Below you will find my 8 core best open-ended toy picks. I picked these toys based on what has lasted the longest and been played with the most at my house.
Then, I have toy recommendations by age, so you can find open-ended toys for infants, babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. š§ø
Want the Toy Rotation Guide?
A free 2-page system for cutting the mess & maximizing playtime sent straight to your inbox.
What Are Open-Ended Toys
Open-ended toys are a buzz-word as of late. You can find lots of lists on which toys to buy but it doesn’t explain what makes those toys open-ended, or how to keep your child interested in them.
Think back to school. When you were given a test, some questions were:
- multiple choice or used a word bank
- other questions required you to write out full sentences or paragraphs
On a test, those full-sentence questions are considered open-ended. Meaning there is no one right way to answer them. The answers depend on your thoughts, what you learned, your opinions, etc.
In the same way, open-ended toys are toys that have no specific way to be played with. There aren’t rules, instructions. It’s all about how each child sees each toy and what their mind and body want to do with it.
Open-Ended Vs. Close-Ended Toys
If we’re continuing on the school test analogy, the close-ended toys are the multiple choice or wordbank questions. There is only one correct answer.
Close-ended toys have specific rules that need to be followed in order to be successful. A classic close-ended toy is a puzzle. A puzzle must be complete in a specific way, or it cannot be solved.
Another example might be a board game. With a board game, you have rules to follow, turns to take, and if you don’t follow them, usually the gameplay falls apart.
Want the Toy Rotation Guide?
A free 2-page system for cutting the mess & maximizing playtime sent straight to your inbox.
Can a Toy be Both?
Yup. That’s the part that can really be confusing. A toy can be both open-ended and close-ended depending on how the child is chosing (or being told) how to play with it.
Take a LEGO set:
- Close-ended: You are assembling exactly how it shows in the manual, and building the exact figure on the box. You’re following a guided process that leads to one solution (the completed model!).
- Open-ended: Take those same LEGOs, give them to your child with no picture, no manual, and no instructions on what to do, you simply let them build based on creativity, that makes those same LEGOs open-ended!
Open vs. Close-Ended Toys: Which is Better?
Somewhere along the way, close-ended toys became a ‘problem’. And open-ended toys became the go-to. I don’t buy it. I think kids need a healthy balance of both types.
There were always the kids in school who longed for the open-ended (free response) quetions, and those who were adamant that multiple choice was the best. But isn’t the goal to be able to take any type of test that comes your way?
Open ended play builds imagination, independence, and the ability to entertain yourself, which is the whole reason your kid can play alone for 40 minutes while you answer an email.
Close ended play builds following directions, sequencing, problem solving, logic, and finishing something you started. Those are also skills. Kindergarten is going to ask for both.
But My Kid Melts Down With Puzzles & Games
At one point, in my household, I avoided close-ended toys like the plague, because I knew my oldest would flip out when he couldn’t solve the puzzle… And that becomes more work on my part š.
But over the years we’ve come around to working on them together, and building his confidence. And while we still get the meltdowns sometimes, it’s becoming more and more aparent as he gets older, that these types of toys are going to prepare him for some of the real-life situations he’s going to encounter as he reaches school age.
The Best Open-Ended Toys for Any Age
These 8 are the ones I would buy first. Every one of them has worked across a wide age range in my house, and each fills a different play category so you are not accidentally buying the same toy eight times.
1. Magna-Tiles
Classic Magna-Tiles
My kids have had the same 2 or 3 sets of Magna-Tiles since they were 3, and they look and work just as well today as the day they came out of the box.
- 32 translucent geometric shapes in 6 different colors
- This set includes Squares (2 Large, 14 Small) and Triangles (8 Equilateral, 4 Right, 4 Isosceles)
- Developmental: Certified STEAM toy, per Dr. Gummeru2019s Good Play Guide, in partnership with The Toy Association, for aiding in the development of fine motor skills, bilateral coordination, cognitive skills, executive functioning, creativity and more!
- Safety Guaranteed: All MAGNA-TILES pieces are built to withstand countless hours of playtime. Our signature lattice prevents cracking, while fastening rivets keep magnets safe and secure.
Four years in and ours still get played with for hours each time I rotate them in. That’s a rate no other toy in my house has hit.
Fair warning that Magna-Tiles are expensive and the cheaper sets I tried had weaker magnets and softer plastic. This is the one place I would tell you to just pay for the name. The brand-name Magna-Tiles that we own look like they just came out of the box (and my kids sure do put them through the test!).
