Open-ended play = Our kind of play
One of the first toys my son received was a set of Grimm’s rainbow-colored wooden blocks. For a while, they just sat there in the nursery, looking pretty but not something I would naturally reach for when we played together. Honestly, I was a bit sceptical—could such a simple toy really keep him entertained? But to my surprise, these blocks have become one of the most played with toys in our collection. And they have opened up a world of imaginative play that I didn’t expect. Since then, I have become an advocate of toys that encourage open-ended play—those that don’t dictate how they should be used but instead invite children to explore, create, and discover on their own terms. These toys, like the blocks, allow for limitless possibilities, they’re toys that children don’t get bored with. The novelty never wears off.
So what exactly is open-ended play?
Open-ended play is a type of unstructured play that allows children to explore, create, and use their imagination without a set goal or outcome.
Unlike a puzzle, which has one correct solution, open-ended play allows children to make decisions about how they want to use the materials at hand. A set of wooden blocks can become a tower, a road, a boat, or even something entirely abstract. The possibilities are only limited by a child's imagination.
And the benefits…
Open-ended play offers children the opportunity to encounter challenges and find solutions on their own. This natural problem-solving approach aids in developing self-expression, critical thinking skills and resilience from an early age. It can help children tap into their limitless imagination, transforming ordinary objects into extraordinary creations.
In a world filled with structured activities and screen time, open-ended play offers children something important: space.
Space to be themselves, space to explore their interests, space to develop naturally.
Space that is sacred and space that needs to be protected.
When I watch my children get lost in a world of pretend, I am so moved by the depth of their creativity and the way they effortlessly transform everyday objects into extraordinary things. I am struck again and again of the pure joy and freedom that comes from unstructured play—a kind of magic that we, as adults, often forget and lose access to.
So, let’s embrace open-ended play in our homes. Let’s offer our children the tools that ignite their imagination, encourage creative thinking, and help them grow into confident, capable individuals. Let’s get rid of the noise. The benefits of open-ended play aren’t just for today—they lay the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity, learning, and development.
If you’re looking for ideas or resources to get started, I invite you to explore our StoryBoxes. Each one is filled with thoughtfully curated items designed to spark creativity and open-ended play.
Give them the gift of…space.
