Play is essential for children’s development, and having suitable toys can help foster creativity, imagination, and exploration. Playsilks are a type of toy that has recently gained popularity for their versatility and open-ended nature. At home, we have Sarah’s Silks Playsilks, and we love them. I want to share with you why we love our playsilks so much and how we like to use them.
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you; when you buy through the links, we may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks!
In this post:
- What are playsilks?
- Benefits of Playsilks
- About our favorite Brand: Sarah’s Silks
- Types of Play with Playsilks
- Ideas of how to use play silks at different ages
- My favorite playsilks and products from Sarah’s Silks (so far)
- How to store your playsilks?
- How to make a fort with playsilks?
- Learn how to make a playsilk Bunting
- How to make a baby doll carrier with a playsilk?
- How to take care of your Playsilks and make them last?
- Where to buy Sarah’s Silks Playsilks?
- Playsilks: A versatile toy for all ages
What are playsilks?
Playsilks are versatile and open-ended toys made of silk or silk-like material. They come in many different sizes, usually square or rectangular, and can be used in a variety of ways to encourage imaginative and creative play. Playsilks are available in a wide range of colors, from plain colors to gradients, with illustrations or even blank to watercolor.
The possibilities for play are endless, and children can use playsilks for dress-up, sensory exploration, fort building, dance and movement, and more. The tactile and visual qualities of playsilks make them a popular choice for parents, caregivers, and educators who want to provide children with high-quality, engaging, and open-ended toys.
Benefits of Playsilks:
- Encourage imaginative play: Playsilks are simple pieces of fabric that can be used in countless ways. Children can use them to dress up, create costumes, build forts, or act out scenes from their favorite stories. This type of open-ended play encourages imagination and creativity, allowing children to take on different roles and create their own stories.
- Promote sensory exploration: Playsilks come in a wide range of colors, making them an excellent tool for sensory exploration. Children can touch and feel the silky texture of the fabric, explore the different colors and patterns, and even use them as a sensory tool in calming or focusing exercises.
- Develop gross motor skills: Playsilks can also help develop gross motor skills, as children use their bodies to manipulate the fabric. They can run, jump, dance, and even practice yoga poses with playsilks, promoting physical activity and coordination.
- Encourage social interaction: Playsilks are a great toy to share with others, promoting social interaction and collaboration. Children can work together to build a fort or put on a play, creating a sense of community and fostering positive relationships.
About Our favorite Brand: Sarah’s Silks
When it comes to playsilks, there are many brands to choose from. However, our favorite brand is Sarah’s Silks. Founded in 2002 by a Waldorf mom, Sarah’s Silks is a family-owned business specializing in high-quality silk and silk-like toys and accessories for children.
One of the things that makes Sarah’s Silks so special is the quality of their products. Their products are made from 100% natural materials, including silk, cotton, and wool, and are dyed using non-toxic dyes. This means they are safe for children to use and gentle on the environment.
In addition to their commitment to using natural and non-toxic materials, Sarah’s Silks also offers a wide range of colors and patterns for their playsilks. From classic colors like red and blue to more unique combinations like lavender and rainbow. There is a playsilk for every child’s taste.
But what sets Sarah’s Silks apart is their commitment to providing open-ended toys that encourage imagination, creativity, and play. Playsilks are just one example of their commitment to this philosophy, with other products including dress-up clothes, capes, crowns, and more.
I highly recommend Sarah’s Silks as a brand for playsilks and other open-ended toys. Their commitment to quality, safety, and play makes them an excellent choice for parents, caregivers, and educators who want to provide children with high-quality, engaging, and open-ended toys.
Types of Play with Playsilks:
Dress-up Play: Playsilks can be used as dress-up clothes for a variety of costumes. Children can create capes, skirts, scarves, and more. Playsilks can also be used as headbands, belts, or even to create a veil for a pretend wedding.
Role-Playing & Small World Play: Playsilks can be used as bases for small world setups, as picnic blankets, blankets when playing house, used as doll carriers, and so much more.
Fort Building: Playsilks can be draped over chairs, tables, or other objects to create a fort or play space. Children can use their imagination to turn the fort into a castle, spaceship, or any other structure they can dream up.
Sensory Play: Playsilks can be used in sensory activities to encourage exploration and relaxation. They can be a soothing tool for children who have trouble sleeping or calming down, providing a gentle sensory experience that can be very comforting.
Dance and Movement: Playsilks can be used as a tool for dance and movement activities. Children can hold the silks and dance with them, twirling and swaying to the rhythm of the music. This type of play promotes physical activity, coordination, creativity, and expression.
Ideas of how to use play silks at different ages
For Infants (0-6 months):
- Playsilks can be used as a soft and gentle sensory experience for babies. You can drape a play silk over your baby’s body during tummy time or wrap them in a play silk for a calming and soothing swaddle.