2. LEGO DUPLO Classic Brick Box
LEGO DUPLO Classic Cars and Trucks Brick Box 10439
Even though we've graduated to regular LEGO at my house, my kids still love playing with Duplo!
- Educational STEM toy for vehicle-loving preschoolers aged 18 months and up u2013 The Cars and Trucks Brick Box playset comes with an assortment of bricks and pieces to set toddlersu2019 creative cogs in motion
- Car toy playset with lots in the box u2013 Firing toddlersu2019 imaginations to create fun 4-wheeled adventures, this creative toy includes 3 wheelbases, 1-2-3 bricks, 2 child figures and a bee figure
We love this box. It has it’s own storage (I have to say our DUPLO collection has grown beyond what would fit in here… alas).
Themed DUPLO sets are fun but they are meant to be built in one specific way (close-ended). And that usually looks like me building the set, and them playing with/destroying it.
A tub like this is great, it comes with a few ideas, but ultimately kids can stack and build based on their mood of the day.
3. Play Kitchen
Step2 Kitchen Playset
We've loved this kitchen at our house for years.
- 25 Pieces and accessories
- Dog/pet feeding area
- Realistic lights and sounds
There is a reason play kitchens have been around for so long! They are a great open ended toy for kids. Kids can play house, be a chef, run a restaurant, be a mad scientist, or just pull up to stand and toddle around the shelves and windows.
4. Play-Doh
Play-Doh Starter Set
This was the exact first set I bought, and it's still in circulation 6 years later! Granted the play-doh itself has long been dried up, mashed together, and stuck to my carpet… But the tools and case remain!
- Reusable storage is bas great for storage and to take Play-Doh on the go
- 9 tools & 4 cans of doh
- Rigorously tested for quality, Play-Doh compound is made primarily with flour, salt, and water, making it a great choice for arts and crafts for kids who love modeling clay (contains wheat)
We have invested heavily in Play-Doh at my house… Think one of those giant Home Depot storage boxes full of Doh! Play-Doh is a toy cheat code, hitting multiple pay categories all at once: art, sensory, and fine motor.
Play-Doh has been a core gift for birthdays, Christmas, Easter baskets, stocking stuffers, goodie bags, you name it.
And the reason? Because my kids will play with it for literally hours each week. I will take the little Doh crusties in my carpet any day if it means I can grab a shower and a coffee in peace ā.
5. Newcotte Playsilks
Newcotte 5 Set Magic Color Silk Scarf
One minute you're running these silks through your newborn's fingers for sensory play, the next your toddlers are wearing them as capes, tying them into ropes, building forts, and more.
- More Fun Than You Realize: can use it as a game prop, play hide and seek with their friends, throw the handkerchief and more, offering a diverse range of open ended play experiences
- Versatile: we can use this play scarves as carriers, scarves, capes, grass for rocking horses dance props and even to build forts with play clips, and also can be a sling for a doll or stuffed animal, a decorative backdrop for a make faith scene, there is more fun waiting for you to discover
- Durable: our large square scarves are made of durable reusable satin chiffon fabric ideal for playing dress up, doll blankets, dancing and twirling, capes, activities and songs, Halloween costumes, picnics, traveling, movement, juggling, and more
- Promotes Motor Coordination: the flowing scarves are ideal for dance and movement activities helping to improve balance coordination and rhythm they can also for tossing catching waving and storytelling promoting physical development and boosting confidence
Use as a sensory toy from birth! Gently run the silk over your baby’s skin, play peekaboo behind the scarves, let them feel the material between their fingers and toes.
As your child grows, these scarves become even more fun. Use them for costumes, props, dolls, tie together to make a rope, bag, or whatever else their imagination can come up with.
6. Schleich Animal Figures
Schleich Wild Life Set 77763
Remember those bins of realistic animals from elementary school? Me too. And odds are, if you went back, the same animals would still be there today. These toys are built to last.
- 7 ANIMALS: giraffe, zebra, hippopotamus, bonobo, baby cheetah, crocodile and lion toy figurine
- Wildly realistic, wildly fun
- We value sustainability which is why we have created diverse worlds of durable toys built-to-last that can be treasured for generations to come
Schleich animal toys are an investment in imaginative play. They also become learning toys as your children get older. They can explore animal features, talk about habitats, and more.
Just like the Magna-Tiles and other brand-name toys on this list, these have a quality that will last years of play in your house. Much longer than the Dollar Store version.
7. BRIO Train Sets
BRIO World Lift & Load Warehouse Set
We love trains at my house! The are great for building tracks, understanding hills and valleys, and more! They are pricey, so try and find them second-hand to grow your collection without breaking the bank.
