Let's be honest, as much as we love playing with our kiddos all day…..every parent on earth wants a break every once and awhile. Usually around hour six. Right? By the mid to late afternoon, I can guarantee you're having visions of sitting blissfully on the couch while your kiddos play independently. However, easier said than done. The key to independent play? Having the right tools. These 25 Toys will encourage your children to play independently while you get a little time to yourself.
25 Toys that Encourage Independent Play
Wikki stix: these flexible sticks are like a slightly harder clay, they bend and hold shape. They also stick to things, like a table. They're portable and great for kids to play with!
Paint with Water Activity Books: my toddler is OBSESSED with these. They're super easy to set up, and don't make a mess.
Playdoh: a total classic for a reason. Give your kiddo a rolling pin and some tools, and let them go to town.
Magnetic Drawing Board: Kids will be enthralled with a magnetic drawing board, bonus for the ones that include stampers!
Lincoln Logs: We just bought my toddler a giant set of these classics, and she can spend HOURS creating buildings with them.
Felt Storyboard Sets: When I was a toddler, my preschool teacher mom handmade felt storyboard sets for me. Lucky for me? These adorable sets are available on Amazon Prime.
Sewing Cards: Perfect for practicing fine motor skills!
Magnetic Wardrobe Set: This portable boxed magnet set is perfect for car rides, meals out, and easy cleanup.
Scratch Art Pad: Hours. Hours of fun, and your toddler will LOVE revealing the new picture!
Memory Game: From simply finding pairs to playing actual Memory, these can be used for years to come.
Puzzles: A new puzzle is a PERFECT way to engage your kiddo in some independent play.
Magna Tiles: We recently picked up a set of these tiles after our toddler fell in love with them during a playdate. They're GREAT for hours of play!
Dot Markers: Set up an art station with Dot Markers and colored paper.
Pipe Cleaners and Beads for Bracelets: Does your kiddo love jewelry? Let them make their own with pipe cleaners and beads (or Cheerios)!
Marble Maze: Have a builder on your hands? A marble maze is perfect, and a total blast (plus they're SUPER inexpensive)!
Water Wow Notepad: Similar to paint with water books, these notepads are portable and a ton of fun! Each comes with a water pen that reveals pictures easily!
Little Hands Button Art: These button art magnet boards are a total blast (for adults too)!
Kinetic Sand: Love sand trays, but hate the mess? Kinetic sand is SUPER easy to clean up……set up a tray with sand and tools in your living room.
Magiclip Dolls: These small magnetic dolls come with a ton of outfits for hours of imaginative play.
Water Table: A water table is an independent play classic. On a warm day, set up a station outside and enjoy the relaxing sun.
Legos: Who doesn't love Legos? Introduce a new set and let your kiddos build to their heart's content.
haha yes! girl I am not a mom but everyone of my friends feels this way.
Life is just Rosie
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LOL The title alone sold me on this post! In our house, MAgnetix are the winners for this as well as the dolls house! Going to have a look at that book now also…
Emmie xo
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This is such a helpful list! There really is a difference between good toys and those that foster quality independent play. I’ll be sharing this one for sure!
Yes! I love when the kiddos can play independently for a while.
These are awesome! I’ll have to get a scratch art pad soon!
These are such great suggestions for independent play. Thank you so much for sharing
Always a fun day when all the Amazon Subscribe and Save loot shows up! WHOO HOO cardboard houses cardboard cars…,
I always have a moment or two of pure bliss to myself when amazon boxes arrive and are emptied.. keeps the kids and pets busy for a good 20 minutes!,
Who needs a fancy activity table when you get your household necessities delivered in AMAZON BOXES 🙂 ,
The mailman is my dogs favorite person on delivery day! I dont know how I lived without Amazon. Im in love with amazon subscribe and save! ,