If you’ve read my recent post, The Beauty of Solo Play: Letting Go of Guilt and Embracing Independent Growth, you already know how much I’ve been learning to embrace the power of solo play in our home. Watching my 18-month-old daughter dive deep into her own little world of imagination has been both encouraging and inspiring—especially as I prepare to welcome another baby very soon.
In many ways, I’ve noticed her imagination blossoming more than I remember with my older two at this age. I think part of that is because I’m simply not as “in her face” as I was back then. For example, when she picks up a book, I now resist the urge to jump in and start reading. Instead, I get to watch as she flips through it, makes animal noises for the pages she recognizes, or sings parts of her favorite songs like “Skinnamarink”—especially the “Underneath the moon” part when she sees a moon illustration. 🥹 It’s honestly one of the sweetest things I’ve ever witnessed.
Every child is unique, but if you’re looking to support independent play in your home, I hope this list of solo play favorites gives you a few new ideas. Not only does our 18-month-old love these toys, but her cousins—one a little younger and one older—have also been big fans. I plan to keep adding to this list as our next baby grows, too!
Our Solo Play Favorites
Pretend Play
- Soft baby dolls – She loves to rock, snuggle and carry them around.
- Play kitchen items (like stacking cups or pretend utensils)
Caterpillar Gear Toy
🔗 Amazon Affiliate Link
I had to buy this for her because she would play with it the entire time we were at the chiropractor for our whole family’s appointments. She never wanted to leave it—actual toddler tantrums were involved when it was time to go! Now that we have one at home, she’s more relaxed when it’s time to leave. I actually found ours for $4.99 at Hobby Lobby, so it’s worth checking there first if you have one nearby.
Mega Bloks First Builders
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These are perfect for little hands. She’s really into stacking and gets so proud of herself when she makes a tall tower.
Board Books
🔗 Amazon Affiliate Link
She loves flipping through board books on her own and pretending to read aloud. The ones with animals or simple rhythms get the most love!
Ball Drop Toy (LoveEvery-style Alternative)
🔗 Amazon Affiliate Link
This one is much smaller than the LoveEvery version, but still so fun. She enjoys playing with it on her own, especially watching the balls roll down. It’s a great little hand-eye coordination toy without the subscription.
KiwiCo Activity Pyramid and Sensory Ball Set
(Not an affiliate—just a total favorite!)
She’s obsessed with this. The pyramid has so many sides to explore, and the soft spiky sensory balls are fun for rolling, grabbing, and chewing.
How We Set Up for Success
In my experience, rotating toys is the key to keeping independent play fresh and fun. When too many toys are out at once, it becomes overwhelming—like a cluttered room where you don’t know where to start. Littles can feel that way too!
We use small clear bins for different categories of toys. I keep them within reach but try to only have one out at a time. If she starts losing interest in one, I’ll guide her to help clean up before pulling out another. This not only helps with focus but also sets up early habits of tidying up.
I also keep seasonal toys stored in larger labeled bins and only bring them out during the relevant season—this helps make old toys feel new again when they reappear!
Even if she’s playing near me while I rest or do a chore, I try to keep her space small and limited to a few intentional items. Big creativity often happens in simple, quiet spaces.
Final Encouragement
Mama, solo play is a gift—for your child and for you. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: stepping back doesn’t mean you’re doing less. It means you’re allowing your child to build imagination, confidence, and independence.
If you haven’t yet, I really encourage you to read The Beauty of Solo Play: Letting Go of Guilt and Embracing Independent Growth. It’s been such a heart-settling reminder for me in this season.
Have a favorite toy or trick that’s helped your toddler play more independently? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to learn from your little one, too.
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