You surely know it. You keep buying new toys, hoping you'll hit the mark this time. However, it often just ends up in drawers and boxes after a few days. It's not easy, and certainly not cheap. What if instead of constantly buying new toys that need to be replaced all the time, you buy something that lasts longer and entertains the children for much longer? It sounds too good to be true, but it actually exists. Minimalist toys are indeed the solution to this problem.
It's not just a trend – it's a way to give your child something that truly creates value. In this blog post, we dive into what minimalist toys are, the benefits of choosing quality over quantity, how to find the right product for your children, and of course where you can buy it.
- Girl playing with Magical forest from our unicorn universe
What is minimalist toy?
Minimalist toys are about quality over quantity. They are simple, thoughtful toy choices that inspire creative play without overstimulating your child. Instead of flashing lights, loud sounds, and plastic parts that quickly break, minimalist toys are often made of natural materials like wood, fabric, or metal – and designed to last for years.
This type emphasizes free play and imagination. A set of wooden blocks can transform into anything from a castle to a car track, while a simple doll can have countless roles in the child's play. Without fixed functions, your child gets the opportunity to explore and create on their own. All this not only helps to develop your child, but it is also a more sustainable way to shop and can save you a lot of money in the long run. Because even though minimalist toys may be slightly more expensive than the cheap plastic alternatives, you avoid having to go out and buy something new next week.
Benefits of fewer but better toy choices
We understand that it may sound like we're suggesting that you and your child should play less when we say you should buy fewer toys. However, that is not the case at all. Less toys do not mean less play; it means that what you choose lasts longer and provides opportunities for many hours of play. Play and children's creative development through play is certainly not something we want to limit. We simply encourage a more thoughtful choice. Read on to discover some of the many benefits of choosing quality over quantity.
🔹 More creativity and free play – When products do not have fixed functions, your child is encouraged to use their imagination. The simpler choices like wooden blocks, figures, and dolls can become anything in play. This provides more engaging and developmental play over a longer period.
🔹 Less clutter and stress – A room filled with toys can be overstimulating and make it difficult for the child to focus. With fewer, but better toy choices, tidying up becomes easier, and the play environment feels more manageable. It creates calm and makes it easier to find joy in play.
🔹 Durability and sustainability – Minimalist toys are often made from natural materials like wood and organic cotton, making them more durable. Instead of being discarded after a few months, they can be passed down through generations. It's good for both the environment and your wallet.
🔹 More engagement and longer play – Children can lose interest quickly if they have too many options. When toys are simple and of high quality, they get more out of each piece. It helps them immerse themselves and play for longer periods without getting distracted.
🔹 Better motor and cognitive development – Many forms of minimalist toys require the child to use their hands actively. Stacking blocks, threading beads, or balancing figures strengthens fine motor skills. At the same time, the child learns problem-solving and logical thinking through play.
🔹 Less consumption and more conscious choices – When you choose fewer, but better toy choices, you avoid impulse purchases and short-lived entertainment. Your child learns to appreciate quality over quantity. At the same time, you save money and reduce unnecessary consumption.
When you choose quality over quantity, you give both your child and yourself many advantages. From increased creativity and longer play to a more sustainable lifestyle. It helps your child focus, learn new skills, and appreciate what they have, instead of being overwhelmed by excess toys.
- Boys play with dinosaurs from our dinosaur universe
How to choose the right minimalist toys
When choosing minimalist toys for your child, it is important to consider both quality and functionality. Here are some tips to help you:
Choose natural materials – Look for something made of wood, metal, organic cotton, or other durable and sustainable materials. Not only for the environment, but because it is often more durable and safe for your child.
Think about versatility – The best minimalist toys are those that can be used in many ways. Choose something that allows for creative play and is not tied to one specific function. Wooden blocks, building blocks, and figures can be used in countless ways in play.
Avoid plastic and unnecessary features – Many plastic toy products contain chemicals and have a short lifespan. Instead, choose something that is simple and functional without unnecessary electronic features. It lasts longer and is more sustainable.
Ensure it is age-appropriate – Choose something that suits your child's age and development. Although minimalist toys are timeless, they should still challenge and support the child's motor and cognitive skills at the right level.
Focus on learning and development – The right minimalist toys should promote the child's learning. Therefore, choose something that engages their imagination, motor skills, and problem-solving abilities. Toys that can be used in different ways and support their development will provide the most value over time.
With these considerations in mind, you can find the right minimalist toys that will both stimulate your child's imagination and be a sustainable choice for the future.
Where can you buy minimalist toys?
When it comes to finding the right minimalist toys, there are many options. It has become increasingly popular to produce sustainable and durable toys. This also means that it can be difficult to determine where to shop. To help you on your way, we recommend wooden toys from Crateit. Here you get products that are made from sustainable materials and are designed to last for many years.
With Crateit's wooden toys, children can let their imagination guide them and build and color many imaginative universes. One of the most special things about wooden toys from Crateit is how children can color the wood. They can paint the cow blue, the cars purple, and the dinosaurs yellow. It's entirely up to them. Additionally, if they later get new ideas, they can paint over the original color they gave the figures. In this way, they can design a whole new universe from scratch.
This means that the wooden toys can last for years and be used again and again. You can find some of the most popular products from Crateit below.
Crateit - Dinosaur | Rover's Excursion - 299.00 DKK
Embark on an adventure with the dog Rover and our minimalist product that lets the imagination run wild. The simple, timeless designs invite creative play, where you can add colors again and again. Set up the tent under the open sky, explore nature's treasures, and drive away in the sleek SUV. With Rover by your side, you can create new stories every time – and color them anew, just as you wish.
Crateit - The Little Mermaid | Shell Coast - 199.00 DKK
Give the imagination free rein with our minimalist product inspired by The Little Mermaid! The simple design allows children to explore the adventure in their own way, while they can color the figures again and again to create new expressions and stories.
Crateit - Unicorn | Magic Forest - 299.00 DKK
In The Magic Forest, the unicorn Juni lives with her three best friends. Their simple and elegant home is hidden among enchanting trees, where they fly around and enjoy the magical atmosphere of the forest. With minimalist design, the toy invites creative play – color the fine figures and give them new life again and again. Let your imagination run wild and create your own magical world
Crateit - The Farm | Farmhouse - 399.00 DKK
Experience a minimalist product with endless creative possibilities with Crateit The Farmhouse, part of our popular Farmlife series. The simple wooden design invites children to unleash their imagination by coloring, decorating, and customizing the farmhouse – again and again. Perfect for creative play, where farm life can be explored anew each time!
