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As families rejoice in holiday preparations to heal from a very challenging year and look ahead to brighter days, it’s natural for parents to want to reward the resilience of their children this school holiday break. Gifts abound at this time of year, and you may be wondering what to spend your children’s Christmas money on come Boxing Day. There is little doubt that open-ended toys and activities which expand play possibilities and kids’ sense of imagination are the ideal choice after an effective ‘shrinking’ of their world during the pandemic.
Empowering kids through pretend play
All parents want to raise confident children with the skills to tackle life’s hurdles. It might seem counterintuitive, but engaging in ‘make-believe’ or pretend play actually equips your child with the skills they need to handle the real world. Case in point, if your young child was fascinated by a face mask you may have worn during 2020 and wanted their own to re-enact a game of doctors and nurses, you’ve seen pretend play hard at work. Re-enactment enables kids to construct meaning and practice social cues, to understand the who’, ‘what’ and ‘why’ in the world.
Fun pretend play ideas:
- Become swashbuckling pirates hunting for buried treasure with the Playmobil Skull Pirate Ship
- Teach your little one to administer first aid and come to the rescue of sick patients with the Playmobil Large Hospital
- Do a dry run for your next family holiday and test their outdoor skills in play form, with the Playmobil Family Camper
- Practice their moonwalk and explore faraway galaxies with the Playmobil Mission Rocket with Launch Site
- Lock up the ‘bad guys’ and pledge to protect the community with the Playmobil Police Headquarters with Prison
Incorporating makeshift props can help young children develop motor skills, but such full-body physicality is not always practical, so when you’re short on resources and/or energy, themed playsets are an excellent substitute. Believe or not, there’s a Playmobil playset for each of the above scenarios!
With Playmobil, children can not only slip into many different roles, but also recreate and experience the world in miniature. With multiple talents, these cheery figures successfully overcome all kinds of challenges – as knights or pirates in historical scenarios, as construction workers, vets and police officers today, or as secret agents in virtual worlds. We think this little Playmobil fan sums it up best: “I like PLAYMOBIL® because everything is so flexible. I really enjoy recreating my own life with the figures. Yes, it’s so much fun.”
Get involved for whole family fun
Many parents can appreciate the importance of creative play, but are unsure how to motivate timid or reluctant children. Don’t just watch helplessly from the sidelines – show them how it’s done! Kids will always benefit from a helping hand when it comes to creative role play – especially younger children who usually don’t know how to initiate proceedings without a hint or a signal. Plant the seed of an idea and see if it takes root with your child, and remember that your role is not to control the situation, but rather, to facilitate it.
The vivid and engaging worlds depicted in Playmobil playsets never fail to stimulate youngster’s interest, and it seems the same applies to adults. Proving their inter-generational appeal, we’ve known parents who have found themselves constructing Playmobil sets even without the kids around! With an ever-expanding range of themes and pop culture crossovers from their own childhood, it’s not surprising, and completely understandable if parents want to pick up a playset for themselves this holiday season! Playmobil bundles the nostalgia of a simpler time with the longevity and high-quality construction that discerning parents crave.
Did you know a whopping 3.5 billion Playmobil play figures have been produced since inception across 100 countries? Both parents and educators appreciate the award-winning toy system as representative of high-value, quality play.
