Trends come and go (and so do a lot of toys). But the pieces that earn a permanent place in the playroom? Are usually the beautifully made, non-toxic, and open-ended toys that encourage imagination and individual growth instead of dictating the “right” way to play.
Right now, we’re seeing a bigger shift toward this kind of play. Major toy brands are committing to more wooden toys and more sustainable materials, and parents are increasingly choosing quality over clutter, investing in toys that last, can be passed down, and don’t rely on screens for entertainment.
Shop our Wooden Toy Collection Here
Why open-ended play matters (and why it’s gaining popularity)
Open-ended toys don’t do the playing for your child. They leave space for kids to create their own stories, rules, and worlds.
That’s not just lovely, it's genuinely useful for development.
Open-ended play supports:
-
Imagination & creativity (kids invent the “what” and the “why”)
-
Problem-solving (figuring out how to build, balance, stack, sort, or role-play)
-
Language & storytelling (narrating what’s happening, making characters talk)
-
Fine motor skills (grasping, placing, turning, threading, stacking)
-
Social skills (sharing roles, negotiating rules, playing together)
And because the play isn’t “locked in,” these toys tend to grow with your child from a toddler's curiosity, to a preschooler's storytelling and eventually into big-kid challenges.
Shop our Doll Collection Here
Why it’s especially relevant right now: half term + summer holiday thinking
If you’re already looking ahead to the next half term (or those long summer weeks), you’re not alone. Parents are starting to plan for:
-
Screen-free entertainment that doesn’t require constant adult input.
-
Activities that work at home and on holiday.
-
Toys that can handle daily use (and multiple siblings).
This is where sustainable, open-ended toys really shine. They’re the kind of “set it out and see what happens” play that keeps kids engaged, and because they’re built to last, they’re a smarter long-term buy.
Shop our Dress Up Collection Here
The eco-friendly toy shift: why wooden toys are back (in a big way)
We’re seeing more brands move toward FSC-certified wood, safer finishes, and longer-lasting design. Parents are also paying closer attention to:
-
Non-toxic materials (especially for little ones who mouth toys)
-
Durability (fewer broken bits, fewer replacements)
-
Longevity (toys that don’t get “aged out” after a few weeks)
-
Sustainability as a core purchase driver buying less, but better
At Edith & Blanche, we love toys that are thoughtfully made and open-ended by design pieces that invite play every day, not just on day one.
Shop our Wooden Train Collection Here
A toy that grows with them: what that looks like in real life
Here’s the magic of open-ended play: one toy can be ten toys depending on your child’s age and mood.
-
A set of blocks can be a tower, a road, a zoo enclosure, a “shop,” or a balancing challenge.
-
A simple wooden spinning top can be a cause-and-effect experiment, a race, a calm-down tool, or a party trick.
-
A stacking or tumbling game can start as “knock it down!” and evolve into turn-taking, rules, and strategy.
Browse our Small World Collection Here
Our favourite eco-friendly, open-ended toy picks
If you’re building a screen-free toy shelf (or looking for a gift that won’t be forgotten by next week), these are a few brilliant places to start.
1) Wooden blocks & building toys
Why they last: Blocks are the ultimate open-ended toy they work for toddlers, preschoolers, and beyond.
Look for:
-
FSC-certified wood
-
Smooth edges and safe finishes
-
Shapes that can be stacked, balanced, and used in pretend play
Our personal favourites include “8 Woodland Animals Shelf Set” which brings woodland magic to playtime. With charming forest friends ready to perch, stack, and explore, it’s perfect for open-ended play—from storytelling scenes to sorting and balancing.
Shop Here
2) Cause-and-effect classics (spinning, rolling, turning)
Why they last: These toys are simple, satisfying, and endlessly repeatable perfect for curious minds.
Great for:
-
Hand-eye coordination
-
Focus and persistence
-
Calm, rhythmic play
Our favourites include “Multi-Level Garage with Lift”, a brilliant playset for mini drivers who love action, stories, and “what happens if?” moments. With ramps to race down and a lift to move vehicles between floors, it’s packed with cause & effect learning and keeps play going in all directions.
Shop Here
3) Games that become family favourites
Why they last: A well-made wooden game can become a tradition and it’s often the first step into turn-taking and cooperative play.
Great for:
-
Coordination
-
Patience and taking turns
-
“One more go!” energy
Our favourites include “ Discover the Dragons: A Memory Game”. It’s a lovely, simple game to bring out again and again: take turns flipping cards, spot the matches, and see who can remember where the dragons are hiding. Great for building focus, turn-taking, and confidence as kids learn to play (and win!) in their own time.
Shop Here
4) Imaginative play pieces (the story starters)
Why they last: The best role-play toys don’t come with a script, they're props for whatever story your child is in that day.
Great for:
-
Language development
-
Social play
-
Big feelings (kids often act out what they’re processing)
Our favourites include mice from “Maileg”, made for tiny hands and big imaginations. With their sweet outfits and charming little accessories, they invite children to create their own stories—bedtime routines, picnics, adventures, and everything in between.
Perfect for open-ended, screen-free play, these collectible mice help build storytelling skills, empathy, and confidence as little ones act out everyday moments (and magical ones too). A gorgeous gift that grows with them, and a keepsake play world you can add to over time.
Shop Collection Here
How to choose a toy that actually lasts (quick checklist)
When you’re deciding what to bring into your home, these questions help:
-
Can it be played with in more than one way?
-
Will it still be interesting in 6 months?
-
Is it made from safer, non-toxic materials?
-
Is it durable enough for daily play (and siblings)?
-
Does it support imagination rather than replace it?
If the answer is yes to most of those, you’re probably looking at a toy that will stick.
The bottom line: buy less, play more
Open-ended play isn’t a trend it’s how children naturally learn. Choosing eco-friendly, well-made toys is one of the easiest ways to support that learning while also buying in a way that aligns with your values.
Visit Edith & Blanche online or in Southsea at 5 Marmion Road.
