Holiday Gift Guide: Toys for Imaginative Play

Need some gift ideas for your creative little one? Read below for my holiday gift guide on some of our faves!

My oldest is about to turn in less than a week! (Cue all the mama tears…) This past summer, I noticed that his solo playing time is filled with imaginative play. He loves to role play, tell stories, draw things to life, and almost always likes to help with household chores. With holiday shopping in full force, I thought I’d share a gift guide of our go-to toys (and some on my wishlist) that encourage imaginative play. Best part? These toys have stood the test of time and gets almost daily play out of them! Even the baby joins in on the fun with his big brother.

1.) Magnatiles

We were gifted a set for A’s third birthday last year. I found a few sets on clearance at Target last winter and we’ve been adding to our collection whenever I come across a deal. These toys are worth their weight in how much they cost. He builds the craziest buildings and cities. He plays with them nearly every day, even almost a year later. They have totally withstood the test of time, both in quality as well as keeping our preschooler’s attention for more than ten minutes.

2.) Crayola Widescreen Light Designer

This is on my list for Christmas shopping. A loves to draw and we usually just use regular crayons, markers, and paper (construction or printer – whichever I have stock of, haha). But, I think he will love to draw on this as well! Drawing/Art/Craft time usually keeps him busy for at least an hour. The stories he comes up with as he draws is the best part. I love that I can see his little mind working with even the simplest of activities.

3.) Learning Resources Doctor Set

A check-up a day keeps the doctor away, right?! We love our doctor set. Both kids love to pretend play Doctor on each other and any other person willing to get a daily physical. It’s great for them to play with one another and it’s also great to prep them for any upcoming doctor appointments too! Pretend play is so crucial and I love that this kit fosters such a great way to interact and play together.

4.) Melissa & Doug Magnetic Wooden Dress-Up Dolls

A came across an old paper doll set and loves playing with it. So I put this on my Christmas shopping list too. He’s going through a phase where he loves to ask what everyone does for work. This set is perfect for the different types of jobs and careers that he likes to learn about and role-playing.

5.) Marvel Avengers Titan Hero Series

A is totally into super heroes right now. My parents have started quite the growing collection for him. We have MANY of them, but there are a few I have my eye on to round out his squad. He loves to reenact different scenarios with his characters. Sometimes he’s the good guy, other times he’s the bad guy. The storylines he comes up with sometimes are truly epic. They are his best friends and protectors.

6.) Casdon Toys Dyson

This toy Dyson replica has been a favorite of both kids. They love to vacuum and love to clean. Oh how I wish this phase would last through the teenager years! Any toys that encourage helping with household chores and making it a fun activity is great in my book. This is definitely a must have for kids of all ages!