If play is the “work” of children, the Melissa & Doug wooden toys have “worked” for generations. These carefully crafted, wooden toys are top sellers and an incredible value! Innovative designs, vivid colors and cheerful graphics combine to promote hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, plus early shape matching, color recognition and sequencing skills.

Founded in 1988, their belief is through imaginary play, kids explore, create, take risks, and discover who they really are. Melissa has written many blogs about open ended play or sometimes known as child led play. She mentions that child led play needs to be a priority with major benefits for kids, including the promotion of innovative, out-of-the-box thinking. Research has associated the lack of free play with a rise in anxiety and depression. Open ended play promotes self-confidence, social and cognitive skills, resilience, and more. And it’s these skills that are crucial building blocks for success and personal fulfillment in adulthood.

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