As my children grow older, I find that we do fewer play space rotations. Instead, we focus on doing a small world theme on top, with plenty of open-ended materials on the lower shelves.
These themes are fully embraced by the children and based upon their interests. They absolutely love the start of the new seasons - and Autumn especially with all of the nature treasures that can be found. My daughter (6) always helps put our featured displays together.
Today, I’m sharing what the space looks like for Autumn. As you know if you’ve already read the Autumn Family Rhythms post, we place a big emphasis on seasonal rhythms.
Read on to find out what’s included in our space. Since I have an international audience, I’ve mentioned brand names rather than specific shops. Brands usually have a worldwide map with stockists that should hopefully include your country.
To note, whilst I’ve used the word ‘display’, these toys aren’t ‘for display only’!
Featured Products on Autumn Shelf Display
Mice and camping set - all from Maileg
Wooden Rainbow from Grimms Wooden Toys
Wooden trees from Grimms Wooden Toys
Woodland animals from Tender Leaf Toys
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak
Autumn by Gerda Muller
‘Pompom’ lights from Flying Tiger
Fairy lights in jars from IKEA
Pumpkins - all the real deal from a Pumpkin Patch on the outskirts of Vienna.
Conkers - from the local park
We use battery operated LED lights in the play space - for safety, choose ones where you need a screwdriver to open the case.
Autumn Cafe
Ikea Duktig Play kitchen
Coffee machine from Le Toy Van
Weighing Scales from Le Toy Van
Mini Pumpkins - all real, see above
Basket from Flying Tiger
Sunflowers - real from the local florist!
Books
We have a small Flisat bookstand with seasonal books on display. Rather than solely featuring Autumnal books, we also include nature books too.
On display here:
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak
Autumn by Gerda Muller
Usborne Outdoor Activity Book
Usborne ‘Peep Inside’ Night time Book
The Usborne Woodland Book
Nature’s Day Out and About by Kay Maguire and Danielle Kroll
About building a collection
I always have mixed feelings about sharing play space inspiration on social media and my website. It’s easy to look at collections like mine and think that you need to fill a play space with expensive wooden toys immediately.
But I want to share that I’ve been slowly building up a collection of toys over a period of 13 years - that’s a lot of Christmases and birthdays!
I’m going to be sharing more about my approach to toys in the November paid subscriber email series.
Did the video work?
I’m currently helping Substack with the beta test of their video function. I’m eager to hear if the video actually worked or if you had any problems playing it? I’m starting off with these short videos and will eventually do longer format workshops so your feedback is really appreciated.
If you did have any problems with the video, please email me sian@thisplayfulhome.com
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