How to buy the perfect present this Christmas

As the festive season approaches, parents, relatives and friends are likely pondering the age-old question: what's the perfect gift for the children in our lives? At tickit we believe the answer lies in open-ended play and toys that spark imagination and creativity. 

The magic of open-ended play 

The beauty of open-ended play, and toys that support this, is that they are so adaptable! A child can project their own interest onto an open-ended toy meaning they are always relevant, interesting and constantly in circulation. Unlike character or trend toys, open-ended toys naturally grow with the child and offer new possibilities each time they play. 

The benefits of open-ended toys 

1. Encourages creativity: Open-ended toys encourage children to think outside the box and come up with their own ideas. 
2. Promotes problem-solving skills: When there's no 'right' way to play, children learn to solve problems through creativity. 
3. Inspires language development: As children narrate their play, they naturally expand their vocabulary. 
4. Builds and reinforces social skills: Many open-ended toys are perfect for collaborative play, helping children learn to share and cooperate. 

Developmental focus for different age groups and toys that can support these:  

For Toddlers (1-3 years) 

Developmental Focus: At this age, children are rapidly developing their motor skills, beginning to understand cause and effect, and starting to engage in simple pretend play. Key areas to focus on include: 

• Fine and gross motor skills 
• Sensory exploration 
• Basic problem-solving 
• Early language development 

Suitable open-ended toys: Simple stacking toys, blocks, or basic shape sorters can be great for this age group. These toys help develop fine motor skills and introduce concepts like colours and shapes. 

Here are some of our tickit favourites: 

• Sensory Reflective Balls and Buttons 
• Rainbow Wooden Super Set 
• Rainbow Wooden Jumbo Block Set 
• Rainbow Wooden Shape Sorter 

For Preschoolers (3-5 years) 

Developmental Focus: Preschoolers are becoming more social, developing their imagination, and refining their motor skills. Key areas to focus on include: 

• Social skills and cooperative play 
• Imaginative and dramatic play 
• Early numeracy and literacy 
• Enhanced fine motor skills 

Suitable open-ended toys: Art supplies, playdough, or simple construction sets are excellent choices. These allow children to express their creativity and start building more complex structures. 

Here are some of our tickit favourites: 

• Rainbow Glitter Numbers and Letters 
• Wooden Dinosaur Blocks 
• Woodland Trail Set 
• Rainbow Wooden Nuts & Bolts  

For Early Primary (5-7 years) 

Developmental focus: Children at this age are developing more complex thinking skills, improving their ability to focus, and expanding their social world. Key areas to focus on include: 

• Logical thinking and problem-solving 
• Early reading and writing skills 
• Basic mathematical concepts 
• Increased attention span and focus 

Suitable open-ended toys: More advanced building sets, craft kits, or simple science experiment kits can be engaging. These toys encourage problem-solving and more detailed imaginative play. 

Here are some of our tickit favourites: 

• Rainbow Glitter Shapes 
• Gem Cube Building Blocks 
• Mirror Letters and Numbers 
• Rainbow Exploration Kit 

For older primary children (7-11 years) 

Developmental Focus: At this stage, children are developing more abstract thinking skills, improving their ability to plan and organise, and expanding their understanding of the world. Key areas to focus on include: 

• Critical thinking and analysis 
• Project planning and execution 
• Advanced literacy and numeracy skills 
• Understanding of scientific concepts 

Suitable open-ended toys: Complex construction sets, advanced art supplies, or open-ended STEM toys can be perfect. These allow children to take on more challenging projects and dive deeper into their interests. 

Here are some of our tickit favourites: 

• A2 & A3 Light Panels  
• Regular and Irregular Shapes 
• Colour Crystal Block Set 
• Lifecycle Titles 

When you gift an open-ended toy, you're not just giving a present – you're giving endless possibilities. These toys grow with the child, offering new ways to play as they develop. They're an investment in a child's creativity, problem-solving skills, and imagination.

From the perspective of parents and caregivers, open-ended toys are often well received as they save space, reduce environmental impact and are more aesthetically appealing, while still bringing joy to the recipient.  

So, this Christmas, consider stepping away from the latest trend toys and opting for a toy that will not date, will never need the batteries replacing and will keep on providing fun for years to come.  

With open-ended educational toys, you're not just buying a gift; you're nurturing your child's development and sparking their imagination. 

Happy Christmas and happy playing from everyone at tickit!