3 Amazing Development Benefits of Creative Toys for Children

Parents often want what is best for their children, and that extends from education to play. While video games and apps have their place for learning, most parents worry about their children spending too much time in front of a TV or computers. And most kids do — getting an average of seven-and-a-half hours of screen time per day! As a result, parents who want to help their children grow and develop at a young age may struggle to find appropriate educational toys for their kids.

The good news for parents and kids alike is that there are more options out there. Some creative toys for children allow kids not only to get some free play time but to practice solving problems. For instance, using blocks that snap together or magnetic building toys can actually have numerous benefits for kids.

How do creative toys for children help kids develop their problem solving and critical thinking skills? Here are three of the most surprising benefits when it comes to educational toys for children:

1. Free play helps kids learn. When children have unstructured playtime, they actually get the chance to learn valuable skills. To get children to learn more and to improve their well-being, parents should aim for longer uninterrupted periods of at least 45 to 60 minutes of spontaneous play for their kids; however, even 15 minutes will give kids the chance to play and learn. Using educational toys, like magnetic construction sets or puzzles, is one method parents can use to encourage free play.

2. Creative toys for children can encourage early learning and brain development. Although the human brain grows until about age 18, children’s brains reach about 90% of their adult weight by the time they are eight years old. The early years are some of the most important, and toys can play a huge role in brain development. For example, three- to six-year-olds benefit from toys that get them to solve problems: puzzles of about 12 to 20 pieces, block and magnetic tiles that snap together, and even collection of objects grouped by color, shape, and other features. Some of this early learning can get kids to count at an early age.

3. Educational toys promote lifelong learning and success. Children who play with blocks, magnets, and other educational creative toys have a better chance of working in math-related jobs when they get older. For instance, 66% of adults in math-related roles, like bankers and accountants, enjoyed playing with puzzles when they were kids. Meanwhile, 60% of adults who know work as architects, designers, or in other design-related fields, like building blocks and other stacking toys. While there’s no telling which industry a child will choose early on, toys that are both fun and educational can give them a good head start for the future.

Which toys do your children enjoy the most? Do they play with creative and educational toys that let them solve problems? Tell us how your kids like to play in the comments.