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Power Play
Even the smallest kids love to pretend - to play out ideas about what the grown-up world looks like, or just act out stories they wish were real. Power Play is all about creating those experiences: toys, vehicles, costumes, and sets that let little ones (or not so little ones) live in their imagination and feel powerful. It’s great for creativity, problem-solving, confidence-building, and even social skills too - after all, it takes some patience and communication to run a roleplay scenario with your siblings, cousins, or friends.
A few costumes and some props or simple gear can be enough to spark a real adventure. There are lots of opportunities to engage with all sorts of concepts and ideas here. Some of them are quite fantastical and imaginative. Others are about real-life things like building, gardening, or police work. It can be a great time to talk about safety, relationships with other people, and even real-life emergencies - not to mention what to do in them!
The options that are really letting imaginations go wild are the ones with enough extras to foster creative exploration - with or without an adult helping out. Think construction toys with tools, nails, or screws that kids can actually attach and detach; tool belts that come with different bits and pieces; and wearable gear for different activities from caring for babies and animals to going on patrol or saving a princess. For some kids, the fun is in dressing up and acting out the story - for others, it’s in bringing their creative problem-solving skills to bear on a challenge like building a birdhouse, putting together a bike or car, or fixing something.
Cars, bikes, trucks, and other vehicles all fit into Power Play. The same goes for animals and animal companions - often - as well as a range of props that might look like rocks or bricks to build with, tools for fixing things, and toys for driving. These are ideal for pretend play in groups. This type of play can help kids learn about co-operating, sharing, and even managing their own emotions. It’s also a great way to bring up conflict resolution: kids will learn to compromise and even argue during pretend play. But it’s a really good way for them to learn valuable lessons about interacting with others in a safe environment. Parents can help them learn how to walk away from arguments or share what they feel too.
That’s not to mention the confidence boost kids get from creating their own stories and experiences (outside of screens). Whether they’re roleplaying a character or just making believe, it’s a great opportunity for little ones to feel powerful in a world that can feel very big. Dressing up is also an important social skill for little ones. And while it’s a lot of fun in the moment, it also teaches children about dressing appropriately for different circumstances - like doctors for hospitals and police for the street.
If there’s a little one that loves the thrill of riding or driving their own wheels - or any other form of imaginative play and roleplaying - there are loads of toys to choose from. For 3+ kids who love gadgets and gear, Hape Walk-A-Long Snail is a fun, colourful addition to any playroom. It’s a great way to have fun and learn about shapes and colours at the same time. For little ones who want to dress up as their own hero (or villain), Mia Makeup Set is perfect for any kind of transformation.
This one is a bit special - it’s the official transformation gear for Robo Fighters Morphing Robo Fighters A, the codename for Shilong, the blue and silver robot superhero who is one of Team Zeta’s team members. There’s plenty of appeal for young fans of superheroes and powerful characters here. This is an all-in-one toy set that includes all the equipment necessary for transformation and attack - not to mention a mask, sword, staff, shield, badge, device, and bracer!
There are nine different tools and weapons here in total, but there are two sets in the collection: Type A and Type B (or Shilong and Roger) robots. 9 pieces in Type A: mask (1), sword (1), shield (1),, staff (1), detector (1), badge (1), bracer (1), and device (2). 9 pieces in Type B: mask (1), sword (1), shield (1), stick (1), detector (1), badge (1), bracer (1), and device (2). Both toys feature light and sound effects for extra depth to any adventure story.
For something a bit more grounded in the world, Wild Republic Walk along Puppy Dachshund is a great choice for little ones who want a puppy companion but can't look after their own just yet. This adorable Dachshund puppy is perfect for all sorts of imaginative roleplaying - and loads of fun too! This little critter is adorable with soft brown fur just like a real sausage dog. There is no assembly required either - it comes ready to go! There’s no need for batteries either - pull it along by the leash and this little puppy walks with you!
Power Play is another great opportunity for parents to get involved with pretend play - especially if kids are navigating stories about unfamiliar concepts like emergencies, criminals, or new people. It’s also lots of fun - so try taking some time off to go on an adventure with these powerful companions.