Why Play Matters More Than We Think (Especially in the Early Years)

By Sofi Tovey, Founder of Mucky Wolf

Why Is Play So Important in the Early Years?

When I became a parent to my little boy Wolf (yep, the name inspiration for my toy shop), I quickly realised something: play isn’t just something children do to pass the time. It is their work.

In the early years, particularly from birth to five, play is quite literally how children build their brains, bodies and sense of self. It’s how they test ideas, solve problems, explore emotions and begin to understand the world around them.

In the UK, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework recognises play as central to development in communication, physical skills and personal, social and emotional growth. For young children, play is not separate from learning — it is learning.

And yet, in a world of flashing lights, singing buttons and algorithm-led entertainment, true play can sometimes get drowned out.

I started Mucky Wolf because I care deeply about protecting that space — the quiet magic of simple, meaningful play.

The First Five Years: Why Do They Matter So Much?

The early years are a period of extraordinary brain growth. By age five, a child’s brain has developed to around 90% of its adult size. Every interaction, every sensory experience and every playful moment helps to build neural connections.

When babies stack, bang, crawl and pretend, they are:

• Developing fine and gross motor skills

• Strengthening hand–eye coordination

• Building language through interaction

• Practising problem-solving

• Learning cause and effect

• Exploring social roles and emotions

A toddler lining up wooden animals isn’t “just playing.” They’re experimenting with categorisation, pattern recognition and storytelling.

A baby repeatedly dropping a wooden ball isn’t being mischievous — they’re running an experiment on gravity (yes, again).

Play is active brain-building.

What Is Open-Ended Play?

Open-ended play refers to toys or activities that can be used in many different ways, without a fixed outcome or “correct” way to play.

These types of toys encourage:

• Imagination

• Independent thinking

• Flexible problem-solving

• Sustained attention

When a toy does less, a child does more.

Curiosity Grows in Quiet Spaces

One of the most beautiful things about young children is their natural curiosity. They don’t need to be entertained — they need the opportunity to explore.

A simple wooden block can become:

• A tower

• A phone

• A cake

• A car

• A house for a tiny figure

The block doesn’t dictate the story — the child does.

In contrast, toys with flashing lights, fixed sounds and singular “correct” ways to play can sometimes close down possibilities. They reward button-pushing rather than imagination. They entertain, but they don’t always invite creativity.

Children thrive when they are the thinkers, the designers and the storytellers.

Why Do Natural Materials Support Deeper Play?

Creativity isn’t about elaborate setups. It’s about giving children space to wonder.

Wooden, screen-free toys tend to be beautifully simple. They don’t overwhelm the senses. They allow children to focus, concentrate and sink into deeper play.

There’s also something grounding about natural materials. The weight of wood, the warmth of it in the hand, the subtle variations in grain — these sensory details matter. They connect children to the real world in a way that flashing plastic simply doesn’t.

Slower, quieter toys often lead to longer stretches of independent play. The ability to focus and stay engaged with something is a skill that supports school readiness and emotional regulation later on.

Practical Ways to Encourage Meaningful Play at Home

You don’t need a playroom full of curated shelves to support your child’s development. Small, thoughtful changes can make a big difference.

1. Choose open-ended over single-purpose

Blocks, stacking toys, wooden animals, simple vehicles and shape sorters grow with your child.

2. Rotate rather than overload

Too many toys can overwhelm. A smaller selection encourages deeper engagement.

3. Create invitation, not instruction

Set out a few objects thoughtfully and let your child decide what they become.

4. Step back

It’s tempting to show children the “right” way to play. But often the richest learning happens when we observe rather than lead.

5. Protect screen-free time where possible

Boredom is not a problem — it’s often the doorway to creativity.

Why I Built Mucky Wolf Around Wooden, Plastic-Free Play

When I founded Mucky Wolf, I didn’t set out to create just another toy shop. I wanted to champion toys that respect childhood.

We focus on plastic-free, screen-free, beautifully made wooden toys because they support the kind of play that builds imagination, resilience and curiosity. They’re designed to last, to be handed down, shared and loved for generations.

But more than that, they allow children to be active participants in their play — not passive observers. Not button pushers. Creators.

In a fast, noisy world, I believe there’s real power in offering children something slower. Something simpler. Something that leaves space for them.

The early years pass quickly. And while we can’t slow time, we can protect the quality of the moments within it.

If there’s one thing I’d encourage parents to take away, it’s this:

You don’t need more toys. You need the right kind of play.

And often, the simplest toys are the most powerful.

 

FAQ Section 

Why is play important in the first five years?
The first five years are critical for brain development. Play builds neural connections that support language, coordination, emotional regulation and problem-solving.

What is open-ended play?
Open-ended play involves toys or activities with no fixed outcome, allowing children to use imagination and creativity freely.

Are screen-free toys better for toddlers?
Screen-free toys often encourage deeper concentration, imagination and independent thinking because they require active participation rather than passive engagement.