One of our favorite types of play at Constructive Playthings is open-ended play. Not only does it offer countless learning opportunities, but it is just so easy to execute and incredibly valuable in early childhood development. 

It is well known the benefits block play brings to our early childhood programs, from encouraging mathematical skills, critical thinking, creativity, and even literacy! Blocks offer so many opportunities for open-ended play and are central in most every learning center. Recently it seems the classic unit blocks specifically are getting all the love, from not only school settings but home settings as well. We could not be more excited!

It's that time of year again! The season of giving. To simplify your shopping this year, we found our customer favorites within our Holiday Gift Guide to help you navigate the endless gift possibilities--we even have some great options for those teachers you love so much!

Eco-friendly Gift Ideas

Young chefs can concoct and serve make-believe culinary treats that have real benefits for the earth with the world's greenest cookware set and dining set! Our exclusive eco-friendly breathing board set illustrates to children how to take deep and calming breaths to manage anxiety, stress, and unsettling emotions. Or, check out the eco-friendly curved Balance Board that makes active play indoors easy and fun. 

Stocking Stuffers

Need a few items to top off that perfect stocking? You can’t go wrong with any of our many puppets to help story time come to life -- we have a ton of options -- from a perfect little bunny to a dragon to a giraffe! The Dimpl sensory toy is hot again this year, and of course, we had to add Kwik Stix here because EVERYONE needs a set of these -- kids, parents, and teachers too!

Gift Ideas Under $25

Shopping for an aspiring chef? We've got you! A realistic mixer, a coffee machine, a blender, and a toaster will be the perfect fit in your child's kitchen. Our always-favorite classic wooden alphabet puzzle is a fantastic gift for those early learners, as well as the Yookidoo Shape and Spin Gear Sorter to boost those fine motor skills. 

Gift Ideas Under $50

Beautiful simplicity stacks up with endless possibilities with Spoolz! If you are a fan of blocks, then the perfect addition might be these beautiful Wooden Rainbow Architect Arches. The PLAN Lacing Sheep Lacing Sheep toy (eco-friendly!!) is the perfect fine-motor and problem-solving development resource...and who doesn't love a cute sheep?

Gift Ideas Under $100

Squigz!! Children will delight in these soft, flexible pieces that stick together and POP apart. Or, have you seen our newest Basket of Dinos! The cutest little dinos for the cutest little hands to play. Looking for something to keep that budding engineer excited? Our Tool-Tech Workbench is just the thing!

Gift Ideas Over $100

Knop Knop has been one of our customer favorites this year, and for all the right reasons! Colorful and soft, sturdy and machine washable (yes, please!), this classroom set is not just fantastic in a schoolroom but also a great teambuilding project at home! Have you seen our Easy Shop Market Stall? It is a great dramatic play foundation--create a farmer's market, a local bakery, or even a science lab!

Teacher Gifts

We've selected some of our favorite teacher gifts that will surely be a welcome surprise. Cannot beat our Book Prop Sets! From Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Goodnight Moon to Brown Bear, Brown Bear, and many more favorites, these become classroom treasures that last through the years. Teachers also rave about the Interactive Emotions Board to calm down even the biggest emotions. Deck out a few of these sturdy woven baskets with your teacher's favorite sweet treats for the holidays (coffee, chocolate, trail mix...all the yummy things!), but now she has storage for blocks, bricks, and wooden cars in the new year! 

Need help finding the perfect gift? You can always reach out to us -- we're happy to help! 

As educators and parents, we understand how important self confidence is in a child’s development. We strive to have a healthy self esteem ourselves to overcome challenges, accomplish our goals, and establish peer acceptance. Building that confidence at a young age allows children to be the best they can be at home, at school, and in their community. Active play is a fantastic way to help them do just that. 

What are some of the ways active play builds confidence in young children?

Research shows that developing strong early childhood literacy skills actually impact a child’s ability to succeed academically, graduate on time, and even enhance overall productivity as an adult. It makes sense, right?