Best Independent Play Toddler Toys: Building Blocks

Hello Parents & Caregivers,

I hope this 2021 finds you well and in some state of normalcy (if that can ever be a thing again). Most of us are still homeschooling and it can prove challenging especially for that 1 - 4 yr old age group where they are not yet even of school age. To lighten some of the burden and the uncertainty (which can be draining) I've come up with a rolling list of toys and activities that provide the opportunity for lots of open ended play for your little one while you work from home.

So let's dive right into it. Building blocks! They're great, they're diverse there are so many options on the market affordable and high end. Whatever option you choose building blocks are great because they are open-ended toys that allow young children to use their imaginations to create, to build, to imagine and reimagine places, things, events etc in a tangible way, over and over again. They can create whole worlds and create props to express and explain their current interests and fascinations - if you listen. 

Recently, one of my toddlers used building blocks to create a museum which was shocking to me as I had no idea he knew anything about museums. This was great for me as I had something new and interesting I could now share with my toddler. I like museums and I've frequented a few so this was my opportunity to share my knowledge and passion with my child. Building blocks did that! 

Here are some of my building block favorites. If you have any favorites you'd like to share with our growing Tot Tutor community - comment below!

1. Playgro 0181170 Soft Blocks for baby infant toddler children

2. Fisher-Price Baby's First Blocks

3. Tadpoles Blocks and Playmat Set, Multi/Primary, 38" x 38" and 60 Blocks

4. Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Blocks Set, Developmental Toy, 100 Blocks in 4 Colors and 9 Shapes

5. Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube Classic Wooden Toy (Developmental Toy, Easy-to-Grip Shapes, Wooden Construction, 12 Pieces) 

6. Infantino Sensory Press and Stay Sensory Blocks

 

7. PBS Exploration Blocks Numbers, Multi