Playdough & loose parts kits that provide open-ended play, encourage creativity, help develop fine and gross motor skills, develop problem solving and that are just really FUN! Through the eyes of a child, there are always 100+ ways to interpret loose parts, there are 100+ ways to be creative and innovative, there are 100+ ways to think, explore and create and there are, without a doubt, 100+ road
s leading to play. At 100+KITS, we work with 100+ different types of loose parts.
2. “What is a loose part?”
You know that single Lego that you stepped on in the living room or that tiny bead your child loves that you repeatedly keep finding in random places in your home? Jokes aside, loose parts are materials with no defined purpose that are used to build, to stack, to move, to place, to arrange and rearrange. They are objects of different sizes, textures, materials and colors. They can be used alone or can be combined. There are 100+ different types of loose parts such as beads, pompoms, leaves, rocks, shells, wooden blocks, bells, pebbles, Legos, sticks, scoops, rolling pins, etc. Loose part play is a type of open-ended play that allows the child to freely discover and explore materials (safely) and interpret them as they choose to. Depending on the age or the interest of the child, the loose part will continuously have a different purpose and be used in a variety of ways. When a child is playing with loose parts, there are no specific ways of playing, no predetermined ending to the game, no direction and instruction as to how to use the loose part. The child is free to be creative and use his/her imagination.
3. “What age is recommended for use of these kits?”
The common recommended age is 3 years old and up. Because when a child is mouthing (putting what seems to be anything and everything in their mouths), loose parts could become a chocking hazard. Loose part play should always be supervised by an adult due to small parts. A parent/caregiver knows their child best and can determine their level of comfort in using loose parts. The beauty of loose-part play is also the diversity and endless possibilities of usage of the material. Here is a great example for using loose parts in different ways based on age and child development.
- “At home, we have a 4-year old and a 1-year old. My 4-year old LOVES Legos and my 1-year old, naturally, wants to do everything his big sister does. Rather than saying no to Legos, we put some Legos in a Large Ziploc bagged filled with water and taped it to the highchair tray. My little one was able to play and move the Legos while they floated in the bag.”
4. “Why loose parts?”
“Why would my child play with loose parts if I can just buy toys at a store?”
Truth be told, there are no “right” or “wrong” toys! There is no “right” or “wrong” way to play! (As long as everyone is playing safely!)
Loose parts do however offer opportunities to children to be imaginative, innovative and creative. Loose-part play encourages problem-solving, develops critical thinking, develops imagination, develops concentration, develops fine motor and gross motor skills and is even used to develop communication and language skills!
5. “You’re telling me that my child can develop communication and language skills by playing with a pipe cleaner, a wooden block and a button?”
100+ times yes, absolutely! Your child has a jungle themed kit filled with rocks and wood and animals. The building process begins. The playdough is the ground, the blue rocks are the water, the wooden blocks are combined to make a bridge. The animals must cross the water to save their friend on the other side. CUE THE LANGUAGE SKILLS! “Don’t worry, I’m coming to save you!” “Let’s all cross one at a time!” “Don’t fall in the water!” “Oh no, he fell! We need to save him!”
And just like that, the child has entered the world of imaginative loose-parts play. A button is now rescue food, a blue pebble is a source of water and a bit of playdough is the grounds of a jungle. Small voices, deep voices, “rawr”s and cheering are taking over the jungle. The animals are communicating! While playing, children will take on voices, become characters, talk about adventures and talk about the problems they are solving.
6. “100+KITS as a gift?”
100+ times yes, absolutely! We’ve had multiple orders that have been gifted! When you are looking for a kit for a child, rather than firstly specifying if it is for a girl or a boy, let’s talk about their interests! Does the child love blocks or beads? Does the child love superheroes or princesses? Inclusivity is extremely important to 100+KITS and we pride ourselves on offering the most perfect gift, regardless of gender or interests!
7. “What is the playdough made of?”
100+ ingredients! Seemed fitting. The playdough is made specifically for each order to ensure freshness and is made with flour, salt, cream of tartar, canola oil, water and food coloring. The dough should be stored in a Ziploc bac or an air-tight container. If it is properly cared for and played with, it can last 3 months. If the dough forms salt crystals (which are super cool!), you can add a few drops of water and knead. If the dough becomes sticky, add a small amount of flour to your hands and knead.
