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.

Latest Articles

Best Toys for Six Year Olds

From graduating kindergarten to losing their first baby teeth, six is a big year for your little one. And their play is changing at this age too. Thanks to growing imaginations and planning skills, they’ll start creating more complex structures with blocks and bricks and immersing themselves in complex pretend play for longer periods of time. Their social play is developing too as they learn to work with their peers and siblings to set the rules for their pretend worlds. At this age, they’ll love toys that allow them to explore their growing art and building skills and toys that support realistic pretend play...especially when there’s room for a friend to play too! Need some inspiration? Our list of best toys for six year olds is sure to have something they’ll love! Best Toy for Pretend Play: KidKraft Alexa 2-in-1 Kitchen & Market Only on Amazon Play kitchens are a classic way for kids to engage in role-playing and develop real-life skills as they play. The KidKraft 2-in-1 Alexa Kitchen & Market takes those real-life skills into the 21st century, letting kids practice responsible technology use with kid-friendly Alexa (parental consent and Amazon Echo dot required). Alexa will guide them to develop real-world skills as they shop and pay for their groceries on the market side and cook on the kitchen side. Even without Alexa, this kitchen offers a wealth of pretend play opportunities with interactive sounds and accessories. They’ll feel like the real deal as they pretend to own their own shop, create a menu, and prepare all their favorite meals. Love the idea of a play kitchen but need a budget-friendly alternative to the Alexa 2-in-1? Check out the KidKraft Boho Bungalow Play Kitchen only at Target. Best Toy for Encouraging a Love of Music: Lil’ Symphony Guitar At six years old, your budding musician is beyond the “hitting and banging” stage of playing with instruments and is likely interested in attempting real music. With Lil’ Symphony Guitar, they can get familiar with the parts of a guitar and practice tuning and strumming. They’ll love that it has the look of a real guitar – just like their favorite musician’s. With strings, tuning knobs, and a realistic neck and body, this toy guitar is as close to “real” as you can get while still being a toy. Best Educational Toy: Building Bricks Play N Store Table While you might not think of building blocks as an educational toy, constructive play is actually highly beneficial for your child’s developing math skills. In fact, how kids play with building blocks as preschoolers have been found to predict their math skills, even well into the high school years. The Building Bricks Play N Store table makes it easy to incorporate constructive play into your kids’ daily routine – without covering your floors in a building brick minefield (ouch!). The table has ample built-in storage, making clean up a breeze.Need an option that takes up less space? The On-the-Go Building Block Set ($24.99) may be tiny, but it holds a surprising number of bricks (100 to be exact!), allowing your kids to get creative anywhere. Best Toy for Arts & Crafts: Create N Play Art Easel Six year olds are nothing if not creative. (I mean where do they come up with those stories, anyway?) And every parent knows they love expressing that creativity in paintings, drawings, and crafts. You may also notice that at this age, they get a bit more particular about their artwork, attempting to draw more realistic pictures or being extra choosy about their colors. A full-size art easel is a great way to put that creative expression front-and-center, encouraging them to explore and expand their skills. The Create N Play Art Easel lets them do it all – dry erase, chalk, paint, and color – while staying mess-free with built-in storage caddies and paint cups. The Tabletop Easel is another great pick, especially when space is limited. Best Toy for Six Year Old Girls: Charlotte Dollhouse with EZ Kraft Assembly Six year olds are reaching another level with their pretend play as their storylines and “characters” grow more complex, and they’ll appreciate the extra details of a high-quality dollhouse. With beautifully detailed backgrounds and furniture, the Charlotte dollhouse is a hit with kids of all ages but especially school-age girls who love the realistic details it provides for their pretend play. This dollhouse accommodates 12”, the perfect size for your six year old’s Barbies and other favorite dolls. At four feet high, the Charlotte gives them enough room to play with friends and siblings for hours of imaginative play. Best Toy for Six Year Old Boys: Everyday Heroes Play Set 209.99 Dollhouse play is highly beneficial for both boys and girls as they immerse themselves in imaginative play and practice social situations. Unfortunately, boys often face pressure to stop playing with dollhouses once they reach school-age years. The Hometown Heroes Play Set solves that problem, providing all the benefits of dollhouse play while aligning with your little guys’ other interests. Both boys and girls love the Hometown Heroes set, but we’ve found that it’s a huge hit among boys who love all things first responder. The included firefighter and police officer are ready for the call along with their trusty canine side-kicks. Your kids can help them spring into action at a moment’s notice, sliding down the fire pole, or hopping onto the motorcycle, firetruck, or helicopter. When they’re not saving the day, the Hometown Heroes can get ready in this four-story playset with eight different rooms. Want more toy ideas for the six year old in your life? Shop all of our bestsellers for kid-tested toys they’re sure to love! *Prices are correct as of the publication of this article.

