The Importance of Pretend Play Toys

• Play kitchens and food – Allow for roleplaying family scenarios and early math skills by “cooking” and “serving” toy food. Look for kitchens with lots of accessories.
• Dress-up clothes – Dress-up clothes and accessories allow children to roleplay different characters and occupations. Provide a variety of themes.
• Play tool sets – Toy tool sets with hammers, wrenches, and more encourage roleplay of “fixing” and building. Look for sturdy, realistic tools.
• Shopping carts and cash registers – Allow for roleplay of shopping scenarios. Encourage counting skills by “purchasing” toy foods and goods.
• Dolls and stuffed animals – Provide dolls, stuffed animals, and accessories for nurturing roleplay. Introduce diverse dolls that allow open-ended pretend play.

• Play workbenches – Workbenches with tools, vises, nuts, and bolts allow for STEM-related roleplay of building, fixing, and creating.
• Play tents and playhouses – Tents and playhouses encourage roleplay of camping, home scenarios, and more. Look for spacious designs with room for multiple children.
• Dress-up clothes – Continue providing dress-up clothes that align with your child’s interests, like superhero capes or princess gowns. Add roleplay accessories.
• Puppets – Hand puppets and finger puppets encourage storytelling, roleplay, and social skills. Let your child create shows and characters.
• Play doctor kits – Doctor kits with play stethoscopes, bandages, and medical tools allow for nurturing, STEM-related roleplay.