8. “What is included in the kits?”
Each kit is made with a variation of carefully selected materials and loose parts. The textures, the materials, the sizes and the colors of the parts vary. Kits may vary from original pictures due to inventory (colors, sizes), however, the quality and the quantity will always remain the same.
9. “Quantity?”
All playdough, rice and kinetic sand are weighed to ensure that the quantity of product remains consistent.
10. “How does my child use the kit?”
We are of strong belief that there is a time and a place for everything! Therefore, first and foremost, timing is everything! Finding a time to sit with the child and explore is key. There will be playdough, there may be rice and there may be kinetic sand. When a child is used to playing with loose parts, he/she may develop a pattern of what comes out of the kit first. For example, the playdough is first, then the beads, then the sand. A child who may not be used to playing with loose parts, may need some guidance. For example, calm reminders that the playdough and parts do not go in the mouth, the rice is not to be thrown, etc. Staying calm and redirecting are key and the child will quickly learn! Some children discover and explore all the parts all at once. Some children prefer to take the parts out one at a time. Remember to follow the child’s lead. These kits can be used time and time again. The child may not play with the buttons the first time, but the second time they are all he/she wants to play with!
100+KITS will also post pictures of the kits being played with on our page for inspiration and ideas.
11. “So, how do I encourage play with these kits?”
This is one of our favorite questions! Although loose parts play is child-led, the parent/caregiver certainly plays an important role! You can help develop their critical thinking skills and their creativity by encouraging them to use their imagination. You can ask a ton of open-ended questions! (Questions that can not be answered by yes or no.) For example: “Hey, what do you think this pebble can be used for?” The answer to this can not be “yes” or “no”. It therefore encourages a conversation. If your child would like you to join in on their play (it is best to never force this), you can ask questions that encourage problem solving. For example: “How do you think we can build a bridge with these parts?” or “It seems that I don’t have enough rocks to finish my path, what do you think we could use?”
You can make observations that introduce facts. For example: “Ever neat, this block has a very smooth surface.” This observation does not judge your child’s way of using it nor does it state what it should be used as but it does introduce vocabulary and create a fun learning environment. The key is to encourage the child and let him/her use their imagination to explore and create. Your child will surprise you by being incredibly innovative!
12. “Why does the kit come in a brown or white paper gift bag?”
When you receive your kit, it will be wrapped in a single white silk paper with a thank you sticker. It will then be placed in a brown or white paper gift bag. At 100+KITS, we try to ensure that materials can be reused and have a dual purpose, this includes the bags that the kits come in! The bag can therefore be used to color or craft, can be reused for gifting or can be recycled.
13. “So how do I purchase a kit?”
100+KITS… 100+yes! All customers may send a direct message on Facebook or via email.
100+KITS themed kit:
When ordering, please indicate the kit that you have selected (Dinosaur, Mermaid, Construction, etc.) Remember that the price of the kit is indicated on our page.
100+KITS custom kits:
When looking for a custom kit, please indicate the theme that you are looking for. If 100+KITS believe they can create a kit in this theme, the order will gladly move forward. We will advise you of the cost to create your kit based on the included material. We will gladly suggest an alternative theme if 100+KITS is unable to put your kit together at this time.
14. “How do I pay for my 100+KITS order?”
An e-transfer to [email protected] is required AFTER 100+KITS has confirmed the price of the kit to finalize the purchase. Creation of the kit will begin once the payment has been received.
100+KITS normally requires 48 hours for an order. The time frame may vary depending on the kit and stock.
100+KITS will stay in touch with you.
15. “Do I pick it up or does 100+KITS deliver?”
100+KITS… coming your way!
100+KITS can arrange for kits to be picked-up in Azilda daily. We accommodate contactless pickup. A predetermined pick-up time is required.
100+KITS offers local contactless delivery (New Sudbury, Azilda, Chelmsford, Val Caron, Hanmer, Minnow Lake, South end, Lively) on Fridays.
100+KITS is currently only available for local pick-up and delivery.
