Creative Toys

Creative play trains the fingers and the imagination at the same time. Kneading sand, holding a brush and gluing small parts build fine motor skills that later help with writing. Choosing colours and shapes develops taste and decision-making. And finishing a project, such as a painted plaster figure, gives a child pride in their own work. Creative play is also calming: many children concentrate for a long time when their hands are busy.

• Kinetic sand. Soft sand that holds its shape and does not dry out quickly, with a play table and moulds that keep the mess in one place. See kinetic sand and play dough.
• Drawing without mess. A water drawing mat where pictures appear with water and fade again, and a 3D LED glow board for drawing with light. More in drawing boards and easels.
• Craft kits. A plaster casting kit for making and painting animal figures, and a pom-pom monster kit. See craft kits.

From 3 years, children enjoy sensory and mess-free activities: kinetic sand, the water drawing mat and the glow board. From 5 years, they can follow steps and work with small parts, glue and paint, so plaster casting and pom-pom kits are a good fit. Find more ideas in toys for 3–5 year olds and toys for 5+ year olds.

Choose one place for creative play and cover the table with an oilcloth or an old sheet. Keep materials in a box so your child can start and tidy up alone. Praise the process, not only the result: "you mixed a new colour" means more than "beautiful". Leave room for your own ideas too; instructions are a starting point, not a rule. Finished works can be displayed on a shelf or given as gifts to grandparents.

Creative play combines well with role play and educational toys, for example drawing a map for a game or making figures for a story.