- Timeless Keepsake: Built to last, this enduring wooden toy train accessory will ignite your child's imagination and foster creativity through engaging play.
- Effortless Compatibility: Expand your child's imagination with this versatile elevator, vehicles, and wooden tracks.
- Planet-Friendly Choice: Made from sustainable materials and thoughtfully designed, these wooden train and railway sets and accessories support responsible forestry. They're easy to clean and a durable choice for parents who value quality.
- Unmatched Safety Assurance: all BRIO products undergo over 1,000 safety tests each year to ensure they exceed safety standards.
I visited a relative who had a few BRIO train sets for her two young kids. Our four kids spent the majority of their time playing with these. I was hooked!
Mom tip: If you can’t afford the pricetag: BRIO trains (mainly sold as the vintage Thomas the Tank trains in the USA) are so durable, that you can find them from grandparents at yard sales or Facebook marketplace from their years of collecting and playing from their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
The set that I bought from Facebook marketplace was from a mom of 4 boys who had put these trains through the test (according to her!), and they still look and feel new.
8. Hape Art Easel
Hape Magnetic All in 1 Art Easel
This easel does some multi-purpose heavy lifting in your play area. It can be used for drawing and plainting, as a chalkboard, or a magnetic board for letters, gears, hanging pictures, and more.
- ALL-IN-1 ART TOY: Double sided easel with blackboard, magnetic whiteboard and paper roll on top
- IDEAL FOR CRAFTS: Perfect for painting, writing, or drawing
- REFILLABLE DRAWING PAPER: Refillable Paper roll attached at the top for quick and easy reach
- COMES WITH PAINT POTS: Includes 3 paint pots and holders
- HEIGHT ADJUTSABLE: Adjustable height from 37.5 to 43.5 inches
An easel is a great place for kids to create and display their art. Art is the ultimate open-ended toy. My six-year-old likes to tell me that he’s better at art than I am… And I’m still trying to drive home the point that art is subjective and looks and feels different for everyone š.
Open-Ended Toys by Age
Open ended does not mean the same thing at every age. A 6 month old is exploring texture and cause and effect. A 5 year old is making creations and playing imaginative scenarios. For a full one-pick-per-category breakdown at one age, see best toys for a 1 year old or best toys for 3 year olds.
Best Open-Ended Toys for Babies (0 to 12 Months)
At this age open ended mostly means texture, grip, and cause and effect. Keep it small and keep it washable.
Sophie la Girafe
She's a classic in my house. In fact, I almost always gift her as a baby shower gift. Babies love how soft she is, her chewy texture, and squeaker.
- Sophie la girafe Comes in a gift box with a storage pouch
- Sophie la girafe is the first baby toy that awakens all her senses; sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell
- Practical and hygienic, its storage pouch allows you to easily store and transport Sophie la Girafe while protecting it from dirt
- Sophie la girafe can now accompany your baby on the go
- Suitable from birth and surface washable
The First Years Stacking Cups
Playtime, bathtime, you name it, my babies loved these! Stack them, build them, and knock them over!
- This set of stacking toys features 8 brightly colored cups that stack together with unique holes in the bottom for pouring and water play at bath time
- Montessori Stacking Toys
- Made without BPA for toddlers and kids ages 9 months and up
Fisher-Price Wood Rock-a-Stack
A classic for a reason, babies love handling the colorful rings, and older infants are thrilled to stack and solve the puzzle.
- u200bClassic activity toy with 7 colorful wooden ring stackers and a roly-poly stacking base u200b
- u200bToddlers can sort and stack the rings from biggest to smallest, or use the rings for endless imaginative stories u200b
- u200bMade with wood from Forest Stewardship Council-certified sources (FSC-N004566) and decorated with non-toxic, water-based paints u200b
- u200bThis toy helps foster fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and thinking skills for toddlers and preschool kids ages 18 months and older u200b
Silicone Drink Coasters
You're not going to find coasters on a standard kid's toys list š¤£ But stacking coasters were a must-have for both of my kids. We had wooden coasters, but the silicone ones are a definite uprgrade and much better if they decide to use them as a teething toy!
Bright Starts 5-in-1 Your Way Ball Play – Jumbo Play Mat
Both of my kids loved this play gym as infants. From laying on their back watching the singing elephant, to tummy time on the silky mat, to propped up with the included pillow, and when they are ready to sit and play, it converts to a ball pit!
