It's no secret that kids love to play pretend. Whether pretending to be a superhero, a doctor, or a princess, pretend play is an excellent way for kids to use their imaginations and have some fun. But sometimes, developing new ideas for active play can be tricky. If you're stuck in a rut, never fear! There are plenty of everyday objects that can be turned into pretend-play toys with just a little bit of imagination. Here are five everyday things that you can turn into pretend-play toys:
Boxes
One of the great things about boxes is that they can be easily transformed into pretend play toys. For example, your child can turn a small box into a toy car or a puppet theatre. You can also turn a medium-sized box into a playhouse or a grocery store, and a large box into a rocket ship or a castle.
The sky's the limit when it comes to boxes and pretend play! Just add a few creative details like blankets for walls or dolls for occupants, and your child's imagination will do the rest. The possibilities with cardboard boxes are endless!
So next time your child is looking for something to play with, think outside the box and see what you can come up with. Chances are, they'll have lots of fun - and you'll get to recycle some boxes in the process. Win-win!
Sheets and Blankets
You can repurpose blankets and sheets as playthings
A large blanket can be used as a fort or a cave, while a smaller one can become a cape or a cape.
A simple blanket can be transformed into all sorts of things, from a cape to a fort to a super cozy den for stuffed animals. Sheets and blankets can also create tents, fortresses or even princess castles. Let your child's imagination run wild! Best of all, when you're done playing pretend, the blanket can be just folded up and put away until next time.
Spoons and pots
You can repurpose old pots and pans as drums. Just add some wooden spoons and let your child loose!
Spoons and pots can become a set of drums. Give your child a few different-sized spoons and let them go to town! For an added challenge, see if they can create a beat that you can follow along.
Pillow and Couch Cushions
Soft, colourful pillows are the perfect addition to any pretend play set-up. You can use pillows and couch cushions as props, seats, or even building blocks. Plus they're great for cuddling up with when it's time to take a break from playing.
You can also boost your child's imagination by adding some couch cushions to the mix. You can also build towers, create obstacle courses with cushions, or provide extra comfort while your little one is pretending to be their favourite character.
So the next time your child is looking for something to do, consider pillows and couch cushions as a fun and easy way to encourage pretend play.
Old Clothes
Who says that old clothes have to go to waste? With some creativity, you can turn them into pretend play toys for your child. Old clothes can be used to create costumes for dress-up or pretend play. An old shirt can be turned into a cape or a dress.
Moreover, old t-shirts can be turned into dolls, and jeans can be stuffed with pillows to make pretend babies. Shirts can also be used as puppets, and skirts can be made into pretend tutus for pretend ballerinas.
Ultimately, turning old clothes into pretend play toys is a great way to encourage creativity and imagination in children.
So next time your kids are bored and looking for something to do, try using these everyday objects for pretend play. There's no need to go out and buy expensive toys when there are many opportunities for pretend play right in your home. With a bit of creativity and imagination, you can turn everyday household items into fun toys that will keep your kids entertained for hours. So dig through your cupboard and get ready to have some fun!
And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest so you don’t miss out on any of the latest news and updates from Number59Shop!