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.
Latest Articles
5 Easy Recipes for Kids to Facilitate Learning in the Kitchen
Your house is already equipped with one of the best teaching tools around your kitchen! Helping out in the kitchen provides kids with a variety of sensory experiences, a sense of independence, practical life skills, cultural awareness, early math skills, and rich daily experiences to fuel their dramatic play. And no worries if you’re not much of a cook yourself – kids don’t need complicated recipes to learn in the kitchen! Here are 6 easy recipes for kids to help facilitate learning Gluten-free Cheese Crackers Image from The Big Man’s WorldThis cheese cracker / chip recipe may be from The Big Man’s World, but it’s the perfect easy snack for little hands to make! These healthy take on cheese crackers have just a few ingredients and can be baked to your desired texture. Bake slightly less than the recipe recommends for a softer texture, or bake for the full time for a crisp, chip-like texture.Kids will love all the fun tools they get to use with this recipe: big spoons or whisk to mix the melted cheese and almond flour, rolling pin to roll out the cheesy dough, and pizza slicer or cookie cutter to cut their crackers. Show them how they can cut the dough into different shapes and sizes, naming each shape as you go! (Just be sure the melted cheese isn’t too hot before you let them handle it!) Cinnamon Apple Crisps Image from Healthy Little FoodiesA healthy kid-friendly snack with just two ingredients? Yes, please. These cinnamon apple crisps are a perfect treat for any time but especially for cozy fall days. Young kids can help sprinkle the cinnamon and arrange slices on the baking sheet, and older kids can help cut the slices. (Just be sure to core the apples first to make them easier to manage, and of course, supervise their use of knives and slicers). Use a variety of apples to teach kids about colors and plant varieties. Equip them with descriptive language for each type of apple: “The green ones are tart and crisp, and these yellow ones are juicy and sweet!” For a fun mini-geography lesson, use a map to show older kids where each type of apple is grown. Tortilla Pizza Image from Healthy Little FoodiesThis easy approach to homemade pizza is another kid-friendly gem from Healthy Little Foodies. This easy lunch idea is perfect for homes with multiple picky eaters because each kid has full reign on their own personal-sized pizza. They can spread their sauce, sprinkle the cheese, and add their favorite toppings. They’ll be having so much fun, they won’t even notice that you’re sneaking in a lesson on circles and fractions as you slice the pizzas together! Kid-friendly Sushi Image from Mindful MommaCooking is a chance to introduce your kids to flavors and cooking practices from around the world! These kid-friendly sushi wraps are a great intro to the salty and umami flavors of soy sauce and nori. Plus, sushi rice is so fun to play, er… “cook,” with! If you’re up for a little mess and creativity, let kids mold the rice into different 3D shapes before adding their desired veggie toppings and wrapping with nori strips. It may not be traditional, but it sure is fun! Fruit Rainbow Image from Two Healthy KitchensEat the rainbow, learn the rainbow! And get in a little protein and healthy fats while you're at it with the “pot of gold” egg! This super simple recipe is a yummy way to help kids learn the colors of the rainbow and why it’s healthy to eat foods of all different colors. This one is simple enough that kids can proudly prepare it in their play kitchen all by themselves! Just provide the cut fruit and watch them get to work! (Make sure to cut grapes and other choking hazards well and always supervise!)Don’t be surprised if your kids want to keep the cooking fun going all day long! While you may not be able to spend all day with them in the real kitchen, a play kitchen and a few realistic accessories are great developmental toys to help them explore that interest through dramatic play!
