tickit Christmas gift guide: more play, less waste - how to buy better, not more this Christmas

At tickit, we believe the power of play is made possible because of the endless imaginations of children.

With this in mind, let's focus on quality, open-ended toys that offer long-lasting value and multiple uses this Christmas!

If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry, tickit are here to help with our Christmas gift guide.

Open-ended toys are those without a predetermined use or outcome. They spark creativity, encourage problem-solving, and grow with your child. By investing in these versatile products, you're not just buying a toy – you're opening a world of possibilities where one toy can be so many things…and better yet, they will be played with in unique and imaginative ways for years to come! 

1. Wooden Blocks:

Wooden blocks are a staple of open-ended play. These traditional toys can be anything from buildings in a cityscape to tools for introducing maths concepts and everything in between.

Benefits of wooden block play:

• Improves fine and gross motor skills
• Boosts problem solving skills and special awareness
• Encourages logical thinking and introduces early maths concepts
• Inspires creativity and imaginative play

Look for high-quality, sustainably sourced wooden blocks in various shapes and sizes. These will last for years and can be enjoyed by children (and adults!) of all ages.

Here are some of our favourites:

• Sensory Blocks
• Rainbow Wooden Jumbo Block Set
• Wooden Building Gem Blocks
• PolarB Wooden Blocks

2. Sensory Play:

Sensory play is crucial for cognitive development, self-regulation, and understanding the world around us.

Benefits of sensory play:

• Supports language development
• Enhances fine motor skills
• Encourages scientific thinking and problem-solving
• Promotes calm and focus

Here are some of our tickit favourites:

• Easy Hold Glitter Panels
• Sensory Reflective Colour Burst Balls 
• Touch and Match Board
• Sensory Glitter Storm Set

2. Loose Parts Play:

Loose parts play involves providing children with open-ended materials that can be moved, combined, re-designed, lined up, taken apart, and put back together in multiple ways.

Benefits of loose parts play:

• Encourages creativity and imagination
• Develops problem-solving skills
• Supports mathematical thinking
• Enhances fine motor skills
• Promotes collaboration in group settings

Here are some of our tickit favourites:

• Wooden Treasures
• Rainbow Wooden Super Set
• Wooden Treasures Sorting Set
• Inside Outside Wooden Shapes

3. Light Panel Play:

Light panel play adds a magical element to exploration and learning, can increase focus and bring activities to life.

 Benefits of light panel play:

• Enhances visual discrimination skills
• Supports colour recognition and mixing concepts
• Encourages scientific exploration
• Promotes calm and focused activity
• Adds a new dimension to art and creativity

Here are some of our tickit favourites:

• Rectangular Light Panels
• Light Panel Covers
• Rainbow Glitter Shapes
• Jumbo Regular and Irregular Shapes

Why choose open-ended play materials this Christmas?

• Longevity: Open-ended materials can be used in countless ways, growing with the child and remaining engaging for years.
• Versatility: These play types adapt to a child's developmental stage, offering new challenges as they grow.
• Creativity: Open-ended play encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Cross-curricular learning: These products can be incorporated into various subjects and learning areas.
• Reduced waste: Investing in versatile, long-lasting play materials reduces the need for single-use or quickly outgrown toys.

By choosing quality, open-ended play materials, you're not just giving a gift – you're investing in your child's development and creativity while making an environmentally conscious choice.