Ever since the lockdown started, parents are constantly scrambling between balancing work, home, children, and now home schooling. While home-schooling does keep the children occupied for a couple of hours during the day (thank god for that!!), it is the later part which terrifies most of us. With abundance of restrictions and not wanting to succumb to increased screen time, I did my research on open-ended toys.
Open-ended play is much needed in a child’s routine because it engages a child’s attention for a prolonged period of time, simply because there is no right or wrong. To know more about open-ended toys click here.
Here’s my list of top 5 open-ended toys in India. All these toys are made in India, promoting local artisans, and with 100% safe and sustainable materials.
- Tree blocks: by Bloon toys
Your best replacement to plastic blocks: tree blocks! Each of the 20 pieces add their own uniqueness in texture, color and natural curves and bends, that are bound to intrigue a child to recreate versatile play scenes.
Hand made from pruned wood, and beautifully crafted with a smooth finish, this is getting your child as close to nature!
Age: 2+
Tip: Add their wee family folk (wooden dolls) to enhance imaginative play.
- Rainbow stacker: by Chitrani
Your best replacement to plastic blocks: tree blocks! Each of the 20 pieces add their own uniqueness in texture, color and natural curves and bends, that are bound to intrigue a child to recreate versatile play scenes.
Hand made from pruned wood, and beautifully crafted with a smooth finish, this is getting your child as close to nature!
Age: 2+
Tip: Add their wee family folk (wooden dolls) to enhance imaginative play.
- Rainbow stacker: by Chitrani
Founded in 1978 by Grimms, the multi-purpose rainbow stacker has become the quintessential open-ended toy. This magnificent toy combining creativity, play, and art can truly enhance your sensory experiences.
In India, no one does it better than Chitrani toys, which boasts of a truly beautiful stacking variety in terms of size (select from 6 ,10 or 12 piece), color (multicolor or monochrome), and shapes (original, semi-circles, bridge and boards). Don’t forget to accessorize with rainbow themed peg wooden dolls and balls
Age: 6 months+
Tip: Think of seesaw, fences, maze, house, caves, and endless possibilities!
- Wooden Road Track Set: by Playbug
When I initially laid my eyes on this brand, as an online shopper who’s spoiled by abundance of choice, I was taken aback by only one car track set toy on the website. Once I fully understood the product, I took a moment to applaud Playbug.
Rather than adding hordes of products, this brand has designed a one-of-its kind “wooden road” track car. A child can create their own highway road containing tracks, zebra crossing, trees, peg dolls, and houses. The accessories can create a beautiful scenery which inspires free play.
Made of organic and durable material (choose between MDF or Birchwood) using non-toxic and safe paint.
Age: 3+
Tip: Don’t forget to check out the customized add ons such as rainbow stacker and car sets to promote pretend play
- Butterfly Balance Board: Shumee Toys
This brightly colored butterfly balance board is surely delightful. Start your morning with a balancing act, or wobble on it during the day. It’s an exceptional way to improve coordination and make your own game by rocking side to side or even jiggling.
Great way to encourage physical activity along with pretend play.
Age: 3+
Tip: Parents, don’t hold back to try this!
- Elephant stacking: by Bloomy Brain Toys
An effective way to teach the younger ones balancing and stacking. This 46 piece toy set comes with color matching elephants, boards and a dice. Use it to stimulate a child’s sensory vision by matching colors, or as a puzzle or simply balancing it.
Age: 6 months+
If you have any more open-ended toys recommendations from Indian brands, please mention them below!
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