The Kid Who loves to play

Parents, grandparents, godparents, do you know about The Kid Who? It’s a quirky, eclectic and very cool children’s gift site that sells presents, treats and practical things for little and big people.

We’re working with the site over the next few months and will be talking about our favourite review picks, all chosen around a ‘play’ theme.

So to introduce our choices for this month, I thought it would be fun to talk about the four rules for play in this house.

Rule 1) Be creative

Eliza loves anything that’s crafty and arty so we do as much of this as we can. It’s always as ‘freestyle’ as possible (deliberate of course *cough*).

This Design Letters melamine cup (£8.50) is great for holding all the pens, crayons and random art supplies we have lying around the house. She’s learning her letters at the moment so having her initial on is a big bonus.

Rule 2) Use your imagination

We chose these OMM Design animal nesting dolls because they’re a brilliant twist on a classic favourite – I have a set of Russian dolls from when I was little that E already loves – but also because they are a great launchpad for further play.

So they are animals and stacking cup, but also secret keepers, friends, Anna and Elsa on a skiing trip down the North Mountain. And so on times a million.

(Also, I’ve wanted these for ages as they look great, don’t they? There’s loads of stuff on the site that’s good for adults too).

Rules 3) Play together but take your turn

Like the Peppa Pig episode on the rules of the playground, you have to learn to take your turn, however long it takes for the other person to be done. This OMM Design Faces memory game (£12) is fun, has the recognisable  character faces from the range and also teaches turn taking, I’m sure (if you play it properly. Remember the toddler always has to win though).

Rule 4) What rules? Tear up the rule book and just have fun

There are no rules really, which is a great rule in itself. As this Postco print  (£2.50) says, today is going to be awesome…however you play. The glasses in this photo and at the top are more Ingela P Arrhenius, in the hedgehog and rabbit design (£4 each). They are great for holding things or for, you know, drinks.

What are the rules for play in your house? And let me know if you get anything from the site (the packaging is brilliant and they send it with sweets).

Thanks to The Kid Who, and stay tuned for more monthly updates soonish.

P.S a colourful toddler room tour and how to make a felt ball garland.