Best Toys for Five Year Olds

Five is a year of independence and exploration. Many kids are going to school for the first time, developing their reading skills, and making more friends than ever. As their attention span and love of social play increase, you’ll notice that they can immerse themselves in pretend play for hours, especially when they’ve got a buddy by their side. These kiddos will always be excited about toys that encourage pretend play and line up with their interests – whether that’s the fire station on the corner or the checkout line at the store. Our best toys for five year olds will help them learn about the world around them, play with their pals, and develop that incredible imagination through imaginative play. Best Toy for Pretend Play: Ride Around Town Train Set & Table The Ride Around Town Train Set & Table is great for more than building tracks and pushing trains. With four real-life scenes, kids can learn about the world around them as they play with included characters and animals in a farm setting, a little town, a construction zone, and an airport. No room for a full train table? Opt for the Bucket Top Mountain Train Set. It stores away neatly in the included plastic tote and still provides plenty of inspiration for pretend play with character figurines, helicopters, planes, and a picturesque mountain setting. Best Toy for Five Year Old Girls: KidKraft Disney Princess Dance & Dream Dollhouse Ahh, those fun years of dress up and princesses. It’s a magical time, right? The Disney Princess Dance & Dream dollhouse is a guaranteed hit with any little princess in your life. This magical castle fits 12” dolls, the perfect fit for all of their favorite Disney princesses. Features like the winding golden staircase and grand piano add a little extra magic to playtime, and the rooftop dance floor lets dolls spin and twirl to three different songs. You just might find your little princess dancing along too! Best Toy for Five Year Old Boys: Mega Ramp Racing Set Gas them up, wash them off, and then race to the finish with this deluxe car racing set! The high-speed ramp launches cars into the air, making races exciting and fun whether your little car enthusiast is playing independently or with a friend. But the Mega Ramp Racing is much more than a ramp – the gas station, car wash, and garage with elevator add extra elements to encourage pretend play as your little guy cares for his cars after the big race. Want more toy ideas for the five year old in your life? Shop all of our bestsellers for kid-tested toys they’re sure to love! *Prices are correct as of the publication of this article.

