It is amazing how amusing crawling through tunnels to a secret house/fort/spaceship/etc. can be.
This tunnel set is nice because it allows for tea parties and hanging out in the center section (plus Mom can check on what is going on through the upper viewing window). The whole set packs away flat in its carry bag for storage under a bed, or in a closet.
The minus is that it can be a bit of a pain folding and securing the three, extremely short ties on each tunnel in order to pack it away. Tying without making knots is a problem. I bought some double-sided velcro straps which I use instead and I can now quickly pack it all away without frustration.
Of course, a couple of cardboard boxes and a table covered with a blanket can be just as fun too, not to mention cheaper…but boxes don’t store as nicely!
How about a simple little wooden kitchen set for your budding chef? It can be hard to find quiet versions that allow the child to imagine the sounds.
We have an earlier version of the single stove unit (see below), and it has lasted about four years now with no mishaps.
This one photo seems nice because it has the stove and sink for not that much more than the stove alone. There is also a refrigerator available too. I wish my appliances were this pretty!
pretend play, Toy Recommendations, wood
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creative play, kitchen set, play kitchen, pretend kitchen, pretend play, Small World toys, toddler toys, Toy Recommendations, Toy Recommendations, wooden toys
We have a mouse version of this French toy that I found on Ebay. It is so cute!
This one comes with a poseable cat family-of-four in a wooden box with an assortment of real fabric clothing in which to dress them. My kids enjoy dressing and undressing the little wooden animals over and over again. Many clothing combinations are possible. Plus, this family is sized just right for a dollhouse.
By French toy maker Vilac.
Available here.
dollhouse, dolls, pretend play, Toy Recommendations, wood
| doll house, dress-up toy, European toy, French toy, Leon the Cat Family, Toy Recommendations, Vilac, wooden toy
One day I will spring for one (or two) of these! If your children like
A playstand is a simple wooden structure which little imaginations can turn into just about anything. It is great for use with playsilks, a blanket, or even just on its own.
Playstands can be pricey but if you are handy, there are DIY plans available. Check out to buy plans ($17.99), or figure it out yourself (doesn’t look that hard).
In the meantime, a string tied to two chairs and some clothespins will have to do! Please also visit my post on playsilks.
Available here, or Google “wooden playstands.”
pretend play, Toy Recommendations, wood
| creative play, homemade Waldorf toys, play silks, play stands, playsilks, playstand plans, playstands, pretend play, Toy Recommendations, Waldorf, wooden toy
If you have ever wondered whether children can have fun with a toy that is not loud and hi-tech, then set down a basket of playsilks and turn your little ones loose!
A playsilk is a simple, colored silk scarf. Really any silk scarf will do, but children’s playsilks are readily available from Waldorf-type stores if you do not want your scarves messed up.
Things I have seen kids do with playsilks: dress-up, “wrap gifts,” make sister “disappear,” peek-a-boo, tent, stage curtains, doll blanket/carrier…etc., etc. You get the idea!
One of my favorite stores, A Toy Garden, has a great selection at reasonable prices. A Toy Garden also sells lower priced sets of three silks that have slight imperfections. I bought some of these and the defects were quite minor.
Please also visit my post on Wooden Playstands for another playsilk idea.
dress-up, pretend play, stocking stuffer, Toy Recommendations
| A Toy Garden, classic toy, creative play, dress-up, homemade Waldorf toys, low-tech toys, play silks, play stands, playsilks, playstands, pretend play, Toy Recommendations, Waldorf
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