What are the best open-ended toys your kids will grow with?

We’ve been there. Baby number one, we bought all the things. When baby number two came, we bought some of the things. By the time we were ready for baby number three, we started giving things away. What we need are open-ended toys your kids will grow with and can be used as your family grows.

With three children and a lot of experience with toys, I am here to show you the best open-ended toys for kids.

As a mom of three, I’ve had a chance to really see what one-year-olds love and what the four-year-olds still play with.

The same toy can be used in many different ways for years.

That right there is gold. We want our toys to grow WITH our children as they explore new ways to play. You can find an entire list of toys broken down by category here.

Here is my personal checklist when looking to purchase a new 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 preschool can actually feel the parts, and they move. Sometimes they have a fantastic texture. This will engage your preschooler’s senses.
• Open-ended – There is no official start or end to the game. Preschoolers manipulate the object/objects in endless amounts of ways. This encourages curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving.

Here is the best list of open-ended forever toys for kids

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These toys encourage creativity, imagination, and discovery. They are also exploratory, hands-on, and open-ended.

Magnetic Tiles:

The first on our list, because I would say that this is our most used toy.

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

V-Tech Kids Camera

My five-year-old received this camera around three and hasn’t put it down since. Since then all three of my boys own this camera and take it on hiking trips. We come home and download the new pictures on the computer.

Keep in mind this kid’s camera has games that can be locked in the parental settings. Directions how are in the owner’s manual. It also comes in a variety of styles.

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 a large amount of Breakfast Invitations.

Whitney Brothers Light Table

Our light table gets used a lot with our magnetic tiles. This big purchase can be put to use in many ways for many years. The design is contemporary with neutral colors.

Foam Blocks

These foam blocks are fun in the bath, and even better with shaving cream. We have had these blocks for over five years and love them.

Plus Plus – Remember to get the BIG size!

Plus Plus comes in two sizes and the small pieces are really small. I have watched my boys go from making long lines with them to large tall creatures used in their imaginary play.

Color Counting Bears:

You know we love these counting bears! For under three, stay close because they are small in size or save for when older.

Use these counting bears for imaginary play, color sorting, counting, patterns, and much more. These were a necessity in my classroom and continue to be so at home.

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.

EverEarth Jr Ramp Racer

I remember when my husband brought this home for my oldest. At the time he was close to two years of age. Since then, we have used it with all of the boys.

Green Toys Fire Engine

I chose the fire engine because this is on our wish list. We currently have a recycling truck, dump truck, and a helicopter. The quality is excellent and typically makes its way into imaginary play.

Wooden Block Set

This wooden block set is a must. Block play encourages creativity, explores balance, tests spacial 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!

Grimm’s Rainbow

Grimm’s Rainbow! The colors are vibrant and the play is open-ended and timeless.

Melissa and Doug Doll House

I love the simple creativity of this dollhouse. It is the perfect height for small children and allows imaginary play. – Imaginary play is another thing that can be cut short once school age. Allow your children the time to dive deep into imaginary play and discover ways to express their emotions with this dollhouse.

Brio Tracks

Brio tracks are another winner here. They have come in and out of play over the past 3 years, but never go away.

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 certainly miss once they hit teenage years.

Mega Blocks

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.

Melissa and Doug School Bus

This school bus will be a great way to introduce the idea of riding a bus to all my children as they prepare for the next chapter. This school bus will also allow them to replay situations and explore something that they may be nervous about through creative play.

Melissa and Doug 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 conversation with new family and friends.

Melissa and Doug Musical Instruments

Sound and vibrations are something your child will explore throughout their entire life. Start now with this musical instrument set.

Balance Bike

Did you know that practicing balance is part of your vestibular system in your brain and will help your child become better readers? It’s true!

Our balance bikes are hands down one of the best gifts my boys have even 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 boys and girls alike!

Melissa and Doug Shopping Cart

Per my oldest’s request, this cart MUST be in my trunk every time we go grocery shopping. 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.

Melissa and Doug Work Bench

This tool bench is another gem that has been in our home for over 3 years. The boys have used these tools countless amounts of times both on and off the bench. It never fails that they run for their toolbox any time someone is working on a project.

Hape Discovery Space Center and Fire Station

The Space Center and this year they will receive the Fire Station are well made, and enough room for multiple ages and bodies to play together.

KidKraft Kitchen Set

I adore the simplicity of this kitchen set!

My boys love imaginary play in their kitchen set. This one from KidKraft is a great size and inviting.

Pin this open-ended forever toys for future use!

You can refer back to it over the years for birthdays, holidays, and gifts for friends.