Play

The Toy My Kids Play with Every Day (Inside and Outside!)

published Sep 26, 2023
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Product photos of Stapelstein's Original rainbow kids' toy
Credit: Stapelstein

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As winter approaches and my kids spend less and less time outside, I face a major problem: How do I help them expend their energy on days when we’re stuck inside? Kids need space to run and play, and most gross motor toys, like slides and swings, take up a lot of space. 

Toys that can help kids move their bodies and that don’t take up a lot of space in our home are rare gems. I’m always in search of the latest and greatest toys, and I found an absolute winner in Stapelstein, a space-saving gross motor toy that also encourages imaginative play. 

Quick Overview

What’s So Great About Stapelstein Stepping Stones?

Stapelstein Stepping Stones are the ultimate gross motor toy that can be used indoors, outdoors, and even in water. They encourage imaginative play, as there is no right way to play with them. They’re also a toy fit for all ages, 1 and up, and their high-quality construction ensures they’ll last a long time.

What Is Stapelstein?  

Stapelstein is a company that sells open-ended stacking or stepping stone toys. They’re made of lightweight eco-friendly expandable polypropylene, and they’re shaped like bowls or domes. You can buy any combination of stepping stones and base boards, but in my opinion, the best option is to buy the rainbow set, which comes with six stepping stones and one base board. 

Why I Love Stapelstein Stepping Stones

I test a lot of toys, and I’m never sure how my kids are going to react. Often, the toys that I think will be a hit don’t go over well (and vice versa). I knew that I was excited for Stapelstein stepping stones, but I honestly wasn’t sure how my 1-year-old twins and 5-year-old would react. I have to say that I have been amazed both at how the stepping stones help prolong my kids’ play and how many ways they find to play with the stones. I’m also really impressed with the fact that it’s a toy that engages kids of varying ages, which can be really difficult to do. 

When I first gave my kids the stepping stones, I set them up in our spare bedroom where there is a lot of open space to jump and play. It turned out that this was the right move because that first day, they played with them for close to an hour while I got to sit down and relax. 

I’m always amazed at the new ways my kids find to play with the stepping stones. They create obstacle courses, stack them up to see how high they can step up, balance on the upside-down board, wear them as hats, and more. The company provides some play ideas on its website, including stacking, balancing, spinning, and drumming. Like mine, your kids probably won’t need help thinking of ways to play with this toy, but if they do, the brand also sells play cards full of games and play ideas.  

Another aspect of the toy that left me pleasantly surprised was how lightweight yet sturdy the stones are. They can even hold up to 396 pounds. They’re also waterproof, although we haven’t taken them into the tub or pool (yet). They’re also easily storable, as they’re lightweight and they don’t take up a lot of space. They stack well into the corner of a closet, or you could slide them under a bed. Additionally, they’re not an eyesore like many other toys, and you can get them in brighter rainbow colors or pastels.

The stones are designed for ages 1-99, and although I haven’t tested them out with anyone in their 90s quite yet, my 1-year-old twins love them just as much as my mom, who is in her 60s. I’ve also been known to get out there and test out my balancing skills. 

Another thing that I love about the company itself is that they take it upon themselves to protect children’s privacy by not including images of kids’ faces on their website or social media. I find this refreshing and incredibly responsible, as many people are becoming increasingly aware of how important it is to protect our kids’ privacy online. 

Are Staptelstein Stepping Stones Worth It? 

The stepping stones are admittedly expensive, with a full set costing around $200. While they won’t be in every family’s budget, if you can afford them, they’re well worth their money. They’re a huge hit with my kids, and as a busy mom of three, they give me a chance to sit down and drink my coffee — and that’s priceless. 

Cubby: Eat. Live. Play. Families Together at Home.

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