Imaginative Play

The Pretend Play Toys range sparks imagination & creativity with fun, interactive toys for kids. Shop now at HipKids & let the playtime adventures begin!

Open their minds to a world of imagination

Give them the tools they need to create a world of their own with imaginative play toys from HipKids. The best role-play for kids gives them the chance to take on the world through the prism of their imagination. With the collection of beautiful, quality crafted toys in our online store, children can develop and grow their emotional and social skills.

Give your kids the best head start to develop their imagination with kids pretend play toys that will keep them entertained for hours. Our play sets and toys mimic objects and places from the real world and encourage kids to create their own scenarios and stories to learn as they go. With bright colours and realistic details, our selection of kids' role-play toys invites them to get lost in their own little world, building and exploring all the while. 

What should I buy for my child to play outside?

We all know how important outdoor play is for keeping kids healthy, active and happy. In order to encourage plenty of play in the fresh air, it’s a great idea to have a range of kids' outdoor toys that stimulate both their bodies and minds. Children’s bikes and scooters encourage exercise and help growing bodies develop, while outdoor play equipment for kids encourages imaginative play so your little ones can explore their environment and develop their ideas.

What defines outdoor play?

Outdoor play involves a range of physical activities that help children develop their gross motor skills, interact with their environment, and learn by exploring and gaining confidence through adventures.

Outdoor play can look like running, kicking, throwing and catching balls, jumping, building and climbing. It’s also a great opportunity to let children get lost in their own world as they create stories and characters from their imagination.

What can kids do outside alone?

While a certain level of supervision is always important for children, especially young ones, creating a safe and hazard-free outdoor area in your own home means kids can play outside without your direct observation. Our range of wooden cubby houses is constructed from durable timber and has clever features like extra-wide hinges to avoid little fingers getting trapped — perfect for kids' outdoor play alone.

Why is outdoor play important in early childhood?

For so many reasons, it’s essential that kids have ample time for outdoor play during early childhood. Fresh air, Vitamin D and physical exercise are all required for young children to stay fit, happy and healthy. It’s a new and stimulating environment away from the inside of your home, and affords kids the opportunity for rambunctious and messy play — something every little one needs!

In much the same way that being out in nature is a way of recharging our adult batteries, giving kids the chance to run, jump and explore in the sunshine can be effective for their mental wellbeing, reducing stress, anxiety and improving sleep.

What are some of the most popular outdoor activities for kids?

In the HipKids collection of toys and play equipment for kids, you’ll find a range of popular items that all kids will love to play with. From our ever-popular wooden cubby houses that bring their imagination to life to sand and water picnic tables for kinetic play, tricycles and bicycles, kids of all ages will find plenty to love in our range.

Are 'role-play' and 'pretend-play' toys the same?

Yes, they are similar as both encourage children to act out scenarios and take on different roles. At HipKids, our pretend play toys, including role-playing sets, are thoughtfully designed to inspire imagination and creativity.

What age is appropriate for pretend play?

Pretend play typically begins around 18 months and continues through early childhood. At HipKids, we offer age-appropriate toys for toddlers, preschoolers, and older children to keep playtime engaging and safe.

What is an example of pretend play?

Pretend play includes activities like using a toy kitchen to cook meals or role-playing as a doctor with a kit. Browse HipKids' collection for creative toys like dollhouses and toolsets to spark your child's imagination.

What are the benefits of pretend play?

Pretend play boosts social skills, problem-solving, and creativity while helping children express emotions. HipKids provides high-quality toys to support these developmental milestones through engaging and meaningful play.

Pretend playsets for kids for every theme or idea

No matter what your child is drawn to, you’ll find imaginative kid's role-play toys to suit them in our online store. Our range has been carefully selected to offer toddlers and young children an endless source of inspiration in which their role-play fantasies can come to life. 

Our adorable kitchens, play food bundles and ironing boards are great for encouraging imaginative play in a domestic setting. For little ones fascinated by shops and stores out in the real world, they’ll love our mini cafe sets, complete with coffee cups, cappuccino machines, and adorable cakes and pastries. Or, choose from our tea tray trolleys, grocery stall stands and cash register toys and watch them run their very own little store. 

Carefully crafted kids dolls and wooden dollhouses are made with the beautiful details of toys from the past, and offer kids the best pretend play stage for all manner of dramas, stories and relationships from their imagination. Mini medical kits help kids explore and demystify the world of injuries, doctors and nurses, while trucks, cars, vans and train sets give them the tools to plan journeys and learn about the physical world. 


Pretend play toys for kids to help them socialise and grow

No matter what pretend play toys you choose for your child, our range encourages them to role-play and explore their imaginative worlds. Give your child the opportunity to express their emotions, experiment with different roles and relationships, develop empathy and negotiation skills, and take on the world on their own terms.

