9 Playroom Must-Haves (Toys, Furniture, & Accessories Perfect for Any Little Kid Space)
Over the last few years, I’ve changed up our playroom SO. MANY. TIMES. Sometimes for the better, and sometimes… not so much. And I’m here to share what I’ve learned so hopefully you have an easier time with your playroom!
This page contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission from your purchase, at no extra cost to you.
FURNITURE / LARGE TOYS
First I want to talk about furniture & large toys… But before that- learn from one of my mistakes: Don’t bother putting adult-sized furniture in a playroom- you won’t use it (this doesn’t include a playroom for an infant/baby). If you want a more comfortable space to sit besides just on the floor, I recommend large floor pillows or poufs.
OK and now for things that you should get! I separated them into four categories: open shelving, craft table & chairs, comfy reading chair or sensory swing, & climbing toys. Keep scrolling to read more!
1 ) OPEN BOOKSHELVES / TOY STORAGE
I know not everyone will have this issue, but if my son (and myself too) can’t SEE something, then it might as well not exist. Sadly, I bought one the IKEA Trofast storage units before I came to this realization. So consider that before buying any big storage units!! If I could do it over, I would definitely buy something that was either totally open, or something with clear containers.
2) KIDS CRAFT TABLE + CHAIRS
A kids table & chairs set is always a good idea. My son didn’t really start using his consistently until he was about 3/4ish, but now he uses it all the time. It’s also convenient for when he has friends over.
3) COMFY READING CHAIR/ SENSORY SWING
My parents got my son the Anywhere Chair from Pottery Barn Kids for one of his birthdays, and the name is so fitting! I think he’s carried it to every room in our house to sit in at some point! It’s the perfect little chair to create a cozy reading nook. I also love that kids can get several years of use out of it.
I’ve also looked into a sensory swing for him and I really think he would love it! I’m just not too confident about mine (or my husband’s) hanging abilities for something like that lol.
4) CLIMBING TOYS/ NUGGET
Lastly for this section is climbing toys (also including the Nugget in this). If you’re on the fence about getting a Nugget- just do it. My son was 1.5 when we got ours, and he’s almost 5 now and still plays with it almost every day. It’s a great example of a toy that can be used in SO many different ways, and lets kids really use their imaginations. It’s also been machine washed & spot cleaned plenty of times over the years, and it’s still looking just as good!
And I’m sure you’ve seen these wooden climbing toys everywhere too. They’re called Pikler Triangles, and if your kid is a climber or always on the move, then you should definitely look into getting one! My son has one that came with a separate wood piece to use as a slide. And not only does he love it, but pretty much every other kid that comes over loves it too! It’s definitely another one of those toys that kids can use their imagination with.
Now moving onto playroom books, smaller toys, accessories, etc…
5) BOOKS WITH GOOD MESSAGES
Of course kids are going to have plenty of books that are purely for entertainment, but I like to sprinkle in books that subtly address important topics. And don’t worry- the books I’m linking have good messages AND they’re also entertaining and kid-approved! (my kid at least)
6) A PLACE TO DISPLAY ARTWORK & CRAFTS
This can be a magnetic board, or these frames that make it easy to switch out art - anything that lets you easily put up their art. If your child is a little older, you can even choose something that’s easy for them to add & remove artwork (kind of like this).
7) RANDOM ARTS & CRAFTS SUPPLIES
I love to keep random craft supplies on hand at all times. Things like: pom poms, sequins (no glitter), pipe cleaners, googly eyes, feathers, etc. Some of the most creative things my son has made have been when I give him some random supplies and no instructions- I LOVE seeing what his imagination comes up with!
8) MAGNETIC TILES
I LOVE these things. Once they get the hang of it, your kids will be able to create some pretty cool things. There’s a ton of inspiration on Pinterest for things people have made- marble runs, mazes, buildings (obv), and a ton more!
9) OBSTACLE COURSE PIECES
Lastly for this post is obstacle course pieces. I started making indoor “obstacle courses” for Nathan back in 2020 when he was home with me full time during lockdown (doesn’t that feel like FOREVER ago?!). I used throw pillows as “stepping stones”, but these would have been so much to have! (here’s a more affordable option) Small plastic cones are also great to have for obstacle courses- I linked some from Amazon, but I’ve also seen them at places like 5 Below & Target.
Thanks for stopping by! You can find everything linked below :)
