Toys Build Creativity
by The Genius of Play Team
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In Creative play, kids can build critical skills including how to:
- Problem-solve
- Think out-of-the-box
- Be confident with self-expression
- Embrace their imagination
- Broaden STEAM skills
Creativity is more than having a knack for arts and crafts - it is also having the courage to express one’s imagination and think outside of the box. It’s so important - “Play Boosts Creativity” ranked as #4 on the list of Top 10 Reasons to Play, and contrary to popular belief, studies show that creativity is something this is learned - not inherited.
Toys are creativity building tools! They allow kids to indulge their imagination and build confidence in their own unique ideas. Here are some cool toy picks for toys that build creativity:
Hairdorables by Just Play
Ages 3+
If your kid loves to get creative with hair, Hairdorables may be just the toy for them! Kids won’t know which of the collectible dolls they have until the toy is unboxed. But no matter which style they get - there will be lots of hair to play with! Each doll also comes with clothing and accessories to fuel hours of creative play.
What kids learn through play with Hairdorables dolls: Kids love hair play, and with Hairdorables dolls there is lots and lots of hair to style. Creative play with these dolls encourages kids to think out-of-the-box and come up with unique hairstyles and make-believe scenarios.
Big Gem Diamond Painting by Faber-Castell USA
Ages 6+
Painting without paint! With diamond painting, kids peel the clear cover off the adhesive then use the stylus to pick and place the colorful gems to create their own masterpiece. No glue needed! Larger gems and adorable magical designs make this activity easy and fun to do for kids and beginners.
What kids learn through play with Big Gem Diamond Painting: Diamond painting allows kids to not only gain positive experiences, but it’s a great exercise in visual storytelling! As play futurist Yesim Kunter shared, “Storytelling is one of the most important activities in our effort to process the scattered information and connect the dots.”
Chocolate Pen by Skyrocket
Ages 6+
Draw one-of-a-kind delicious shapes made with real confectioners' chocolate. The motorized chocolate pen dispenses liquid made with real chocolate that hardens in minutes at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Kids can create messages that melt in their mouth and make cookies and cupcakes into craft projects with decorations that harden in minutes.
What kids learn through play with the Chocolate Pen: Drawing is fun, drawing with chocolate is even more fun! Even kids who lack confidence in their artistic abilities, or interest in arts and crafts will have their creative spirit awakened through play with the Chocolate Pen. It’s also a fun way to work with kids on writing skills and develop fine motor skills.
Face Paintoos Party Pack by PlayMonster
Ages 4+
Face Paintoos make the magic of face painting a fun and no-mess activity for everyone! It's easy to achieve perfect, long-lasting results every time, without the need for a professional face painter. Each fun design is easily removed using the included wipes.
What kids learn through play with the Face Paintoos Party Pack: Face Paintoos add another dimension to creative role play. According to Pediatric Occupational Therapist Keri Wilmot, during role play, kids naturally “imitate the character’s mannerisms and create their own special traits and themes, which encourages kids to “think outside of the box,” practice different emotions, and use their language skills to communicate too.”
Swirl & Style Tie Dye Studio Maker by Yulu
Ages 6+
Swirl & Style Tie Dye Studio Activity Kit brings a new element of fun to tie-dying! With its unique, self-contained orb, tie-dye creations are made mess-free. Simply put dye bottles into self-sealing valves to dye, spin, wash, and wear. Kids can watch as the colors transform ordinary items to bright, colorful art!
What kids learn through play with the Swirl & Style Tie Dye Studio Maker: Creative play builds STEAM skills. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math - all of which come together as children experiment with different color combinations and patterns during the tie dye process. In creative play with toys like the Swirl & Style Tie Dye Studio Maker, kids also learn that sometimes your project doesn’t turn out the way you had hoped - which is an important lesson in failure.
Shashibo Artist Series by Fun in Motion Toys
Ages 8+
Geometry meets creative play with the Shashibo Artist Series. Shashibo is a shape shifting box that transforms into over 70 shapes. Plus, with its strong magnet system you can combine several cubes to build even larger shapes, sculptures, and structures. The Shashibo Artist Series was designed by American Artist, Laurence Gartel, whose artwork has been included in collections at the Museum of Modern Art, Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, and more!
What kids learn through play with the Shashibo Artist Series: Kids have never worked with a toy like Shashibo. That means they have to put their imaginative thinking skills into overdrive to twist, spin and create a desired shape. Worried your kids won’t be able to solve it? Don’t be! Studies have found that kids are better creative problem solvers than adults due to their willingness to explore new possibilities and use their imagination.
Making time for creative play - and giving kids toys to support it - is an important step in helping your child prepare to overcome challenges tomorrow! Find more fun skill-building toys in our Cool Toy Picks!