As a parent, I always have my eyes peeled for toys that can entertain and educate my almost three-year-old daughter- and for me, open ended toys consistently come out on top. They can be played with in loads of different ways so kids don't lose interest after a couple of weeks, as they can always find new things to do with them. We were recently introduced to the Connetix Transport Pack, an open- ended toy which has quickly become a favourite. If you're new to Connetix in general then these are magnetic, non-toxic plastic 'tiles' in various shapes and sizes that can be used  to build all kinds of structures. Connetix has all kinds of kits, but this one has been designed for vehicle enthusiasts as it comes with three carriages with wheels which you can use to make separate cars or a train. 

While this particular set is the transport themed kit as it comes with the train/ wagon base, there are plenty of pieces in the kit and it can be made into all kinds of structures independent of the transport part. One of the great things about this toy is that you can get all different types of kits and add-ons, so if your little one is a fan you can build up your collection and make all sorts of shapes that can keep them entertained for hours. Some of them can be quite complex too making it perfect for younger and older children alike. It's definitely not just for little kids, I sat and played with her with this for ages and made all kinds of more complicated structures- I was quite proud of myself (ha!) It comes with a handy leaflet of ideas for different ways to build it, and we've already had a go at a lot of these. 

One of the biggest advantages of open-ended toys like Connetix is their ability to foster STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning. With hands-on exploration of things like magnetism, shapes and colours, children are able to develop a deeper understanding of these concepts. My daughter is not only having fun but also learning valuable skills without even realising it. What I love about these kinds of toys is when you can watch your child over time, you can see their creativity and problem-solving abilities grow. As they figure out different combinations and the way things work, they can make more and more complex structures. This kind of problem solving really lays the groundwork to start learning more advanced skills later on.