6 Ideas to Break Up Kids' Tech Time
If your child’s screen time is starting to feel out of hand, you are so not alone. Managing screen time is always a challenge, but these days, it’s extra tough. Virtual learning is adding hours of screen time to kids’ days and cutting out extracurriculars and playtime with peers, leaving kids even more prone to turning to tech for entertainment. So what’s a busy parent to do? First, let go of any parental guilt – this season is tough. Second, try to work a few of these back-to-basics ideas into your kids’ daily routine to get them moving, creating, and using their imaginations! Cook Something Even if “cook” just means “spread-peanut-butter-on-toast” for your kid, giving them something to do in the kitchen is a great sensory and fine motor activity. Scooping and measuring build math skills, and kids are more likely to try food they helped create. For a few ideas, check out these kid-friendly recipes you can make together! Craft Something Craft areas and maker spaces don’t have to be fancy or expensive to be effective. And you don’t have to plan out Pinterest-worthy crafts. In fact, there are real benefits to open-ended art projects that let kids take the lead. With a few basics, kids are great at coming up with their own ideas. Stock your craft station with a few age appropriate supplies like safety scissors, glue sticks, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, paper towel rolls, craft pom poms, metal brads, and construction paper. (Of course, adjust according to the age of your kids!) Build Something Constructive play with things like blocks, building bricks, magnetic tiles, train sets, or play dough is engaging and brain-boosting. If your kids lose interest in building quickly, play with them to model how you can create and come up with your own ideas. Before long, they’ll be constructing their own masterpieces. Get Outside Making outdoor time a priority might be the single most important thing we can do to reduce our kids’ screen time and help them stay healthy and active. Investing in outdoor toys like playhouses, sandboxes, and swing sets is a great way to make the backyard more enticing. Walks, nature scavenger hunts, bike rides, trips to the park, and a backyard garden are other ideas that can become an easy, fun part of your regular routine. Make Reading Fun We all know how great reading is for kids. But if we force them to shut off their favorite app and pick up a book, reading can start to feel like a punishment instead of something fun – and what a shame that would be! To raise lifelong readers, try keep reading time fun, kid-led, and low pressure. Keep their bookshelf fresh with weekly visits to your local library (or weekly pickup if your library is closed). Read together with your best voices. Let them see you reading books that you really enjoy. Set up a cozy reading nook and let them decorate it with their own art and favorite pillows, blankets, and plushies. Offer special treats like herbal teas or frothed milk to make reading time even cozier and happier. Use Tech to Inspire Play If your kiddos are still clinging tightly to their TV time, use that interest to your advantage with pretend play inspired by their favorite characters. If they’ve been playing Netflix’s Over the Moon on repeat, “bake” some of those famous mooncakes together in their play kitchen. If they’re all about the princess category on Disney+, princess-themed dolls and dollhouses are sure to be a hit. Whatever they’re into, use it to re-spark interest in roleplay, pretend play, and open-ended toys. Hang in there, parents! You’re doing great.
How to Set Up A Playroom for Toddlers
You hear the clatter of tons of toys being dumped out of a box, followed by “Mama! Mama! MAMAAA!,” and finally the patter of little feet coming to find you. Sound familiar? While toddlers do need plenty of play time with parents and other caregivers (and no complaints here because those cuddles and giggles are life), independent play is also an important skill for your toddler to develop. We can set them up for success by providing a toddler-friendly play space that meets them where they’re at developmentally, but with so many differing opinions about what’s best for kids, doing that is easier said than done! We’re here to cut through the confusion with three super simple tips you can implement to set up the perfect playroom for your toddler. Stock quality toys and activities First, let’s tackle the types of toys you keep in your toddler’s playroom. According to the official Toy Buying Tips for Babies & Young Children from the American Academy of Pediatrics, simple is often best. They break down their recommendations into the following categories: Symbolic and pretend play Simple toys that encourage dramatic play are perfect for encouraging growing imaginations. These don’t have to be elaborate, fantasy-based toys. Toys that mimic everyday objects and activities are great for toddlers. The AAP recommends things like “toy characters (such as dolls, animals, and action figures) and toy objects (like food, utensils, cars, planes, and buildings)”. Simple play kitchens and kitchen accessories, baby dolls, dollhouses, and playsets based on real-life all fit the bill. Fine motor/ adaptive/ manipulative The AAP recommends “‘traditional favorites’ (like