Made for Play

Explore child development through play, find inspiration for your next DIY project, and discover tips for selecting the perfect toys for your little ones.

Why You Should Start Holiday Shopping Early This Year

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

8 Thanksgiving Activities for Kids

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

Gifts to Update Your Toddler's Playtime

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

12 Playhouse Decor Ideas

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

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

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

Cooking Up Holiday Magic: Why Play Kitchens Make Perfect Gifts

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

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7 Halloween Ideas for Toddlers

7 Halloween Ideas for Toddlers

  No need to get spooked by Halloween activities that cost an arm and a leg or take hours to prep. These Halloween ideas for toddlers are easy, cheap, and most importantly super fun for your favorite little monsters! Easy Witch’s Brew From Toddler ApprovedIf you’ve ever made “Nature Soup” in your backyard, you know how oddly entertained toddlers are by adding random objects to buckets of water and stirring away. All you need to turn that “soup” into a spooky witch’s brew is a few inexpensive Halloween-themed objects. This version uses eyeball “ice cubes,” plastic spiders, and fake cockroaches, but anything you have on hand works! If you have any witches’ hats and cauldrons around, be sure to use them to add to the fun! Pumpkin Bath From Busy ToddlerDo pumpkins need a bath? Nope. Will that stop your toddler from absolutely loving the responsibility of bathing the pumpkins? Nope. They’ll love it. Just fill up your sink with some water and suds, toss in a few small pumpkins and hand the kiddos a few scrub brushes or rags. Jack-o-Lantern Sensory Squish Bags From Fantastic Fun and LearningSensory activities are great for toddler engagement. The only major downside is they tend to be… messy. Like sometimes really, really messy. But not these easy jack-o-latern sensory bags. All you’ll need is some yellow or orange food coloring, corn syrup or cheap hair gel, and black felt for the jack-o-lantern face. We like the approach of taping it to a window, so the light can shine through as they squish the orange “pumpkin” gel and rearrange the jack-o-lantern’s face. And the best part? All the mess is contained in the bag, so you can get a few things done while they play! Spider Stamping From Crafty MorningIs there anything better than activities that are free and ridiculously easy? As long as you have some paint and paper somewhere (and what toddler parent doesn’t?), you can make these easy spider stamps with almost no prep or extra cost. Just cut a few slits into an old toilet paper roll, dip it into the paint, and let your little ones stamp away as they create their spiders. Googly eyes add an extra layer of fun...especially if they want to add 8 eyes to each spider! Pumpkin Hammering From Montessori Dad’s WayThis activity has been popping up all over Insta for good reason. It’s endlessly entertaining and helps develop strength and fine motor coordination. Poke some golf tees into a pumpkin (you can use a real one or a foam one), provide some wooden hammers, and let your toddler hammer them into the pumpkin. You can adjust it to their level depending on how deep you make the holes for them. Little ones may need you to push the tees all the way in and then pull them back out. Pour Painted Pumpkins From Homegrown FriendsKids already love pouring and painting, so just add a pumpkin, and you’ve got a Halloween toddler activity that yields surprisingly pretty results. Use white pumpkins and colors that blend well together, and you just may end up with something front-porch worthy. The Switch Witch Part activity, part brilliant way to prevent your toddler from eating 5 lbs of candy on Halloween. Just like Santa and the Easter Bunny, the Switch Witch brings kids special surprises on her favorite holiday. The only catch? She’ll want to “switch” that surprise out for a big bucket of candy! Kids are pumped about their new toy (maybe go for something they’ve had their eye on for a while), and the Switch Witch always leaves a few pieces of candy for the littles to enjoy. You can give the kiddos some control by letting them decide what candy they really want to keep and how much they’ll leave out for the Switch Witch. Turn it into an all-October activity by building up the Switch Witch, drawing your own Switch Witch pictures, or reading a Switch Witch book together.