Best Toys for Four Year Olds

Pretend play is in full swing at four years old! These kiddos are constantly mimicking adults’ daily behaviors and routines and imagining their own make-believe scenarios. All this pretend is more than just play – it’s helping them make sense of the world around them and develop the social skills they’ll need as they grow up. Our picks for best toys for four year olds are open-ended and perfect for all the pretending, building, and creating your little one loves to do! Best Toy for Constructive Play: 2-in-1 Activity Table with Board $109.99 What’s constructive play, you ask? Also known as construction play, it’s any type of play that involves building, assembling, and crafting something new, and it has documented cognitive benefits. Everything from blanket forts to sand castles to play dough can be categorized into constructive play, but the most famous example is classic building blocks. The 2-in-1 Activity Table enables multiple types of constructive play. On the building brick side, your child can use the 200 included building bricks to make anything their imaginations come up with. On the train tableside, they can construct tracks for a locomotive adventure. The table comes with a 30-piece train starter set and is big enough to accommodate larger sets as well. Best Educational Toy for Four Year Olds: Uptown Elite Play Kitchen Of course, that chef’s hat calls for another timeless toy for dramatic play: the classic play kitchen! Realistic play kitchens can foster hours of dramatic play and provide an ideal space for brain-boosting constructive play as well when kids create their own playdough foods. The Uptown Elite is one of our most popular play kitchens thanks to its sleek wood construction, gender-neutral design, and realistic details like a working ice machine and sound effects. It’s the perfect size for your four year old’s dramatic play as they play house and cook away. Or take a look at our full line of wooden play kitchens to find the perfect pick for the four year old in your life. Best Toy for Jam Sessions: Lil’ Symphony Electric Guitar Do you have a little rockstar on your hands? The Lil’ Symphony Electric Guitar will let them jam out with prerecorded beats and riffs. When they want to get creative and try out making their own song, they can switch modes to play individual notes. Since most four year olds love music but don’t have the patience or dexterity for real guitars yet, the Lil’ Symphony Electric Guitar offers a perfect middle ground – they get all the fun of pre-recorded music and the chance to experiment with playing an “instrument” on their own. Best Toy for Four Year Old Girls: Designed by Me: Magnetic Makeover Dollhouse If you’ve ever found your little girl “redecorating” her own walls with markers, crayons, or stickers, you’re both sure to love the Designed by Me Dollhouse line. She’ll love the creative freedom to customize their dollhouse, and you’ll love that she’s focused on designing the dollhouse instead of your house. The Magnetic Makeover Dollhouse offers endless chances to design and redesign with eight magnetic wallpapers and magnetic accessories. If markers and stickers are your girl’s design tools of choice, be sure to check out the Designed by Me: Color Decor Dollhouse and Designed by Me: Sticker Fun Dollhouse as well. Best Toy for Four Year Old Boys: Deluxe Workbench with Tools The Deluxe Workbench presents another fantastic opportunity for dramatic and constructive play that aligns with your little guy’s interest in building and tools. The working vise, wrench, nuts, and bolts mean he can do more than just pretend – he can really use his tools to customize his workbench and build with colorful wooden planks. All the while, he’ll be perfecting his fine motor skills! Want more gift inspiration for the three year old in your life? Shop all of our bestsellers for kid-tested toys they’re sure to love! *Prices are correct as of the publication of this article.

Best Toys for Three Year Olds

Need some toy ideas for your favorite threenager? Our list of best toys for three year olds has you covered. We’ve curated this list to line up with the skills and milestones your three year old is learning to perfect. No gimmicky toys or passive entertainment here – these toys are just as great for learning as they are for having fun! Best for Art & Creativity: Tabletop Easel $34.99 If you loved your child’s scribbles and fingerpaints before, just wait until they start attempting their first real drawings. Three is a special age for your child’s interest in arts and crafts. Whereas before they were mostly fascinated by the colors and textures of their crayons and paints, around 3 or 4 years of age, they’ll start attempting their first stick figures and other simple representations. They might be hard to make out at first, but just wait – you’ll be surprised by how fast their skills develop! A great way to support their drawing and writing is with a fun easel of their very own. They not only make art time more enticing; they help little hands develop a proper grasp of writing tools, an important pre-writing skill! We think the Tabletop Easel is a great size for little ones, but if you want an Easel that will grow with them into the elementary years, be sure to check out our full line of kids’ art easels. $34.99 Best for Musical Fun: Lil’ Symphony Wooden Drum $18.99 A toy that can take a beating! The Lil’ Symphony Wooden Drum is tough enough to stand up to the toddler treatment – a good thing because your toddler won’t want to put it down. The included neck strap means they can start their own one-man marching band. With sturdy sticks and real drum tones, this little toy is great for inspiring an interest in music and teaching basic rhythm. Best Toy for Fine Motor Development: On-the-Go Building Blocks Set Three year olds are still perfecting their fine motor skills, and building bricks are perfect for increasing strength and dexterity in their hands and fingers. Skills that we take for granted – like the ability to line up two bricks perfectly or the strength to pull bricks apart – are still challenging for your toddler. The physical challenge of working with the blocks and the creativity of building their own structures make this a toy that’s sure to hold their attention. The On-the-Go Building Blocks set is a great intro to building bricks for toddlers. It has just enough bricks to let them get creative but not enough to overwhelm or distract them. Plus, its portability makes it a great toy for meltdown-free road trips, plane rides, and meals out. Best Learning Toy for 3 Year Olds: 60-piece Wooden Block Set Yep, another block set! While building bricks are great for your three year old’s fine motor development, it’s still tough for them to build larger structures with them. With the 60-piece wooden block set, they can stack and connect pieces easily and push their building skills to the limit. Plus, half the fun of blocks at this age is that satisfying crash of knocking down a tower! But what exactly are they learning as they play with blocks? A lot! Block play is associated with improved spatial reasoning, enhanced language development, and even higher math scores. One study found that the types of structures kids built as four year olds could predict how well they performed in math classes later on, so three is a great age to encourage more block play for your little one! Best Toy for Three Year Old Girls: Lil’ Doll 2-pc. Play Furniture Set Three year olds love anything that gives them “big-kid status,” including caring for smaller babies and dolls. The Lil’ Doll 2-pc. Play Furniture Set lets them practice feeding their baby dolls in a high chair and putting them to sleep in a cradle. They’ll gain more than just entertainment too; research suggests that doll play helps kids develop social skills and empathy. Best Toys for Three Year Old Boys: Adventure Tracks Dino World T-Rex Tremor Cave $28.38 Only at Walmart Where do we even start when it comes to the benefits of toy train sets? The constructive play of building tracks is great for cognitive development as well as fine motor development. Pushing trains helps develop dexterity, fine motor skills, and grip strength. And that doesn’t even touch on the elements of pretend play – especially when you have themed train sets like the Adventure Tracks: Dino World line. The T-Rex Tremor cave is an ideal, budget-friendly introductory train set that ideal for your dino-loving little guy. For even more dinosaur fun, upgrade to the Dino World Rumble & Roar Complete Set. Want more gift inspiration for the three year old in your life? Shop all of our bestsellers for kid-tested toys they’re sure to love! *Prices are correct as of the publication of this article.

