated, and happy, thankful, etc. Show & Encourage Empathy We already mentioned empathy in the tip above, but it’s worth repeating because it’s that important. It can be all too easy to dismiss toddlers’ emotions, but even though they may not always be logical, they are real – especially to your toddler. So, the next time your three-year-old cries because you peeled her banana wrong, instead of saying, “It’s not that big of a deal!” or “Stop crying!”, try something like “You’re really upset that you didn’t get to peel the banana the way you wanted. I’m sorry you’re disappointed. Maybe we can peel it that way next time!” Silly as it seems, this approach teaches toddlers they are safe to feel big feelings and express them to you. This doesn’t mean you indulge inappropriate behavior or cave to tantrums. It simply means you acknowledge what they’re feeling as you try to find a solution to the problem. You can also help your toddler practice empathy by helping them notice and think about the feelings of others. For example, if a character is crying in a book, you can point out that they’re sad, ask your toddler if they know why they feel that way or what might make them feel better. Discuss Behavior After the Storm Has Passed As we mentioned, showing empathy doesn’t mean that inappropriate behavior goes unaddressed. Kids still need boundaries and need to know that some ways of expressing feelings are not okay. When your toddler bites you in the middle of a big tantrum, that obviously needs to be addressed… just don’t count on anything sinking in during the tantrum. After the tantrum has passed and your child is calm, they’ll be far more likely to actually listen. You can help them process through why they acted the way they did, why it wasn’t okay, and what they should do differently next time. Of course, sometimes correction just can’t wait. When behavior needs to be stopped immediately (like hitting a sibling or trying to run away with the dishwasher pods), remove your child from the situation and follow up with discussion once they’ve calmed down. Be the Example One of the best things we can do to help our toddlers’ emotional development is to be good examples of emotional intelligence ourselves. When our kids see us yelling during arguments, slamming doors, or constantly disregarding others’ feelings, they’ll likely do the same as they grow up. No parent is perfect, but reflecting on your own emotional intelligence can help you recognize some unhealthy patterns in your own life. Emotional intelligence is a lifelong journey, and we all have areas where we could improve. Striving to do so will help our kids and better our own lives and relationships as well. Model Apologizing & Owning Mistakes As much as you try to model healthy emotional behavior, we’re all bound to make mistakes. When you lose your cool in front of your child or at your child, don’t beat yourself up. Use the moment to explain why your response was wrong and show them how to apologize and own mistakes. Your humility will help them feel more comfortable apologizing and owning mistakes as they get older too. Handling our emotions well and empathizing with others is a journey for all of us – especially for easily-overwhelmed toddlers. Even as you implement the techniques above, know that it will take plenty of time for your toddler to become naturally empathetic and self-controlled. But keep at it. Helping your child develop their emotional intelligence will improve their future and let you share an even deeper, sweeter relationship as they grow!

Problem Solving Activities for Toddlers

7 Problem Solving Activities for Toddlers If you have a toddler, challenges like tough homework problems or social dilemmas are still a long way off. But their brains are already working to build the cognitive skills they’ll need to solve life’s “big” problems later on. For now, problem-solving activities – even ones that seem simple to us – can help them boost their cognition, resilience, and creativity. Best of all? These “problems” are actually fun! Here are seven simple problem-solving activities for toddlers and preschoolers you can start trying right away! Memory Games Those little memory card games with matching pictures are great for building concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills in your toddler! Many sets might come with a few too many pairs for a toddler to handle without help, so start with just three to four pairs and see if they can match them up! As they begin to master that, you can add in more and more pairs until they’re working with the entire deck. If you don’t have a deck, you can easily DIY your own with online printables or your own drawings. Shape Sorters Shape sorters are a classic problem-solving toy for young toddlers. In addition to matching the shapes to the correct holes, they’ll also need to figure out why the shapes don’t always fit into the hole, requiring them to rotate the shape or make subtle adjustments to their grip. Sorting/ Grouping by Category Sorting activities are excellent for toddlers’ problem solving and cognitive development, so there’s no need to stop with shape sorters! Set up simple activities that allow them to sort by a variety of categories. This can be as simple as letting them unload the dishwasher silverware tray into the silverware organizer. Or ask them to gather up all the yellow items they see in a room. Puzzles Rotating puzzles is a great way to keep the problem-solving challenge fresh for your toddler. Even a familiar puzzle can present a fun, “new” challenge for your toddler if they haven’t seen it in weeks. Hide the Teddy Bear One cognitive milestone for two-year-olds is the ability to find an object that’s been hidden under two or more layers. Once they’ve mastered that, they’ll be ready for more advanced hiding games. Try hiding a teddy bear or other toy when they aren’t looking and then give them clues to find it. You can start off with basic directions and then progress to tougher clues or games of warmer/ colder. Help Mommy/ Daddy Toddlers love to help, and helping Mommy or Daddy with a problem can be a lot less frustrating than solving their own. For example, if your little one has been determined to put on their own socks lately but always ends up super frustrated, try mimicking the same problem yourself and asking for their help. You can coach them through the process (“Now we need to stretch out the opening of the sock!”), and because their emotions aren’t already running high, they’ll be more likely to actually absorb your tips. You can model how to stay calm through frustrating situations and help them build confidence in their ability to tackle the same problem later. Constructive Play Toys The ability to build a block tower of four or more blocks is actually considered a cognitive milestone for two-year-olds. For three-year-olds, a tower of six or more blocks is the expected milestone. That’s because building anything, even a simple block tower, is a true problem-solving challenge for toddlers. Blocks, train sets, and other building toys let your child work out how to balance, fit pieces together, and deal with frustration as they learn to master the challenge.