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I am always searching for toys and activities to allow my children to use their imagination or practice creativity. Many modern toys take away the dramatic or imaginative play and fill in the creativity for the kids.
The toys in this gift guide are the antidote to toys that stifle creativity. These toys allow children to explore their world, build, draw, and create. They make for amazing gifts which will capture the attention of your child (and most are easy on the wallet)
Digital camera: This is my 5-year-old son’s favorite toy. We purchased it for Christmas last year, and it has proven to be the rare Holiday toy that is not forgotten after two days. This is a fully functional digital camera with a timer and a selfie function. It is rechargeable and the battery lasts several days.
The camera also features a few low-stimulation games (think Snake) that he enjoys playing. This camera is great for hikes, family trips, and activities, and it allows my son to display his creativity through photography (without using up my phone storage).
3-D Printer pen and filament: We don’t have this yet, but it is on our wishlist this holiday season. The boys played with it at a friend’s house this summer. They created a 3D heart with many different color layers and then continued to create different shapes and objects after they learned how to use the pen and refill the filament.
This printer pen is useful if your kid likes to create keepsakes for family members. They can make little figurines and 3-D objects, which will stand out from the artwork they always gift Grandma.
Karaoke Microphone: I think I bought this toy for myself. I love it as much as the kids and have karaoke nights long after they have gone to bed. This microphone has lights and a built-in speaker to amplify the sound.
We simply YouTube a song we love with the word “karaoke” behind it and belt out our favorite ballads. Or, the kids make up all kinds of songs with dance routines to perform for us, or for their mirrors. I suggest getting one per kid for unforgettable duets.
Tracing Pad: My kids love to color and draw. Tracing is a great way for children who want to learn how to draw to practice and still create beautiful art.
This tracing pad comes with outlines of fun coloring pages and tracing paper. The outlines can be mixed and matched to create scenes such as a soccer game with multiple players or a dance party with different outfits. It is a favorite activity in our house.
Reusable coloring pajamas: This gift is great for children who love to color. My son prefers to color on these pajamas while he is wearing them. He colors them differently each time. I feel it has helped him practice coloring in the lines ( an age-appropriate fine motor skill).
The pajamas come with washable markers, and the color washes off easily in the machine, on a regular cycle without pretreating.
Airbrush marker Spray art kit: This easy-to-use airbrush spray gun uses regular washable markers and converts them into airbrush markers. It comes with stencils and markers. This is a unique addition to your child’s crafting and coloring routine. It adds a pop to school projects and is a fun tool to use.
Do you have any of these? Have you gifted them? What do you think of these toys? Let us know in the comments.
