Playful Ways to Bond as a Family This Year (2026 is Year of the Family)
2026 has officially been declared the Year of the Family in the UAE. What better way to celebrate than by making time for your loved ones and creating lasting memories? Family bonding doesn’t have to be complicated sometimes the simplest activities, shared together, bring the most joy. To help you get started, we’ve curated some of the best toys and games from our collection that inspire fun, creativity and connection for the whole family.
1. Build & Create Together
Nothing sparks teamwork and imagination quite like building toys.
- MAGNA-TILES®: These magnetic tiles are perfect for collaborative building projects. Parents and kids can work together to create colorful towers, castles or even entire cities.
- KAPLA®: Simple wooden planks that unlock infinite possibilities. Build bridges, towers or intricate structures while encouraging problem solving and concentration.
- Abel: These smooth, curved wooden blocks are perfect for open-ended play. Kids can create landscapes, animals and abstract shapes and parents can join in for collaborative storytelling.
Tip: Set a challenge, like building the tallest tower and watch your family cheer each other on.
2. Role Play & Imaginative Fun
Imaginative play is essential for developing creativity and empathy.
- Baby Einstein: Encourage early learning through engaging sensory toys that parents and toddlers can explore together.
- Candylab: These wooden vehicles are perfect for creating adventures on the floor. Race them, design tracks and invent stories as a family.
- Casdon: Recreate real-life experiences with miniature toy appliances and role-play scenarios. Kids love pretending and parents can join the fun, too.
- Llorens: Beautiful dolls that inspire storytelling, nurturing skills and meaningful playtime moments.
Tip: Dedicate a weekend afternoon to a “make-believe day” let everyone pick a character or scenario and play together.
3. Educational Fun
Learning together strengthens bonds and sparks curiosity.
- CUBORO: These marble run sets are a family favorite. Collaborate to design a track, watch marbles roll, and discuss physics in action.
- Learning Resources: Educational kits make STEM fun for all ages. From counting games to science experiments, parents and kids can explore and discover side by side.
- Grapat: Open-ended, natural wooden toys that encourage creativity while teaching shapes, colors and spatial awareness.
Tip: Turn educational play into friendly competitions or collaborative projects to make learning exciting.
4. Outdoor & Active Play
Get the whole family moving with toys that encourage active play.
- Waytoplay: Flexible tracks that can be set up indoors or outdoors. Race cars together and explore different track designs.
- Scoot and Ride: Perfect for toddlers and kids, these balance bikes and scooters improve coordination and encourage family bike rides in the park.
- Play & Go: Compact, easy-to-use play mats for picnics, trips to the park or backyard adventures.
Tip: Plan weekly outdoor sessions even 30 minutes of shared active play can boost family connection and energy.
5. Cozy Indoor Bonding
Some of the best family moments happen indoors, snuggled together.
- Sarah’s Silk: Imaginative play scarves that can transform into capes, tents or rivers. Great for creative storytelling sessions.
- Living Nature: Soft, cuddly toys that children adore. Use them during quiet time for storytelling or comfort during nap times.
- Done by Deer: Fun, interactive toys and decor for children’s rooms that make indoor play engaging for all ages.
Tip: Create a cozy corner at home where the whole family can read, play and relax together.
Make 2026 the Year of Family Fun!
This year, make family time a priority. Whether building, role-playing, learning or enjoying active play outdoors, the key is being present and sharing joyful experiences together.
At TOY BOX we’re here to provide the best toys that inspire creativity, imagination, and family bonding. Explore our full collection of family-friendly toys and start creating memories that will last a lifetime.