Toys Build Social Skills
by The Genius of Play Team
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In play, kids learn social skills including:
- Recognizing the feelings of others
- Showing affection
- Resolving conflicts
- How to share
- Adhering to rules
Social skills are some of the most challenging skills that children learn. After all, kids don’t just make friends – they have to learn how to be friends. Navigating a disagreement during play, negotiating rules of a game, apologizing for not including a playmate, or squabbling over sharing a favorite toy are all tough situations for kids - but situations like these that arise during play help kids build social skills like communication, cooperation, problem-solving, and perspective taking.
How can parents help kids build social skills? By giving kids plenty of playtime - and equipping them with the tools of play - toys! Check out our list of fun toys that encourage kids to build social skills!
Batman 4” Action Figures by SpinMaster
Ages 3+
SpinMaster’s Batman and The Joker action figures put the power to save Gotham City in your child’s hand. Your kiddo can take social cues from the 20 exciting sounds and phrases each action figure makes and launch into hours of imaginative, social play.
What kids learn through play with Batman 4” Action Figures by SpinMaster: Kids love superheroes - and it’s no wonder why. Heroes and villains offer a simple source of conflict, allowing children to assume each role and play through different social solutions. In the past, superhero play got a bad rap. But, researchers have actually found it to be a healthy avenue for social and emotional development.
LEGO Super Mario Character Packs
Ages 6+
LEGO Super Mario Character Packs are a new way for kids to build and play with LEGO sets together. Kids will love to create obstacles for Super Mario and friends to navigate through and challenge their playdate buddies to gather the most coins.
What kids learn through play with LEGO Super Mario Character Packs: Kids can work together to create a shared imaginative play scenario with new rules, and entirely new levels for Mario and friends to master.
Cave Club Fashion Dolls
Ages 4-8
If your kids love imaginative play, dinosaurs, and fashion dolls, they are in for a prehistoric treat! Meet the Cave Club – a truly unruly group of kids who are way ahead of their time! With Cave Club dolls and toys, kids can travel back in time and discover wild new stories with their favorite prehistoric characters, like Rockelle and her giant dino bestie, Tyrasaurus!
What kids learn through play with Cave Club Fashion Dolls: As playdates return to your child’s social calendar, toys that encourage role-play are one way to ensure playtime with friends is a success.
L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Remix Dolls by MGA Entertainment
Ages 4+
The band is all here! Each LOL Surprise OMG Remix Doll has stunning features, gorgeous, styled hair and outrageous, rock star style. Kids will love to use the doll’s instrument to play along with their friends as members of the LOL Surprise Super Sonix rock band.
What kids learn through play with LOL Surprise!: Learning to share is one thing, learning to take turns is another! Through play with these rock band themed dolls, elementary aged kids will naturally learn to take turns in the spotlight with their friend.
The Fresh Dolls by World of EPI
Ages 3+
The Fresh Dolls are reflective of ethnicities found around the world - African American, Afro-Latina, Latino/Hispanic, Caucasian, and Mixed-Race/Bi-Racial. Each doll has authentic features of beautiful full lips, noses, gorgeous eyes, and a variety of hair textures and styles commonly worn by children.
What kids learn through play with The Fresh Dolls: In play, children can learn to embrace diversity and empathize with the experiences of others. According to Dr. Robin Shaw, when buying toys for their children, parents should “look for some toys that look like them and some that don't so that they begin to appreciate the diversity of the world.”
Blume Rainbow Sparkle Surprise Playset by Skyrocket
Ages 3+
With Blume dolls, a new friendship is a surprise away! Blume dolls put a fun twist on the blind box collectible toy trend. Each doll comes in a flowerpot, which children water to reveal a doll, outfit, and playset - plus, not only are their outfits interchangeable - but their hairstyles are too!
What kids learn through play with Blume Dolls: You may not think of collecting toys like Blume dolls as play - but it is! Collectible toys encourage kids to not only share - but also trade, which is a valuable life lesson that comes with its own set of social skills. Learning to negotiate with others, exchange information effectively, and communicate desires while balancing another person’s needs are great lessons kids learn through play with collectible toys.