- Includes 40 balls with carrying case for easy storage
- Cheerful elephant toy lights up and plays 20 minutes of music (and detaches for on-the-go fun)
- Includes 7 tropically cool take-along toys: elephant musical toy, crinkle toy, mirror, flash cards, hanging leaf toy and bead rattle
- Grow with me from infant to toddler, ages newborn and up
- Machine washable mat and easy-to-clean wipeable toys
Ingenuity 3-in-1 Baby Jumper and Activity Center
I think my oldest might have lived in his activity center if we let him! He would jump and spin, play with the toys, and be happy as a clam!
- 3u2011inu20111 design grows with baby: jumper, activity table, and floor toy pieces
- 360u00b0 rotating seat with 3 engaging toy stations for allu2011around play
- Lightu2011up greenhouse with music and nature sounds encourages causeu2011andu2011effect fun
- Jumper adjusts to 4 heights for a justu2011right fit through early development
- Activity table mode features modern wood legs for a stylish, open play space
Best Open-Ended Toys for a 1 Year Old
Ah, yes. One years old. The time when walking begins and so does the everything’s a hazard phase (as I fondly like to remember it). Walking changes everything. This is when gross motor play takes over.
Little Tikes Cozy Coupe
I have the sweetest memories of my oldest zooming around the house and driveway in his Cozy Coupe. For years this was his favorite toy.
- Made in the USA. The Little Tikes Company is located in the heartland of America.
- GROWS AS KIDS DO. The removable floorboard makes this ride-on transition easily between parent-controlled and kid-powered modes
- Includes: working doors, steering wheel with working horn, moving, clicking ignition switch, gas cap open and closes, rugged, durable tires, front wheels spin 360 degrees
Little Tikes Activity Garden Playhouse
We loved this playset and even gifted it to a family who has used it for their two kids! Climb and slide, or sort and click. This activity center has dozens of things for little ones to do.
- Convertible frame shape
- Shape sorter, ball drop, mini-piano, bells, a slide, shutters, a front door, mailbox, and so much more
Melissa & Doug Hammer and Saw Tool Bench
My boys came up with the coolest designs with the wooden blocks, and they loved playing carpenter with the tools.
- Learn to use a hammer, wrench, screw driver, and vice!
- Pieces actually connect together.
- Saw Velcro blocks with a pretend saw.
VTech Wiggle and Crawl Ball
My second was a late crawler. This ball helped him learn to tilt, lean, and eventually scoot to keep playing with it.
- Move and crawl with the animal friends on the Wiggle and Crawl Ball by VTech
- Interactive ball wiggles and wobbles on its own encouraging your little one to chase after it; features 45+ playful songs, melodies, sounds and cheerful phrases
- Five flashing lights attract your baby's attention while spinning and twisting animals encourage interaction; play and crawl with the moving ball
Fisher-Price Toddler Pull Toy, Classic Xylophone
My first loved to play music on here, my second loved to walk and pull it around the house! Either way it got a lot of use!
- Classic pull-along toy musical instrument for toddlers
- Toddlers can use the tethered mallet to tap on the 8 colorful keys for fun sounds
- String and easy-rolling wheels let toddlers walk and pull the toy along
- This toy helps foster hand-eye coordination, gross motor skills, sensory skills and cause & effect
Fisher-Price Baby & Toddler Toy Laugh & Learn DJ Table
We love this DJ set! It takes your standard kids piano and raises the bar with other DJ features like a turntable and recorder to recor their own songs. Even better it grows with them and becomes a pull-up-to-stand toy as your little one gets bigger!
- Musical activity table with 3 piano play modes, multi-color lights, and 12 engaging fine motor activities
- 100+ songs, sounds & learning phrases! Press the 8 piano keys, spin the light-up Puppy disc, or press the light-up number pad
- 3 Smart Stages learning levels teach colors, shapes, numbers & counting, opposites, the alphabet and more; Use the globe button to select a language: Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, or English
- This toy helps foster fine motor skills, balance and coordination while introducing cause & effect to babies and toddlers ages 6 months to 3 years old
- Record & play back: Record a fun message and hear the DJ mix it into a song
Best Open-Ended Toys for 2 and 3 Year Olds
Role play arrives and takes over. This is the age where a play kitchen earns its footprint and where art becomes a real category instead of a scribble.
Melissa & Doug GO Tots Wooden Barnyard Tumble
My second child loves this barn. The disks roll, drop, and make noise in the barn. Hidden doors make each drop exciting.