For Babies (6-12 months):
- Playsilks can be used for peek-a-boo games, encouraging object permanence and promoting cognitive development.
- You can also introduce playsilks during playtime, allowing your baby to explore the fabric’s different colors, textures, and movements.
- Another fun activity is placing playsilks in a tissue box and having them pull them out one by one.
For Toddlers (1-3 years):
- Toddlers can use playsilks for dress-up play, creating costumes and characters to act out stories and role-play.
- They can also be used for sensory play, as toddlers explore the different textures and colors of the fabric. You can even put them in water so they can see and feel the change of weight and texture.
- Playsilks can be used for building forts and tunnels, encouraging gross motor skills and spatial awareness.
- Playsilks can also be used to thread rings and hoops.
For Preschoolers (3-5 years):
- Preschoolers can use playsilks for imaginative play, building on their creativity and storytelling skills.
- Playsilks can be used for dance and movement activities, encouraging physical activity and coordination.
- They can also be used for creating art, as preschoolers can use them as a canvas for painting or drawing.
For School-Age Children (6+ years):
- School-age children can use playsilks for more complex imaginative play, building worlds and characters with the fabric.
- Playsilks can be used for acting out scenes from books or plays, promoting reading comprehension and creativity.
- They can also be used for crafting, as older children can use them for sewing or other fabric-based projects.
- Use them to wrap gifts and surprise family and friends with the contents they’ve created for them.
Overall, playsilks are a versatile and open-ended toy that can be used in countless ways for children of all ages, providing endless opportunities for exploration, creativity, and imagination.
My favorite playsilks and products from Sarah’s Silks (so far)
Sarah’s Silks offers an impressive collection of playsilks in various sizes and designs and other products, perfect for children’s imaginative play.
If you had to pick one item from Sarah’s Silks to start, it would be the Primary Playsilk Set, which includes six vibrant playsilks in primary and secondary colors, such as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. They are gorgeous!
Previously, I stored them in an open box in our closet. Now, I have them hanging from the Rainbow Playsilk Display. It adds a decorative touch to the playroom and provides each playsilk with its designated spot.
Another favorite of ours is the Double Rainbow Playsilk. It’s a beautiful addition to the playroom due to its massive size. It’s the only playsilk I’ve found this big anywhere. The colors are lovely and perfect for big creations or even covering my daughter’s Montessori house bed. We adore it and can’t wait for the Celestial Playsilk to create a magical canopy simulating a starry night.
Lastly, clothespins or clips are essential when building forts or creating other playful creations. Sarah’s Silks has these lovely wooden clips with round edges that have a wider reach and can hold onto wider frames, like chairs. The rounded edges protect the silk. These clips come with an extra rubber band in case one is lost or broken, although it has not happened for us yet.
How to store your playsilks?
In the past, I stored our playsilks folded in an open box inside our playroom closet for easy access. However, I noticed that unless I took them out and placed them in plain sight, the children rarely used them. That’s when we discovered the playsilk display, and it was a game-changer.
The display looks beautiful hanging on the wall, with all the playsilks easily accessible and on display. Since they are now in sight, we use them much more often, and the children are more likely to incorporate them into their play.
While I still keep a double-sized playsilk in the closet for special occasions like creating big tents or decorating my daughter’s house bed, having the display has made the smaller playsilks more accessible and frequently used in everyday play.
How to make a fort with playsilks?
Building a fort with playsilks is a fun and creative activity that can inspire hours of imaginative play for children. There are many different ways to build a fort using playsilks, and here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Using chairs and large playsilks: This is a classic way to build a fort. Simply drape large playsilks over chairs to create a roof and walls for the fort. You can also tie smaller playsilks together to create a larger play area.
- Table: Another way to build a fort is to drape playsilks over a table. This creates a cozy and private play space that children can enjoy.
- Montessori House Bed: If your child has a Montessori-style house bed, playsilks can be used to create a tent-like structure around the bed. This is a great way to add an extra element of fun and creativity to bedtime.
- Hanging a stick from the ceiling and adding chairs (or clipping them to shelves and doorknobs): For a more adventurous fort-building experience, you can hang a stick or dowel from the ceiling using twine or string. Then, drape playsilks over the stick and add chairs or other items to create a unique and fun fort.
- Pikler Triangle: If you happen to have a Pikler Triangle at home then it is also a great structure for a fort or den. Cover it with playsilks and your children can hide cozily underneath.
- Playsofa: If you have a playsofa or other child-sized furniture, playsilks can be used to create a cozy and comfortable fort space.
- Trigonos cubic meter or similar structures: Finally, if you have a Trigonos cubic meter or similar play structure, you can use playsilks to create walls and roofs for the structure. This is a great way to add an extra element of fun and creativity to your child’s play space.
Overall, building a fort with playsilks is a great way to encourage imaginative play and creativity in children. With a little bit of creativity and imagination, you can create a cozy and fun play space that your child will love.
