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Stimulate children’s creativity and imagination

Play is the universal language of childhood, through it, children explore, imitate, build, create, and cooperate.

Each stage brings a different kind of learning: at age 3 they discover the world through simple actions; at 4 they understand reality by imitating it; at 5 they give shape to their creativity; at 6 they invent stories; and at 7 they learn to collaborate with others.

With the right toys and a little imagination, every playtime becomes an opportunity to grow. Because playing should always be fun… and when learning happens along the way, the magic doubles.

An octopus/yellow BLÅVINGAD soft toy

1. Functional play: jumping, pushing, repeating. The most fun kind of play.

At age 3, simplicity is magic. Every puddle, every little car, is an opportunity to learn through movement. With our LILLABO or RÄVUNGE products, they can enjoy themselves and learn at the same time.

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Close-up of LILLABO train set with rails and toy figures.
A RÄVUNGE 23-piece car track set
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2. Imitation play: Mini chefs, maxi imagination.

At age 4, imitation is the best school. Every role they play helps them understand their own in real life. That’s why certain toys can boost imagination and help them make sense of the world while expressing their emotions.

At IKEA, we have everything from the DUKTIG collection to imagine being a great chef, BARKBORRE to become a famous doctor, or FLISAT to learn how to decorate their imaginary home

A birch DUKTIG play kitchen

From “What are you doing?” to “Me too!”

FLISAT encourages play that reflects their everyday life and helps them create their own stories. This way, they learn by copying… and by having fun!

FLISAT doll’s house standing on TROFAST storage unit, with the house furnished with HUSET doll’s figures and furniture.
A BARKBORRE 7-piece toy doctor’s set

3. Constructive play: From blocks to dreams.

At age 5, every piece fits into the adventure of imagination. Building play is learning to think big. Constructive play boosts creativity and self-esteem, brick by brick.

That’s why both UNDERHÅLLA and PYSSLA can help nurture that creativity and inspire them to build their biggest dreams.

A multicolour UNDERHÅLLA 40-piece wooden building block set

Let’s get to work!

With PYSSLA, children plan, coordinate, and get creative so everything they dream of can take shape.

Niño jugando con cuentas de PYSSLA

4. Creative play: Imagine, act, create.

At age 6, it’s important to role-play, invent, and problem-solve. Creative play is the stage for their imagination and a mirror of their inner world. Our MÅLA and SOLFÅGEL products help nurture that inner creativity and give them the tools to bring those first dreams to life. 

A softwood MÅLA easel
Close-up of a white TROFAST storage system with a mix of mesh and plastic boxes, SOLFÅGEL easel on top.

5. Cooperative play: All for one and one for all.

At age 7, games with rules and shared roles teach your child to collaborate, negotiate, and have fun with others.

Card games or the UNDERHÅLLA educational clock help children understand the importance of working together with friends while learning through play.

An UNDERHÅLLA cards w letters, numbers, signs

6. More than soft toys, partners in crime.

By day, they are adventure heroes. By night, soft hugs that care for restful sleep. They never stop imagining. They stimulate creativity and cooperation like few toys can.

UPPSTÅ toddler walker completely full of soft toys, with a green wall behind it and the VALLABY rug underneath.
A panda DJUNGELSKOG soft toy
Close-up of TIGERFINK storage complete full of soft toys brought close to bed. Bright yellow BLÅVINGAD soft toy on top.
Close-up of VITBJÖRN storage unit with drawer, full of soft toys and a with a girl looking into it through the open top.
A flower-shaped/white SKOGSDUVA cushion

Tell us about your experience!