If you’ve ever tiptoed through a sea of forgotten toys or sighed at the sight of yet another “must-have” collecting dust—this one’s for you.
At Cub & Fox, we believe in toys that spark imagination and stick around. Our cheeky, endlessly curious four-year-old, Aluna, has road-tested more toys than we can count—and a few true gems have stood the test of time. These are the playthings that grow with her, evolve as she does, and make daily play feel like magic (for her and us 😅).
Rainbow Rice – A Sensory Classic
A forever-favourite. Rainbow rice is one of those sensory play staples that keeps delivering—every time. Whether she’s scooping, pouring, or pretending it’s fairy dust, the tactile fun never gets old.
💡 DIY tip: You can even make your own at home! Or if you’d rather grab-and-go, here’s a ready-made version we love.
Make Sensory Rice
Play-Dough & Clay – For Sculpting Creativity
From homemade cupcakes to clay creatures, play-dough has been in Aluna’s play rotation since toddlerhood. We especially love air-dry clay for keeping her little masterpieces.
Magic Canvas – A Mess-Free Masterpiece
Aluna’s officially in her “I love letters” phase (we’re currently surrounded by lovingly drawn A’s 💌). The Magic Canvas is her go-to—it lets her practise writing without using a single sheet of paper. No ink, no waste, no mess. Just wipe and go.
Potion Play – A Dash of Magic
Whether it’s curated kits or petals from the garden, potion play never fails to fascinate. We’ve set up a DIY potion station in the mud kitchen and it's become a daily ritual full of bubbling excitement and sensory joy.
Magnetiles – The Ultimate Builders
If Aluna could build a castle for every mood, she would. Luckily, her Magnetiles can handle it. These versatile tiles are brilliant for developing spatial skills, creativity, and solo or sibling collaboration.
Play Silks – Endless Imagination
A cape, a river, a baby blanket—play silks are the ultimate open-ended toy. Aluna’s go-to move? Wrapping her dolls with gentle care or dancing around as Elsa (obviously).
Peg Dolls – Tiny Figures, Big Stories
Peg dolls are little characters with big impact. Whether they’re swimming in a silk river or living in a magnetile mansion, these tiny figures have been key to Aluna’s storytelling adventures.
Creativity Book – A Daily Dose of Fun
From flower drawings to imaginative prompts, our Squigs & Go Creativity Book lets Aluna explore independently—and gives us a moment to breathe. Her current obsession? Busy Bees, of course. 🐝
Why These Toys Last (and Last)
What do they all have in common?
✔ Open-ended play – There’s no “right way,” so the fun evolves.
✔ They grow with your child – What starts as stacking becomes storytelling.
✔ Creative + independent – Encourages focus, fine motor skills, and self-expression.
Looking to Create a Play Collection That Lasts?
Curate a toy shelf that encourages creativity, fosters independence, and keeps your child engaged year after year.