A Simple Tissue Box is More than Child’s Play

She’s playing with what?!

For my eldest daughter’s first birthday we invited family and friends to celebrate.

I’m sure other parents can relate; the day was more for me than it was for her.

“We made it! I kept you alive for one whole year,” I thought, relieved.

We laughed together, cried together, slept arm in arm, and mostly muddled our way through many ‘firsts’ for both of us. This is cause for celebration!

It was a cold and rainy day on her first birthday, which was common for that time of year. Family and friends gathered inside as our lounge and kitchen turned into a make-shift party hall.

There were loads of presents! She is the first grandchild on both sides so there was much cooing and fanfare.

Big gifts, small gifts, thoughtful gifts, and many much-needed clothes – as we know how fast these kids grow!

As we thanked family and friends for their thoughtful presents (and presence!) there was one gift that shocked the room.

From my best friend, our darling daughter, centre of our world, an unwrapped a box of tissues.

I can almost hear parents all over reading this in smug agreement – ah of course – what a great gift.

And do you know what? It was! Many of us have watched, scratching our heads, our children, nieces and nephews, cousins and neighbours, raid the Tupperware drawer, play with empty boxes, pick up the TV remote, and admittedly the odd empty toilet roll. They all make great toys!

There’s logic behind the reason, and it’s simple: Simple is best.

Researchers at the Eastern Connecticut State University undertook the 10-year TIMPANI (Toys that Inspire Mindful Play and Nurture Imagination) toy study* to look at the importance of play.

Afterall, play is how children prepare for the future.

The study had three main takeaways: 

1. Simple: Toys that light up and do fancy things are more for entertainment, rather than “actively engage children in rich play”.

2. Open-ended: “the toys in our study that inspired children to be the most creative didn’t suggest just one way to play—they were open-ended and flexible, which allowed children to come up with their own ideas”.

Except for puzzles and board games, open-ended toys create a continuation of play, as the child manipulates, imagines and creates. An open-ended toy allows for open-ended play.

3. Non-realistic: The study found that where children must make decisions about what they’re creating, they then must communicate that to other children.

There’s a whole bunch of complex problem-solving and creativity happening.

I’m often asked why See Me Be plushies ‘don’t do anything’.

I’ve spent nine years watching my daughters and niece and nephew play. I’ve watched them build, break, put bowls on their heads, and run through the house with a whisk and dressing gown. Children are the ultimate creators.

Simple is best. Play is the work of children. I’ll always be grateful for that simple
tissue box.

*The TIMPANI study was undertaken by the Center for Early Childhood Education at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, Connecticut between 2010 and 2019.