Toy of the Year Award

Have you heard? We’re up for Innovative Toy of the Year for the KidKraft Amazon Alexa Enabled 2-in-1 Kitchen and Market, and we couldn’t be more excited!The Toy of the Year Awards (TOTYs) recognizes the year’s best new toys in a variety of categories from dolls to plushies to playsets. As you might have guessed, the Innovative category honors toys that are truly creative, new, and well… innovative. To land a nomination in this category, a toy must do something that’s never quite been done before. To say that we’re honored to be included in such a list is a huge understatement, but we can’t help but agree that the Alexa Enabled 2-in-1 Kitchen and Market deserves the attention. What Can You Expect From The Alexa 2-in-1 Kitchen and Market? This is a play wood kitchen like you’ve never seen before. The KidKraft kid skill for Alexa allows kids to interact with Alexa through games, recipes, jokes, and more as they play. Alexa can recognize and “read” from over 24 recipe cards, building real-world cooking skills even for pre-readers. Games provide new ways for kids to interact with their play kitchen, and of course, those kid-friendly jokes are delightfully cheesy and fun even for the adults in the room. Even without KidKraft kid skill for Alexa, the 2-in-1 Kitchen and Market offers plenty in the way of innovation. Interactive food items and dishes enhance realistic play through sensors. Kids can ring each item up at the store and receive a grand total based on what they bought. Plus, the innovative 360° design lets kids switch back and forth between kitchen play and grocery shopping, providing an even richer play experience from a single toy.People’s choice voting is open now, so be sure to cast your vote and register to watch the TOTYs for free on February 12 to find out who the winners are!

How Long Do Kids Play With Dollhouses?

