THE BEST TODDLER PRETEND PLAY GIFTS TO SPARK IMAGINATION

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We live in a world with advanced technology and electronic devices and games for our kids that they’re slowly forgetting how to use their imaginations. Battery operated toys are moving, shaking and talking to them instead of the other way around. While I’m definitely guilty of handing my toddler an iPad to play games, I’m noticing that they’re far more interested in toys that they need to physically move therefore allowing them to pretend in so many ways while playing. So this year for my kids’ birthdays I rounded up some of the best toddler pretend play gifts that will spark their imaginations!

LOST MY NAME

You may remember my Valentine’s Day gift guide where I featured the kid’s new Lost My Name book, The Little Boy or Girl Who Lost Their Name. We recently received their new book called Kingdom of You. This book is completely personalized for your little one and takes them on a journey through a kingdom named after themselves! You can choose your little one’s favorite characters like superheroes, princesses, or dinosaurs. The main character (them) can be personalized to look like your child. Add a favorite treat like pizza, ice cream, or spaghetti and the book takes a turn on the wild side! This book is a child’s imagination at its finest! They’re perfect for birthdays and special occasions with a special dedication written inside the cover. You can order a personalized book here.

FIGURINES & PLAYSETS

Hasbro was kind enough to gift the kids 2 different play sets – Disney’s Elena of Avalor Palace and Disney’s Frozen Little Kingdom Toddler Collection Set

My three year old has played endlessly with these two sets together. She will even incorporate Legos to expand the palace. Her imagination works overtime and keeps her enthralled for hours.

According to Scholastic.com pretend play allows children to develop skills such as social and emotional skills, language skills, and thinking skills. I’ve listened to my toddler playing with her dolls and other toys telling them things I didn’t even know she knew about. Her motherly instincts certainly come out as well. Sometimes I feel like she doesn’t listen or pay attention to me, but when I find her play pretending and reenacting things I’ve done it really resonates with me.

An important  benefit of early pretend play may be its enhancement of the child’s capacity for cognitive flexibility and, ultimately, creativity – Psychology Today

BUILDING BLOCKS

Legos  are both loved and hated by all parents out there. We hate them because they end up everywhere and stepping on them HURTS! But we love them for the hours of entertainment they provide our kids…and even husbands. Guaranteed your child’s imagination will run wild with whatever they create with building blocks. I’ve seen my kids make the same exact tower, but call it something entirely different each and every time. It can be whatever they dream it to be.

Cubbie Lee blocks are another great option. Stack them up high and knock them down. Toddlers will develop fine motor skills, mental stimulation, and creativity.

Cubbie Lee Toy Company provides quality crafted toys for a wide range of children. Your little ones will start out learning to stack and will continue to learn shapes, sizes, and colors while developing their imaginations and fine motor skills. Cubbie Lee also offers adorable tea & cupcake sets, wooden train tracks, puzzles, and pull-along toys perfect for babies through ages 5!

Each week the company offers a chance to win a fabulous bundle! Once you enter the giveaway you’ll receive an email with a 25% off coupon code valid on your Amazon purchase!

Check out the giveaway valued at $195 here to enter!

TOYS ON WHEELS

Racers get ready! 😉 My kids love having races with their cars! They also have an area rug they use to drive their cars around town. Incorporating figurines, Legos, and cars really makes it come alive!

Disney Cars

DRESS-UP

Whether your child wants to be a princess, superhero, or doctor allowing them to dress up teaches them they can literally be anything they want. Let them reach for the stars and encourage them that with hard work their dreams can come true! Plus they’ll have a blast figuring out what exactly they love to pretend to be. Little Adventures is an adorable online store that sells tons of dress up clothes and accessories for the little ones.