Our Favorite Toys for Imaginative Play

Open-ended toys allow for imaginative, pretend, and dramatic play. Here are some of our favorite open-ended toys that have withstood the test of time in our house.

Multicolored Train Set | Photo by Jason Leung via Unsplash


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In our house, we're firm believers in the power of imaginative play. As children of the 80s, we both have memories of turning empty cardboard boxes into other things... Like playhouses or race cars or rocket ships. And those red cardboard blocks that looked like bricks? Endless possibilities.

I have no doubt we are who we are today because our parents welcomed creativity. They encouraged us to experiment and to use our imaginations. They allowed us to discover the world in our own way and in our own time. So it's no surprise that we decided to do the same for our kids.

When buying new toys for them, we opt for open-ended toys that encourage imaginative play. Here are some of our favorites!

BannorToys Wooden Star Wand


BannorToys Wooden Star Wand


Discovery Kids 3-in-1 Tabletop Dry Erase Chalkboard Painting Art Easel


Discovery Kids 3-in-1 Tabletop Dry Erase Chalkboard Painting Art Easel


Hape All Seasons Kids Wooden Dollhouse


Hape All Seasons Kids Wooden Dollhouse


Hape Gourmet Kitchen


Hape Gourmet Kitchen


Hape Gourmet Kitchen Wooden Fridge


Hape Gourmet Kitchen Wooden Fridge


Melissa & Doug Grocery Store


Melissa & Doug Grocery Store


What are your favorite toys for imaginative play? Let me know in the comments!

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