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Finding toys specifically for your toddler’s or preschooler’s age group and skill level can be hard. It can sometimes feel as if there’s so much to teach them that it’s hard to know where to start. I’ve so often ordered toys for Jude and found it’s either way too difficult for him or far too easy and he’s bored after five minutes. That’s why I love the idea of Lovevery-stage-based learning kits that are designed by play experts for their developing brains. They’ve just launched their play kits for 3-year-olds and I was sent The Storyteller kit, which is specifically designed for children between 40-42 months (perfect as Jude is 3 years and 5 months).
What’s included in Lovevery Play Kits for 3-Year-Olds?
The kit is huge and includes a range of different play things; all designed to help you build a positive association with reading and maths through puzzles, problem-solving, and imaginative play.
The first item we opened was the Puppet theatre and fort covers. This was so much fun to build together and my son loved using it as a secret space/den so much. He is going through lots of different emotions (cue tantrums and tears) at the moment with just starting school nursery so this play tent was perfect when he wanted some quiet/relaxing time!
You can also use this as a puppet theatre! The box comes with accompanying puppets AND accompanying storytelling puppets where you can change their emotions through the accompanying face stickers. This is perfect for talking about feelings and emotions in a fun way and labeling them.
The next thing we tried was the counting puzzle. Jude is absolutely number-mad so we have a few number puzzles but we loved how versatile it was. Firstly the pieces are made from clear perspex so we actually used his speech therapy cards under them to practice those as we did the puzzle! It’s also double-sided. On one side are circles to count and on the other are fruits to count; meaning you can keep the surprise element to the puzzle. This is still one of Jude’s favourite puzzles even after receiving it a month ago.
Another item that supports imaginary play is the Squeeze & Spray Mop. It’s actually a REAL Mop at toddler-height level (just add water, spray and use as you would usually) and Jude actually loved being entrusted with this to ‘clean’ the kitchen. I really love the way it takes imaginary play to the next level and starts to give a toddler a small job to do around the house!
Each Lovevery box comes with a board book around a different theme and this one was entitled ‘Alora makes a new friend.’
One thing that is great about them is they use real photographs, which I feel is so much easier to encourage communication if your child is very visual. I’ve never seen any other book for children do this and it’s such a great idea. The theme of this is around socialising and friendships. It features a character who is an amputee and I thought this book was such an amazing way to introduce the important message of differences and how to treat others. As someone with an invisible disability with a child with a speech delay and potentially other conditions, it felt really special to me and it is so important children see themselves reflected in characters like this.
Finally, the box comes with a play guide that tells you how to get the best out of each toy and how it links to milestones your child may be working towards. As a child with delays, I love the wording on this: it doesn’t tell you what they ‘must’ be doing or make you feel that your child is behind. Instead it focuses on what they may be working towards and how you can give them a hand.
Verdict
Verdict: are Lovevery Play Kits for 3-Year-Olds worth buying?
The Lovevery Play Kits cost £120 per play kit and you receive one every 3 months. Although this is expensive, the quality and variety of products mean the price tag is really justified. There are items (such as the den and puzzle) that I know will last for a long time and you really do receive every type of toy you need to support a range of skills (such as communication, imaginary play, social skills, and numeracy) . It can be tempting to buy toys all the time so I feel a 3-month subscription would encourage me to not buy toys in between (a sustainable and cost-effective solution) and also make the most of each toy-as well as not wasting money on toys that aren’t suited to my son.
It could also work as a Christmas gift too.
Overall, I really loved the Lovevery play kits for 3 year olds and would definitely recommend if you’re looking for play ideas for your pre-schooler.