Dollhouses are more than just cute (though they are that) — they’re also a wealth of developmental play opportunities. Most importantly, dollhouses facilitate imaginative play that helps kids grow their social skills and make sense of the world. Kids act out social situations, imagine multiple perspectives and personalities, and perform practice runs of social conflicts. The benefits of dollhouses go beyond the playtime experience! But how long do girls play with dolls? Do 10-year-olds play with dolls? Do 11-year-olds play with dolls? Find out the best age for a dollhouse and the ideal type of dollhouse for different age groups below. What is the best age for a dollhouse? Is there an appropriate age for a dollhouse? How old is too old to play with dolls? We find that dollhouse play aligns best with the developmental needs and play preferences of kids ages 3 to 9. At these ages, kids love to engage in imaginative and pretend play and act out social scenarios. The beauty of dolls and dollhouses is that they can grow with kids as their imaginations become more complex. Toddlers will love simply reenacting everyday activities in their dollhouses, while older kids will create elaborate storylines and characters. Each child is different, of course, but in general, here’s how you can expect kids of different ages to play and learn with their dollhouse. 1-2 Years Those chubby-cheeked toddlers are just starting to engage in pretend play. They may hug and brush the hair of a baby doll, but most kids under two won’t really understand the concept of pretending their dolls live in a dollhouse. But that doesn’t mean they won’t still have fun with them! Toddlers love exploring the features of a dollhouse, like sound effects and doors that open and close. They’ll also enjoy rearranging furniture and finding all the different ways they can fit dolls and accessories into the dollhouse’s various rooms. At this age, dollhouses are often more about spatial exploration, fine motor skills, and cause and effect than they are about pretend play. As children inch closer to 3 years old, you’ll start to see them engage in simple pretend play, such as putting dolls to bed or making them sit at the kitchen table. Their ideal dollhouse: Is very durable Contains no small pieces that can be choked on Has doors or accessories to open and close 3-5 Years You’ll really see the fun begin here! Around these ages, kids will begin to create storylines with their dolls and act them out in the dollhouse. And no, those stories don’t always make sense, but that’s OK! Just by imagining conflicts and scenarios — no matter how silly they are — your child is still gaining so much understanding of the world and other people. Their ideal dollhouse: Is big enough to play with friends Isn't so tall that they can’t reach the top floors Has simple, sturdy furniture that they can move around without breaking 6-9 Years Yes, 6-9-year-olds play with dolls! And we really love these years for dollhouse play. The creativity you saw earlier only begins to grow, and you may be surprised at just how developed their pretend worlds are. You may also notice that your kiddos’ interests shift to different types of dolls in these years. They may become less interested in a family set of dolls and more interested in Barbies or dolls that look like teenagers. Unfortunately, at this age many boys experience social pressure that prevents them from playing with dolls and dollhouses, or they simply gravitate more toward other kinds of toys. Because dollhouse play can be so beneficial for developing empathy and social skills, consider providing similar toys that match your little boy’s interests like the Everyday Heroes Play Set. Their ideal dollhouse: Is big enough to play with friends Fits the type and size of doll they enjoy Has more detailed accessories and furniture 10-12 Years The golden days of the dollhouse may be winding down at this point, but even those precocious preteens still have fun with dolls and dollhouses. Though at this age, you can expect that play to look different than it used to. For some older kids, playing with their dollhouse becomes a top secret activity. If friends and classmates have stopped playing with dollhouses, your child may start to be self-conscious about still enjoying dollhouses. Though there’s a decent chance their friends are doing the same thing. For others, dollhouses begin to become more of a tool for social play and less an activity they do by themselves. In other words, when your child has a friend over, they may love world-building and playing out complex social situations with dolls and dollhouses, but you may notice that they enjoy dollhouses less when playing alone.So what age is good for a dollhouse? Almost any child pre-teen or younger can benefit from dollhouse play, but the sweetest spot is often between four and nine years old. Their imaginations are going full steam, and they’re always looking for new ways to pretend. Discover our dollhouses for 2-to-4-year olds, 3-to-5 year olds, and 5 years and up now.Trying to find the perfect dollhouse? Check out our collection of dollhouses and dollhouse accessories! FAQs What type of dollhouse is best for a toddler? The best dollhouse for a toddler is sturdy, simple, and designed for little hands, with large, easy-to-grasp furniture and characters. Look for wooden dollhouses with engaging designs, minimal small parts, and open sides for easy access to encourage imaginative play. What are the benefits of dollhouse play? Dollhouse play encourages creativity, storytelling, and social skills as kids act out real-life scenarios and make up their own adventures. It also helps develop fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. What size dolls fit in a KidKraft dollhouse? KidKraft dollhouses vary in size, but most are designed to fit dolls between 5 and 12 inches tall, such as Barbie dolls (11.5 inches) or smaller figurines. Be sure to check the specific model’s dimensions to find the best fit for your child’s dolls!