blocks, shapes, puzzles, and trains)” to help your toddler develop their fine motor skills, problem solving skills, and language and brain development. Art Again, simple works. An art space with a few basics like crayons, stickers, and coloring books, is a great starting point for toddlers. Language / concepts Books are one of the best language-developing tools you can give your child, and they definitely deserve a spot in your playroom! Gross motor / physical It’s no secret that toddlers crave challenging ways to move. Balls, climbers, push wagons, pull toys, and riding toys will help your toddler get enough physical activity and develop their gross motor skills.As far as what not to buy, the AAP cautions against toys that are built to replace human interaction (such books that read for you), excessive screen time, and too many “sensory-stimulating noise and light toys.” They also encourage giving kids a wide variety of toys to avoid gender stereotypes – remember that play kitchens and dolls aren’t just for girls, and action figures and trains aren’t just for boys. Display toys and books at your toddler’s level Now, how do you actually get them to play with those perfect toys? First, make sure your toddler can actually see and reach them easily. Closed off storage and high shelves are not your friend here. Whenever possible, go for low, open shelves and open displays. Forward-facing bookshelves are perfect for toddlers because they allow them to see the covers as they choose a book. Don’t overwhelm them with choices We can’t talk about displaying toys without talking about how many toys you display. Toddlers are easily overwhelmed by clutter, so providing just a few options at a time will help them focus and play for longer. Keep out 1-3 toys from each of the categories above, and put the rest away in a closet. Then, rotate toys in and out of the playroom to keep your toddler’s interest. We also love the Montessori-inspired principle of displaying each toy separately. For open shelves, make sure there’s plenty of space between each toy, and for open bins and cubes shelves, only display one toy or activity per unit bin / cube. These three simple principles – quality toys; low, open displays; minimal clutter – work whether toddler’s play space is in the living room, their bedroom, or a dedicated playroom. You’ll have a toddler-friendly space to encourage plenty of play and reading time together and gradually more and more independent play (hallelujah!).
Valentine's Day Ideas for Kids the Whole Family Will Love
Need some kid-friendly Valentine’s Day ideas that don’t involve tons of sugar, money, or prep time? We’ve got you covered. Share the love with the whole family this year with these cheap and easy Valentine's Day ideas for kids! Valentine’s Sensory Bins Dyed rice and heart-shaped knick-knacks make for adorable toddler-friendly sensory bins. Add some different spoons, tongs, and tools for scooping and pouring, and preschoolers of all ages will engage with this fun sensory experience! If you want even more ideas, check out this round-up of Valentine’s Day sensory bins from Kindergarten Connection. Older kids will love the added challenge of the math and reading-themed bins. Valentine Cards Is it really even Valentine’s Day without some delightfully messy homemade cards? While the packs of pre-made Valentines are great for class parties, your kids will love making their own grandparents, siblings, and other loved ones. If your kiddos can’t write yet, prompt them with a few questions and write down their answers. “What’s your favorite thing about Grandma?” “If you had a million dollars, what would you buy Daddy for Valentine’s Day?” They’re sure to have some cute answers that make for great keepsakes. Decorate with stickers, finger paint, and (if you dare) glitter. Heart Envelopes Once those little love notes are complete, wrap them up in these DIY heart-shaped envelopes. The envelopes can double as the Valentine itself if your kids write their messages in the center! Valentine’s Reading Hour There are plenty of Valentine’s-themed kid books out there, and your local library probably has plenty to spare! If you can’t browse in person due to social distancing rules, search the online catalog and place some reservations for pickup. Cookie Cutter Everything Those heart-shaped cookie cutters are good for a lot more than just baking sugar cookies (though we suggest you do that too!). We love that they’re a cheap, effortless way to add a little Valentine’s theme to the activities you already have. They can double as stencils and paint “stamps,” and they’re great for playdough. Or add a few to your little one’s play kitchen for some Valentine’s themed pretend baking (just be sure that the edges aren’t too sharp!) Family Date Night Who says candle-lit dinners are just for the grown-ups? Break out that tablecloth, set the table with flowers and candles, and play the cheesiest playlist you can find on Spotify. Serve up the kids’ favorites (even if that means decidedly non-fancy things like grilled cheese and pizza bagels), and celebrate the love you share as a family! For dessert? You can’t go wrong with anything covered in chocolate. However you end up celebrating, as long as your little Valentines know they’re loved, that’s a successful V Day in our book!
