25 Open-Ended Timeless Toys (2023-2024) (2024)

Magnetic Tiles

This is the first on our list because this is one of our most used toys.

We use magnetic tiles Every. Single. Day. My youngest likes to transport them from the living room to the refrigerator, and my oldest two create parking garages for their Matchbox cars. When we head out of town, these come with us!

Why Connetix? Better magnets and stronger connections to prevent breaking.

Pastel Magnetic Tiles

If you are ready to add to your collection, the pastel set of magnetic tiles is beautiful! I cannot say it enough. My oldest is nine and still builds with magnetic tiles. (So do his friends when they come over!)

Magna-Tile Roads

These roads by Magna-Tiles are fantastic. They just launched a new collection called Downhill Duo Roads, and I am super impressed. This would be an example where open-ended play meets a closed idea, but adding to your magnetic tile collection is still worthwhile.

Yoto Audio Player

This is an audio player without the noise of YouTube or the internet. Use the Yoto to listen to your child’s favorite podcasts, songs, and stories. The face also shows a digital clock and has an alarm clock. My six-year-old has NOT put this down.

V-Tech Kids Camera

Several years ago, my seven-year-old received this camera and hadn’t put it down. Since then, my boys have owned and taken this camera on hiking trips. We come home and download the new pictures on the computer.

Many new kid cameras are on the market now that a few years have passed, but I like this one because it doesn’t print. My boys could snap all they wanted, and we could download them. (They don’t take high-quality photos.)

Remember that this kid’s camera has games that can be locked in parental settings. Directions are in the owner’s manual. It also comes in a variety of styles. I have noticed my boys lose interest in the games when it becomes less of a battle.

Kids Wheelbarrow

This wheelbarrow has been a big hit with all three of my boys. They find ways to use it in outdoor play daily and no longer have an excuse to leave their belongings in the backyard. (wink, wink)

Colored Tape

The colored tape makes a unique open-ended toy. Unlimited possibilities to decorate cardboard boxes, use on paper, or other creative ideas in everyday play.

Sensory Table

Ready to upgrade your sensory play? Use this standing sensory bin in addition to your current sensory table or on its own. Investing in a table like this has been a game-changer for us!

Wooden Balance Board

Did you know that balance can help improve reading development? The vestibular contributes significantly to reading eye movements, eye-hand coordination, balance, motor planning, etc. Sometimes, I catch the boys wobbling back and forth; other times, the board is flipped over to make a hideout for stuffed animals or a slide. This wooden balance board offers many ways to play!

Wooden Block Set

This wooden block set is a must. Block play encourages creativity, explores balance, tests spatial awareness, and reinforces weight. Sadly, schools do not get time to integrate as much block time as they have in the past. Allow your child to share in the joy of block play!

Plus-Plus Big

Hands down, this toy is one of our favorite open-ended toys. The boys play with these at home, and we take them to restaurants and on road trips. Plu-Plus comes in two sizes; however, I will always prefer the big size.

Play Scarves

Gear up imaginary play with these play scarves! Each large scarf measures 35 x 35 inches. Use for blankets with dolls or stuffed animals, twirl and dance, costumes, movement, and more—a true example of open-ended toys that children can use for years.

Color Counting Bears

You know we love these counting bears! For under three, stay close because they are small, or save for your child’s age.Use these counting bears for imaginary play, color sorting, counting, patterns, and more. These were necessary for my classroom and continue to be so at home. These counting bears make a terrific addition to open-ended play!

Jumbo Droppers

These jumbo droppers are the best for our outdoor play! These are perfect for little hands to strengthen small muscles, which will help with handwriting, opening snack containers, and other self-help skills.

Lacing Beads

From color sorting to stacking, we cherish these lacing beads. The colors are bright, vibrant, and inviting to use. You will notice these lacing beads used with my preschoolers in many Breakfast Invitations.

Hot Wheels

One of my favorite things with my five-year-old is picking out Hot Wheels. We’ve been doing it for years! He checks out the little details and ensures the selected car is just right. Get started with this collection.

On the Go House

I love the simple creativity of this dollhouse. It is compact for small children and allows imaginary play. – Imaginary play is another thing that can be cut short once kids reach school age. Allow your children the time to dive deep into imaginary play and discover ways to express their emotions with this dollhouse. This dollhouse is wonderful for open-ended play.

Hape Track Set

Wooden tracks are another winner here. They have come in and out of play over the past three years but never disappeared.

Every time my boys take out their tracks, something new gets created. I have watched these tracks go from simple setups to endless twists and turns from the kitchen into the living room. These are something I will undoubtedly miss once they hit their teenage years.

LEGO Classic Set

Ready to introduce LEGOS and not sure where to start? We started with this classic set. It is the perfect collection of colors, accessories, and sizes to make ideas come to life.

Mega Bloks

My oldest received these Mega Blocks on his first birthday. Again, these are something they use daily. We keep our set in the bathtub. The boys build alongside the edges and create magical castles.

Balance Bike

Our balance bikes are hands down one of the best gifts my boys have ever received.

We use these multiple times per week, and I have watched their balance and coordination soar because of it! They come in many different colors and are perfect for every young kid in your life.

Shopping Cart

Per my oldest’s request, this cart MUST be in my grocery shopping trunk. It is a must-have item.

Not only does it give my children the ability to explore imaginary play, but it also gives them a purpose at the grocery store. My oldest knows what we get and follows along, knowing what goes inside.

Ice Cream Scoop Set

We ADORE our ice cream scoop set. Everyone that walks through our door is handed a menu and an ice cream. This set makes the perfect ice breaker for children to begin conversations with new family and friends.

Simple Play Kitchen

The simplicity of this kitchen set is what officially won me over. There are no over-the-top lights or buzzers, just a classic kitchen where my kids can cook up a creative snack to offer their grandparents- who apparently will eat ANYTHING.

What are examples of open-ended toys?

Open-ended toys do not have an established start or stop to the play activity. True open-ended toys include everyday objects that can be used for imagination and creativity, such as rocks, sensory materials, and wooden blocks. These toys are open-ended because they are not dictating to the child what they need to do as they play. It is up to the child to take the lead.

What’s an example of an open-ended toy?

Examples of open-ended toys are play scarves, magnetic tiles, wooden balance boards, blocks, and Plus-Plus. Most open-ended toys last for many ages and stages because they can be played with how the child sees fit.

What are five toys you cannot live without?

There are several toys we will never give away. They are magnetic tiles, counting bears, wooden blocks, Plus-Plus BIG, and Legos/Duplos. I have watched my children play with these toys as toddlers and now as big kids at eight.