Toys for Open Ended Play

The word heuristic derives from the Greek word “eurisko” meaning “I discover” and describes an intuitive way of meeting challenges and solving problems. This TickiT wooden heuristic play resource provides an opportunity to capitalise on a toddlers’ curiosity about the objects that make up the world around them, and provides valuable opportunities for extending children’s learning. The open-ended nature of heuristic play encourages children to explore and investigate in their own way, applying their own creative ideas and building on their own experiences through free play without adult guidance. The 20-piece set is made of beech wood and includes one of each of the following resources as well as an activity guide and a large drawstring bag to hold the components when not in use: Ball 50 mm, ball 60 mm, hemisphere 40 mm, disc 60 mm, wheel 50 mm, wheel 40 mm, conical figure 103 mm, cube 40 mm, cube 50 mm, egg cup 63 mm, egg cup 70 mm, napkin ring 47 mm, bowl 70 mm, bowl 92 mm, ring 48 mm, ring 56 mm, ring 70 mm, barrel 55 mm, spool 35 mm, onion top 50 mm, a cotton bag and an activity guide (click here to view & download) Supports the following areas of learning: • Personal Development - sensory• Physical Development - construction• Physical Development - motor skills• Understanding the World - observation Age: Recommended from 10 mths+

A set of 12 solid wooden balls in Grimm's rainbow colours, packed in a cardboard tub. They are the perfect size for the Grimm's Sorting Boards, your own Rainbow or Marble Run creations. Materials: maple wood, non-toxic water based colour stain, Ø=35 mm Recommended from 3 years+ (choking hazard)

The Rainbow Building Boards are the perfect complement to the large 12 piece rainbows, tunnels and semicircle. So many wonderful balancing and skill games as well as new construction projects can be created, leading to even more open ended play. Contains 11 parts. Materials: lime wood, non-toxic water based colour stain. Size: 7 cm x 10-37 cm x 0,8 cm. Recommended from 2 years+

The extra large and creative semi circles can be used on their own, or in combination with with the Grimm's Rainbows, Tunnels or other building blocks. Little architects can build inventive and flexible constructions. Let their imagination run free Contains 11 pieces. Size: Largest circle = 37 cm. Materials: Birch ply wood, non-toxic plant based oil finish. Recommended from 2 years+

Perfect for imaginative play, small world play, sorting and colour mapping. Each one of our little hand-painted wooden figures has a different look and individual wood grain. These happy little wooden figures are made from different types of wood from trees indigenous to central Europe. Each hand-painted peg doll is unique. Materials: Three different types of wood from sustainable forestry, depending on availability (maple wood, beech wood, cherry wood or alder wood), non-toxic water based colour stain.  Size: Peg doll's height 6.5 cm, diameter 3 cm. Recommended from 12 mths+ Older Version with damaged tray This is the previous version of the Grimm's Rainbow Friends when they came in a wooden tray instead of a cardboard box. The wooden tray was broken in transit.

A sturdy and brightly coloured wooden walker with a set of 36 wooden building blocks. The wheels feature an added rubber strip to make them quiet and more stable. Wooden Walkers are great for balance and gross motor skills development, while the building blocks assist with fine motor skills and hand eye coordination. Size: 46 x 32.5 x 41 cm Recommended from 12 mths+

This set of 72 pieces favours versatility and  possibilities enhancing creative and divergent thinking. . The different types of tubes assist with hand-eye development, using them as a kaleidoscope, for construction and the creation of imaginary worlds. Some can be seen as trees, buildings, cars etc. It also allows the development of logical-mathematical thinking through classification, grouping and association of elements according to colour and shapes of the elements. The set includes: 72 pieces in 12 different Rainbow colours. 12 big Lola (65 mm) , 12 mid Lola (45 mm), 12 small Lola (20 mm), 12 Tubes (70 mm), 12 Solid Tubes (70 mm) and 12 half Tubes (70 mm). Lola figures, beakers and tubes Rainbow colours and different sizes Symbolic pieces for open-ended play Recommended from 3 yrs+