Super Bowl Ideas for Kids
Whether your crew consists of little football fanatics or kiddos who could care less about the final score, Super Bowl Sunday should be fun for everyone! To give your Super Bowl party the official “fun for the whole family” stamp of approval, check out these seven kid-friendly Super Bowl ideas and get everyone hyped for game day. 1. Super Bowl Bingo A Bingo Card and some fun, simple prizes are a great way to keep older kids interested in the game – even if football isn’t usually their thing. You can find plenty of free printable Super Bowl-themed Bingo cards. If your kiddo is especially football-adverse, they even have a few Bingo cards just for the Super Bowl commercials. 2. The Puppy Bowl Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl is a kid favorite every year, and it’s as adorable as it sounds. Basically, you’re treated to hours of adorable puppies romping, playing, and snoozing on a miniature football field. Featuring only adoptable shelter pups plus a kitten halftime show, what’s not to love? If your little animal lover needs a break from the football madness in the living room, tune into the Puppy Bowl on another TV or stream it through the new Discovery+ app. 3. Face Painting Even if your family’s team didn’t make it to the big game, we have a feeling the kids won’t mind getting in the spirit with some face painting anyway. You’ll need red, gold, and white for the Kansas City Chiefs and red, black, and orange for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 4. Paper Football Origami Remember those little paper footballs you made in elementary school? They make an easy on-theme activity for game day that can keep kids entertained for hours. After teaching the kids how to fold them, let them decorate them, and flick away! You’ll probably see a few cross the screen during the game, but hey, at least they’re having fun, right? 5. A Football Themed Craft Station Set up your craft table with a few low-maintenance, football-themed crafts to keep the littles entertained. Tailor your ideas according to the ages of the kids who will be at the party. Preschoolers will enjoy threading and stuffing their own paper footballs, and kids of any age love decorating and waving team pennants or cheering into their DIY megaphones. 6. Mascot Dress Up Both Super Bowl teams make for fun, easy dress up options this year! The Kansas City Chiefs’ mascot is the famous KC Wolf, while the Buccaneers’ mascot is the swashbuckling Captain Fear. A few inexpensive headbands, some gray and pink felt, and hot glue are all you need to DIY some cute wolf ears. For an even cheaper option, modify these paper cat ears from paper-and-glue.com. For pirate-themed dress up, have kids create their own paper pirate hats and order these felt eye patches on Amazon for under $5! 7. Snack Duty Super Bowl Sunday is just as much about food as it is about football. When it comes to Super Bowl snacks for kids, you can’t go wrong with anything that lets them choose toppings and make their own treat. Popcorn bowls, trail mix, and nachos all make for great build-your-own snack bars, but we especially love the idea of an ice cream sundae bar complete with all the toppings. All together now: Go Team!
How Much Sand for a Sandbox
Ready to fill up your sandbox and let your little one get to playing? Here’s how you can figure out exactly how much sand you’ll need to purchase for your sandbox to get the party started! Step 1: Calculate the area of your sandbox To calculate the amount of sandbox sand you’ll need, find out the area of your sandbox. For square and rectangular sandboxes, the area is calculated by multiplying the length by the width. If your sandbox is new, you should be able to find this information on the packaging. If not, measure the interior of your sandbox to get the proper measurements. For example, if your sandbox is 5’ x 5’, you’ll have 25 square feet to fill with sand. Step 2: Decide how deep you want the sand to be First, you’ll need to know how tall your sandbox is. From there, you can decide how deep you’ll want the sand to be. In general, it’s recommended to leave a few inches of space at the top. Filling your sandbox to the brim can make it tough to put on protective covers — and it will be hard for your kiddos to even get in their sandbox! So, if your sandbox is 5’ x 5’ and 8” deep, we’d suggest going 4-6” deep with sand. Step 3: Calculate the volume of sand you need Play sand is usually sold in bags by the cubic foot, so the next step in figuring out how much sand you’ll need for your sandbox is calculating the volume. Here’s where you can make your high school geometry teacher proud! To calculate the volume for square and rectangular sandboxes: 1. Multiply the area (the measurement from step 1) by the height you want your sand to reach. Or, to put it simply, length x width x height. 