Let’s get you the best open-ended toys your kids will grow with. Does this sound familiar? Baby number one, you bought all the things. Child number two, you buy some things. Baby number three comes along, and you are ready to donate much of your toy collection. The solution? Open-ended toys your kids can continue to use as your family grows. With my degree in education and three boys now ages 6,8, and 9, I can confidently lead you to the best decisions. I’ve had a chance to see what one-year-olds love and what five and eight-year-olds still play with!
RELATED: Many open-ended toys we grow with begin at the toddler gift-giving stage.
What are open-ended toys?
Open-ended toys do not have an established start or stop to the play activity. True open-ended toys include everyday objects that can be used for imagination and creativity, such as rocks, sensory materials, and wooden blocks. These toys are open-ended because they are not dictating to the child what they need to do as they play. It is up to the child to take the lead.
What are close-ended toys?
Closed-ended toys are the opposite of open-ended. These toys suggest to the child what to do with them. Some examples of closed-ended toys are puzzles, Legos, Duplos, games, and race car sets. We play with many of these close-ended toys as well and have for years.
Opened-ended toys invite the most imagination into play, but there is room for both depending on your child’s interests.
So, what does this mean when it comes to the toy industry? Sometimes, they come close; other times, they miss the mark, still labeling the toy open-ended.
My goal when choosing the best toys for my boys is to pick toys to grow WITH my children as they explore new play methods. And yep, I also have some smart toy storage solutions for these toys.
What makes a great toy?
- Exploratory – Encourages exploration. Does this roll? Stack? Attach? How can I make these two pieces fit together? Do they even go together?
- Hands-On -Your preschooler can feel the parts, and they move! Sometimes they even have a fantastic texture. This play will engage your preschooler’s senses.
- Unlimited Play – There is no official start or end to the game. Preschoolers manipulate the object(s) in endless amounts of ways. This play encourages curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving.
These toys encourage creativity, imagination, and discovery. They are also exploratory and hands-on; your child grows with them over the years. Toys on this list align with why the AAP believes play is essential!
Open-ended toys are more child-directed than toys that tell you what and when to push to activate the play. As a parent and an educator, I have seen the endless possibilities and ways children play with these toys.
Open-ended toy list
When reading this list, remember the true meaning of open-ended toys. This list combines open-ended toys, close-ended toys, art supplies, and pretend play toys that are right on the cusp of a true open-ended toy. This fantastic list will invite much play into your daily life.
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Magnetic Tiles
This is the first on our list because this is one of our most used toys.
We use magnetic tiles Every. Single. Day. My youngest likes to transport them from the living room to the refrigerator, and my oldest two create parking garages for their Matchbox cars. When we head out of town, these come with us!
Why Connetix? Better magnets and stronger connections to prevent breaking.
Pastel Magnetic Tiles
If you are ready to add to your collection, the pastel set of magnetic tiles is beautiful! I cannot say it enough. My oldest is nine and still builds with magnetic tiles. (So do his friends when they come over!)
Magna-Tile Roads
These roads by Magna-Tiles are fantastic. They just launched a new collection called Downhill Duo Roads, and I am super impressed. This would be an example where open-ended play meets a closed idea, but adding to your magnetic tile collection is still worthwhile.
Yoto Audio Player
This is an audio player without the noise of YouTube or the internet. Use the Yoto to listen to your child’s favorite podcasts, songs, and stories. The face also shows a digital clock and has an alarm clock. My six-year-old has NOT put this down.
V-Tech Kids Camera
Several years ago, my seven-year-old received this camera and hadn’t put it down. Since then, my boys have owned and taken this camera on hiking trips. We come home and download the new pictures on the computer.
Many new kid cameras are on the market now that a few years have passed, but I like this one because it doesn’t print. My boys could snap all they wanted, and we could download them. (They don’t take high-quality photos.)
Remember that this kid’s camera has games that can be locked in parental settings. Directions are in the owner’s manual. It also comes in a variety of styles. I have noticed my boys lose interest in the games when it becomes less of a battle.
Kids Wheelbarrow
This wheelbarrow has been a big hit with all three of my boys. They find ways to use it in outdoor play daily and no longer have an excuse to leave their belongings in the backyard. (wink, wink)
Colored Tape
The colored tape makes a unique open-ended toy. Unlimited possibilities to decorate cardboard boxes, use on paper, or other creative ideas in everyday play.
Sensory Table
Ready to upgrade your sensory play? Use this standing sensory bin in addition to your current sensory table or on its own. Investing in a table like this has been a game-changer for us!
Wooden Balance Board
Did you know that balance can help improve reading development? The vestibular contributes significantly to reading eye movements, eye-hand coordination, balance, motor planning, etc. Sometimes, I catch the boys wobbling back and forth; other times, the board is flipped over to make a hideout for stuffed animals or a slide. This wooden balance board offers many ways to play!