Kids Bookshelf Styling Tips

Kids Bookshelf Styling Tips

Having both function and style in kids’ rooms is possible – even on the bookshelf they use and rearrange everyday. Here are our favorite tips for styling kids’ bookshelves in a way that’s kid-friendly and maintainable!   Books & Bookends A few favorite kids’ books are a given, right? Shelves tend to look best when there’s a little open space, so don’t fill the entire things with books. Instead, use a kid-friendly bookend (maybe even a heavy wooden toy) to hold them in place.   Baskets & Boxes Baskets and storage cubes can add a stylistic touch to the shelves and keep clutter out-of-sight. Try wicker or canvas storage cubes for the added textural elements!   Don’t Overcrowd This tip is pretty basic, but it makes a huge difference in keeping your shelves looking cute. Rotating toys and books instead of keeping them all out at once can help avoid the overcrowding, keeping the bookshelf neat and helping kids focus on one activity at a time.   Stuffed Animals & Classic Toys While a ceramic vase or glass picture frame might be the perfect finishing touch, they’re definitely not kid-friendly items, especially if you’re hoping for the kids to use the shelf for toys and books. Instead, put a few of their cutest toys ons display to provide those finishing touches, and keep less aesthetic toys hidden in bins and baskets when they’re not being played with. Add a Plant or Two Hear us out. We get that plants potentially mean broken pottery and dirt on the floor, but older kids will enjoy the responsibility of watering their own plant everyday, and they can really brighten up the shelf. Go for hardy plants like the Chinese evergreen or devil’s ivy. They both handle under/over watering well. If your vision includes perfectly styled shelves with breakable knick-knacks, some out-of-reach wall shelves are your best bet. Use them to capture the vibe you want, and then utilize floor shelves for the practical day-to-day. While you can definitely add some style to your lower shelves, you can be sure they’ll get “re-styled” everyday by your kids – as they should be! Match the Bookshelf to Your Kid’s Room Seems simple, but it’s easier said than done. Finding quality, cute, kid-sized shelves that match the finishes and colors of your kiddos’ rooms or playrooms can be tough. But we’re willing to bet you can find the perfect one with KidKraft. We’ve got kid-friendly shelves that come in white, natural wood, and dark wood finishes as well as bright, kid-favorite colors. We also offer a variety of sizes and styles, from large shelves with storage bins, to classic bookcases, to cube shelves that double as cozy reading nooks. Browse all of our bookcases and shelves to find the perfect fit and get to styling it your way!

Ideas for Setting up a Kids Reading Corner

Ideas for Setting up a Kids Reading Corner

Books your kids love + plenty of time to read + a cozy reading spot = recipe for raising a reader. Trips to the local library and a schedule that includes daily reading time can take care of the first two. And for that reading spot? We’ve got you covered with these tips for setting up the perfect kids’ reading nook!   Get Comfy First things first. If it isn’t comfortable, it’s not a reading spot! You’ve got plenty of options – floor cushions, kids’ rocking chairs, comfy kids’ reading chairs. You know your kids best, so just pick something you think they’ll actually use. And if we may be so bold, we’ve got a few super comfy options we think they’ll love. Our Bookcase with Reading Nook comes complete with plenty of shelf space and a comfy cushioned section to snuggle up in. The Little Dreamer Deluxe Reading Nook comes with even more space to stretch out, plus a little tent for extra coziness. equally cushy with tons of storage space (and the added fun of one of their favorite book characters!). And last but not least, our Book Nook Tent is the ultimate little reading hideout. Add a few of your little’s pillows and blankets and stock the shelves with their favorite books, and they’ll never want to leave!   Just Add Books Speaking of stocking the shelves – and at the risk of stating the obvious – your reading corner needs at least a few books! You can opt for a bookshelf that can hold their entire library or just use a basket that can hold a few books at a time. Sling shelves are a great middle-ground – they’re compact but have plenty of room to display your kiddo’s favorite books.   Light it Up Once you’ve created a comfy spot and a place for the books, the rest is just extra – but it can be fun! A little lamp or flashlight can help the nook feel extra cozy and may actually come in handy if it’s dimly lit. We love the idea of a salt lamp or a lamp with a dimmer switch for some relaxing vibes!   Deck it Out Some reading-themed wall art is the perfect finishing touch! Framed prints of some favorite quotes or picture book characters are always cute and on-theme. (Check out Etsy for tons of cute, affordable printables.) A little basket of bookmarks, a sticker chart reading log, or a notebook and pens are also fun additions! Creature Comforts The best finishing touch? Anything that entices your little ones to settle in and get reading! That may mean cozy blankets, favorite stuffed animals, a little table or tray for snacks and drinks… or even a big chair so you can join in with a book of your own! Just get them involved, and they’re sure to have plenty of opinions about what will make that reading corner inviting, comfortable, and fun! Shop KidKraft for child-sized bookshelves and reading nooks We hope these reading nook ideas have you inspired to create a cozy reading space for your little one! When you’re ready to get started, be sure to browse our selection of kids’ bookshelves and reading nooks! From the low shelves to the cute and comfy cushions, they’re designed with little readers in mind!