Where's nin? In this rainbow coloured set from Grapat the nins can be completely hidden, and slowly revealed, by the circular rings. How many rings do I need to add to hide the nin? Who will hide theirs first? Will I put a coin lid on my pile? What colour goes on top? Lots to do and learn with this simple set. Different shapes, sizes and neutral shapes. The best starting point for imaginative play. No instructions, no rules just free and open-ended play with beautiful, colourful wooden shapes. Recommended from 12 mths+

This delightful pasta play set is perfect for little chefs who love to cook and serve. It includes everything needed for a complete Italian dining experience: pasta, sauce, olive oil, dishes, cutlery, and serving utensils. Crafted from high-quality wood, each piece is designed for durability and endless imaginative play. Whether it's a pretend dinner party or a make-believe restaurant, this play food set provides hours of culinary fun for children. The charming and realistic set encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and social interaction. The pasta pieces are made of felt and the pot and colander are made of metal. Recommended from 3 yrs+

Grimm's Small Yellow Convertible and its little Rainbow Friend will become loyal companions and inspire many adventures both big and small.  Grimm's wooden vehicles are not only impressively simple in design, they are also suitable for all-terrain.   Contains a wooden figurine in a green convertible. Material: Figurine is made of maple wood, convertible is made of lime wood with a non-toxic water based colour stain. Dimensions: Convertible length 10.5 cm, figurine height 6.5 cm / diameter 3 cm Recommended from 12 mths+

The Rainbow Sorting Board doesn't only accommodate the 12 Small Wooden Balls, but also the 12 Rainbow Friends. As a complement to the 12 Friends the Sorting Board creates a wonderful plug-in game, in which hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills are trained. Size: L x W x H = 18 x 14 x 2 cm Materials: Alder wood, non-toxic plant based oil finish Recommended from 12 m+

The Village encourages imaginative play and is a great set for imaginative play. The set includes 10 small buildings, trees, vehicles and traffic lights to make your own little town. The thick but lightweight wooden blocks have been designed with little hands in mind and are easy to grasp. Illustrations are printed using non-toxic heat transfer technology and sealed with a clear matt varnish to ensure they last years of creative play. 20 piece set Made with FSC certified New Zealand pine Recommended from 18 mths+

The Grapat Mandala Small Cones is a superbly versatile, open ended, loose parts wooden toy resource. Designed for its unique sensory experience and as an encouragement to practise fine motor skills, it becomes a beautifully interactive way to teach children about symmetry. Handmade from sustainably sourced wood and finished with non-toxic colours, Grapat's Mandala sets are a perfect addition to imaginative play, mandala making and story telling. They are also perfect for counting and sorting, assisting with mathematical concepts. Contains: 36 cones in 3 different shades of green Recommended from 3 yrs+

The weather can be an abstract topic for young children. The Grimm's Building Set Weather offers a hands-on and visual way to help understand all there is to know about the weather. The beautiful shape and feel of the play pieces stimulates the child’s imagination and stories about the weather. Let's talk about thunderstorms or strong winds. Through play fears can be easier processed and even alleviated. This versatile 13 piece weather set perfectly matches all Grimm’s large 12 piece rainbows. Size: Width = 54 - 210 mm, Height = 60 - 138 mm Recommended from 3 yrs+

Grimm's Small Green Convertible and its little Rainbow Friend will become loyal companions and inspire many adventures both big and small.  Grimm's wooden vehicles are not only impressively simple in design, they are also suitable for all-terrain.   Contains a wooden figurine in a green convertible. Material: Figurine is made of maple wood, convertible is made of lime wood with a non-toxic water based colour stain. Dimensions: Convertible length 10.5 cm, figurine height 6.5 cm / diameter 3 cm Recommended from 12 mths+

A great classic tangram set, designed to develop logical reasoning, spatial ability and pattern interpretation. The set consists of 7 wooden blocks that can be arranged to create various shapes and figures including a set of cards with silhouettes. Can you figure out how to replicate the shapes on the cards? Contains 7 wooden tangram blocks with 27 cards featuring 2 patterns on each card (54 patterns in total). All neatly packed up in a wooden storage box with a clear sliding lid. Size: Box measures 26.5 cm x 20 cm x 2 cm Recommended from 3 yrs+

The 6 Rainbow coloured Tomten don't have faces or features, so you can create your own characters around them.  Size: 70 mm high Recommended from 12 mths+