- 5-piece set includes 4 collectible double-sided GO Tots disks (8 animals and 2 farmers), colorful wooden barn with silo, haystack, sliding doors
- Compatible with other GO Tots play sets; kinetic play with GO Tots offers opportunities to explore cause-and-effect through delightful motion-driven moments
Crayola; My First Crayola; Palm-Grip Crayons
These egg-shaped crayons let little ones understand grasp and making color on paper without needing help.
- 6 palm-grip egg shaped crayons are sized to fit toddlers' palms so they can easily make their first marks
- My First Crayola art tools provide children their first art supplies made especially for their little hands so they can create
- Introduces toddlers to color exploration as they develop Physical and Thinking skills
- AP Certified nontoxic
BRIO My First Railway
BRIO trains (used to be sold primarily in the USA as the old wooden Thomas the Tank Engine trains) are an investment, but their quality is unlike any other train brands we've tried. Their tracks are smooth (no splinters), fit together well, and do not crack on splinter.
- Timeless Keepsake: Create lasting memories with your child and the My First Railway Beginner Pack. Compatible with all BRIO sets. This exciting, durable wooden train toy, specifically designed to spark your child's imagination and creativity.
- Unmatched Safety Assurance: All BRIO products undergo over 1,000 safety tests each year to ensure they exceed safety standards, making this set an ideal choice for holiday & birthday gifts, preschool, homeschool, kindergarten, and recess.
- Imagination Unleashed: Its interactive design turns playtime into a journey of sensory creativity and storytelling, fostering lasting connections while supporting STEM and Montessori skills, making it a valuable addition to any kid's toy collection.
- Planet-Friendly Choice: Made from sustainable materials and thoughtfully designed, BRIO wooden railway and train sets and accessories support responsible forestry. They're easy to clean and a durable choice for parents who value quality.
Fisher-Price Classics – Retro Cash Register
This cash register is so much fun! Kids can drop in coins and open the cash box with different buttons and levers.
- It's great for pretend play as kids get older, and as a fine motor toy when they are younger
- Iconic cash register design with coins, ringing bell and working cash drawer.
- Teaches children about money and motor skills. Real cash register play with 6 plastic coins!
- Watch the coins come down the ramp, turn the crank to hear the bell ring and watch the drawer open!
Battat Kids Sweep n' Clean Pretend Play Kit
Toddlers love to clean. I wish preschoolers did š¤£. Let them pretend to be little grown ups and do chores around the house. This also functions as a nuturing toy where children learn to care for their house and surroundings.
- Five Familiar Tools: This pretend play kit includes a broom, mop, brush, dustpan, and duster.
- Wooden cleaning toy set.
Learning Resources New Sprouts Deluxe Market Set
Who doesn't love the velcro food that cuts in half? The only problem is the velcro eventually stops sticking. We love this set for the variety, ability to build a sandwich, and storage basket.
- DURABLE PLAY FOOD: Exceptionally durable play food crafted from thick, child-friendly plastic.
- COMPREHENSIVE LEARNING: Extensive 32-piece play food set for toddler fun
- INTERACTIVE BASKETS: Includes two adorable baskets (shopping and bushel)
Best Open-Ended Toys for 4 to 6 Year Olds
Around age 4, children start to develop their pretend-play skills. They will pick up action figures or dolls and act out scenarios. Throw on a cape and run around the house. Find fairy wings and fly through the garden.
Age 4 is when toys stop being for looking at (tasting š), and cause-and-effect. And they become parts of storylines, complex builds, and make-believe.
Educational Insights Circuit Explorer
When kids come to my house to play, this is the toy they want to play with!
- SIMPLE CIRCUITS, BIG IMAGINATION! Learn the fundamentals of circuitry, off the board and out of this world!
- STEM ACTIVITIES – MAKE THE CONNECTION: System-ready pieces light up when kids follow the symbols and connect the vehicle's circuits
- BLAST OFF INTO STEM LEARNING: Keep them connecting on their own with safe circuits kids can build themselves
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED to build a Deluxe Base Station with Towers, Spinning Diner Sign, Planetarium with color-changing dome light, Voice Synthesizer Station with 10 space sounds, Communication Station with rotating Radar Dish, a Powered Space Rover and a freewheeling Space Rover both with light-up headlights; Base, Dome Light, Voice Synthesizer, Communication Station, and Space Rovers require 3 AAA batteries each, not included.
Kinetic Sand Folding Sandbox
We loooove Kinetic sand, but only the natural color sand. There aren't as many kits to choose from, but this one came on vacation with us because of the folding travel case and provided lots of entertainment.
