Learning through play
Good toys and play ideas at every age
The best toys are often the simplest. Open-ended materials can be used a hundred different ways, so they grow with your child and leave room for imagination.
Exploring with the senses
- Soft blocks and stacking cups. Grasping, stacking and the joy of knocking things down.
- Treasure baskets. Safe everyday objects of wood, metal and fabric to touch, mouth and bang.
- Board books. Pointing, naming and the rhythm of shared reading.
- Push-along toys. Support for early walkers, building balance and confidence.
Try at home: a basket of kitchen spoons, lids and cups, and lots of talk as they play.
Doing it myself
- Wooden building blocks. Balance, early maths and their first towers and roads.
- Chunky puzzles. Shape matching, patience and hand-eye coordination.
- Pretend play kits. A toy kitchen or doctor's bag builds language and empathy.
- Playdough. Squeezing and rolling strengthen little hands.
Try at home: let them help with real jobs like washing vegetables or matching socks.
Imagining and planning
- Loose parts. Shells, pinecones, tubes and fabric to build anything they imagine.
- Construction sets. Planning, problem solving and working with a friend.
- Simple board games. Counting, taking turns and learning to lose gracefully.
- Dress-ups. Stories, roles and big feelings to play out.
Try at home: build a cubby from sheets and chairs, then let them run the story.
Screens and young children
Australia's guidelines for the early years recommend no screen time for children under 2, and no more than one hour a day for children aged 2 to 5. When screens are used, watching together and talking about it helps most.
Toy safety
Keep small parts away from children under 3, as they are a choking risk. Check toys for loose button batteries and magnets, which can be very dangerous if swallowed. Product Safety Australia lists toy recalls.
Follow your child's lead. Join in, describe what they are doing, and ask "I wonder what would happen if…". You do not need expensive toys to support learning.