The Ultimate Kids Holiday Gift Guide for 2022

We love the holiday season for that buzz of excitement, the fun holiday activities, and all the cozy cuddles with our kids. But there’s one thing we can do without: the overwhelming push to buy flashy, noisy toys that only get played with for a week.If you’re tired of the toy box being filled with long-forgotten ghosts of Christmases past, get some gift ideas and inspiration for kids of any age from our 2022 kids holiday gift guide. We’ve filled it with some of KidKraft’s very best for our five pillars of play: active play, cognitive play, creative play, imaginative play, and social play. No fads and gimmicks here: just time-tested gift ideas for kids who love to play. For young toddlers: 18 - 23 months These wiggly, wonderful toddlers are learning new words and concepts by the day. Whereas they loved knocking things down and taking things apart in the months prior, now they’ll revel in the challenge of building, fitting, and putting things back together. Wooden blocks If they don’t have some already, add a set of wooden blocks high on your list! They’re a truly open-ended toy, so they’ll encourage creative play and stick around for years. At 18 months, toddlers attempt simple towers (and love knocking them down). In just a few more months, you’ll see them try to make more complex structures. From there, the sky is truly the limit, and you’ll love seeing how your child incorporates blocks into their worlds of pretend play. Shape Sorter There’s a reason shape sorter is a classic toy. Young toddlers are engaged by the fine motor challenge, while older toddlers love learning and matching shapes and colors. Climbers That whole “climbed before they could walk” thing isn’t just a saying – young toddlers are driven to test their climbing skills on anything in sight. Fortunately, a fun, safe climbing toy can help them explore that urge to climb and keep them from attempting to scale your furniture (or your Christmas tree). A-frame Hideaway & ClimberOne part rock wall, one part tee-pee, this sturdy climber doubles as a pint-sized playhouse, making it the perfect blend of active and imaginative play. Camp & Slide ClimberHave a little one who adores all things nature? They’ll love having daily camping adventures with the Camp & Slide Climber. When they’re done climbing and sliding, they can cozy up in their very own camping tent! Under the rounded arch, tent flaps with camping-inspired designs create a cozy hideout for your little one to snuggle up in and pretend they’re roughing it in the great outdoors. 5-in-1 Sports ClimberWe love presents that get toddlers moving – they have a blast, and you might actually get a little downtime once they’re tired out! And movement is this climber’s speciality. With five different ways to play, your little one is sure to expend all that extra holiday energy as they climb, slide, score soccer goals, shoot baskets, and swing at the baseball targets! For older toddlers: 2 Years Toddlers are constantly learning about the world and their own bodies and limitations! They love activities that challenge their fine motor skills, present them with problems to solve (How do those train tracks fit together?), and help them through developmental stages like schemas (more on that below!). Train Set Have you ever noticed your little one run to the window to watch the garbage truck? Or seem absolutely mesmerized by passing trains? If so, then you know that toddlers and preschoolers are fascinated by “things that go.” Train sets are a great way to feed that interest and encourage creative, explorative play as they build tracks and engage in pretend play. Train sets are versatile enough that high-quality wooden sets like the Figure 8 Train Set will stay in the toy rotation well into the school-age years. Turtle Totter Balance Beam Now that your little one has been a walking pro for months or years, they’re likely looking for other ways to challenge their balance and gross motor skills. The Turtle Totter Balance Beam is just the thing! A Foody Friends Kitchen & Activity Center Many play kitchens are still a little too big for toddlers at this age – the frustration of not being able to reach that top shelf is real. That’s why the Foody Friends Activity Centers are designed with toddlers in mind. A low-profile design keeps everything within your toddler’s reach, and the fun animal designs are just an added bonus. Now all you have to do is choose the animal pal your little one will love best: Cooking Fun Elephant Activity Center,Baking Fun Unicorn Activity Center. For preschoolers: 3 - 4 years Kids at this age are moving into the years of imaginative and pretend play (hooray!). Toys that let them role play, build, and create will always be winners! Adventure Tracks: Safari Run Remember how we said train sets were versatile? Preschoolers (especially preschoolers who love animals and the zoo) will love the added element of imaginative play in the Adventure Tracks: Safari Run play table. In this set, the train cars are animals of the African savanna like fierce lions, zebras, gazelles, wildebeest, and leopards. They can connect them with magnets to form a train or play with them individually. A safari through the tracks will take them face-to-face with more animals as they roll past elephants, giraffes, and more. Art Easel Your mini-Picasso already loved crayons and paints as a toddler, but now, you’ll see them move beyond scribbles and shapes and attempt real pictures. Their attention span for creative play like art projects increases around this age, so it’s a great age to invest in a dedicated art station or easel.The Create N Play Art Easel is a great