- One & only Kinetic Sand: Made from natural sand, Kinetic Sand is reusable, never dries out & sticks together for easy cleanup. Itu2019s safe for creative play, sand art & kids crafts
- Endless fun with 7 tools & molds: With over 20 ways to play, 7 tools & molds, the Folding Sand Box has everything kids need to create the sandcastles of their dreams
- Contained play area & storage: This Kinetic Sand set opens to reveal a contained play area to keep things tidy while kids play. After play, close it up for quick & easy storage
- Loads of sensory sand fun: Kinetic Sand for kids develops creative & sensory skills, allowing kids to create anything they can imagine. This Kinetic Sand kit is a welcome addition to the sensory bin
- Made with natural sand: The One & Only Kinetic Sand is reusable, never dries out & magically sticks together for easy cleanup. Itu2019s safe for creative play, sand art & kids crafts
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Kids Fort Building Kit
We have built forts, rockets, cars, caves, houses… You name it. These versatile sticks have also turned my kiddos into helicopters, fire fighters, and magicians with wands.
- BUILD THE COOLEST FORTS EVER – With 135 pieces, kids can build forts that are nothing less than epic! This fort building kit makes it easy to build an indoor fort with endless configurations. It's perfect for creative building and play!
- DURABLE, PREMIUM-QUALITY COMPONENTS – Sturdy poles in two different lengths work with the Flex-Tech hubs to create a number of dynamic structures, with 6 included clips that make it easy to cover the fort with a sheet or blanket (not included).
- HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATIONAL TOYS – We're proud to make the highest quality hands-on science toys, and all our products are backed by exceptional service. If your experience is less than stellar, let us know and we'll make things right!
Playmobil Puppy Care Center
We love that Playmobil offers so many different types of sets. There is something for every interest from animals and dinosaurs to dragons and knights.
- PLAY FUN FOR CHILDREN 4 YEARS OLD AND UP: Ideal for children's hands thanks to its age-appropriate size and safe rounded edges. Encourages your child's imagination.
- CONTENTS: Set includes one figure, eight puppies, puppy beds, wash station, leash, grooming tools, and other accessories.
- THE ORIGINAL: PLAYMOBIL has been inspiring children and adults since 1974. High-quality and durable materials ensure your child will be playing with their PLAYMOBIL for many years to come.
CRAYOLA Crayon Extra Jumbo So Big, 12 Pack
My 4 year old didn't necessarily need the big crayons for grip, but we did need them for STRENGTH. These jumbo crayons are much stronger than regular crayons and withstand the throwing across the floor that one might encounter with a toddler.
- 12 Extra Jumbo So Big Crayons
- They are extra sturdy, so they won't break easily
- Ideal and functional for kindergarten and primary school use
- 25% thicker than classic crayons
- True Colors, Non-Toxic
The Pencil Grip Magic Tri Stix, Non-Toxic and Washable Markers
I don't know why these markers aren't *the only markers* for kids. They have a triangle shape which makes them easy to grip, and they don't dry out for 7 DAYS!!!!! So when you inevitably find 6 of them with missing lids, you have time for a teaching moment instead of heading right for the trash.
- Magic Stix Markers: These vibrant markers are designed to last up to 7 days without drying out with the cap off guaranteed!
- The Pencil Grip triangular markers 24 set features vibrant application and long-lasting performance
- The unique triangular shape of our markers gives a stable grip that will assist your kids in developing fine motor skills
- Washable Markers: Our tri-grip markers can be easily washed off, so you don't have to stress about a mess!
- Non-Toxic Markers
- Our tri-grip pack comes with a carrying case for easy storage and sanitizing
A Few More We Love
These did not make the main eight, usually because they overlap with something above, but they are all in regular rotation here.
Lite Brite Classic
What is more nostalgic than a Lite Brite?! My kids love to create their own scenes (open-ended) as well as follow the patterns (close-ended).
- This set includes 206 glowing pegs in 6 different colors to light up your imagination and inspire creativity!
- 6 Design Templates: There are 6 easy-to-follow templates included, such as a boat, a unicorn, and more!
- Use the templates or design your own art – thereu2019s no end to the fun.
- 4 Different Light Modes.
- STEAM Toy: The Lite-Brite Classic inspires creativity and helps children develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Fisher-Price Little People Friends Together Play House
Babies and toddlers alike love Fisher-Price Little People sets. And it *doesn't have to be this set.* There are Little People sets to match whatever interests your little one has.
