5 After 5, Best Open-Ended Toys

Believe it or not, I still enjoy playing with many of these favorite open-ended toys from my childhood.

How many are the same as those on your list?



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It's time for another round of 5 After 5!  In case you missed it, last week's list was favorite outdoor children's games and if you're new to this series, you can read more about it here - then catch up on all the old editions here.


Today I've got my list of 5 to share, as well as next week's topic for you to stew about over the upcoming days.


And this series is a link party, so be sure to scroll down and join in all the fun with us this week!




Best open-ended toys


These are my favorite kinds of toys! Five that top my list are:




1. Blocks


Gv's blocks are mine from when I was little. The container they're in (it's original) dates from the late 60s, so I'm sure the paint is 98% lead or something, but despite that, I still smile every time she plays with them.

2. Sidewalk Chalk


We had a massive backyard driveway when I was growing up, so I was able to create chalk scenes that would fill a cul de sac.

Gv loves playing with chalk outside today, but we have only a small, painted driveway and no sidewalks, so she mostly gets to use it on large pieces of cardboard.



3. Art & Craft Supplies


You name it, I can probably integrate it into some sort of creation and Gv is just as open to using random craft supplies in her play.


4. Cardboard Box


It's always fun to create with one of these things, but my favorite was when I wanted the Barbie Townhouse (way out of my family's budget) and so created one -- complete with elevator -- out of cardboard boxes!


I actually got the real deal a few years later, but it never was as cool as the one I'd made.

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5. Blanket Forts

My forts never had rainbow lights!

Give me a pile of blankets and sheets and a pouch full of wooden clothespins and I'll build the most elaborate blanket fort you've ever seen.

I wonder if that's why I love camping in a tent so much?

Gv has just recently become obsessed with this herself, which is tons of fun to see.





For next week:


Favorite podcasts


We've shared this list before, but there are new podcasts coming and going all the time, so I'm sure you have some new favorites to share!



That's right, every post will be read, pinned and tweeted!  

Every Saturday, just stop by one of our blogs to add your own list of five, then pop over and read as many other posts as you're able to each week - treat it like a true party and really mix it up and mingle with our fun little community!

The rules are simple:  just write your own list following the prompt each week (feel free to interpret it loosely - or in a unique way!), follow both of the hosts on the social media channel of your choice, and then get into the spirit of the party by grabbing your favorite beverage or snack and reading the lists of the other party-goers.



Your Hosts:

Lisa, at Syncopated Mama: Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin'
Samantha, at Motivated Days: Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ 



What's your list?  I'd love to hear!  Either leave a comment below or email me at lisahealy (at) outlook (dot) com.

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