I’ve picked 5 toys that every little kid loves to play with (blocks, instruments, dolls, play food, games) and then I’ve chosen a version that has a global twist to teach little kids about other cultures. Internationalize your toy box at home or at school with these great picks!
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1) Building blocks. Kids love to sort, count, and build with blocks, so why not include some blocks that can teach little kids as well? YoBlocks are colorful photo blocks, that can be customized to include your own pictures (or use stock photos on their site)! We have a set with Ethiopia pictures for my son, a set with China for my other son, and my daughters’ sets of Mexico and US pictures (plus pictures of themselves- which is absolutely adorable!). They inspire conversation and questions, while kids have fun making towers.
Another great idea for global blocks are the Wanderlust Wooden Block Sets by Muji (City in a Bag), or the Russian House Architectural Blocks from Haba.
2 of our favorite shakers: “Heart of the Sea” seed pods that wash up on the shores of Mexico (left) and goat nails (!) from Bolivia (right)
2) Feel the rhythm- around the world. Whenever someone in my family is traveling abroad, we ask them to bring us a small instrument as our souvenir. Sound World Instruments has a wonderful selection of global instruments: from Afghani string instruments to Latin American and African drum and percussion instruments (and everything in between). Use multicultural music to bond with your child, and begin to accustom their little ears to the different sounds, tones, and rhythms worldwide.
3) Multi-ethnic Dolls. Although not found often in stores, on-line you can find a treasure of multicultural dolls, to reflect our beautiful array of skin tones and facial features. The Pattycake Doll Company is a great database to start, and includes hundreds of girl and boy dolls. Dolls Like Me also focuses on giving children a wide choice of multicultural dolls.
4) (Pretend to!) Eat your Way Around the World
Play food sets are now become much more diverse than when we were kids! I found a Chinese play food
5) Play Games. Kids love to play games, and even little kids can play memory-type games, or Bingo. In eeboo’s I Never Forget A Face Memory Game
Have I forgotten any global gems? Mention them in the comments! I hope this list inspires you to make your playroom or classroom more global- the younger kids are exposed to cultures from around the world, the more open and receptive they will be as they grow up. I truly believe that these lessons- when developed over time- will help our children into compassionate, understanding, global citizens!
I did not receive any payment to review these items- these are all toys that we own or have played with. That said, the owner of YoBlocks is my very own sister Christy, who gave us the blocks as birthday presents long before she started her own company:).
Hi there, great product choice. For sure, that can be one of the ways to instill respect and globalism in our children!
Thanks Tony! Even the little preschoolers can learn about the world…
Great toys! I love memory games, and the ones with the faces show we are all unique! The YoBlocks look like such a good idea. Kids love building, and what kid doesn’t love to see pictures of themselves!!!
Nice toys they are really interesting.They will make them happy and enjoyable…..
I like very much this toys but I am surprise that since 2012 till today there was not a much more toys that are being design in the market with this educational porpoise 🙁
Because of this my wife and I are designing a toy because we believe that this values are so important for our kids and our future…