The power of play!

Let's have fun!

all about play

Playing is your kids most important job!
Learn why and see how we like to play in these posts.

activities & inspiration

Let's get hands on!
Kids will love the games, sensory play ideas, crafts and more that you will find here.

favorite toys

Toys are the tools to unlock your child's imagination!
Find gift guides, our favorite toys and why we love them.

“Play is the highest form of research.”

Albert Einstein

“Life is more fun if you play games.”

Roald Dahl

“You can't use up creativity; the more you use, the more you have.”

Maya Angelou

The magic of free play

Dive with me headfirst into a topic that’s as important as it is underrated: the magic of free play in childhood. It’s actually why I started this blog and I want to share with you why it’s so important to me.

Picture this – kids running wild, imaginations soaring, laughter echoing through the air – that’s the world of free play, and it’s more crucial than you might think!

The joy of open-ended toys

Have you ever wondered why kids are more interested in the cardboard box than the expensive toy that came in it! Let’s dive into the wonderful world of open-ended toys and how they unlock your child’s creativity and problem-solving skills.

The hygiene hustle - playfully learn healthy hygiene habits

Instilling good hygiene habits in children is not just about cleanliness; it’s about fostering lifelong practices that promote health and well-being.

However, convincing kids to wash their hands regularly or brush their teeth can often feel like an uphill battle.

The key? Make it fun! By incorporating playfulness into hygiene routines, you can turn mundane tasks into fun activities and make kids actually understand why hygiene is important.

Walking water science experiment

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey of discovery with your pint-sized Einsteins? The wondrous realm of science experiments is just waiting to be explored.

Let’s learn about capillary action.

Our favorite toys under $25

One thing toys don’t need to be, is super expensive.

Does your preschool have a treasure box, or have you taken your kid to the dollar store? Children get as excited about seemingly little things, as about the big guns.

They don’t know how much money you had to spend, and they don’t care. Because for them the value of a toy is measured in playtime and fun!

So here is our list of some of the best toys for under $25 your little one (from toddler to kindergartener) will for sure love.

Never ever let your toddler get bored! – Our favorite toddler activities

Do you know the feeling when you suddenly realize it is way to quiet

If you have one of those tiny tyrants we affectionately call toddlers, that feeling is pure and simple fear. Where is she/he and what’s she/he up to now?

These pint-sized adventurers, typically aged 1 to 3, are in a league of their own, navigating the world with wide eyes, boundless energy and an insatiable appetite for discovery.

Luckily there are a lot of fun activities and I’m going to show you some of our quick and easy favorites.

 

Let's get moving! - fun with flat field dots

Playing games with multicolored flat field dots, also known as colored flat cones or markers, can be loads of fun!

You can use them for so many activities and games indoor and outdoor!

I’ve made a list of some of our favorites (16 so far) and will happily add all of your great ideas to it!

Let's make stained glass pictures

Making fake stained glass pictures is fun and easy!

My daughter loves hanging pictures in the window and we have to change her window decoration on a regular basis.

This time she wanted flowers and I wanted to try out making stained glass crafts.

Our all-time favorite toys

As a mom, I know finding the right toys for our little ones can be a bit like searching for hidden treasure.

We want toys that are not only fun, but also safe, educational and guaranteed to bring hours of delight to our children’s lives. But if you go to a store or online, you’re overwhelmed by the sheer number of things. That’s why I made a list of our personal favorite toys. These are the gems that have not only passed our own play test over and over again but have also earned a special place in our hearts.

It’s a list from our most beloved baby toys, to our current elementary highlights.

Sensory play: dive into a world of textures, colors and fun!

Today, we’re exploring the wonderful world of sensory play. A wild, colorful, and textured experience we love in all its messy and not so messy variations!

Sensory play is not just a buzzword; it’s a magical realm where kids (and adults, let’s be honest) get to explore, learn, and have a blast using their senses. Whether it’s squishing, splashing, or simply feeling different textures, sensory play is where the fun truly begins.

DIY balloon fidget toys!

Let’s make your own squishy fidget toy!

It’s fun and easy! 

I bet you have some balloons somewhere at home. After all kids love balloons and every dollar store has plenty.

And that’s basically all you need already, besides scissors, a sharpie and water.

The best car games

Are you gearing up for a family road trip with your little one(s) in tow? Or maybe you just need a fun way to keep your kids entertained during the daily school run or errand dash?

Here is a trunk-load of car games that’ll turn any drive into an adventure. Buckle up and get ready for some on-the-go fun!

ABOUT ME

Hi, I'm Christine and I love play time!

At “fun play joy” we’re all about celebrating the magic of playtime.

I firmly believe that play is the secret sauce that transforms childhood into an unforgettable adventure. It’s the place where imaginations run wild, friendships are forged over games of tag, and the biggest lessons are learned through laughter.

I am passionate about play because I witness every day the incredible power it has in shaping young minds. It’s like a treasure trove of skills waiting to be unearthed – creativity, problem-solving, resilience, and so much more!

Let me know what you think!

Whether you have questions, want to share your opinion or have some new inspiration for me, I’m happy to hear from you!