Playmobil gift ideas
Here are some top picks from Playmobil sure to suit every child’s personality and interests:
Playmobil Police Headquarters with Prison
There are not two days that are the same at the PLAYMOBIL police headquarters. Here, new police officers mix with experienced ones, who have become legends within the force. But they all share the same goal, which is making sure that justice and order rules in their neighbourhood. The PLAYMOBIL police headquarters features a command centre, a landing pad for helicopters, a small prison and wall through which the inmates can escape and other fun features that will help you create grand police adventures. Includes 3 figures and accessories. Age: 4 – 10 Years
Playmobil Farm with Animals
There is always a lot to do on the farm; the cows need washing, the pigs need feeding and the hay needs stacking. Now with the farms new silo the animals can be fed easily giving the farmers more time to maintain the rest of their livelihood. With a functioning lamp for the piglets and a rotating winch, all the work is made easier. Ages: 4+
Playmobil Mission Rocket with Launch Site
The Mission Rocket with Launch Site includes astronauts, maintenance platform, and functioning lights and sounds (2 x AA batteries required). Combine this set with the Mars Space station and Satellite Meteoroid Laser (9487 and 9490 – each sold separately) for added fun. Age: 6 yrs+
Playmobil Skull Pirate Ship
The Pirates have boarded and are ready to attack! They swing from the sails and keep watch from the look out, the captain spins the wheel round and lowers the anchor. The cannons fire and the fearsome pirates are ready for battle. Ages: 4 yrs+
Playmobil Family Camper
Luxury meets camping in this well-equipped family motorhome. The family doesn’t go without during their camping holiday, with their kitchenette, double bed and removable side wall for perfect open space living. Having now arrived at the holiday destination, the table, chairs and the barbecue are unpacked. Mum sets the table and dad throws some yummy sausages on the grill for dinner. Later the bikes come off the rack ready for a family bike trip and a holiday full of fun. Ages: 4 yrs+
Playmobil Large Hospital
You are in safe hands at the City Life Hospital. The operating room is equipped with a illuminated monitor block, a swivelling surgical light and many other treatment equipment. The elevator will lead you safely to the patient room and upstairs to the private bathroom. The hospital is fully equipped with medicines and dressing materials to assist all medical needs. Ages: 4+
Playmobil Ghostbusters Headquarters
Something strange in your neighbourhood? Call the Ghostbusters Firehouse! Here you will find Spengler mixing up his current ghost-fighting mixture in the lab, Stantz keeping a close watch on the Library Ghost, and Janine answering all your ghostbusting calls. When the call comes in, watch them race into action sliding down the fire pole to the garage. Here, the Ecto-1 (9220 – sold separately) can be parked inside for even more ghoulish action. And don’t forget to lock up all ghosts in the Ghost Containment Unit. This set is packed with plenty of accessories for hunting down ghosts, including a detachable proton pack and proton laser, ghost trap, PKE meter for measuring psychokinetic energy, silicone slime splatters that stick to smooth surfaces, and more! Recommended for ages six years and up.
My Take Along Noah’s Ark
Hurry to help the animals board the My Take Along 1.2.3 Noah’s Ark. The set’s colorful, larger, rounded pieces are specially designed for toddlers. The deck of the ark is removable and the hull has plenty of space for storage. The set comes with a handle so it can be taken anywhere and the ark can float on water. Set includes two figures, lion and lioness and pairs of giraffes, zebras, elephants and birds. Ages: 1.5 yrs+
Take Along Modern Doll House
Enjoy some fun on the go with the Take Along Modern Dollhouse. This take-along case with latch opens up to reveal a two-story house with four fully-furnished rooms. Families can gather for a home-cooked meal in the kitchen with a table, chair, oven, pots and pans, food, dishes, and more. Or, they can enjoy some evening entertainment in the living room with two chairs, coffee table, television, television stand, and other accessories. When bedtime comes, PLAYMOBIL figures can be tucked into the two beds and cradle. The bathroom comes equipped with a bathtub, toilet with toilet paper dispenser, sink with mirror, and brush. Set also includes three figures, two dogs, a baby bottle, a high chair, and other accessories. Ages: 4+
Scooby-Doo! Mystery Machine
Scooby-Doo and the gang hop into The Mystery Machine and jet off to uncover the latest spooky mystery! Ages: 5 yrs+
Mermaid Cove with Illuminated Dome
In the magical mermaid cove, the mermaids swim and play with friends. They roll the glistening pearls down the seaweed slide, lighting up the coral. They relax on the day bed after a fun day swimming with the friendly fish and happy dolphins. The coral cove glows with all the colourful kelp and shimmering pearls. Ages: 4 yrs+
Ambulance with Flashing Lights
Oh dear, there has been an accident on the main road! A boy has fallen off of his bike. Luckily the ambulance is just around the corner and can get there immediately. The paramedics unfold the couch and place the boy on it. Then the couch is pushed into the ambulance, the sirens are turned on and they rush off to the hospital. Ages: 4 yrs+
These are the supplied product descriptions; unsure if all will be featured or just a selection.
