Seven types of play kids lean toward

We call them Play Types. Most kids are a mix of two, and knowing the main one makes gifts and weekend plans easier to pick. Looking for the stages of play from child development? Those are explained here.

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BuilderMakes things, and wants to see them exist. ExplorerWants to know what's over the next hill. CompetitorKeeps score, even when nobody asked. StorytellerEvery toy has a name and a backstory. CollectorNeeds the whole set. PerformerPlay is better with an audience. PuzzlerWants to know how it works.

Gift ideas

By age

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ToddlersAges 4 to 6Ages 7 to 9Ages 10 to 12

By occasion

Stocking stuffersChristmasScreen-freeBirthday partiesKids who have everythingGame night

By what they love

Art and drawingScienceAnimalsDinosaursSpaceCars and trucksCooking and bakingReading

By how they play

BuilderExplorerCompetitorStorytellerCollectorPerformerPuzzler

All gift ideas

Made by a dad of three. Ideas and picks are chosen by hand, and nobody pays to be on this site. Game ratings come from the ESRB and the App Store, so check anything yourself before saying yes.

Also made by the same person