Looking for minimalist toys that your children can play with, but without the hassle?
Playtime is fun—until you get to the good part. Indeed, we’re talking about when you actually need to clean up and fix the kids’ toys. It’s already so hard to declutter the adult stuff.
Hence, it’s a good thing that minimalist toys are a trend nowadays, especially for parents who are minimalists themselves.
If you are quite a busy mom or dad who can only spend so little time on cleaning (because you’d rather bond with your kids), this article is for you. We share with you 13 minimalist toys that can help you spend more time with the kids without worrying about the cleaning part.
Let’s check them out!
1. ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run
Here’s a minimalist toy trusted by most families to start this list. ThinkFun’s Gravity Maze aims to develop critical thinking skills among young children. It is an engineering toy, which makes it suitable for those who want to improve their kids’ spatial and building skills.
Additionally, the game hones logical reasoning and planning abilities. It provides a good learning phase for boys and girls aged eight years old and above, as they explore their knowledge of space and logic.
We recommend this game even for slightly older kids since it is fun and enjoyed by parents and teachers alike. If you want your kids to develop their sense of innovation and creativity, you might want to add this to your list.
2. Coogam Wooden Blocks Puzzle
Block puzzles are usually sought by parents who want to focus on developing their kids’ logical reasoning and critical thinking skills. But, if you are a minimalist, you would choose a block puzzle that is easy to organize when playtime is over.
So, here’s Coogam’s Wooden Blocks if you want to try it. Apart from being educational and fun, it also has a simple structure that is reasonably easy to set up and clean thereafter. It won’t be difficult for you or your kids to organize and store them.
By the way, you may also enjoy this as a fidget toy (for adults). The manufacturer claims that it can be fun and relaxing for older people, too. It can surprisingly relieve your stress and anxiety.
3. Playmags Magnetic Tiles Building Blocks Set
This one is a set of magnetic tiles from Playmags. It is suitable for children who are three years old and above, and its educational objective is to enhance kids’ mathematical abilities. These include problem-solving, shape recognition, and engineering.
Moreover, the store brags about the toy's durable magnets. Children are able to build tall 3D structures without having to worry if they will fall or not. You can also organize them in a way that is not that stressful whenever playtime is over. They are perfect for minimalist parents and children.
4. Hahaland City Rescue Vehicle Playset
You might think that it looks too large for minimalists, but it is not. The size of the large version is 12 x 14 inches while the small version is 10 x 10 inches. Either way, the whole setup shall look clean once laid out on the floor or table.
We added this toy set for those with kids who love trucks and rescue teams. It provides challenges as well that sharpen a kid’s ability to solve problems and make decisions quickly yet intelligently. Even older kids may want to try playing this once they learn of these challenges.
5. QZMTOY Counting Shape Stacker Wooden
If you are fond of stackers (and not-so-bright colors), you might find this toy set appealing. It is guaranteed safe and secure because the wood has been polished diligently during the process. More so, the sizes are not too small that it would be dangerous for really small young ones.
However, you still need to be cautious. The manufacturer recommends it to children aged three to five years old. Do not let your infants or toddlers play with them for safety measures.
This counting and shape stacker is perfect for early learners. It helps a lot in number and shape recognition, hand-eye coordination, and most especially, creativity and imagination.
6. Glintoper Tic Tac Toe & 4-in-a-Row Tables Game Set
Oh, here’s something for the mathematical and logical genius. It’s the classic game of tic-tac-toe and 4-in-a-row in a wooden, minimalist style. Not only does it exercise your kids’ strategic skills, but it also increases their mental and reaction speed.
These classic games are for the general development of critical thinking abilities, but they widely focus on computation and reasoning. Studies show that people who tend to play these kinds of games as early as childhood are more adept at solving complex problems and making wise decisions.
7. Panda Brothers Montessori Screwdriver Board Set
If your kid is fond of fixing stuff and solving complex things, this might be the minimalist toy set for them. The Wooden Screwdriver Board Set from Panda Brothers provides a complete set of tools that your children, anyway, will have to learn sooner or later. So, start them young.
The set is recommended for children three years old and above. We bet even the old ones will find it enjoyable. Even if they reach their teenage years, they might still go back to this set for stress-relief purposes. Actually, you might want it for yourself as well to relieve your anxiety.
8. GOPO Toys Montessori Wooden Sorting and Stacking Toys
Here is another wooden set that can be played with even by toddlers. It is recommended for kids 18+ months old (1½-year-old), and it is perfect if you want to prepare them for early childhood learning.
Aside from cognitive skills, this stacking toy set aims to develop children’s fine motor skills. Even very young children can easily grasp them, making them excellent for hand-eye and wrist coordination. No need to worry about the materials used as well since they are all made of non-toxic materials.
9. Brain Blox Wooden Building Blocks
Do your children know how to play Jenga? This might be the perfect opportunity to introduce them to that game (so they can play with you when they get older). Check out these wooden building blocks from Brain Blox.
The set does not really work like how adults play Jenga, but it should be enough to give them the basics of block-building. Moreover, you can use this toy to enhance their creativity, resiliency, and sense of balance. You know how difficult it can be to build blocks with small pieces.
10. AMAZE YOU Kids Swing Hammock Pod Chair
What can be more minimalist than a hammock that you can install and keep without hassle?
This may not be one of the toys you are expecting, but it is still a toy that children can use whether they are indoors or outdoors. All you need is a base that has a stronghold.
No need to worry as well if it’s safe and secure. The manufacturer guarantees that the straps are sturdy and durable. Of course, that is assuming that it is only your children who will use the hammock.
This minimalist toy is perfect as well for sensory and stress relief.
11. Chillafish Charlie Lightweight Toddler Balance Bike
Are you thinking of buying a bike for your toddler, but worried that they might not be able to use it properly? Well, this toddler bike has got you covered. It is lightweight, adjustable, and easy to use and carry.
Of course, we also want toys that advance our children’s physical abilities. This bike, for instance, improves their balance and gross motor skills. It is most suitable for children who are 33 to 42 inches tall and within the range of 20 to 25 kgs.
No need to worry about how to keep it as well. It will only take a small space in your spacious and lovely home.
12. Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower
How about this? How can this be for a minimalist? Well, the play itself should be held outdoors (or in the living room if you have a spacious house). But once playtime is over, organizing and keeping it is as easy as pie.
Simply disassemble the tower set, and you are all good to go. We suggest, however, keeping it outdoors if you have a garden or a yard. It’s durable anyway, so it will last, rain or shine.
13. Climbing Rope with Platforms and Disc Swing Seat Set
Last but definitely not least, your kids might want to try this climbing rope that comes with a platform and a disc swing seat. You get a bonus hanging strap and a carabiner with it. It’s also most suitable for plays held outdoors.
The toy has a high review rate on Amazon. Most testimonials say that aside from it being easy to assemble, install, and organize, it is also durable and fun. The materials seem to be of good quality, and that is already a great plus for toys that function like this.
Finals Words on Minimalist Toys
Like what older people usually say, “Start them young.” Teach your kids the art of minimalism and decluttering even at a very young age. This way, they will learn how simple living can actually be a good source of happiness and satisfaction.
We hope that you were able to find the appropriate minimalist toys for your kids (and your needs) through this list. No more stress when cleaning! Show them to the kids and let them pick as well.
