Perfect Season to Pretend

Perfect Season to Pretend

The holidays are full of memories and magic. It’s a season full of stories and traditions that involve fantasy and inspire imaginations. This is the most wonderful time of year to encourage pretend play skills and connect kids to symbolic play with a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of school and time away from projects and homework (hopefully!).

The imagination is the inspiration of all creativity and is a renewable resource. Allowing time for imaginations to be recharged is a rejuvenating experience. The holiday season provides a platform for kids (and adults) to refresh and restore

Geosafari Pocket Scope

by Educational Insights is a combination telescope and microscope that will help keep an eye out for shooting stars, interesting snowmen and unique ice crystals.

Insta-Snow

Insta-Snow by Steve Spangler Science is an exciting experiment turned decoration. Within seconds of adding water, the powder mixture turns into a solid and erupts into fluffy, white snow! This snow is perfect for decorating winter scenes or sprinkling around holiday decorations to turn any place into an instant wonderland!

My First Career Gear Costumes

Kids can dress up as first responders and learn about the service of firefighters, doctors and police officers to become holiday heroes that save the season.

Schoenhut’s Band in a Box

It wouldn’t be the holidays without the sound of music! With a little imagination, the sounds of the bells, tambourine and maracas can take a family on a pretend vacation to tropical destinations and beyond.

Melissa & Doug Slice and Bake Cookie Set

Share your creativity with others and make someone smile by baking and decorating holiday cookies. Add frosting, sprinkles and candies galore! This wooden set looks just like the dough you buy from the grocery store for realistic pretend play fun without the sugar high!

AblePlay is sponsored by the nonprofit National Lekotek Center, an authority on products appropriate for children with special needs.

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This post originally appeared on our November/December 2014 Magazine