Guest Picks: Stock a Playroom With Stylish Toys
Provide plenty of entertainment for kids without going garish, with these playthings that keep great design in mind
With so many beautiful, well-designed toys and amusements out there, it's difficult to justify Tickle Me Elmo. After all, if you're going to have playful objects strewn about, why not make them attractive? Here are 20 picks for a stylish playroom that both you and your children will enjoy. — Stephanie from Stephmodo
Kaleidos
If there were an award for prettiest toy, it would go to this one. It's such a wonderful way to show off a love for color and color theory at home. Designed by a renowned artist and education expert, this colorful set is an excellent addition to the Brinca Dada collection.
Duktig Mini-Kitchen | IKEA
May I introduce you to my favorite modern, well-priced play kitchen? And it comes for under $100! The stove even lights up with the addition of a few batteries. It's a real keeper.
French ABC Blocks
Alphabet blocks are the classic toy that no playroom can do without. If a second language is spoken in your home, these are the perfect blocks to use for learning words and letters. I was amazed at how many languages are offered: Arabic, Polish, German, Danish, Cherokee, Greek, Maori, Korean, etc.
Colorful and eclectic, this whimsical playroom is full of antique and vintage-inspired toys. The retro wooden kitchen is a favorite of mine.
Parachutists
Good clean fun is in store for your children (most likely boys), particularly if you have a second story landing that is just begging to be used in an appropriate way.
Ekorre Toddle Wagon/Walker, Light Blue
Your toddler will feel like a big kid pushing around this wooden walker. It's such a good-looking find, and the price point is outstanding.
Zoe House
Who needs a Barbie house when this gorgeous dollhouse is out there? In fact, all of the dollhouses by this brand are perfect for the design enthusiast.
Wooden Fox from France
This is the sweetest pull toy around. Oh my goodness, my kids and I cannot get enough of these French toys.
Neon Yellow & Natural Slingshot
This is definitely an outdoor toy, but consider storing it inside, propped up against other toys on a modern shelf or hung on the wall. It's just so darn attractive — that neon! It would be a shame to tuck one of these slingshots away.
Blocks, Walnut
Some toys, like these gorgeous walnut blocks by Brinca Dada, simply aren't meant to be pieced together perfectly. Certain children (and adults), will appreciate a more spontaneous building session — one that looks different every single time. I also just think that they are downright gorgeous.
Manhattan Toy Beads Wood Rattle, Classic
These are so pretty that you won't mind when they're left out. In fact, you may even encourage it.
Playsam Dollhouse
My heart went pitter-patter when I spotted this sweet but modern dollhouse. It is a delightful addition to any little girl's world. When unused, simply store the dolls and furniture inside the house, and then flip it around so that only the clean side is visible.
Pinkberry Mini Suitcases Nested Set
Use suitcases for storage or for dress-up. Either way, it's a good move, as these are not only beautifully designed, but economical too.
I love the fun mix of color and classic toys (like the wooden horse and Pinocchio) in this playroom. Colorful baskets and suitcases serve as storage for smaller toys.
Wooden Toy Skittles Bowling Game by Little Alouette
I am always on the hunt for clever, classic toys that can keep the kids amused for long periods of time (particularly in the winter months when the park is not an option). This wooden bowling game stole my and my kids' hearts quickly. You'll be shocked at how inexpensive it is too. In fact, everything over at Little Alouette is top notch.
Måla Easel
This classic easel is truly a wonderful addition to a modern playroom. It's nice to have a variety of toys, and this one adds height and vertical interest.
This is a fun way to organize toys so that visiting guests and little children (who cannot read) know where to place everything.
Balancing Blocks
Create your own Stonehenge with these hand-painted sculptural balancing blocks from Areaware.
Navy and White Horizontal Stripe Tent and Mat by The Teepee Guy
When you wear stripes almost every day, it seems only natural to consider a striped tepee for the playroom. Happy and bright, this means instant happiness for all within its walls.
Geno the Giraffe
It's certainly a toy (and I hope your children use it as such), but this giraffe will look awfully sculptural on the shelf as well. I highly recommend keeping this one in full view at all times, as it adds a fun look to any play space.