The government’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidelines explain, “While friendships and relationships are a source of fun, they also offer children the chance to give and receive practical help and emotional support”. Playing with other children is one of the most significant ways in which kids can form strong bonds with one another.

The toys on offer at The Imagination Station are carefully chosen with EYFS principles in mind. They range from the traditional to the innovative, but they all help to foster positive relationships by encouraging imagination, learning, creativity and of course interaction, both between kids and between children and adults.

All too often children are not given the opportunity to express themselves because toys manufacturers over-compensate with technology in order to appear ‘cutting edge’. Some toys almost play with themselves! In this digital age, these toys strip children of invaluable childhood bonding experiences that are vital to their development in later life. There is nothing more heart-warming than to see children feeding off one another’s imagination around a train set, a fire station, or a beautifully made classic wooden doll’s house.

Helping children to respect themselves and others is another crucial aspect of forming positive relationships. Playing together with toys that inspire imagination and communication is the perfect way to encourage this, as they learn to talk, listen and share.

These sturdy toys will become welcome additions to any home, school or nursery, so much so that, like an old friend, these toys will be around for a long time, moving house with you, getting passed down and played with by whole new generations, and talked about with fondness. That is the value of truly great toys. Not only do they help kids to bond with each other, they gain a special place in the hearts and minds of the children that play with them. Order the toys that will become part of your family right here online, or discuss your order with our friendly staff on 01702 469762.