The Ultimate Loose Parts Play Material List for Kids

Adding loose parts materials like blocks, natural objects, and household can make any space into an exciting place for young children to explore their creativity naturally.

When play spaces are reduced to just a few pieces of equipment, children aren’t able to explore or get creative. Battery-powered toys, tablets, and most “educational” toys don’t align with how children’s brains develop. Discover the benefits of loose parts.

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What are Loose Parts?

Loose parts are objects and materials that children can explore, experiment with, and manipulate in different ways. They stimulate the senses and invite children to play. I explore all about loose parts and their benefits in our article The Magic of Loose Parts: FAQs from Teachers & Parents.

Because loose parts are open-ended, children can meet their individual developmental needs while playing. Loose parts help children both understand the world better and use their imagination during each stage of play.

Loose Parts Material List

For the sake of sanity, I created some categories to keep this list organized. Many items technically could be in multiple lists. I hit my head against the wall to make judgments, so be gentle.

Under each category, I sorted the loose parts materials by “Gather” or “Purchase.” You may not need to purchase items depending on your household or what you have access to.

#1 Natural Objects

Gather:

• Leaves
• Twigs
• Shells
• Stones
• Pinecones
• Flowers
• Clothespins
• Tile Samples
• Cardboard Tubes

Purchase:

• Wine Corks
• Cork Tiles
• Natural Loofah
• Large Wood Buttons
• Wicker or Rope Woven Hot Pads
• Bamboo Products
• Wood-Handled Brushes
• Wood Rings
• Wood Balls
• Wood Candlestick Holders

#2 Metallic & Reflective Objects

Gather:

• Tin Cans
• Metal Utensils
• Measuring Spoons, Cups
• Metal Jar Lid Rings
• Glass Stones
• Locks
• Cookie Cutters
• Keys on Key Ring

Purchase:

• Large Springs
• Mini Flute Pans
• Napkin Rings

#3 Pops of Color

Gather:

• Bangle Bracelets
• Large Buttons
• Silicone Muffin Liners
• Paint Sample Cards

Purchase:

• Shower Curtain Rings
• Hair Curlers
• Pet Toys
• Plastic Eggs
• Sensory Balls
• O-Balls

One of my favorite loose parts discoveries was a bag of brightly colored snap-on pop can covers. They looked so cool on light tables or flameless tea lights.

#4 Soft & Flexible Objects

Gather:

• Scarves
• Felt
• Place Mats
• Ribbons
• Pot Holders
• Handkerchiefs
• Fabric Squares
• Doilies
• Knotted Rope

Purchase:

• Hacky Sacks
• Sponges
• Plastic Loofahs

#5 Household Objects

Gather:

• Empty Picture Frames
• Pump Bottles
• Plastic Containers
• Phone Cases
• Coasters
• Empty Spice Jars
• Free Household Loose Parts List

Purchase:

• Dip Bowls
• Measuring Cups, Spoons
• Funnels
• Flour Sifters
• Chip Clips
• Flameless Tea Light Candles

#6 Big Objects

• Buckets
• Ramps
• Gutters
• Corrugated Pipes + Tubing
• Boxes
• Jugs
• Cardboard Mailing Tubes
• Plastic Crates
• Chair Cushions
• Hula Hoops

Loose Parts Questions & Resources

Themed Treasure Baskets

Treasure baskets are a way to organize loose parts materials. These are perfect for introducing loose parts to infants and toddlers. A treasure basket is created by adding 4 to 10 loose parts objects to a bin or basket.

• Black + White
• Transluscent Items
• Exploring Sound
• Light + Reflection
• Light + Shadows
• Monochromatic (all one color)
• Heavy + Light
• Ramps + Rolling
• Sorting + Classifying
• Sink or Float
• Filling + Dumping
• Construction

Where to Find or Purchase Loose Parts

1. In-person or online garage sales
2. Thrift stores
3. Ask friends and family
4. Craft stores
5. Hardware stores
6. Estate sales
7. Home improvement stores

Open-Ended, Child-Led Play with Loose Parts

Loose parts make any space into an exciting place for children to explore their creativity naturally. Children need more places where they can use their imaginations freely. They are curious and naturally seek out what they need for the next stage of development.

Instead of adults instructing children, they can let children explore the materials independently. Loose parts provide a variety of opportunities for children to explore their interests and develop skills at their own pace.

Loose Parts & Direct Instruction

Loose parts are adaptable for both open-ended play and direct instruction. Adults can set up learning stations with loose parts, where children learn in a self-directed way. The adult does not tell a child how to play with the loose parts but chooses loose parts that target a specific skill or interest.

The adult can then use open-ended questions and modeling to facilitate learning. Loose parts can also reveal new interests for a child. Those interests can then be applied to activities that are more adult-led.

What Else Do You Need in a Loose Parts Play Space?

Part of the magic of loose parts is creating a sense of wonder. Set out the objects in a way that invites your child to play. You can simply set out the objects in an eye-catching way on trays or in baskets.

1. Toy shelf
2. Storage bins to keep the materials organized
3. Baskets
4. Trays or platters
5. Sorting trays, muffin tins, or serving trays with compartments
6. Placemats

Add mirrors or a mirrored tray to your loose parts play for a lovely aesthetic effect.

Learn what loose parts play looks like in each classroom center in our post The Magic of Loose Parts.

Tips for Safety

Loose parts offer children a variety of opportunities for exploration. However, with any type of play, there are safety concerns that caregivers need to be aware of.

1. Make sure all materials are age and developmentally appropriate.
2. Keep small objects out of reach of infants and toddlers.
3. Check materials regularly for sharp edges or points that could cause injury.
4. Discard any broken or damaged materials.
5. Supervise children when they are playing with loose parts.