Household Items Kids Can Play With Instead of Traditional Toys

By Charlene DeLoach, Chief Play Officer, Playroom Chronicles

household items children play with — Image Credit: Collab Media’s Images/CanvaPro

 A quick note: This content was created in partnership with one or more of the brands featured. I may have been paid, received products, or both. Paid or not, I’m still going to tell you what I think because none of us needs another toy our kids won’t play with.

This post was originally published in September 2010 and updated in April 2025 with new images, content, and links.

Why Everyday Household Items Often Win Over the Fancy Stuff

Recently, someone asked me a simple but powerful question: What are the most common household items kids play with (aka non-toys) that kids actually love?

And honestly? It made me pause.

We live in a world of “award-winning” STEM sets, algorithm-approved learning games, and toy aisles bursting with educational promises. But if you’ve ever watched your child ignore the shiny, battery-operated toy in favor of the empty Amazon box it came in… you already know the truth:

Sometimes, the best “toys” aren’t toys at all.

The Non-Toy Toy List: Household Items Kids Play With

Here are the most mentioned non-toy favorites from parents, including some of my own go-tos:

TV remotes + cell phones – Buttons! Lights! Power! (Just take the batteries out and give them an old one.)
Tupperware containers + lids – Stackable, clackable, fillable fun. Add some dry beans and you’ve got a DIY sensory bin.
Pots, pans, and wooden spoons – Instant drum set. Bonus: you’re cooking dinner, they’re “making music.”
Empty milk jugs or oatmeal canisters – Great for scooping, pouring, and rolling across the floor.
Hairbrushes, makeup brushes, or toothbrushes – They’re not just grooming tools—they’re magic wands, animal brushes, and baby doll stylers.
Magazines and newspapers – Rippable. Crinkly. Foldable. Great for collages, crafts, or pretending to “read like mom.”

It’s all proof that play doesn’t need bells, whistles, or a screen. It needs imagination—and maybe a few containers.

Why It Matters

From a developmental standpoint, these everyday items hit the same (and sometimes better) sensory, motor, and creative milestones that pricier toys promise.

They’re open-ended: There’s no right way to play with a bowl and spoon. That’s a good thing.
They foster independence: Kids love using “real” objects because it makes them feel capable and included.
They reduce overwhelm: Fewer flashing lights = more focused, sustained play.

💡 T.O.Y. Recap Of The Best Household Items Kids Play With

Takeaway: You don’t need to break the bank to spark real, meaningful play.
Opportunity: Look around your kitchen or junk drawer—you might already have your child’s next favorite toy.
Your Next Step: Create a “non-toy bin” of safe, real-life items your child can freely explore. Swap items in and out to keep it fresh—and watch the magic happen.