Let’s face it when you put the words ‘adult’ & ‘toy’ in the same sentence… Lego and marbles don’t come to mind.

Play is usually considered the ‘right’ of all children.  It’s how children learn and grow into healthy beings.

But what happens after we become an ADULT??   We seem to fall into the trap of not having time to play.  That’s a shame.

The topic of adult play in it’s purest form of child-like delight, intrigues me.  I guess I’ve always deferred to my inner child.  Every time I pass by a toy store – I have to go in and indulge myself.

I’m a curious type.  So I looked up the definition of PLAY:
• engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose

I don’t know about you – but I can often feel that there isn’t room in my life for play. Sitting watching TV or Netflix isn’t acceptable play for a child – so it doesn’t count for me either.

However, when I consciously think about my adult toys and imagine my adult toybox, I have some pretty cool stuff!

My ‘Big Girl’ toy box (would be really, really big to hold a horse) and also include:  a fluffy dog   •  two cuddly cats   •   tons of books.  •   loads of music to dance to   •   a Mini Cooper   •   my colouring book and pencils  • my painting and art stuff   •   the stuffed animals on my bed  •   the ‘Wordscapes’ game on my smartphone   •   taking pictures for the fun of it ………

I think you get the idea.  I could go on, but that’s not the point.   Here’s the point as stated in Wikipedia:

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” is a proverb. It means that without time off from work, a person becomes both bored and boring. The exact origins of the phrase remain unclear, though it was recorded as early as 1659.

We can easily become bored and boring as adults if we miss out on the feeling of play.  Ultimately it’s all about freedom.  Children thrive on the freedom of play AND the freedom to not play, if they choose.  Too often as adults we’re in the rat race of ‘having to do….’.   That’s the furthest thing from play.

I have an IDEA percolating in my brain and I need your help and answers about your adult playtime.  Your generosity in sharing your play pleasures will be so appreciated.

Please tell me below – what are your favourite adult toys and pastimes? What or who delights and fills you with childlike freedom and adventure?  I can hardly wait to hear your answers in the comments below.

If you’re curious about the importance of play for adults – here’s a great article from the Washington Post.  Click on the link or the illustration below to learn more.