- Electronic home playset that folds for storage with 3 best friend figures and 7 additional play pieces
- 6 activation points including light-up radio, light switch, front door, kitchen 'tablet,' refrigerator, oven, and toilet that 'flushes'
- Lots of play for kids to discover including 4 rooms in the house, outdoor patio with swimming pool and working tree swing
- Helps foster fine motor skills and encourages imaginative storytelling play for toddlers and preschool kids ages 1 to 5 years old
Hot Wheels Toy Car Track Builder Playset
If there's something you can never have to much of (according to my father) it's Hot Wheels tracks! Play open-ended: create your own tracks and designs. Play close-ended: replicate the design ideas on the box and instructions.
- The Deluxe Stunt Box is jam-packed with everything kids need to crash, smash and stunt!
- Easy storage for cleanup.
- Kids can create awesome configurations like the Rally Cross, Head to Head and Side by Side racing and more!
- Includes a base (the box), track pieces, banked curves, crash zone lid, launchers, diverter and two vehicles!
Melissa & Doug Wooden Scoop & Serve Ice Cream Counter
This was the absolute show stopper at my son's 3rd birthday. I have to admit the scooper is super satisfying!
- Complete Ice Cream Shop: Kids love scooping & stacking bright wooden scoops & toppings, with a kid friendly ice cream toy scooper, & serving on a countertop with special ports to hold all their treats
- Skill-Building Pretend Play Toys: Kids will boost their memory, hand-eye coordination & counting skills by remembering orders, customizing meals & handling play money, just like a real ice cream shop
- Open-Ended, Screen-Free Play: This premium set of wooden toys features smooth finishes, vibrant toy kitchen accessories, & a sturdy countertopu2014which also doubles as a toy storage box, for easy cleanup
Melissa & Doug Vet Costume
Kids love costumes and Melissa & Doug make costumes meant to last. The sizing is just right (not too big on toddlers, but not so small they grow out of it). It doesn't have to be *this* costume, there are so many to choose from!
- REALISTIC VETERINARIAN COSTUME PLAYSET: Kids ages 3u20136 suit up with a vet jacket, mask, cap, thermometer, syringe, bandage, plush dog, reusable name tag, and stethoscope with sound effects
- INSPIRES CREATIVE PRETEND PLAY: Veterinarian role play sparks storytelling, empathy, and hands-on fun as kids care for pets, examine patients, and act out animal doctor adventures
- DURABLE & EASY TO CLEAN: High-quality materials are built for repeat dress-up play and everyday use; tunic is machine washable and accessories wipe clean for quick, easy cleanup
- VERSATILE FOR ALL OCCASIONS: Ideal for pretend play, classroom dress-up, school performances, themed parties, birthdays, holidays, and everyday imaginative adventures at home
B. toys Play Sink
My youngest LOVES this sink. The running water makes it feel just like the real thing. I can't say I'm entirely sure what he does with it… but I do know he has a blast and plays for a long time!
- Sink Play Set: Play house with a realistic kitchen sink set that features a colorful twist!
- 15 Accessories: This toy sink comes with 2 plates, 2 cups, 2 forks, 2 knives, 2 pieces of play food, a colander, a sink caddy, a scrub brush, dish soap, and a decorative flower.
- Faucet & Running Water: This playset includes a working faucet u2013 simply remove the sink, add water, pop it back in and turn on the faucet!
- Color-Changing Dishware: Pour warm water on the play dishes and watch them change color right before your eyes!
Fisher-Price Little People Animals Farm Playset
I think it's universal that all kids love farms. This one teaches kids to care for animals, pretend to be a farmer, and folds up for easy storage.
- 3 Smart Stages learning levels grow along with your child & teach counting, opposites, animal sounds, and colors with fresh songs, sounds & phrases
- Playset comes with 1 farmer figure, 4 animal figures & 2 food play pieces, all sized for small hands to grasp & move, helping to strengthen fine motor skills
- Helps foster fine motor skills and encourages imaginative storytelling play for toddlers and preschool kids ages 1 to 5 years old
Learning Resources Noodle Knockout
I bought this on a whim and my kids have loved it for years. There are so many ways to play this game (all explained in the rules) that we haven't even played every type!
- FINE MOTOR DEVELOPMENT: Kids build hand strength, dexterity, and handeye coordination as they use chopsticks to grab wiggly noodles and toppings; a fun fine motor skills toy for preschoolers
- MULTIPLE WAYS TO PLAY: Features three game variations that grow with kids ages four and up; supports two to four players and works as an engaging family board game or classroom activity
- SENSORY SATISFACTION: Soft, wiggly noodles and colorful toppings create handson play kids love, keeping young players engaged during fun games that build early skills
- COMPLETE 67 PIECE SET: Includes noodles, toppings, spinner, order cards, bowls, and chopsticks; everything needed for interactive play at home, school, or group playtime
- EDUCATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT: Builds early counting, color recognition, sorting, and turntaking through creative pretend play, making this a popular learning game for kids and preschool classrooms
Bluey XL House Playset
We got our Bluey house second-hand and my kids love to re-enact scenes from their favorite episodes, and create their own new adventures for Bluey, Bingo, and friends.
