Messy play can bring many benefits to kids – here are 3 toys that will spark their creativity and keep mess to a minimum

During Creativity Week (July 1-7, 2024), which encourages children to be creative, we share some great ideas for unstructured play and delve into how they can help your child’s development.

Toys that allow your child to tap into their creative side are nothing new, but they’re still hugely popular with kids of all ages — there are even some of the best toys for kids in 2024 that fit the bill. Arts and crafts also cover a wide range of toys – from a piece of paper and crayons or simple coloring books to messier versions including slime toys, clay modeling and mud kitchens.

When it comes to constructive play, crafting is a great idea, and the messier it gets, the more you can benefit from the benefits of sensory play at the same time. Messy play is the perfect time for your child to explore and interact with a variety of materials while stimulating their development.

What are the benefits of messy play?

Engaging in messy play can have serious benefits when it comes to your child’s development. Not only does it stimulate their senses and imagination, but it can also help them develop processing and fine motor skills, as well as aid in language development.

Messy play stimulates imagination and creativity. Toy experts at The Entertainer say:“Parents can see numerous benefits in allowing children to play messily. These activities can help children develop a variety of skills and are a great way to stimulate their imagination and creativity.
Messy play engages a child’s senses. “Messy play is also a great way to develop sensory processing skills. The activity engages several senses, including touch, sight and smell – allowing children to learn more about materials and textures while expressing themselves artistically.”
It has a good effect on the development of fine motor skills. “Activities such as squeezing, scooping and pouring materials can improve hand-eye coordination while also being a form of entertainment. Fine motor skills are crucial for writing and drawing – highlighting how beneficial and educational messy play can be for children’s development.”
Messy play aids language development. As your child encounters new experiences and materials, it is a great opportunity for them to expand their vocabulary as they try to express themselves. You can encourage this by talking to your child as they play, commenting on sticky, rough or mushy textures, any smells they can smell and any sounds they can make. All of this can help them better understand the world around them while also boosting their cognitive development.
It may help relieve feelings of anxiety. Messy play encourages children to focus on their five senses, which can promote mindfulness and act as a grounding exercise to help reduce feelings of anxiety.

But while messy play may offer plenty of benefits, it’s still messy, which can be mega-stressful for parents. If you’re looking for messy toy ideas that keep mess to a minimum, we’ve found some brilliant options below:

Dolu Kids 3 in 1 Sandbox and Water Pool with Drawing Table

Zimpli Kids Gelli Adventures Dino Pack

Crayola Washable Paints – Assorted Colors (Pack of 10)

During any messy play, make sure your children are supervised at all times.

For more expert advice on how to make the most of your child’s playtime, Dr. Amanda Gummer, child development expert and GoodtoKnow panel member, explains: three stages of the game all parents should know and share the idea a balanced diet designed for fun.