2. Remember that you need all your measurements to be in feet. 3. If you’re measuring the height of your sand in inches, divide that number by 12 to get your height in feet. For example, 6” is equivalent to 0.5’. 4. If you want 6" of sand in your 5’ x 5’ x 8” sandbox, you’ll multiply 5’ x 5’ x 0.5’ to find how many cubic feet of sand you need. In this case, it’s about 12.5 cubic feet! Step 4: Determine how many bags of sand you’ll need Play sand is usually sold in 50-pound bags that contain approximately ½ cubic feet of sand. To figure out exactly how many bags you’ll need, take your volume measurement from step 3 and multiply it by 2. To get the 12.5 cubic feet of sand needed for our 5’ x 5’ sandbox, you’ll need to buy about 25 bags of play sand. What about circular sandboxes? All the steps above apply to circular sandboxes as well. You’ll just use a different formula to calculate the area and volume. Of course, the easiest option is to find that information on the packaging. If that’s not available, you’ll need to do the following: 1. Measure the diameter of the circle. 2. Divide that number by 2 to get the radius. 3. Calculate the area of the circle by multiplying the radius by itself and then by π (3.14). (For a circle, the area = π x radius x radius OR A = πr2.) 4. With the area calculated, you can follow steps 2 - 4 as normal. Simply multiply the area of the circle by the height of sand you want (in feet) to calculate how many cubic feet of sand you’ll need. Shop KidKraft Sandboxes Of course, before you buy the sand, you’ll need the perfect sandbox! Our large wooden sandboxes are sturdy, sleek, and ready for playtime! And be sure to keep it clean as part of regular maintenance. FAQs How much is sand for a sandbox? The price of sand for a sandbox depends on the type and quantity you need. Play sand typically costs around $5 to $10 per 50-pound bag. However, buying in bulk (e.g., by the cubic yard) can range from $25 to $50, plus delivery fees How many bags of sand for a sandbox? The number of sandbags you need depends on the size and depth of your sandbox. A 4' x 4' sandbox filled to 6” deep typically requires about 8–10 bags (50 pounds each), while a 5' x 5' sandbox may need 10–15 bags. How many bags of sand for a 4' x 4' sandbox? For a 4' x 4' sandbox filled to 6” deep, you'll need about 8–10 bags of 50-pound play sand. If you want a shallower fill (around 4”), 6–7 bags should be enough.
Buying Guide: Toddler Beds
Move over, crib. Twin-sized bed, wait your turn. Toddler bed? It’s your time to shine. If your little snoozer is looking kind of crammed in their crib or has learned the art of escape, it’s time to make the switch. Our checklist will help you pick a toddler bed that lasts, looks great, and helps your kiddo get a great night’s sleep! Size A toddler bed should help your little one safely explore their newfound independence and feel secure as they transition out of their crib. A bed frame that’s low to the ground keeps even the youngest toddlers safe as they climb in and out of bed. While some cribs can transition into toddler beds, they tend to be higher off the ground than regular toddler beds. Investing in a lower toddler bed might be worth it, especially if your child is under two years of age when they switch. Railings Toddlers are notoriously wiggly sleepers and don’t always have the spatial awareness to keep themselves from falling out of bed. Look for railings that’ll keep your little one safely in bed through the night. For most toddlers, a short partial railing near the headboard does the trick. If you’ve got an extra-wiggly sleeper, you may want to look for rails that come farther down the bed. Mattress size Before you make your pick, make sure that your new toddler bed is compatible with your current crib mattress! Bonus tip: don’t forget to flip the crib mattress to the toddler side if you haven’t already. It’s softer than the extra-firm infant side. Construction Sure, a toddler bed only has to last a few years, but it has to survive the toddler years. Whatever your toddler dishes out, you need a bed that can take it and still keeps them safe night after night. This probably isn’t the time to order from an unknown company on Amazon – especially if you plan to pass the bed down to younger siblings. A brand’s overall reputation and parent reviews are great ways to make sure you’re getting a quality product. Design Never underestimate the power of a cool racecar bed. Whatever your little one is into from princesses to firetrucks, choosing a fun, themed bed can make them more excited about their “big kid” bed. Of course, simple classic designs have their advantages too. They probably look more similar to their crib, which might be comforting for your kiddo. They’re classy and cute, and they’re usually gender-neutral enough to work for any kid’s room. Whatever you’re looking for, KidKraft’s line of toddler beds is time-tested, affordable, and pretty adorable if we say so ourselves. From clean and modern to whimsical and fun, we’ve got a bed that’s perfect for your toddler.
