Open-Ended Toys for Toddlers
Gift Ideas for Young Children to Encourage Imaginative Play
Oct 17, 2009
An open-ended toy is one which is not designed for a specific function, but can be adapted for several different games. For example, an elaborate play kitchen can only be used as a kitchen or for a few other somewhat limited games (perhaps as a hotel or cafe). On the other hand, a set of bright plastic crates could be used to set up a “kitchen” counter, but could also be used for a variety of other games – building a fort, making a dollhouse, throwing hacky- sacks into the crates, playing drums and so on.
Playsilks
These squares of coloured silk are approximately 35 inches square. Playsilk website Sarah's Silks explains: “Silks can be used to create elaborate costumes, build forts, create landscapes and water for boats and animals, and much more.” Playsilks can be purchased or made by hand; they can be square, rectangular, triangular or any other shape. Silk is used because of its unique texture and longevity, but other fabrics could be used.
Bilibo Toys
A bilibo is an unusual-looking Swiss toy that looks vaguely like a turtle's shell with two holes at one edge. Available in a variety of sizes and colours, bilibos are made of tough plastic and are abstract enough to be versatile. The smaller sizes can be used for pouring water or sand, collecting cherry tomatoes from the garden, wearing as a hat or spinning on the floor. The bigger size is large enough for a toddler to sit and rock in or to hide under; it can also be used to hold a collection of soft toys.
Lego, Duplo, Blocks and Other Building Toys
The building blocks of play, connectable bricks and blocks are incredibly open-ended and can last a child for decades. Children can use Lego alone or with other toys – building train tracks or a Barbie house, for example. For plastic blocks it is best to go with a respected brand such as Lego or Duplo, as cheap knockoffs don't have the same indestructible qualities. For wooden blocks, new are preferred as old second-hand blocks may have been painted with lead-containing paints. Some wooden blocks are available which fit together in a Lego-like fashion; others are smooth.
Hacky Sacks and Wheatie Bags
Small wheatie bags in an easy-to-hold shape like a pyramid can be used for all sorts of things. They are comfortable to throw and catch, can be used to practice juggling, and can be popped in the freezer or microwave for sensory play. Wheatie bags also make good compresses for pain relief, cute bean bags for small toys and handy lifts for too-low tables and chairs. For a more personal touch, embellish the bags with faces and spines to create cute creatures.
Big Cardboard Appliance Boxes
A really big cardboard box used for packaging a fridge or washing machine makes a wonderful open-ended toy for toddlers. Left as is, the box can be laid on its side for a cave; decorated, it can be made into a house, bus, train, rocket ship, cruise liner or puppet theatre. For a gift, present the box with some art supplies and let the toddler decorate the box before playing. Mum and Dad can cut windows and doors with a craft knife. The box can be flattened and stored under a bed when not in use.
Quadro Do-it-Yourself Playground Sets
The highly-acclaimed Quadro sets are a creative answer to plastic adventure playgrounds. Unless parents are willing to shell out thousands of dollars, the average home playset is limited to a few static tunnels, slides and ladders. Quadro sets consist of giant plastic connectors, tubes and panels which children can form into endless configurations. Like a larger-than-life K'nex set, the pieces are strong enough to form a climbing frame and versatile enough to build into a house, ladder, tower, tent, clothes horse or obstacle course. The sets are pricey – the starter kit retails for US$284.89 – but are built to last, suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and open-ended enough to engage children for years.
As these few items demonstrate, open-ended toys can be ingeniously designed or absolutely simple. For a toddler, even found items such as saucepans and shoes can foster the imagination and provide endless amusement and learning opportunities. So if the budget doesn't stretch to a state-of-the-art wooden train set, don't despair – chances are a toddler will get more enjoyment and mental stimulation from the contents of a handbag in any case!
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