Inspiring a world view with simply toys + giveaway

1. Plan Toys Musical Band Planwood £34

2. Plan Toys sailing boat £10

3. Manny and Simon Red truck push toy £31

4. Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug £44

5. Melissa and Doug Jumbo crayons £5

6. Fat Brain Toy Tobbles £20

There are a variety of views and studies on the idea of simple toys being far more educational and beneficial for children over highly detailed flashing plastic ones which offer everything and leave nothing to the imagination. In simple terms if you take a stick it offers so much opportunity for the child to use his imagination as it can be a sword, a paddle for a boat, a flag, a pillar to keep up a tent, a musical instrument - in fact pretty much anything and it allows for the user to connect with nature and the world around them in a more organic way.

My sons love their simple train track

As some of you may already know it was my youngest birthday this week and I am taking on a minimalism challenge this year to get rid of 50% of everything I own so when it comes to things like this great thought needs to go into what we pick as it has to be beneficial, offer lots of scope for play, be made well and long lasting. We only got our 2yr old two small presents which we he can take with him on our travels and keeping things simple also offers lots of ways to become more aware of the world around you and there is some great inspiration from this post on the best toys for 2 year old boys (and girls).

The world feels so chaotic at the moment and it's easy for that to find its way into your home but with simple toys you can restore a little calm, such as a box of high quality crayons, my youngest loves nothing better than drawing and that opens up a whole world of creativity and imagination, it also gives us the chance to discuss different themes, what we saw that day, favourite colours and with my eldest practising drawing countries and the world. There is a lot to be said for naturing a playful mind and there are some great online resources about this.

My eldest loves his wooden drum 

Musical instruments such as the little drum kit above are also fantastic as music is very therapeutic and enjoyable even from an early age and with older children you can listen to music from around the world together and discuss different cultures. 

Also you can share the importance of less is more and being eco conscious of what you buy from an early age by finding things that are more planet friendly such as Plan Toys Sailing boat which has been made ethically from organic rubber tree wood using non-toxic dye, as well as the Manny and Simon red push truck which comes from reclaimed wood and non-toxic paint. 

I found all of the toys above at Diapers.com which has everything you need for your little ones and has a huge array of fantastic toys and ship internationally and I'm very happy to say I have a $50 voucher to giveaway to one lucky reader, its super easy to enter and the giveaway ends on the 10th March and is open internationally. 

This giveaway is a partnership with Nakturnal, with a prize of a gift certificate

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