Gift Guide for the Younger Child

 

Simple, safe and full of learning through play

When it comes to gifting for little ones, it can be hard to find toys that are both beautiful and meaningful. At Playtisserie, we believe the best gifts are those that invite imagination, support development, and stand the test of time, both in play and in durability.

Our felt collection and everyday essentials —Individual fruit and vegetable, Bread rolls,  eggs, milk, plates, cups, croissants, toast and farmer's pack, are some of our favourite choices for younger children. Here’s why they make the perfect start to a playroom that encourages learning through play.

Simple designs, endless possibilities

Each piece in this collection has been thoughtfully made by hand using 100% natural merino wool, dyed with non-toxic colours, and finished with no glue or adhesives. These simple, sturdy shapes are incredible durable, making them ideal for little hands still refining their fine motor skills.

Because the designs are uncomplicated and easily recognisable (a carton of milk, a slice of toast, a bright orange pumpkin, children can instantly connect them to the real world. This helps develop language, recognition, and symbolic play, all key foundations in early learning frameworks such as the EYLF (Early Years Learning Framework) and Montessori philosophy.

Learning through familiar play

Young children learn best through repetition and familiarity. When they “cook” breakfast or “shop” at their felt farmers market, they’re building essential cognitive and social skills:

  • Language development – naming foods, describing textures, colours and quantities (as recommended by Speech Pathology Australia for early vocabulary growth).

  • Fine motor coordination – lifting, stacking, pouring and balancing encourage control and dexterity.

  • Early numeracy – sorting foods, counting cups or “sharing” plates lays the foundation for early math concepts (Reggio Emilia inspired).

  • Emotional regulation – pretend play lets children express feelings, take turns, and build empathy through role-play scenarios.

The sensory magic of felt

Felt toys are also wonderful for sensory play, engaging a child’s sense of touch in a calming and tactile way. The gentle texture of natural wool provides a soothing sensory experience. They feel warm, soft, and slightly springy, which helps children develop tactile awareness and sensory processing skills.

Occupational therapists often highlight sensory play as essential for early development, helping children learn how their bodies respond to different sensations. Felt’s unique texture offers just the right balance of resistance and softness, making it perfect for mindful, screen-free play that supports focus and calm.

Perfect for “bookish play”

These pieces also lend themselves beautifully to bookish play, pairing toys with favourite storybooks to deepen comprehension and engagement. Imagine reading classic children books such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar and letting your child “feed” the caterpillar a felt food they see illustrated in the book!

This multi-sensory approach, supported by early literacy specialists and the Australian Literacy Educators’ Association, helps children connect story language to real-world objects, improving vocabulary, memory and sequencing skills.


Durable, safe, and made to last

Younger children explore the world with all their senses, so safety is essential. Our felt play food and accessories are crafted without plastic or synthetic fillers. They are ultra soft to touch, gentle on the environment, and strong enough to withstand enthusiastic toddler play.

Because each item is hand-felted with no adhesives, there’s no risk microplastics or toxic materials. Even our packaging is designed with the environment in mind. It’s play you can feel good about, for your child and the planet.

The joy of open-ended gifting

The best gifts don’t just fill a shelf; they spark imagination every single day. A set of felt eggs and toast might start as breakfast in a café, become a picnic in the garden, or turn into a counting game on the playmat.

When you choose Playtisserie, you’re giving more than toys. You’re gifting a foundation for creativity, language, sensory exploration and learning, made by hand, with love, for endless pretend play.


Explore the collection

Ready to find a meaningful gift for your youngest little learner?
Browse our selection online, the perfect first steps into a world of safe, sustainable play.

Playtisserie where imagination comes to life with every stitch and weave.

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