Best Open-Ended Toys for Toddlers (Gift Guide)

Inside: Get our recommendations for the best open-ended toys for toddlers. These toys are meant to grow with your child and encourage creative, independent play!

“I’m bored.”

“Mommy, play with me.”

“There’s nothing to do.”

How many times have you heard these phrases whined in your general direction while a playroom stocked with toys sat right behind said whining child?

There’s nothing more frustrating than hearing your toddler say they have nothing to play with when in actuality they have everything to play with.

So, here’s the problem (and the solution, don’t worry).

When it comes to toys, more is not always better.

And some toys lend themselves to creative play, while others are more “one and done.”

And mama, there’s no need to feel guilty about the toys you don’t or don’t have. This isn’t that kind of post.

We are all doing our best with what we have on any given day.

That being said, if you’re looking to improve your toddler’s fine motor skills, strengthen their creativity, and teach them to play independently, then mama, these toys are where it’s at.

What is an Open-Ended Toy?

Think of a block set.

It could be a castle, a tower, or a railroad. You could measure with blocks, play a counting game, or make an animal zoo.

There are 101 possibilities.

Now think about an electronic toy that you press, it lights up, and says something.

Not as many possibilities. And the “script” for play is limited. As Michigan State University notes, “when children only have access to toys with a familiar script, their opportunities to engage in creative, spontaneous play can be limited.”

There’s nothing wrong with having a few toys like this. We have an electronic cash register that lights up, sings, makes noise, etc. My girls have been playing with this same toy for YEARS.

They use it to play grocery store, cupcake shop, vet, you name it. Like I said, there’s nothing wrong with having a few toys like this, especially if they encourage creative, imaginative play.

However, if your playroom is dominated by one and done toys, it’s time to add some open-ended toys into the mix.

You’d be amazed at how much more quality play you’ll see when your toddler has fewer options, and when those options provide endless possibilities.

Open-Ended Play in the Early Years

You may be wondering, “why is open-ended play important for toddlers?”

According to Michigan State University:

“Open-ended play materials allow children to make choices, express their creativity and support their independence. Open-ended materials by definition do not have a pre-determined use. A block can be a car, phone, doll’s chair, ice-cream bar or any number of other things in play. It is through these experiences that children are able to learn best.”
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When it comes to open-ended activities for toddlers and preschoolers, the more they can be in control of the script, the longer and more in depth they’ll play.

Now, if you’re looking for examples of open-ended toys or open-ended gift ideas, today I’ve got 10 amazing ideas for you!

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read our full disclosure policy, here. This post is not sponsored, however, I was gifted products from Lovevery.

Open-Ended Gift Ideas for Toddlers

Mom-to-Mom Tip: With the holiday season coming up, it can get really overwhelming to field gift requests from family and friends. But don’t be afraid to ask for what you want or need for your toddler! I like to create Amazon wishlists for each of my girls, that way I can provide exact ideas for what kinds of toys, books, and clothes we want. Don’t be afraid to say: “we don’t need any more battery-powered toys” or “we’d love some open-ended materials for playtime!”

1. Picasso Tiles Magnet Tiles

This toy truly has endless possibilities. It requires problem-solving or working on problem-solving skills and is the ultimate STEM toy in my opinion.

Buy them on Amazon, here.

2. Hape Doll House

This simple wooden doll house can be anything they want it to be. It’s not decorated with familiar characters, therefore toddlers can pretend it’s anything! My girls like to use their animal figurines and pretend it’s a vet, or use their princess dolls and play castle.

Buy it on Amazon, here.

3. Lovevery Block Set

This is the best block set we’ve ever owned, hands down. It comes with various types of blocks that can be used for different things, plus the box they come stored in can also be used for play (it turns into a car!)

Buy it from Lovevery, here.

4. Melissa & Doug Geometric Stacker

Another great open-ended toy that requires building problem-solving skills and concentration.

Buy it on Amazon, here.

5. Counting Bears

When my then 2 year old was gifted these one year for Christmas, she played with them non-stop. Making bear soup, lining them up, playing with them in the tub, or on her railroad tracks. These bears have done it all. Two years later, she still plays with them.

Buy them on Amazon, here.

6. Lovevery Toddler Play Kits

These Play Kits are designed by experts with toddler development in mind. Each kit is geared toward specific months of toddlerhood and the toys provided help foster the developmental skills for that stage.

Buy The Pioneer Kit from Lovevery, here.

7. Melissa & Doug Locks & Latches Barn

This barn is one of our favorite independent play toys. I used to keep this out on a shelf with farm animal toys and some magnet tiles.

Buy it on Amazon, here.

8. Mega Bloks

So many possibilities for what toddlers can create with Mega Bloks. These also make a great bathtime toy!

Buy it on Amazon, here.

9. Playdough

This OG sensory material is also a classic open-ended “toy” – playdough can literally be anything they want. Cupcake shop, dinosaur tracks, construction site, playdough is perfect for fostering creative, independent play.

Buy it on Amazon, here.

10. Play Kitchen

And last up, if you have the room, a play kitchen is a great tool for open-ended play. It doesn’t just have to be a kitchen, it can be a pretend grocery store, lemonade stand, bakery, etc.