The 100 Toys Manifesto
Keep it simple.
Learn to be creative and make your own fun. It’s good for you. The right toys can help – but not too many.
That’s it.⠀
We believe in the power of play
Children learn through play. Give them an interesting environment full of challenge and possibility. Nature will do the rest.
Sometimes it’s better to make your own
Own less. Make the things you don’t have. Creativity lives in the spaces that open up.
Nature is the best classroom
Get outside – with or without a plan -and see where it leads.
You are better than any toy
Sing songs, play games or just hang out. You are your child’s first teacher.
Children need challenge
Try something new. Try something hard. It’s how we learn and how we remember.
Keep it fun
There’s a time for pressure and hard work but it’s not when you’re under five.
You get out what you put in
A diet of good books and rich experiences is all you need for a creative, self-starting child who can make their own fun.
Toys are important
The right toy at the right time can aid development. But you don’t need many.
Let them help
Children want to be useful. Sometimes housework is the best game.
Everything is a toy
A cardboard box, a jar of buttons, a kitchen roll tube. Is there a toy better than these?
It’s good to be bored
Get out of the way. Let your child wallow in boredom. Independent play is good for them and good for us too.