Wooden Block Set
This wooden block set is a must. Block play encourages creativity, explores balance, tests spatial awareness, and reinforces weight. Sadly, schools do not get time to integrate as much block time as they have in the past. Allow your child to share in the joy of block play!
Plus-Plus Big
Hands down, this toy is one of our favorite open-ended toys. The boys play with these at home, and we take them to restaurants and on road trips. Plu-Plus comes in two sizes; however, I will always prefer the big size.
Play Scarves
Gear up imaginary play with these play scarves! Each large scarf measures 35 x 35 inches. Use for blankets with dolls or stuffed animals, twirl and dance, costumes, movement, and more—a true example of open-ended toys that children can use for years.
Color Counting Bears
You know we love these counting bears! For under three, stay close because they are small, or save for your child’s age. Use these counting bears for imaginary play, color sorting, counting, patterns, and more. These were necessary for my classroom and continue to be so at home. These counting bears make a terrific addition to open-ended play!
Jumbo Droppers
These jumbo droppers are the best for our outdoor play! These are perfect for little hands to strengthen small muscles, which will help with handwriting, opening snack containers, and other self-help skills.
Lacing Beads
From color sorting to stacking, we cherish these lacing beads. The colors are bright, vibrant, and inviting to use. You will notice these lacing beads used with my preschoolers in many Breakfast Invitations.
Hot Wheels
One of my favorite things with my five-year-old is picking out Hot Wheels. We’ve been doing it for years! He checks out the little details and ensures the selected car is just right. Get started with this collection.
On the Go House
I love the simple creativity of this dollhouse. It is compact for small children and allows imaginary play. – Imaginary play is another thing that can be cut short once kids reach school age. Allow your children the time to dive deep into imaginary play and discover ways to express their emotions with this dollhouse. This dollhouse is wonderful for open-ended play.
Hape Track Set
Wooden tracks are another winner here. They have come in and out of play over the past three years but never disappeared.
Every time my boys take out their tracks, something new gets created. I have watched these tracks go from simple setups to endless twists and turns from the kitchen into the living room. These are something I will undoubtedly miss once they hit their teenage years.
LEGO Classic Set
Ready to introduce LEGOS and not sure where to start? We started with this classic set. It is the perfect collection of colors, accessories, and sizes to make ideas come to life.
Mega Bloks
My oldest received these Mega Blocks on his first birthday. Again, these are something they use daily. We keep our set in the bathtub. The boys build alongside the edges and create magical castles.
Balance Bike
Our balance bikes are hands down one of the best gifts my boys have ever received.
We use these multiple times per week, and I have watched their balance and coordination soar because of it! They come in many different colors and are perfect for every young kid in your life.
Shopping Cart
Per my oldest’s request, this cart MUST be in my grocery shopping trunk. It is a must-have item.
Not only does it give my children the ability to explore imaginary play, but it also gives them a purpose at the grocery store. My oldest knows what we get and follows along, knowing what goes inside.
Ice Cream Scoop Set
We ADORE our ice cream scoop set. Everyone that walks through our door is handed a menu and an ice cream. This set makes the perfect ice breaker for children to begin conversations with new family and friends.
Simple Play Kitchen
The simplicity of this kitchen set is what officially won me over. There are no over-the-top lights or buzzers, just a classic kitchen where my kids can cook up a creative snack to offer their grandparents- who apparently will eat ANYTHING.
More Toy Lists:
Frequently Asked Questions
Open-ended toys do not have an established start or stop to the play activity. True open-ended toys include everyday objects that can be used for imagination and creativity, such as rocks, sensory materials, and wooden blocks. These toys are open-ended because they are not dictating to the child what they need to do as they play. It is up to the child to take the lead.
Examples of open-ended toys are play scarves, magnetic tiles, wooden balance boards, blocks, and Plus-Plus. Most open-ended toys last for many ages and stages because they can be played with how the child sees fit.
There are several toys we will never give away. They are magnetic tiles, counting bears, wooden blocks, Plus-Plus BIG, and Legos/Duplos. I have watched my children play with these toys as toddlers and now as big kids at eight.
Thank you!! This is amazing!!
I am so happy you love it!!
Great list! I have a 2.5 year old and we have (and LOVE) many of the items on this list. New this year will be the Picasso Tiles, a pintoy fire station and engine, and a train set from lakeshore learning. Happy to see similar items on your list! I adore open ended toys that change and grow with the child. The only problem I’m running into is we buy new items but don’t have to get rid of any old toys since he’s not actually “outgrowing” them, and it feels like we have a lot of stuff!
I have a similar problem, Danna! I am just going with one day it will be all gone and replaced by boring things that don’t have to do with childhood. LOL