How to make a playsilk Bunting?
Playsilks are a versatile and fun material to use for crafting and decorating, and one great way to use them is to create a bunting banner for celebrations. Here’s a simple method for making a bunting banner with playsilks:
- Start by folding the playsilks in half diagonally to create a triangle shape.
- Next, fold the triangle in half again to create a smaller triangle.
- Tie the two longest edges of the triangle together in a knot, leaving a loop at the end for hanging.
- Repeat the process with more playsilks, tying each triangle together to create a chain of colorful triangles.
- Hang the bunting banner by the loops, and enjoy the festive and colorful decoration!
This simple method can be used with playsilks of any size or color, allowing you to create a unique and personalized bunting banner for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, baby shower, or just a fun and colorful decoration for your child’s playroom, a playsilk bunting banner is a simple and charming way to add some fun and color to any celebration.
How to make a baby doll carrier with a playsilk?
Making a baby doll carrier with a playsilk is a fun and easy craft project that can provide hours of imaginative play for your child (especially if there is a newborn in the family). Here’s a simple method for making a baby doll carrier:
- Start with a large square or rectangular playsilk. Fold the playsilk in half diagonally to create a triangle shape.
- Next, fold the triangle in half again to create a smaller triangle.
- Place the folded playsilk on a flat surface, with the folded edge facing you and the two loose ends of the triangle extending out to either side.
- Please tie one of the loose ends in a knot around your child’s waist, ensuring the knot is secure and the playsilk is snug against their body.
- Take the other loose end of the playsilk and tie it in a knot around your child’s shoulder, again making sure the knot is secure and the playsilk is snug.
- Finally, tuck a baby doll or stuffed animal into the carrier, adjusting the playsilk as needed to ensure a comfortable and secure fit for the doll.
With this simple method, your child can create their own baby doll carrier using a playsilk. This activity promotes creativity and imaginative play, while also helping your child develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
How to take care of your Sarah’s Silks Playsilks and make them last?
Taking care of playsilks is relatively easy, and with proper care, they can last for years. Here are a few tips to help you care for your playsilks:
- Hand wash or machine wash on a delicate cycle: Playsilks are made of delicate materials such as silk, rayon, or cotton, so it is essential to take care when cleaning them. Hand washing is the best option, but if you choose to use a washing machine, be sure to use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
- Air dry: Always air dry your playsilks by hanging them up or laying them flat on a towel. Avoid using a dryer, as the heat can damage the material.
- Store properly: When not in use, playsilks should be stored in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight. To prevent wrinkles, fold them neatly and keep them in a drawer or basket.
- Iron with care: If your playsilks become wrinkled, you can iron them on a low heat setting. Use a pressing cloth to protect the fabric and avoid applying too much heat. Or directly iron on a very low setting if your iron is very gentle.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use bleach, fabric softeners, or harsh detergents when washing your playsilks. These chemicals can damage the material and affect the colors.
With these simple care instructions, your playsilks can remain in excellent condition and provide your child with endless hours of play and creativity.
Are Sarah’s Silks playsilks worth it?
Are playsilks worth it? Absolutely! Playsilks are versatile and open-ended toys that can provide children with hours of creative and imaginative play. They are a long-term investment, as they can be used from a very young age until children are 9 years old or older.
This means that you will get a lot of use out of them over the years, making them an excellent value for your money. Additionally, playsilks are made from high-quality materials that are designed to last, so you can be sure that they will hold up over time.
Overall, playsilks are a fantastic investment in your child’s development and creativity, and they are well worth the cost.
Where to buy Sarah’s Silks Playsilks?
Sarah’s Silks playsilks and products can be purchased directly from their website, which features a wide range of bestsellers and newly-released items. Every few months, they introduce new products that will delight children and adults alike.
To receive a 10% discount on your purchase, you can use my code SILVL10 at checkout when there is no sale or promotion. This discount can help make your purchase more affordable and accessible.
Alternatively, if you prefer shopping on Amazon, Sarah’s Silks products are also available there if you are located in the U.S. Regardless of where you choose to purchase, you will be delighted with the quality and variety of their products.
Playsilks: A Versatile and Timeless Toy for Children of All Ages
Playsilks are exceptional open-ended toys that stimulate children’s creativity, imagination, and exploration. They offer endless possibilities for play, ranging from dress-up to fort-building and sensory activities, and promote holistic child development.
Over the years, playsilks have become one of my go-to gifts for children of all ages, from infants to older kids. These versatile toys grow with children, evolving in usage and function as children mature.
As parents, caregivers, and educators, we can encourage children to engage in different types of play using playsilks, allowing them to develop essential skills while having fun. Whether role-playing, storytelling, or exploring textures and colors, playsilks provide a platform for creativity and self-expression.
I hope this information has been valuable and that you enjoy playing with your playsilks! Remember, the possibilities are endless, so let your imagination soar!
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