Manhattan Toy 23-Piece Wooden Tea Set
This wooden tea set is an upgrade from the plastic set my kids had. It even has little tea bags, honey, and a milk pot to sit on the serving tray.
- 23-piece wooden set
- Build to last
- Great for imaginative play and role playing
Baby Einstein and Hape Magic Touch Piano
This piano leaves kids to create on their own (open-ended play), listen to music (sensory), or follow along with songs and patterns (close-ended).
Educational Insights Design & Drill Marble Maze
We can never decide, what's more fun? Building the maze with the working drills and screws? Or seeing if the marbles make it through the track?!
- Working drill and screws to assemble the mazes
- Guide book with example mazes (close-ended play), or make your own design (open-ended)
- Drill has forward and reverse motions
Why Your Open-Ended Toys Are Getting Ignored
I have this conversation often, and not just over open-ended toys specifically (although there is a reason), but about toys in general. You have shelves and shelves full of toys, yet your child isn’t interested in any of them.
This is why I started doing toy rotations at my house. Basically, when they are too many choices, there are too many choices.
For open-ended toys specifically, there is another reason. Think back to my school test analogy earlier. Multiple choice tests, wordbanks, matching questions, these tend to feel easier because there are rules and one set answer.
Open-ended toys require the child to come up with the rules, ideas, creations, etc. It’s a bit of a skill. It’s something you can start early with things like play silks and DUPLO, and let it evolve over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Toys with no single correct outcome. There is no finished picture to match and no instructions to follow, so the child decides what the toy is and when the play is done. Blocks, figurines, playsilks and art supplies are the usual examples, but the same toy can be open ended or close ended depending on whether you hand it over with directions attached.
Usually yes, and blocks are a much bigger category than people think. Wooden blocks, DUPLO, LEGO, Magna-Tiles, gear sets, and any snap together kit are all blocks. If a child is using blocks to make their own creation, play with their figurines, etc. this is open-ended. If the child is following a building manual or trying to “copy” the designs on the box, the blocks become more of a closed-ended toy.
No. A lot of classic Montessori materials are close ended, with one correct way to complete them, because the goal is self correction. Plenty of Montessori style toys are open ended too. The natural wood look is an aesthetic, not a type of play.
Introduce open-ended toys as soon as birth. Use playsilks to play peekaboo. Get soft blocks and watch your baby stack and tumble.
In my house, yes, and it is the most noticeable difference. Close ended toys end when the puzzle is done, and then your child comes to find you… Or they find you in a complete meltdown because they can’t figure it out and need help š« . Open ended play has no “end,” so it tends to go on longer. There is no “solution,” so they don’t get frustrated when they can’t “figure it out.”
Probably nothing. Sometimes kids need ideas to get started. Maybe you start rolling your Play-Doh into a hotdog and serving it. You don’t have to tell your child to play restaurant, but it gives them an idea. Say, “oh wow, this play silk makes a great cape.” Tie it around your neck and whiz around the house.
If your child favors close-end toys, make sure there are plenty of close ended toys available to play with. Don’t force the open-ended by taking everything else away. And don’t force the close-ended choices when they say (and they will), “I’m bored.”
Simply, play with the toys yourself and let their little brains develop some grand ideas. They will start to try out some ideas of their own. Even if it looks a lot like what you were doing at first.
I can almost guarantee fewer than you have š. Seriously though, toys accumulate. My gut instinct is none. They don’t need any toys. They don’t need a “play scarf” when they can grab some scraps of fabric from Grammie’s craft room. They don’t need Play-Doh when you can make your own salt dough at home. It’s a bit of a tricky question! But I would generally say, a balance of core toy types is key. If you have 50 toys (and I bet I even have more), make sure that 48 of them aren’t blocks.
If you’re trying to find open-ended toys and keep coming across the same list (wooden rainbow, Magna Tiles, play silks, etc.). Remember, it’s not about the toy, it’s about how it’s played with.
Ask yourself, “does my kid make the rules/play, or are their instructions/solutions/rules?” If it’s the first, it’s open-ended.
5 thoughts on “45 Best Open-Ended Toys for Ages 0-6”