Nothing makes me happier than seeing children participate in imaginative play. Finding toy companies that encourage imaginative play is easy but choosing the best options can be overwhelming.
So much is happening during playtime.
When children engage in imaginary play, they are actively experimenting with the social and emotional roles of life. It helps them develop a sense of self, confidence, and empathy. The best imaginary play items are those that allow for open-ended play and enable children to lead and guide the play to new levels. Check out five of our favorite toy companies that encourage imaginative play.
Toy Companies that Encourage Imaginative Play
Freckled Pine
At Freckled Pine, they strive to encourage children to get “Wrapped Up In Imagination.” Their high quality “PEGS IN A BLANKET” bundles foster creativity by allowing children to get lost in imaginary play for hours on end. They are strong believers in limiting screen time and allowing children to nurture their imaginations and creativity in a more meaningful way.
Pictured here, Max is playing on their Camping play quilt. It takes little ones straight into the great outdoors where they can explore mountains, streams, lakes, and more in this beautifully designed and super soft play quilt.
Tonka Trucks
Tonka trucks have become a symbol of durability, quality, and the power of the imagination. What sets Tonka trucks apart from other toys is their versatility and openness to interpretation. They don’t come with complex features or pre-defined roles, allowing children to create their own narratives and scenarios. Whether it’s pushing dirt and rocks in the backyard or rescuing miniature action figures from treacherous terrains, children can build elaborate worlds in their minds, with Tonka trucks as their trusted companions.
Unlike many modern toys that come with specific instructions, Tonka trucks encourage unstructured play. There are no rules or guidelines to follow, empowering children to experiment, make decisions, and learn from their experiences independently.
Building scenarios and overcoming obstacles in the imaginative world of Tonka trucks exercises a child’s problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. They learn to assess situations, devise strategies, and adapt to unexpected challenges.
Imaginative play with Tonka trucks offers a safe space for children to explore and express their emotions. Through play, they can process fears, anxieties, and joys, developing emotional resilience and intelligence.
Tonka trucks have stood the test of time, captivating young minds for generations and proving to be timeless tools for fostering imaginative play.
Apple Park Farm Buddy Collection
Playful and brightly colored, Organic Farm Buddies from Apple Park are a collection of adorable farm animal baby toys, plush, rattles, and blankies. They are made from soft organic cotton, utilize OEKO-TEX 100 eco-friendly dyes, and are filled with hypoallergenic sustainable corn fiber and a phthalate-free rattle.
Not only are they easy for little hands to hold, these cuddly buddies make kids smile with their delightful character details. Each Farm Buddy has distinct clothing and characteristics that encourage children to imagine unique scenarios and playful situations.
Currently, Max enjoys putting them in his mouth and shaking the rattle. Athena loves coming up with all kinds of creative situations with Farm Buddies to encourage her brother’s imagination. She sits on the floor and uses toy boxes as a stage to create wonderful Farm Buddies worlds for Max to enjoy. The pirate pig has sailed the seven seas and captured bad guys. The giraffe is a business man by day and a superhero at night. The dog is a loyal best friend who travels with his best buddy named Max. These Farm Buddies don’t just stay on the farm. The possibilities are endless.
Parents smile too knowing their child’s toy is safe, organic, affordable and fun.
Great Pretenders
Great Pretenders is home to creative play toys and accessories that are amazing for any age. They creative, pretend-play toys that would light up any child’s imagination. From baby capes to super hero dolls, the possibilities are endless with Great Pretenders.
Their Dress Up Collection includes princess dresses and gowns, superheroes, careers, unicorns, fairies, capes, dinosaurs and dragons, and more. They also offer dolls, Colour-A-Collection, jewelry, a party collection, protective face masks, and free downloads.
Their mission is to design and produce products that inspire families to engage in creative, imaginative, and interactive play. They strive to provide customers with safe, quality, and creative toys and gifts while exceeding their customer’s expectations at every opportunity.
The super hero dolls are exclusive designs to Great Pretenders. They offer exceptionally intricate design details. They have foil-printed glitter fabrics (no shedding) and embroidered emblems, which makes they wonderful as imaginative play toys and keepsakes for future generations.
Wonder & Wise
What better way to encourage imaginative play than with an entire campout setting complete with s’mores, a fire, sleeping bags, tree stumps, and a teepee from Wonder & Wise?
Wonder & Wise take imaginative play seriously. The name, Wonder & Wise, reflects children’s innate sense of curiosity and amazement as they explore the world, combined with the idea of learning through imaginative exploration and play.
They offer an assortment of teepees, play homes, games, imaginary play, educational and developmental toys, and bedding and décor for babies and children.
Lane and Mae
Lane and Mae is an American brand, creating one-of-a-kind handmade Merino Wool knit products. Their crochet animals are a one-of-a-kind, handmade gift that can be handed down from generation to generation.
They are safe for sensitive skin and you don’t have to worry if they end up in your child’s mouth. With a variety of styles to choose from, you can select your child’s favorite animal or a holiday favorite for the perfect Christmas gift.
Lane and Mae crochet animals are ideal for fostering imaginative play at a young age since they are soft and safe for sensitive skin.
Kids develop imagination and creativity through imaginative play. We strongly encourage that type of play in our household and strive to find toy companies that allow children to nurture their imagination and creativity in a meaningful way. While there is nothing wrong with tablets, phones, and television, I love seeing my children wrapped up in a book or play time where they can express their unique individuality.