Complete Guide to Preschool

Complete Guide to Preschool

Parenting decisions are tough. Even the little things like choosing a multivitamin can feel ridiculously important. And the big decisions like where and when to send them to school? Talk about pressure. But no worries – we’re here to help! Our Complete Guide to Preschool can help you cut through some of the stress as you pick when and where you send your child to preschool and how to get them ready for the big first day!   When Do Children Start Preschool? First, let’s be clear that there is no one right answer! When we think of preschool, we often think of the year right before kindergarten (often referred to as 4K). But preschool can *technically* start at any age. Even childcare facilities that accept infants often refer to themselves as preschools. In general though, what most people think of as “real” preschool activities –i.e. kids making crafts, singing songs, sitting in circles for storytime, and learning letters and numbers – start around two years old. Of course, that doesn’t mean your child needs to start at two years old. While kids do benefit academically from preschool, just one year in 4K is enough to give them those benefits. If you want them to start earlier, that’s great too! No one knows your child, what they need, and what they’ll enjoy better than you.   Choosing the Preschool That’s Right for Your Family Full Time vs. Part-Time If you’ve looked up potential preschools, you’ve probably noticed that they describe themselves as full-day, part-time, or morning. Full-time preschools follow regular school hours, while “part-time” usually means school is 3-4 hours in the morning or that you can send your child just 2 or 3 days a week. If you think your child (or you!) aren’t ready for five days a week, part-time options can be great!   Educational Models There are so many educational philosophies and pedagogies that we could never list them all, but these are a few of the more popular ones you’re likely to come across: The “traditional” preschool usually involves some circle time, a few teacher-led lessons, time for free play, and enriching activities like music and art. Most public preschools fall under this umbrella, though the exact curriculum will vary from school to school. Montessori preschools are child-led with stations children can choose to “work” at on their own. They emphasize practical life skills and learning through tangible materials. Lessons are often given to just a few students at a time as the classroom “guide” models how to use the materials. In the preschool setting, you’ll find a range of ages in one classroom (usually 3-6), allowing the kids to learn from and teach each other. Waldorf schools are similar to Montessori schools in that they are both child-led and emphasize children’s independence and innate ability to learn. The Waldorf approach places greater emphasis on the arts, fantasy, and children’s imaginations, whereas Montessori tends to focus more on practical life skills. Play-based preschool is an umbrella term. It’s sometimes used to describe Montessori and Waldorf schools, but some play-based preschools don’t specifically follow those philosophies. These schools tend to be less concerned with academic milestones (such as recognizing letters and knowing their sounds) and more concerned with how children develop creativity, confidence, social skills, and pre-academic skills through play. A lack of structured lessons doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a free for all – with thoughtful materials and knowledgeable teachers, kids still grow and learn in play-based preschools.     Other Factors to Consider Of course, there are plenty of other factors that will influence your decision. Here are some of the things you might want to consider: Student to teacher ratios Class size What ages can attend Availability of outdoor play areas Approach to discipline Your initial impressions when you meet the teachers and directors Availability of after school care if you need it Food and snack choices Distance from your home Cost We know – tough! If you're struggling to narrow down your options, we recommend making a spreadsheet of all the local schools you’re considering. Make columns for things that matter to you to keep a running list of pros and cons – it’s way too easy to forget which school is which when you’re still in the online research phase.     Applying & Registering Once you’ve narrowed your options down, you can start scheduling some tours. Come prepared with questions, take notes, and add it all to that master pro-con list. They’ll likely walk you through the application process and send you home with any relevant forms. Once you’ve made your decision, send in that application ASAP. Preschools usually start accepting applications early in the spring semester for the following year, and spots can fill up fast! Some preschools will perform low-pressure evaluations as part of their admissions process (often just for 4K). They’ll often subtly check children’s fine motor skills by seeing how they hold a pencil, note their social skills, and might ask them to count or recite their ABCs.Once you’ve secured a spot at your preschool, it’s usually just a matter of paperwork before you’re ready to start. Other than the school’s forms, you’ll usually need shot records, copies of insurance cards, and proof of address (if using a public preschool). Preparing for Preschool Now that your kiddo is all registered, what should you do to help them thrive in the classroom? Well, we have good news – you can take the pressure off when it comes to preparing your child for preschool! Preschool is the prep work for kindergarten and beyond, so there’s zero need to make sure they know all the letter sounds or can count to 100 before they go. That being said, you do want to help make preschool a positive experience for them, so try to help them understand what they’ll do at preschool and get excited about it! Read Books about going to Preschool There are a ton of great books that will help kids learn what they can expect at preschool and address any fears they might have about their first day. Rosie Goes to Preschool by Karen Katz goes through an entire typical day at preschool – and makes it look super fun! Preschool, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg turns the typical first-day fears on their head as the brave brand new preschooler tells the mom not to cry and that she can go home. In Pete the Kitty’s First Day of Preschool, your kids can see how much fun one of their favorite characters has at preschool. There are tons of other books too, both for purchase and, more likely than not, for free at your library. Meet the Teacher Take advantage of Meet the Teacher nights and school tours. The more familiar your littles are with the people and places they’ll see at preschool, the fewer first-day jitters they’ll have. (Maybe?) Get Potty Training Done So this one definitely depends on your little one’s age. If they’re going to 4K for the first time, potty training is probably way behind you. If they’re attending a two-year-old’s class, most schools won’t require them to be fully potty trained before starting. But three’s – that’s where you might have to get the potty training train rolling. Most schools will require them to be able to use the bathroom independently by the time they enter a three’s classroom, so if it hasn’t happened yet, add it to your preschool prep to-do list (ideally at least a few months in advance). Get Crafty at Home Arts and crafts time is a given at basically any preschool! Of course, you definitely don’t need your littles to be master artists before preschool, but they are likely to feel more confident if they’ve seen similar materials at least once before. If you haven’t already, try introducing simple craft supplies like glue sticks, safety scissors, craft pom poms, popsicle sticks, metal brads, stencils, and stamps at home. You can create adult-directed crafts together and let them get creative and do their own thing – they’ll probably do a bit of both at preschool too. Clean Up, Clean Up Clean-up time is likely to be a part of the day, so it’s always great to practice picking up toys at home. Perfection isn’t the goal – just try to get your child used to picking up with a positive attitude when you transition between activities. (We know that’s easier said than done, so check out our tips on turning kids’ chores into fun!) Your kiddo’s teachers will definitely thank you! Set Up Some Play Dates Under normal circumstances, kids have probably played with plenty of other kids by the time they’re headed to preschool. In the midst of the pandemic, however, those park days and play dates may have been few and far between. If you feel like your child has suffered socially as a result, know that so many parents have the same concerns. Let go of any guilt, and remember that they don’t need perfect social skills (as if that even exists!) before they start preschool. Preschool is the training ground for interacting with peers, so in all likelihood, you’ll see those social skills blossom as the year progresses. If you’re especially worried that they’ll have a tough time starting out, try scheduling a few playdates with a few friends at a time before the first day. You’ll get a chance to see how they do in a group, and you can give their teacher a heads up on any obstacles your child faces when interacting with their peers. For more tips on starting the school year off right, check out all of our Back to School Tips