Dreamy Nights, Peaceful Sleep: Crafting the Perfect Toddler Bedtime Routine
Bedtime with your toddler doesn’t have to be a struggle – no, really. If you’ve ever wondered how to get your toddler to sleep, a bedtime routine that’s consistent and customized for you and your littles can make a world of difference. Here are our tips to help your toddler fall asleep and enjoy every step along the way… well, almost every step. Choose activities you both enjoy You always hear that bedtime should be calming for your little one. But it’s just as important that you enjoy the bedtime routine too. If you find it taxing and stressful, your toddler is sure to pick up on your energy. If you genuinely enjoy it, they’ll feel your calm and happiness instead.Are you so tired of reading Goodnight, Moon every night? Swap it out for something fresh. Is it always a fight to get your little one into PJs? Try meditating before bedtime so you can stay calm even if they’re on the verge of a tantrum. Still can’t get into it? Try keeping a gratitude journal for a couple of weeks to help you focus on all there is to love about this time. Whatever you have to do, do it. You deserve to love this time too! Time it right to cut down on toddler bedtime struggles Consistent bedtimes are game-changers for toddler sleep. Your child will be less resistant to bedtime when they know what to expect each evening and when to expect it. Plus, you’ll help regulate their circadian rhythms, so they’ll naturally begin to feel tired around bedtime each evening. Consistency helps them enjoy their bedtime routine more and get better sleep –– which is a win for everyone.Most experts recommend a bedtime between 7-8:30 pm for toddlers. This lines up with their natural wake time to give them the recommended 11-12 hours of nighttime sleep. You can find the bedtime sweet spot for your kiddo by observing their behavior before bedtime and upon waking up in the morning. Overtired kids often get extra hyper, cranky, clumsy, and sleepy before bed and may wake up too early; these guys could benefit from an earlier bedtime. Signs that bedtime is too early include not being sleepy at all during bedtime, fighting sleep for more than thirty minutes after being tucked in, and rising too early. Try moving bedtime in 15 minute increments until you find the right fit. Do the not-so-fun parts first Even with perfect timing and a perfectly zen parent, there are bound to be a few aspects of bedtime your kiddo isn’t so crazy about. Brushing teeth, changing diapers, washing hair, and drying off (BRRRR!) are all common culprits. As much as you can, try to do the activities your child doesn’t love first and then cozy up for the fun parts! Common toddler bedtime routine activities Pick, choose, and change the order until you find the perfect routine for your toddler! Pre-bedtime milk or snack Asking for a snack before bed isn’t always a stalling tactic. Toddlers have tiny tummies, and many nutritionists recommend offering a cup of milk, a healthy snack, or a nursing session before bed to keep them full through the night. Teeth brushing It’s a must, but most toddlers don’t love it. To make it a little more fun, try new toothpaste flavors, give them a second toothbrush to hold, let them have a turn to brush, or even let them brush your teeth. If you can, enlist a second person for distractions like patty cake or silly faces. Bath time Fun fact: warm baths cause our core body temperature to drop, which is a circadian signal for sleep. Baths are a calming activity for many kids, but that doesn’t mean they work for everyone. If your toddler dislikes baths or seems to get too energetic, don’t feel pressure to include them in your bedtime routine. Lotion and/ or massage The transition from bath to PJs can be tough. A calming massage with a favorite scent can be a great way to recenter. Quiet Play A few minutes of quiet play with blocks, puzzles, or similar toys are especially helpful for kids who tend to get hyper after baths! Toddler bedtime stories We think every toddler can benefit from a few bedtime stories each night. It’s relaxing, fun, predictable, and great for bonding – all the elements of a good bedtime routine activity. Plus, it’s one way to make sure you always work reading into your day. Songs, prayers, snuggles, etc. Before you lay them down in their crib or toddler bed, wind down with one last sweet song, kiss, snuggle, prayer… you get the idea. Younger toddlers will benefit from the signal that it’s almost time to say goodnight!Goodnight and sleep tight! We hope these tips help you create a blissful bedtime routine for your toddler and enjoy peaceful nights together!
