Most parents know that open-ended toys are an important investment in their child’s toy collection. Open-ended toys promote creativity, support physical and cognitive development, encourage experimentation and exploration, foster problem-solving skills, and help develop a growth mindset.
That being said, what are the best open-ended toys for kids 18 months to 5 years old? Among many, we highly recommend Duplo.
What is Duplo?
And among all the open-ended toys out there, Duplo stands out. What is Duplo? It’s basically like LEGO, but made for little hands with big imaginations. The blocks are twice the size of traditional LEGO blocks and made of soft, flexible plastic that’s safe for even the youngest kids to play with. With Duplo, kids can build structures, vehicles, and characters and unleash their creativity in the process. (Learn more about the difference between LEGO and Duplo here.)
Why Duplo is great for younger kids
Here are some reasons why we think Duplo is on of the best open-ended toy for kids 18 months to 5 years old:
1. It’s safe and durable. Smaller kids like putting anything in their mouths. That’s why Duplo is made with larger blocks to prevent choking. It’s softer than traditional LEGO blocks, and its edges are rounded, minimizing possible injuries if stepped on. They are also made of high-quality materials that are built to last, ensuring that they can be enjoyed by multiple generations. In fact, our son was handed down a set that’s about 30 years old!
2. It promotes creativity and imagination. Duplo provides a building platform for kids to create structures, vehicles, and characters, encouraging creativity and imagination.
3. It supports cognitive and physical development. Putting the blocks together and taking them apart helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. At the same time, problem-solving skills are also exercised through open-ended play.
4. It’s fun and engaging. Duplo is a fun and exciting toy that kids (and parents) love to play with. It always feels new and provides hours of entertainment. It’s great for imaginative play and solo or group play. It also allows parents to spend quality time with their kids and have fun together.
5. It encourages learning. Playing with Duplo blocks can help children learn about shapes, colors, and counting.
Duplo provides a perfect balance of safety, versatility, and fun for young children. Whether building structures, vehicles, or characters, Duplo provides endless opportunities for imaginative play and supports cognitive and physical development. So why not invest in a toy that will grow with your child and provide them with the tools they need to thrive? Get Duplo for your kids today!
Mark x Abi 