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Like many parents, I spent the better part of last year home with my kids. Once I realized we were in it for the long haul, it quickly became obvious that I should invest in quality toys and create a killer playroom...so of course I Googled “what to do with a one year old all day.” That’s when Wiwiurka first caught my eye, with its colorful play gyms that promised to “encourage your little one to move freely and explore their own capabilities and limits.” With playgrounds closed and no school re-opening in sight, I was sold and am now the proud owner of the three-piece Jungle Gym.
Let’s Hit The Gym
Put simply, this Jungle Gym is seriously cool. It comes with three pieces -- a foldable pikler triangle, a large rocker, and a reversible ramp. While an investment at $900, the Jungle Gym’s pieces can be used separately, or you can connect them together to build the ultimate play structure that is great all the way up to the pre-teen years. While it’s designed for indoor use, you can also bring it outside for fun yard adventures (it would be such a cool set up for a birthday party!). And perhaps one of my favorite things about the jungle gym: there are 13 different color palettes to choose from, so for those who are aesthetically-minded, you don’t have to worry about toys clashing with your home decor.
Promoting Gross Motor Development
Wiwiurka’s toys aren’t just beautiful -- they are great for promoting the gross motor skills that are critical to physical development. Gross motor skills enable kids to do things like balance on one leg while putting pants on, climb in and out of the car, kick a soccer ball, maintain posture, move between classrooms at school, and so much more. It seems basic, but we’re not necessarily born with these skills and you have to start somewhere right? The jungle gym gives kids the opportunity to climb, slide, balance, jump, and rock, building strong muscles at every step along the way. For more ideas, check out some of Wiwiurka’s therapist-recommended “power moves for preschoolers.”
Credit: Wiwiurka
Fostering Independence Through Free Play
I’m pretty sure every parent dreams about independent play -- the idea of your child entertaining themselves for hours on end sounds pretty idyllic. But what most parents don’t realize is that you actually have to help your kids build this skill, starting with just a few minutes at a time. One of the best ways to encourage independence is through open-ended play with toys that offer unlimited possibilities to imagine. And Wiwiurka’s high-quality, handcrafted toys do just that. The ramp can be used for climbing and sliding, of course. But what about adding a little car and creating a car ramp or road? What about making it a balance beam or springboard for dolls? Or using it for tummy time? Or how about grabbing some blankets and turning the entire play gym into a fort? I love a toy that serves multiple purposes, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Each piece of the jungle gym offers children the ability to make decisions and create their own rules, as well as problem-solve when faced with certain situations (for example, figuring out how to get down from the top of the triangle after climbing up).
I love a toy that serves multiple purposes, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Each piece of the jungle gym offers children the ability to make decisions and create their own rules, as well as problem-solve when faced with certain situations (for example, figuring out how to get down from the top of the triangle after climbing up).
Made With Love, Inspired By Nature
Founded in 2010, Wiwiurka’s core mission is to help families connect with one other and nature. Each piece in the brand’s collection is thoughtfully designed and inspired from “the magic of the world, the beauty of nature, and the spirit of our customers.” The quality of toys makes it obvious that they live up to this promise; I was blown away by the simplicity of the pieces and subtle design features, like the addition of a small round knob that unlocks the triangle and allows it to fold up neatly.
When it comes to toys, my philosophy is quality over quantity, and Wiwiurka’s jungle gym fits that profile perfectly. I know it’ll be loved by both my daughters for years to come. Check it out for yourself here.
Five More Reasons to Love Wiwiurka:
- Made from certified European pinewood, birch plywood, and non-toxic acrylic paints, Wiwiurka’s solvent-free and non-toxic products are safe for any home.
- If you have your heart set on specific colors, you can work with the Wiwiurka team on a customized color palette.
- The brand is hyper-focused on providing transparency with suppliers, customers, and internally, including on material sourcing, contributions to community development, and environmental impact.
- In addition to the jungle gym, the brand sells Montessori, Pikler, and Waldorf-inspired Climbing Furniture (starting at $210) and Climbing Toys ($315), Rocker Boards, Balance Boards (starting at $80), Swings (starting at $65) and Climbers (starting at $70).
- Check out their blog for tons of educational resources and play ideas.