choice if you’re looking for an all-in-one easel that will grow with them well into elementary school. With a built-in chalkboard, dry erase board, storage bin, and drip-free paint cups, it has everything they’ll need to make their next masterpiece and keep messes to a minimum. For even more mess-free projects, the Ultimate Creation Station has room for two plus built-in storage and project trays that make great sensory bins. Dress Up Clothes & Costumes From superheroes to princesses and everything in between, preschoolers love to dress up. A ballgown, a firefighter uniform, or a costume from their favorite character are guaranteed to be a hit. And to keep it all organized, the Pretend N Play Dress Up Unit will let them easily access all their favorite dress-up clothes year-round. Bring on the wardrobe changes! Create and Cook Create and Cook pretend foods are an engaging, budget-friendly idea for pretend play. They work as a stand-alone present or as a fun addition to a play kitchen. This year, kid favorites are the Create and Cook Apple Pie and Create and Cook Avocado Toast! If you’re looking for a play kitchen as well, you can bundle all those pretend play accessories and get a vintage-inspired kitchen with the Create & Cook Kitchen Set, exclusively on KidKraft.com. Let’s Pretend Pop-Ups Speaking of pretend play… Let’s Pretend Pop-Ups are 10/10 going to be a hit with preschoolers and up (and their younger siblings will love getting in on the fun too). These space-saving setups let your kiddo turn the playroom into a full grocery store, restaurant, or vet’s office for immersive pretend play with realistic props and setups. Each pop-up folds down for easy storage and opens up to six sides, so your little one has multiple “rooms” in their little business. For school-age kids: 5 years and up Ahh those dreamy years of endless pretend play. This is when watching kids open presents gets really fun!Pre-schoolers love play kitchens and the chance to mimic practical life skills too, but young school-age kids are especially imaginative with their play kitchens. In the hands of your five or six-year-old, play kitchens become much-loved props for playing everything from shopkeeper to Cinderella. And no, they don’t have to be a big plastic eyesore. KidKraft’s wide selection of quality wooden play kitchens are designed to last and look as chic as your decor. These are some of our favorites this year: Play Kitchens For a modern farmhouse aesthetic: Modern Metallics Farmhouse Play Kitchen: Wood-look storage baskets, a chalkboard for the menu-of-the-day, and veggie harvest fresh from the farm. This kitchen looks great and normalizes healthy eating. For a deluxe kitchen surprise: Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen with Lights and Sounds: Little chefs get the full kitchen experience with this play kitchen! Appliances include a fridge with ice maker, light up stove, spacious sink, microwave, and washing machine. The corner design gives it room for all the can include more space and features without taking up a ton of room in your home. For a cheerful, colorful look: Large Pastel Play Kitchen: Finally – bright, cheerful colors that aren’t overwhelming. This happy little kitchen is built to last through years of pretend play. Playhouse Going big this holiday season? Put that “wow” look on their faces with one of our newest and most popular playhouses: the Cozy Escape. This playhouse is a full-out clubhouse dream with two stories, a ladder, a slide, a balcony, and a play kitchen. Find it in the super-stylish navy-and-white combo exclusively on KidKraft.com. For a smaller playhouse in an equally stylish color combo, check out the White & Raven Modern Outdoor Playhouse. Swing Sets Swing sets are another outdoors toy that's sure to wow them! Our Wrangler Way Swing Set or McKinley Swing Set are big enough to grow with them throughout elementary school, and they’re a parent favorite for swoon-worthy paint jobs. If backyard space is limited, check out the Ranger Retreat for a compact, budget-friendly swing set they’ll love. Dollhouses Is anything more timeless than a dollhouse under the tree on Christmas morning? (Except maybe a puppy? Thanks but no thanks!) Dollhouses are another long-time kid favorite that works for multiple age ranges. Preschoolers are drawn to them too, but kids in the kindergarten-and-up range really engage in the type of immersive pretend play that makes dolls and dollhouses so fun. Large, open-concept dollhouses like the So Stylish Mansion Dollhouse allow for 360° play, making it easy for multiple siblings and friends to play together. The KidKraft Disney Princess Dance & Dream brings a little extra magic and fantasy to the realm. And if you have a little horse lover, the Grand Horse Stable & Dollhouse is the perfect way to give her dolls and her toy horses their perfect dream home. Play Sets For the boys or girls who like a little more of a rough-and-tumble vibe for their pretend play, playsets like the Rocket Ship Play Set or Pirate’s Cove Pretend Play Set are perfect dollhouse alternatives. For animal lovers and adventure lovers alike, the Safari 2-in-1 Ride and Play is an innovative combination of a Safari playset and a rideable safari truck!Hopefully, your head is now dancing with visions of sugar plum fairies and fun, engaging kids gift ideas for the kiddos in your life. Prefer to shop by price? Our Holiday Gift Guide has great gift ideas for every budget! Or, if you want to shop by type of play (creative, social, imaginative, cognitive, or active), check out our Shop by Skill page to find toys that align with the developmental milestones your little one is working hard to master!

