How do you combine play and learning in a way that is both fun and developmental for your child? The answer lies in the right activity toys.

When we talk about toys, many people automatically think of entertainment. But activity toys can do much more than just keep your child busy. They strengthen motor skills, imagination and concentration – and they create times when you as a family can be together in presence and play.

In this guide, we delve into how to choose the right activity toys for children aged 0 to 8 years - and we highlight particularly popular types: magnetic toys, water coloring books, coloring books with water, coloring books for children, magnetic puzzles and interactive textile books .

Activity toys are toys that encourage your child to actively participate – physically or mentally. They range from puzzles and building blocks to creative books and sensory materials. What they all have in common is that they help your child develop skills such as:

• Fine motor skills
  
• Problem solving
  
• Creativity
  
• Patience
  
• Concentration
  

And the best part? It happens completely naturally through play.

From the first months of life, children are curious about the world around them. They learn with their whole body – which is why activity toys are especially important in the early years.

That's Mine's felt activity books are the perfect companion for your baby's curious development. With a series of interactive pages filled with exciting activities, the books stimulate both the senses, fine motor skills and cognitive skills. Here your child can count, sort and explore colors and shapes in a playful way that awakens the imagination and creates hours of fun.

Mirror toy for neck training

Another popular product for very young children is the mirror toy from That's Mine . The mirror helps strengthen neck muscles during tummy time and entertains baby with its own reflection. The soft cushion around the mirror can be folded up and used as decoration in the child's room - or unfolded for fun and sensory play.

Magnetic toys are a great example of how children can learn about shapes, colors, logic and gravity – without even thinking about it. With magnetic building blocks or figures, your child can create, construct and experiment for hours.

Why kids love magnetic toys:

• It is easy to assemble and disassemble – even for small hands
  
• It promotes creative play and construction
  
• It's almost magical to see the pieces "click" together.
  

Try a magnetic box from That's Mine. It functions as a smart box, where the lid turns into a magnetic board. The set includes figures and backgrounds that invite imaginative role-play. Perfect for children from 3 to 8 years old.

If you're looking for a puzzle that won't lose pieces along the way , amagnetic puzzle is an obvious solution. It's both practical and educational – and it can be used anywhere: at a restaurant, in the car, on the plane.

The advantages of magnetic puzzles:

• The pieces stay in the book – no mess
  
• Trains logical thinking and fine motor skills
  
• Easy to carry in your bag
  

At That's Mine you will find a set of three puzzles in the same design , with 9, 12 and 16 pieces respectively. Children from 3 years and up can challenge themselves and find peace in repetition. An obvious choice for entertainment on the go.

It almost sounds too good to be true: Fill the pen with water and paint away – no mess, no dye in your hair and no worries. A water coloring book is a hit with both children and adults.

Why choose a water coloring book?

• Reusable: When the water dries, the colors disappear
  
• Stimulates creativity and fine motor skills
  
• Ideal for travel or café trips
  

That's Mine water coloring book or a water colouring book is travel themed – and children will love seeing the designs emerge when the pen touches the paper. It is suitable for children between 3 and 6 years old and can be used again and again.

The classic coloring book for children is a must-have. It is a timeless tool for immersion and creativity – and a great starting point for conversation between children and adults.

At That's Mine you will find a travel-inspired wallet that invites children to draw and paint with the included pencils. The book encourages dialogue: Where are you going? Who will you meet along the way?

A coloring book provides:

• Calm and concentration
  
• Opportunity for joint activity between child and adult
  
• A break from screen time
  

It can be used at home, in the summer house or carried in your bag, so there is always the opportunity for a cozy moment.

As children get older, they seek new challenges – and activity toys should keep up.

One example is the Zoe felt planet rug from That's Mine, which combines play and learning in the most beautiful way. Here, the child can match the planets with their real names and learn about the solar system as their imagination unfolds. The rug can be used on the floor, on the table or hung as a wall decoration - and it adds both aesthetics and functionality to the child's room.

This type of toy opens up learning opportunities that strengthen the child's memory, language skills and curiosity about the world around them.

When choosing activity toys, it is important to consider the child's age and interests .

Here is a quick overview:

Age - Recommended toys

0-2 years - Mirror toys, sensory activities, textile books

3-4 years - Water coloring book, magnetic puzzle, magnetic box

5-6 years - Coloring book with water, wallet, magnet toy

7-8 years - Planet carpet, role-playing game, learning game

Also think about:

• Can it be used on the go?
  
• Whether it can be reused
  
• Whether it requires adult support (or is self-propelled)

Research shows that active and engaged play has a direct impact on children's cognitive development, especially in the early years. According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology , structured play stimulates areas of the brain involved in problem-solving, planning, and concentration.

📚 Read the study here

Activity toys don't have to be advanced or technological. The most important thing is that they allow the child to be active and curious – and that they create moments of calm and presence.

At That's Mine you will find a carefully selected range of creative and functional toys that can be used both at home and on the go - and that support your child's development in a safe and fun way.