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  • Writer's pictureMette

Best Open-Ended Toys for 1-2 Year Olds This Christmas

Looking for something specials for your toddler this Christmas? Look no further for here is a list of the best open-ended toys for your toddler this Christmas!


Looking for gifts that spark curiosity, nurture creativity, and grow alongside your little explorer? Open-ended toys are the answer! These versatile playthings offer endless possibilities, encouraging imagination and development at key stages.


Why Open-Ended Toys?


Open-ended toys are designed to encourage imagination, creativity, and exploration. Unlike battery-powered toys with fixed functions, open-ended toys offer countless possibilities for play. This allows toddlers to develop a range of essential skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and language development, all while having fun.


If you are looking for more information on why open-ended toys are so good then click here: Best Open-ended Toys for Preschoolers




With Christmas just around the corner, let's explore the best open-ended toys for toddlers aged 1-2 that will ignite joy and learning:


1. Building Blocks:

This is our all-time favorite toy! It is the undisputed champion of open-ended play, building blocks offer countless opportunities for building, stacking, sorting, and imaginative play. From towering castles to roaring train tracks, the possibilities are endless! Choose sets with different shapes and sizes to encourage problem-solving and fine motor skills.

Click here to get inspiration for funny and learning games with building blocks: Building blocks


2. Wooden humans/animals:

These simple wooden figures are another treasure trove of possibilities. Toddlers can use them to act out stories, create families and communities, or simply explore different shapes and sizes. They go perfectly together with building blocks!


3. Teddies and Dolls:

These cuddly companions are more than just bedtime friends. Toddlers can use them to act out scenarios, develop empathy and social skills, and explore emotions and relationships. Choose a variety of characters and let their imaginations soar.

Get more ideas for plays with teddies and dolls: Dolls and Teddy Bears


4. PlayDough:

This versatile and tactile material encourages sensory exploration, creativity, and fine motor skills. Let your toddler create anything their imagination desires, from colorful shapes to fantastical creatures.


5. Water Play Toys:

Who doesn't have a toddler who just loves playing in the water? Bath time becomes an adventure with open-ended water toys. Floating animals and stacking cups encourage splashing, pouring, and imaginative play.


6. Musical Instruments:

Introduce your little one to the joy of music with simple instruments like shakers, drums, and xylophones. Encourage exploration and sound creation to spark a love for music.


7. Art Supplies:

Crayons, markers, paint, and watercolor are essential tools for open-ended creativity. Provide a variety of materials and let your toddler explore color, texture, and self-expression.

Find more inspiration to the best art supplies here: Best Art Supplies


8. Open-Ended Storybooks:

We love books and can spend hours reading! For toddlers, it can be good to choose books with simple illustrations and minimal text to encourage storytelling and imagination. Toddlers can create their narratives and explore the world through captivating images.





Bonus Tip: Don't forget that most toddlers love everyday objects! Balls, scarves, kitchen utensils, and empty containers can become incredible open-ended toys with a little imagination.


So will there be open-ended toys under the Christmas tree for your toddler?

By choosing open-ended toys for Christmas, you are giving your child the gift of imagination, creativity, and endless possibilities. With a little encouragement, they will be exploring, learning, and having fun for years to come.


If you have older kids, don't forget to check out the best open-ended toys for 3-4 year old this Christmas, click here: Discover the Best Open-Ended Toys for 3-4-Year-Olds


Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!4-year-old

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