Back to School Furniture Guide

Back to School Furniture Guide

When we think back-to-school shopping, we tend to think of new sneaks and tons of colored pencils, but new furniture? Odd as it may sound, a new school year is the perfect time to update the kids’ rooms with everything they need for a successful year. Here are a few of our favorites for a cheery, organized room all school year long.   Homework Central If we have to choose just one must-have piece of furniture for back-to-school success, it’s definitely a kids’ desk and chair. You’ll want a dedicated space for the kids to tackle their homework distraction-free. Ideally, that space will also be kid-sized, so it’s ergonomically correct for little bodies. A few organizational features like desk drawers and file separators can help keep the kiddos organized throughout the school year. With plenty of design options, we make it easy to find a kids’ desk and chair that matches your child’s room. Our colors include: Lavender Dark gray Espresso White     Snoozeville If you were already thinking of updating your kiddo’s room, back to school is a great time to go for it! You can pep them up for a year full of new, with a new big kid bed. Plus, a cozy little spot they love just might help them have a better attitude for that early school night bedtime – and catching the recommended 10-12 hours of shut-eye is critical for a smooth school year. Whether they’re into cars, planes, or princesses, we’ve got themed twin-sized that are sure to put a smile on their faces. Check out these kid-favorite bedroom themes: Airplane Bedroom Dinosaur Bedroom Fire Truck Bedroom Princess Bedroom Racecar Bedroom And for non-themed but still totally adorable beds, our Nantucket Bedroom features clean, classic white furniture, and our modern Addison bed comes in espresso and white.     Little Library From projects to library rentals, to textbooks, the kids are bound to have more than a few uses for a bookshelf during the school year. We love our sling bookshelves for toddlers, but for school-age kids, our bookcase with a built-in reading nook is just the right size – plus it doubles as a comfy spot for reading and studying. If you need a smaller bookshelf, be sure to check out all of our bookshelves for one that fits your kid’’s bedroom. Lastly, if you want to shop for kids’ furniture by age, check out our collections for 3-to-5 year olds and 5-to-7 year olds!    

