Gift Guide for the Older Child
Thoughtful toys for growing imaginations
As children grow, so does their imagination. They move from naming and recognising objects to weaving complex stories, setting up scenes, and creating worlds of their own. For this stage of play, gifts that offer variety, detail and creative freedom make all the difference.
Our collection for older children celebrates this next step in learning through play — filled with intricate designs, thoughtful details and open-ended possibilities.
For children ready to take their pretend play to the next level, our Rattan Basket with Felt Bread Selection is the perfect starting point. With its beautiful woven texture and assortment of felt loaves and rolls, it encourages sorting, organising and imaginative role play.
Children can “shop”, “serve” or set up their own bakery or picnic, introducing early concepts of planning, categorising and sequencing — all key skills recognised in the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and Montessori-inspired play.
As children’s dexterity and imagination grow, so does their ability to manage more intricate play. Our Spreads with Toast Sets with various spreads, Pasta sets, Salt and Pepper, Olive Oil, and Tomato Tin introduce layered pretend play, where details matter and stories unfold. It's also a great way to practice cooking favourite classic they have seen made time and time again. Older children love inventing recipes, assigning roles (“You be the chef!”), and experimenting with combinations, all of which align beautifully with Reggio Emilia principles of exploration, cooperation and creative thinking.
Here, children aren’t just playing kitchens; they’re exploring cause and effect (“What happens when I add salt?”), experimenting with social interaction (“Would you like jam or chocolate spread?”), and strengthening language development through conversation, narration and descriptive storytelling.
No meal is complete without dessert! Our Felt Sundaes bring tactile joy and visual delight. Their layered textures and playful colours engage both fine motor skills and aesthetic appreciation, children begin to explore design, symmetry and pattern in a hands-on way.
Because many of our pieces, like the sundaes and spreads, come in multiple flavours and colours, they invite collecting and creative expansion. Older children who show interest in a certain theme can continue to build their own curated play collection, deepening engagement and imaginative expression.
As children grow more confident in storytelling, they begin to focus on the world around their play. Our felt Table Setting, complete with cutlery, cups, and the Candle Set, allows them to plan, design and decorate their pretend spaces — fostering a sense of order, routine and responsibility.
According to early childhood researchers, this stage supports the development of executive function skills: planning, sequencing and organisation. It’s also an opportunity to practise social-emotional learning, as children take pride in hosting, sharing and collaborating.
Older children are naturally drawn to detail. Each of these pieces is intricately hand-felted, often combining multiple stitched components to create texture and realism. These designs reward careful handling and imaginative depth — a wonderful match for children ready for more complex, purposeful play.
As always, everything is made from 100% natural merino wool, coloured with non-toxic dyes, and free from synthetic materials or adhesives. They’re safe, sturdy, and thoughtfully crafted to inspire creativity for years to come.
When you choose Playtisserie, you’re giving more than toys — you’re giving the tools for creativity, confidence and connection.
Explore the collection
Discover our range of felt play foods and accessories for older children — perfect for imaginative minds ready to dream bigger, create more, and bring their stories to life.
Playtisserie — where imagination comes to life with every stitch and weave.