How Pretend Play Toys Build Life Skills

Pretend play is more than just fun and games. It's an important part of your child's development. As children engage with pretend play toys, they actively develop essential life skills without even realising it!

Playing with toys like wooden building blocks or puzzles helps improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Your child also learns to solve problems creatively as they navigate different scenarios and figure out how things work.

Pretend play encourages social skills and collaboration when kids play together, learning to share, negotiate, and communicate effectively. It even helps them understand and express emotions as they act out different roles and situations.

Types of Pretend Play Toys Your Child Will Love

Pretend play toys at HipKids come in a variety of themes to spark your child’s imagination. A playset like a garden toy set offers interactive fun while teaching about nature. Toy kitchens, complete with a wooden tea set, let kids act as little chefs preparing meals.

Dress up costumes allow children to explore different roles, from superheroes to shopkeepers. Pairing these with a cash register adds excitement to pretend shopping adventures, encouraging creativity and social interaction.

For imaginative relaxation, music boxes and musical toys can create a whimsical atmosphere. Whether it’s beach toys for outdoor fun or a pedal car for role-playing as a race driver, there’s something for every child to love in our HipKids collection.

Choosing Pretend Play Toys for Every Age Group

Finding the perfect pretend play toy depends on your child's age and interests. We've got some handy tips to help you choose toys that are not only fun but also safe and developmentally appropriate for your little one.

  • Babies: For the littlest ones, soft baby dolls, textured bath toys and plush toys are excellent choices to stimulate their senses.

  • Toddlers: As your child grows, introduce toys that encourage movement and exploration, like doll prams and simple shape sorters.

  • Pre-schoolers: This is the perfect age for imaginative play! Toy kitchens, play food, and dress-up costumes will provide hours of fun. A high chair for their dolls adds another dimension to role play.

Imaginative Play Toys That Fit Your Child’s Personality

Every child is unique, so why not choose pretend play toys that match their individual personality and interests? At HipKids, we believe in fostering your child's passions through play.

If your child loves to build and create, a tool box or workbench will provide hours of hands-on fun. For little nature lovers, our garden toy sets allow them to explore the outdoors and cultivate their green thumb.

And if your child is drawn to music, our musical toys will spark their creativity and rhythm. We also offer a beautiful selection of wooden toys that are not only durable but also inspire imaginative play.

Are These Pretend Play Toys Safe for Your Little One?

At HipKids, your child's safety is our top priority. That's why we carefully select pretend play toys made from durable materials with non-toxic finishes. You can rest assured that all our toys meet Australian Safety Standards, giving you peace of mind while your little one plays.

We believe in offering high-quality toys that can withstand the rough and tumble of playtime. In addition to our own HipKids range, we also stock toys from reputable brands known for their commitment to safety and quality. These brands include Le Toy Van, Melissa & Doug, Tender Leaf Toys, and Hape. You can trust that these toys are built to last and provide hours of safe and enjoyable play.

Must-Have Features in Pretend Play Toys

The best pretend play toys combine educational value with fun. Toys that encourage problem-solving, role-playing, or fine motor skills keep kids engaged while supporting their development. Interactivity, such as moving parts or multiple functions, enhances playtime excitement and creativity.

Practicality is another key feature. Toys with good accessibility, like easy-to-grasp handles or lightweight designs, are perfect for little hands. Toys that also offer easy storage solutions, such as stackable or foldable parts, help parents maintain an organised space.

Best Pretend Play Toys for Boys and Girls

At HipKids, we believe in the power of play for all children in Australia. While some toys might traditionally be associated with one gender, we encourage you to explore options that promote inclusivity and cater to your child's individual interests.

Our best-selling pretend play toys are loved by both boys and girls. A dollhouse can inspire hours of imaginative storytelling for any child, while a tool box encourages hands-on exploration and problem-solving.

Toy kitchens are always a hit, allowing kids to whip up pretend culinary creations with play food, perhaps some delicious ice cream? And don't forget the joy of dress up, where children can transform into any character they desire. For active outdoor play, our range of scooters provides endless fun.

Encouraging Creative Play with Pretend Play Toys

Want to take your child's pretend play to the next level? There are lots of fun ways you can encourage their creativity and imagination.

Why not create a dedicated play area in your home? Set up a themed corner, like a mini supermarket with a toy cash register and play food, or a doctor's clinic with a doctor's kit and stuffed animal patients.

You can also join in the fun and participate in role-playing activities with your child. Become a customer in their shop, a patient in their clinic, or a fellow chef in their pretend kitchen. Your involvement will not only spark their imagination but also create special bonding moments.

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