Welcome to our “Gifts the Grow On” series. Gifts that make it on this list pass the test. It’s more about the experience! Some are worthy investments. Some cost no money but are the gift of time. Everything on this list encourages creativity, imagination, and interaction. The idea here is less is more. Play is a child’s work. Simple toys mean that children are active, not passive participants. We look for items that are made of natural materials whenever possible. Some exceptions are made as long as the item is durable. We recommend items that will last. Give a gift that keeps on giving. Let’s allow discovery, foster independence, build relationships, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Here we go! Real toys! Real tools!
I love, love, love making sure children have cooking & baking tools just their size. Work can be play every single day when you cook together. Most of these tools can be used for actual cooking and also for sensory bins of rice or noodles or water beads. I much prefer these kits and tools that prep real size food.
When my children were young they had aprons, child sized tools and rolling pins, small bake pans. Twice weekly, I made bread when that was a thing. I reserved dough for each child and spread the table with spices, jams, chocolate chips, dried fruit and more. We listened to music or audio books and created their culinary masterpieces.
Was it messy? Yes, but it was easy to clean up and worth every minute.
Life is just like that sometimes.
WINS: skill builder, coordination, confidence, independence, creativity, memory maker, cooperation, planning
Also see Gifts to Grow on #1 for safe step stools for working in the kitchen.
Quick Links:
- Kid’s Rolling Pin
- Kid’s Baking Set
- Wooden Cutting Kit
- Kid Safe Knives & Safety Gloves
- Complete Baking & Knife Kit
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