This is post 3 from the Artist/Mother Tips for Creative Kids Series.
I am starting to realize that I have a bit of a series going here! The Artist/Mother Tips for Creative Kids Series! The first in the series was all about beautiful books and the second, how to inspire creativity in your children, then onto movies, and now toys! Today, we will talk about creative toys and tools for your kids! What better time to post this than the lead up to the Winter Holidays? We really try to limit what we bring into the house. It can't be something that will loose it's novelty quickly. A toy needs to inspire creative play. I really love toys that encourage open-ended play, creative problem-solving, and something that can grow with them. Many of these items will be so much fun that your kid may not even realize it's growing their brain!
Remember, some of these toys and tools may not be appropriate for your child depending on age and development. You can discern what will be appropriate for your specific child.
We will start with tools and supplies:
Microscope Kit
We got our daughter a microscope when she was 4 or 5 years old and she still uses it all these years later! Our kit came with slides, and all sorts of containers and tools for collecting specimens. We've looked at monarch wings to detect viruses, river water, our hair, a chrysalis, bee stinger, onion skins, etc. We like to draw what we see and take notes in a journal. A really fun tool.
Paper Clay
This stuff is so cool! It's an air dry "clay" that comes in a big bag filled with pulverized recycled paper. All you do is add water and boom, you got yourself some clay! My daughter and I love this stuff! This year we made the jack-O-lanturns pictured above. Last year we made amanita mushroom sculptures for Christmas decor. We use tin foil or cardboard to make the armature / "skeleton" to attach and shape the paper clay to. It's a really fun medium. The texture is so cool and you can sand it or paint it once dry. It's lightweight when dry, like paper mache, but less messy and way more possibilities! Oh and lots of air dry or bake clay contains carcinogens, yikes! This is just paper and water! So you'll feel good about letting your kids play with it.
Blank Books
These were my favorite things growing up. I loved writing and illustrating books. My 9-year-old does too. They are blank hard cover books with plain pages. Perfect for coloring on and in. There is nothing cooler than completing a book that looks like it belongs on the bookshelf! These will be sure to spark their creative brain!
Art Supplies
Of course, I recommend paints, brushes, clay, anything you can get your hands on! But nothing beats colored pencils in my opinion. Crayons don't give you control, markers can be messy or dry out. Colored pencils are transportable, they come in many colors, you have control when using them, and you can mix and layer colors. They are a kid's easiest art tool. And no mess!
Craft Supplies
My favorite crafting material is felt. It's cheap, it won't fray, and it comes in fun colors. I have made entire Halloween costumes with it and we have a bin full of handmade felt toys I've made over the years. So, I recommend having felt, a sewing kit, scissors (sharp leather scissors work best, but are for older responsible kids), a hot glue gun, and cardboard around for them to make whatever pops into their head. Of course, some education around these tools is essential, but eventually they'll be on their own. A fun way to package this as a gift would be to make them a personalized craft box. Buy them the essentials and place them in a wooden box with their name wood burned or stenciled on top.
Now, on to Toys:
Fort Magic Kit
Okay so this is a fort builder kit. And you won't have kids rearranging your couch cushions and dining chairs for this! But first, I have to tell you about the Discovery Kids Construction Fort we thrifted. We've had some fun with it, but it's been nothing but frustrating. The poles don't easily slide into the connectors, and the finished structures are often too weak to support a sheet. But then I found the Fort Magic Kit. Wow! This is so cool. Everything was thought of! Easy connections, straight and round poles, clips to attach fabric, and an instruction booklet! This will inspire hours and hours of creative play. I think it is worth the price tag!
Keva Contraptions
This block-building kit is unlike regular square blocks. The pieces are thin and long so you can stack towers, make ramps, and build unique structures. It comes with two lightweight balls for races.
Schleich Animals
We love these plastic animals. These inspire imaginative and open-ended play. They are great for animal lovers because they are pretty accurate when it comes to color and body shape, something my animal-obsessed kid is picky about! There is such a range and variety of animals too! She has a whole collection and this will last you years and years of play.
Archery Set
This is a really cool toy for older kids. It may inspire your little Artemis! Okay, so I don't know how creative this one is, but it is so much fun!! It's a transportable target with a bow and suction cup arrows. Bonus points, even Mom and Dad can play (and you'll want to!)
My Coloring Book!
I have a coloring book! It makes a perfect gift for art lovers young and old. Its educational and fun. See more here.
These are things we use and enjoy in our unschooling house. Nothing is affiliate or sponsored (I am not active enough online for that!) These are just things I like and recommend. Your kid will be different than mine so think about their unique interests before buying. I hope this helps during an overwhelming time of year. Let me know in the comments if you have a favorite creative kid toy! I'd really like to hear about it!
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