This is a collaborative post
Christmas is fast approaching. Like many parents, we’ve recently started the somewhat daunting task of deciding what gifts to put under the tree for Christmas morning. Growing up in a technological world means that our girls have far more than their fair share of screen time toys – whether that’s playing on their Nintendo Switch, watching movies, or playing online games with friends.
As a pleasant change this Christmas, we’re really keen to focus on toys that allow them to simply be children – just like the toys we grew up with when we were young. It may sound like a bit of a cliche, but there are some real benefits to be had from toys that allow children to actually play and use their imagination – whether independently or playing with siblings and friends.
To demonstrate why we’re taking this approach, we’ve picked out some of this season’s top toy picks from Very to give you some inspiration. Here are some key reasons why you should opt for imagination, creative or role-play toys this Christmas,
Open ended play
Children love acting out scenes and making up stories and role-play toys provide the perfect tools to do this. Opting for play sets such as Playmobil, Barbie, Sylvanian Families or even larger scale items such as the Our Generation Wardrobe pictured below, can allow children to get creative, use their imagination and journey into a whole new world.
Unlike some other toys and games, there’s no set way to play, no predetermined instructions and no fixed rules – just a starting point from which children are free to explore and experiment, playing as little or as often as long as they like.
Neve personally loves toys that allow her to recreate the scenes she experiences at home, so the Our Generation wardrobe with hangers, draws and even a little dressing table and mirror is ideal. She enjoys role-playing conversations, reenacting morning routines and even tidying up. Interestingly (although perhaps not surprisingly!) her Our Generation characters are far better at keeping their space tidy than she is in real life!
Sharing, cooperation and emotional development
While voicing different characters, acting out scenarios and creating stories can all be done independently, imagination toys can also be enjoyed with while playing with their friends or siblings – learning some crucial life skills along the way. From simply taking turns to sharing their favourite play pieces, role-play toys give children the opportunity to share their ideas, voice their opinions, negotiate, influence and collaborate – all skills which can help them in the school setting and beyond.
Playing can also help encourage empathy – acknowledging their friends thoughts and feelings and responding when things don’t always go their way.
Fine motor skills and hand to eye coordination
Imagination toys don’t all have to be about rope play either, creative toys also make a great gift. Not only do creative toys encourage children to show patience and determination, but diamond painting sets like this imaginative Disney 100 kit below can help children enhance their fine motor skills too – which can prove incredibly helpful when it comes to writing skills and pen control.
Using the tool to select the right colour rhinestone, before sticking to the character templates, these craft activities are a calming, relaxing and mindful activity that the whole family can enjoy together. They can even be displayed in their bedroom afterwards using the included stands – how adorable are these?
Social and Communication Skills
Interacting with pretend play and imagination toys can also help children develop some crucial social and communication skills. As a preschooler, Neve absolutely ADORED the interactive Leapfrog Ice Cream Cart, but this year, their new Build a Slice Pizza Cart is likely to prove even more popular, already being pitched to be one of the top Christmas toys for 2023.
As well as being educational (introducing children to letters, numbers and shapes), this 30 piece role-play pizza station encourages children to talk and communicate with others as they play, taking on the role of a customer or head chef. Whether they’re asking questions, placing orders or taking payment, following the steps to create a freshly made pizza can improve their social confidence and self esteem.
Language skills and vocabulary
The more children talk and communicate with others, the more words they’ll be exposed to and the wider their vocabulary will become. Using the Leapfrog Pizza Oven example above, children will love acting out the role of a customer or head chef. Placing the order and listening to the responses can help children learn about manners, politeness and every day interactions that they may experience in real life.
Problem Solving Skills
Other creative toys such as LEGO and Knox can provide plenty of educational benefits for children. As well as helping children with spatial awareness and motor skills, they also support key life skills such as planning and problem solving. Creative LEGO sets also allow children to follow instructions and build sets step by step, or use their imagination to create their own unique pieces.
As far as Harry Potter LEGO sets go, this recent addition Dobbie makes a perfect gift for Christmas 2023 – not only does he have his very own sock, he even has a little heart inside his chest! Adorable for any Potterhead to display in their bedroom.
Resilience
Sometimes construction tasks can be challenging and as such, your children may make mistakes, put pieces in the wrong place or even need to rebuild from scratch if their builds fall get knocked or fall apart. Toys such as LEGO are great for building your child’s resilience, encouraging them to keep going even when things get a little tough along the way.
Independent play
Last but not least, imagination toys can allow children to simply be content while playing independently. Play sets such as this retro favourite Lite-Brite have been relaunched for 2023 in a special Disney 100 edition. Children will love sorting through the colours, choosing their templates and clicking the LED lights into place before watching as these artistic templates come to life.
From Dumbo to Mickey Mouse, don’t forget to gather around for the big reveal and the rewarding results of their determination!
All the toys featured in this guide are available to buy now at Very. For more ideas and inspiration, check out the entire toy range at Very now.
