Do you know the joke about how kids would rather play with the box than the toy inside it? Isn’t that the truth? I remember seeing this play out when my kids were little, and I find that not much has changed with their children/my grandbabies! Who needs a fancy and expensive toy? Apparently, not the majority of kids!
It isn’t just boxes that children enjoy playing with, but other seemingly ordinary household items. When they play with non-toy objects, they are using their imaginations even more, which is why I wanted to curate this list of 12 everyday items that every grandma should have at her home for her grandkids to play with:
1. Cardboard boxes
We established that the boxes toys come in are fun, but cardboard boxes are bigger and even more fun! Save all of those Amazon packages (the bigger, the better!), as your grandchild can transform them into everything from a fort to a car to a costume.
2. Old clothes
Where you see gaudy costume jewelry and an outdated skirt, your grands see crowned jewels and a princess dress. When you have a collection of hats, scarves, and high heels, you don’t need to invest in expensive play clothes, as what’s in your closet is the real deal and much more fun!
3. Pillows and blankets
What? Did you think that pillows and blankets were just for sleeping? Think again! Pillows and blankets are great for hide and seek, Floor is Lava, and building (and relaxing in!) the most epic forts.
4. Kitchen utensils
If your grands are still babies, give them a wooden spoon and a metal bowl and let them go to town making their own heavy metal-esque tunes. If they’re a little older, they can use these simple tools to play house, restaurant, or anything else they may dream up.
5. Laundry baskets
What you see as a vessel for clean clothes can be a magical vessel to your grandchild. Think about it: They can ride in it, fill it up with their treasures, or turn it upside down and use it as a pretend turtle shell. Keep a few extra ones on hand, as the creative possibilities are endless!
6. Empty toilet paper rolls
You know the saying, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure”? Empty toilet paper rolls are the perfect example of this! Your grandkids can use these to play games like bowling, make DIY kaleidoscopes, or even design their own crafts.
7. Art supplies
This one is more obvious but still worth noting, as it encourages your grandkids’ creativity by giving them the tools they need to bring their imaginations to life. Keep a stash of paper, markers, crayons, and glue sticks – You’d be surprised at how long kids can be engaged with a few sheets of paper and some colorful markers.
8. Books
You may not consider books as ‘play’ items, but for children, they certainly are. A good children’s book can transport them to magical worlds, teach them new words, and trigger imaginative play. (I remember playing library when I was a girl – how about you?)
9. Old cell phones or remotes
Before tossing your old cell phone or remote control, consider gifting it to your grandchild, as these items provide an opportunity for them to mimic adult behaviors, like talking on the phone or controlling the TV. They grow up so fast…
10. Empty bottles and containers
Kids love playing with containers of all shapes and sizes. Plastic containers, jars, and bottles can be used for building, stacking, storing toys, or even as musical instruments. And a bonus? It’s a great way to teach them about recycling!
11. Small gardening tools
If you have a backyard, small gardening tools can make for wonderful playthings, whether it be a little watering can, a spade, or a rake. Tools like these not only keep them entertained but also teach them about the environment and the joy of nurturing nature.
12. Flashlights
Don’t underestimate the fun of a simple flashlight. Your grandkids can use it for a thrilling game of flashlight tag, to create puppet shows, or for exploring under beds and in closets.
Conclusion
What do you think? By using everyday items for play, you encourage creativity, imagination, and resourcefulness. The next time your grands are over, let their imagination run wild with these simple yet effective ‘toys’. The laughter and smiles you share together will surely outweigh any value found in store-bought trinkets.