Rainy Day Activities the Whole Family Will Enjoy

Rainy days don’t have to be dreary. With these 10 rainy day activities for kids, your little ones may actually look forward to stormy days! Couch Cushion Obstacle Course Physical challenge is the name of the game when it comes to rainy day activities for toddlers. Since they can’t run and climb outside, you can help them expend all that energy with a couch cushion obstacle course. Spread out and stack couch cushions and throw pillows and let them climb, crawl, and toddle their way across the room. Add in a blanket fort tunnel, and even older kids will want to get in on the fun! Living Room Campout Whether you use a full-size tent, a blanket fort, or a child’s teepee, indoor campouts are always a hit. Plus, they give a little extra magic to movie nights, storytime, or anything else you’re doing that day. Dollhouse Decorating Rainy days are a wonderful time to encourage pretend play. Come up with a scenario that requires the dollhouse to be decorated such as a royal ball, a favorite holiday, a visit from grandma and grandpa. Supply them with craft supplies like pipe cleaners, crafting pom poms, construction paper, colors, or whatever you have lying around to let them design their own decorations. Once they’ve completed their master design, they’ll have a blast playing out the pretend scenario with their dolls. Make a Work of Art Bust out the art easel, paints, and colors to make a rainy day masterpiece. Make the activity last longer by helping younger kids mix their own DIY fingerpaint. Older kids will enjoy the added challenge of a kids’ drawing tutorial (or drawing book to keep the activity screen-free). Mail those masterpieces to family and friends for the added fun of using stamps and envelopes! Build a City Combine block sets and train sets to turn the playroom into a mini-metropolis. Add in dollhouses or playsets to make your city even more fun and let the kids’ imaginations take over! DIY Enrichment for the Pets The kids aren’t the only ones cooped up in the house, right? They’ll love the chance to do something nice for the family pet by creating a simple enrichment activity. It’s easy to build treat puzzles for cats out of cardboard and paper towel rolls. For dogs, let your child hide a treat or two in a few small boxes (or any container or hiding place) for a “nose work” activity. For hamsters and rabbits, tear up paper towels to create new nesting materials and enjoy watching them get cozy! Dance Party When the stir-craziness starts to set in, crank up a kid-friendly playlist and get everyone on their feet! Bonus points to whoever comes up with the silliest dance moves. Bake Together Nothing says cozy, rainy day like the smell of warm cookies. For extra fun, let your little one measure, pour, and mix kid-safe ingredients (i.e. no raw eggs) at their own play kitchen. They’ll find the chance to complete a real task at their own level empowering and fun. Start a New Book Cozying up with a page-turner is practically mandatory during a thunderstorm, right? For independent readers, pull up a chair next to your kid’s reading nook and get lost in a book of your own. (And don’t forget to bring a few of the cookies you made earlier!) For pre-readers, make reading together extra special today with your best character voices. Tidy Up the Playroom We know – it may not sound fun, but kids are willing to get excited about almost anything. Clean up songs and games –– “Who can put away these blocks the fastest?” –– make even mundane tasks exciting. If you have positive energy, add in some fun, and keep things low pressure, tidying toys can be almost as fun as playing with them.