At the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum, our mission is to help children become explorers and creators of the world. We believe that it is important for children to learn that the world around them is shaped by people – inventors, architects, carpenters, mechanics, authors and artists, urban planners; every neighbor and teacher and voter makes choices that transform the world around them. We want children to feel empowered to shape their own environments, and to learn to do so intentionally.
This gift-giving season is an opportunity think about how children can gain these same skills and sense of empowerment at home. Here are a few suggestions for gifts that empower children, and help them create their own worlds through imagination, play, and invention; all are available in the PlayHouse store:
Magna-Tiles
These colorful, translucent plastic building shapes stick together with magnets. They are large, and safe for young children, but hold the interest of children of all ages. MagnaTiles are the most popular exhibit in the PlayHouse SciLab, where children build castles, houses, cars, and more.
A hidden bonus: MagnaTiles teach spatial and geometric math skills, as children learn about composing in two- and three- dimensions.
Kinetic Sand (WABA Fun)
What is kinetic sand? It is sand coated with a compound (polydimethylsiloxane) that makes it stick together like wet sand. Because of this coating kids can experiment with digging, sculpting, and mold-making when working with kinetic sand.
A hidden bonus: Kinetic Sand provides a soothing sensory experience, perfect for children with tactile sensitivities.
Recycled Beads (4M)
With this craft kit, children can make their own beads out of paper. When the paper in the enclosed packet is gone, children can experiment with other scraps of paper they find around the house – even old newspapers and magazines. Then they can use their beads to make jewelry, decorate art, and create their own gifts.
A hidden bonus: This kit encourages children to think of ways to reuse scraps of paper, promoting an eco-friendly household.
Costumes (Melissa & Doug)
Kids love to dress up, and costumes allow them to become anyone they want! At the PlayHouse, one four year old comes in, dresses in the fireman costume, and goes upstairs to evacuate the chicken coop climber. What does your child want to be this week?
A hidden bonus: Through imaginative, costume-based play, children can broaden their ideas about careers, and the possibilities waiting for them when they grow up!
Binoculars (Nancy B’s Science Club)
Artists and scientists know that part of creating is learning to look closely. With these binoculars, your children can look closely at things indoors and out.
A hidden bonus: These binoculars come with a wildlife journal that challenges kids to write and draw.
All of these gifts, and many more, are available in the gift shop at the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum. Feel free to come and shop for gifts without paying museum admission. And as a bonus: Museum members get 20% off through the end of the year!
