1. The Power of Developmental Play

   This is the second in a series of blog posts on the skill-building power of different types of play. Shape sorters and stackers….Activity centers that have kids pushing, pulling, pounding, flipping, and turning…“Manipulatives” that can be moved around to explore cause-and-effect. These...

2. The Power of Pretend Play

   Open-ended play is essential for children’s healthy growth and development. It’s so important, pediatricians are even writing prescriptions for it! That’s why at Melissa & Doug we are so excited to be partnering with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), an...

3. The Power of Problem Solving Play

   This is the third in a series of blog posts on the skill-building power of different types of play. One of the many cool things about play is that it helps kids learn to become problem solvers. Think about children building block...

4. Winter Indoor Play Ideas from a Kindergarten Teacher

   If you have ever been stuck inside for multiple days in a row with a child, you know how hard it gets to find ways to keep them busy and off of their screens.  The winter months are especially hard...

5. 10 Ways to Play with Puzzles by an Occupational Therapist

   Just in time for National Puzzle Day on January 29, our friend and blog contributor Kristi Nguyen, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist who’s the owner/executive director of Connecticut-based OT-Kids, LLC, shares a personal story about her family’s love for puzzles, and how...

6. Inspire Outdoor Play This Summer With our Favorite Outdoor Toys

   Outdoor Play: Your Key to the Most Fun Summer Ever!  Summer is a magical time of year when our children have a chance to unlock all of nature’s treasures. We all remember simpler times when summers were about spending time...

7. Screen-Free Week: Our Favorite Screen-Free Ways for Kids to Play

   Here at Melissa & Doug, we’re celebrating Screen-Free Week (May 6-12)!  We see Screen-Free Week as a great time to assess the quantity and quality of our children’s play. How can we encourage kids to gravitate to active, engaged types...

8. Take-Along Railroad

   
   Built-in tracks, colorful scenery, and fun play pieces let kids take their imaginations for a spin . . . and take playtime anywhere they want to go! Unfold the sturdy wooden case to create an illustrated play surface with built-in...

9. Unplug with Melissa & Doug: Fun Play Ideas for Global Day of Unplugging

   If you’re trying to curb your child’s screen time on digital devices and engage them in screen-free fun, you’ll want to mark your calendars for March 1, a Global Day of Unplugging. 10 Screen-Free Play Ideas for Global Day of...

10. Deluxe Multi-Vehicle Activity Rug

    
    Create a world of endless adventures with the Deluxe Multi-Vehicle Activity Rug! Use the four train cars, 13 on-road road vehicles, helicopter, and boat to visit the train station, firehouse, school, market, hospital, recycling center, lake, and more on the...

1 2 Next »