Toys that can stimulate your child’s imagination
| I noticed that recently my son is starting to realize that there is a whole wide and exiting world out there that was never before in his reach. This world that I’m referring to is the world he creates in his mind. The great thing about this magical world is that everything can happen in it and possibilities are endless and unlimited. As natural as it is, I find that imagination requires fueling from time to time and that some accessories and developmental toys can easily inspire new worlds to take form. It is fun to see how trivial objects can get a special meaning in the toddler’s play and I must admit that I get carried away with it too after shaking the dust off these sleepy cells of mine.. |
| So let’s explore some classic toys for toddlers that can serve this purpose of encouraging the creativity of mind… |
 US Scarf Blank Bandana The first one that I would like to present is not really a toy. It is a collection of clothes and accessories that you can probably find in your closet and if not are affordable and easy to purchase in second-hand stores or on end of season sales … They can include colorful pieces of clothing, hats, scarves, shawls, shoes, necklaces and any other accessory that can be used to create a character. These are great for creating customs and using them to play different rolls. I suggest keeping them in some kind of storage unit that is accessible enough to allow spontaneous play. |
 Mighty World Construction Site 8614 The second one is a collection of toy figures such as: animals, action figures, mythological figures, people from different cultures or people with different occupation. For example: Indians, cowboys, pirates, fairies, doctors, farmers and so on.. The child is the writer & the director of the scene and as such he decides which characters to cast for the play and what will be the nature of the interaction between them. This kind of game, not only stimulates the imagination but is also used as an outlet for the child’s fears and emotions and can help the parent learn more about his inner world through the world he creates. |
| The next one is related to the previous – Play sets and play houses create fantastic setting for the imaginary play. This can include different accessories that the figures use in their daily life or the environment in which they live in. For example: Fire houses, doll houses, castles, weapons, construction tools, farm vehicles, space ships and so on.. |
 Melissa & Doug King Puppet  Melissa & Doug Police Officer Puppet Another good way to encourage creativity is to have a puppet Theater which can be purchased or improvised. With a few puppets and an idea the child can create beautiful stories that come alive through play and act out his feelings. You can purchase Hand/finger puppets, stringed puppets or even create puppets from socks, buttons and yarn or from cardboard, stick and colors. |
| For the young toddlers who are just starting to explore the pretend game world but are still not prepared to co-play with their peers, play set of Kitchen/workbench toys/doctor tools can arouse the imagination but do not require others to participate. My son can play for a long time with his kitchen set and workbench without needing us to help him or participate in anyway. |
 Haba Blossom Sky Room Tent Another way to encourage pretend games both indoors and outdoors is using Tents, blankets or outdoor houses to create a setting for imaginative play. The nice thing about it is that it also allows the child to have his own kingdom and some kind of getaway when he needs it. Some kids have a little tent in their room in which they enjoy playing with their toys as it gives them some kind of uninterrupted, secure environment. |