7 Classic Kids Products that Promote Physical Activity

7 Classic Kids Products that Promote Physical Activity

  Making sure your kids hit that recommended 60 minutes of activity per day can be tough! Even with all that bouncing-off-the-walls energy, kids still need the right opportunities to move and play to get the activity they need. If you can make those opportunities fun for them and easy to maintain for you, your kids will stand a much better chance of avoiding a sedentary lifestyle. And you don’t need the newest toys to do it. In fact, simple, classic outdoor toys are often the best at inspiring kids to have fun and get moving! Swing Sets Backyard play structures like swing sets and playsets are kid favorites… and they’re one of the best ways to help your kids get and stay active outdoors! Look for one that offers multiple ways to get active by swinging, climbing, sliding, or hanging. Monkey bars and rock walls are great challenges for older kids! We make it easy to shop for durable wooden playset that fits your yard, kids, and budget.  Bikes If you haven’t added a kid’s bike to your collection of outdoor toys yet, you’re missing a great chance to promote physical activity. If your kiddos can’t ride on their own yet, balance bikes, trikes, or training wheels might be more their speed.  Sandboxes While you might think of sandboxes as more of a sit-and-play activity, your kids are doing a lot of upper body strengthening as they lift, pour, and carry buckets of sand and water! Sprinklers & Kiddie Pools Water play of any kind is an easy and (usually) inexpensive way to get kids moving. Sprinklers and kiddie pools are summertime classics that work for almost any age. Balls Yep, it can be that simple! Balls of any kind can inspire hours of kicking, throwing, and running – especially when you add some hoops, bats, or goals into the mix too. Balance Beams Walk, spin, jump, and repeat! There’s really no end to the ways kids can use a balance beam because once they’ve mastered one type of movement, they’re sure to move on to a new challenge. Toddlers will find it challenging just to maintain balance while walking, and older kids will love trying to master leaps and spins. Climbers Climbing offers a ton of benefits for kids’ physical and mental development, so offering safe opportunities to climb is a great way to support your kids’ health! If you don’t have a swing set with climbing features (or if you just want to offer more ways to climb), our A-Frame Hideaway and Climber, Shark Escape Climber, and Hop & Slide Frog Climber, are all budget-friendly ways to add kids’ play structures to your yard.Even with all the best outdoor toys, we know actually getting out the door to use them can still be a challenge. Our 5 Tips to Get Your Kids Outdoors can make it a little easier to ensure those outdoor play structures get plenty of use and – more importantly– that the kids get plenty of exercises!

