Games to keep children amused at home these holidays without technology

The importance of play that uses only the imagination

Do you know how important it is for children to play using their imagination as the only tool? At IKEA, we have prepared a report on play that shows that it is an essential activity that should be undertaken every day - in order to remain connected, recharge the batteries, develop analytical skills, escape, create and, of course, have fun. 

And there’s more: We all need to play! That is why, much of the time, children don’t require a plan and rules are unnecessary. We just need to allow them to let their imagination soar, and when we all play together, we can go back to being children too. Let them run, let them hide, play shop, make up a story with their favourite toys. The best plan is just to play, play, play. 

So, devote some time every day to being children again, without the games console, without the tablet, without television. Just you and your imagination. The plan is not to have a plan. 

Those who are more nervous need a place where they can move about and play in safety.

The reality is: we spend far too much time telling children off for running, telling them to take care not to bump into this or that piece of furniture, not to play here or not to play there. But the truth is that sometimes this fences them in.  

Between you all, you can clear the living room or their bedroom of furniture, push it all to one side and leave the centre completely free. With a few simple mats on the floor, they could have a cushion fight, do cartwheels, put on a gymnastics exhibition, do headstands, or whatever they fancy!  

You can sit quietly (or get down on the floor with them!) and your children can have fun and run around without any danger.  

Discover all our toys

Children play better by themselves if all their things are within reach

We know that often we cannot do things all together, or we simply want our children to learn to play by themselves.  

That is why we recommend that you make an accessible space for them where all their games, toys and books are tidy and organised. You can help your children to organise their belongings by labelling what should go in each space. If they have all their things to hand whenever they want them, they will play much more happily by themselves. 

You can take advantage of these holidays to create this organised little corner and to put it to use. Now that the Three Kings will be bringing new toys, this will prove really useful... 

Shall we play at being top chefs?

Now that cookery shows are so popular (also among young children), playing at being a chef can be a great, fun idea this Christmas.  

You have two options: if your children are still very young (under 5 or 6 years old), the best thing is if they play with our DUKTIG kitchen or set up a little corner – like this one where, using lots of toys, we can recreate a wonderful kitchen.  

If your children are older, you can make the most of these days you spend as a family so that they can help you with easy kitchen tasks: making biscuits, beating eggs, decorating a dessert, etc. Simple things that they can have great fun doing under your supervision. 

The perfect time to encourage them to read

All children should be in the habit of reading. It is something they’re always keen to do.  

At IKEA, we have lots of books for the youngest children, so that they can start reading; the books come with a cuddly toy of their main character. As well as reading the story, they can bring it to life with the toy. Why not set up a corner of the living room or in your child’s bedroom where they can step into the world of reading? 
Just think that if they see you doing it, it will be so much easier... So, now you know!