Back to School Organization

Back to School Organization

It’s almost time for a feed full of adorable back-to-school picks. While those cute little faces are always beaming, we all know that the behind-the-scenes process of getting ready for the first day can feel super hectic. Investing a little time now in a strong organizational setup can make all the difference for the first day and beyond. Our back-to-school organization tips will help set the kiddoes (and you!) for a super smooth school year!   Desk/ Homework Area Organization   Distraction-free (quiet, no unnecessary screens) Ergonomically friendly (that means kid-sized tables and chairs if possible) Clutter-free (because clutter is a distraction in itself) This will help your littles stay focused as they work … so they can get back to playing asap! A kids desk is perfect, and ours come with almost everything they’ll need to stay organized as they get their work done. Built-in folder dividers can help them organize their folders for different classes, and the drawers are the perfect space to stash their backpacks, books, or spare school supplies. If a desk doesn't fit your space or budget, your craft table, kid-sized table, or your dining room table (with a booster seat if necessary) can work just as well. If it’s a multi-functional space, just try to keep the other activities (like crafts, toys, dishes etc.) out of the way when it’s schoolwork time.     Clothes Organization Image from: The Organized MamaGetting ready in the mornings is 100x easier if the kids can easily find their clothes and dress themselves. We love the idea of laying out two outfits the night before for them to choose from – they’ll have a little freedom without being overwhelmed. You can hang them on their doorknob, or set them up with a child-sized wardrobe for ultimate independence. (This approach is a favorite among Montessori-at-home families.) Of course, that doesn't necessarily make things easier on you if their drawers and closet are a mess. For that, we recommend doing a serious declutter before the start of school. Part ways with anything that’s too small, damaged or never worn. If you didn’t jump on the KonMari bandwagon when Tidying Up hit Netflix a few years ago, it’s definitely time to try out her vertical-folding method. It takes a little adjusting, but it definitely helps drawers stay way neater, especially when you pair it with a few organizing baskets.   Backpack Organization Less is more when it comes to backpacks – both for organization and for the sake of your kiddo’s backs. Try to make sure they’re packed as lightly as possible. Any heavy items like books should be towards the bottom of the pack. Other than that, Folders with dividers and pencil bags can help keep that pack from becoming a sea of broken crayons and crumpled papers – plus a little bit of help from you. While you’ll definitely want to encourage independence over time, your new-to-school littles might need some help keeping things organized for the first few years. When you check their homework or sign a form, take a peek in that backpack to see if they need a little more guidance as they build their own organizational habits.   Entryway Organization Image from: Modern Parents Messy Kids Organizing the all-important entryway is key to getting out the door with backpacks, shoes, and jackets, and making sure those items don’t end up on the floor (or totally lost!) once the kids get home. If you don’t have room for an elaborate mudroom setup, don’t worry. All you really need is a place for kids to hang their things and take off their shoes. A few low hooks and a simple shoe tray will do the trick. A spot for each kid complete with labels will help prevent mix-ups...and those inevitable squabbles over the “good” hook.   Be sure to check out our full guide to Getting Ready for Back to School for more back-to-school tips! Lastly, if you want to shop for kids’ furniture by age, check out our collections for 3-to-5 year olds and 5-to-7 year olds!    

How to Store Your Outdoor Kids Furniture

How to Store Your Outdoor Kids Furniture

Proper storage is key to maintaining any outdoor furniture – and your little ones’ pint-sized outdoor kids’ furniture is no exception. A few basic storage tips are all you need to avoid a mildewy mess and keep your kids’ furniture in tip-top shape for years.   Store Cushions Between Uses Cushions are usually the first part of outdoor furniture to show wear and tear. Moisture is the enemy here. Even though fabric on outdoor furniture is usually weather-resistant, it can still only take so many soaks in the rain before mold, mildew, and unpleasant smells set in. The best solution is to keep cushions stored out of the elements when not in use. A covered porch that doesn’t get rain, a shed, garage, or a deck box are all great options for storing your cushions. We think a deck box on your back patio is the perfect solution. The cushions will be completely protected from the elements in the waterproof box, and they won’t get dirty and dusty in the shed or garage. Best of all, your kids can access them completely on their own anytime they want to lounge on their outdoor furniture.   Store for harsh winters If you live in an area with harsh winters, the kids probably aren't doing many backyard picnics or poolside lounge sessions in the winter months anyway. To protect the wood from the effects of freezing temps, go ahead and store them in the shed or garage until the weather warms up again. No room? Just cover them loosely but securely with a tarp to avoid a build-up of snow and ice.   Not storing? Apply a water-repellent stain (as needed) Quality wooden outdoor furniture is pretty tough – with proper care, you may not need to store it at all. If you have temperate winters prefer to keep your kids’ furniture out year-round, applying a water-repellant stain every now and then will help it stay in its best condition. If your kids’ furniture is usually in an uncovered area, you may want to apply this stain every year just as you would for a wooden playset. If it stays under a covered area like your porch, you may only need to apply the stain every few years.   Keep umbrellas from blowing away Patio umbrellas are perfect for creating your own shade on sunny days, but you’ll want to take special care to store them. Even the small versions in kid-sized picnic tables can still get damaged on a super windy day. To keep them from blowing away or breaking, keep them closed when not in use. If you’re expecting any strong winds, it’s best to store them in the house, shed, or garage. And if you want to keep the fabric looking new, go ahead and bring it indoors or under the porch any time it’s not in use.   Want to shop for furniture and other outdoor toys by age? Explore our collections for 18 months-to-3 year olds, 3-to-8 year olds, and 8 year olds and up. That’s it! Thankfully our kids’ chaise lounges, Adirondack chairs, and table and chair sets are durable and low-maintenance, so storage is simple!