Playmobil Haven

Over 20 years ago, as we were buying toys for our oldest children, we decided to invest in Playmobil. In our small town, that meant going to a specialty toy store to find various people, animal and vehicle sets. (these were the days before internet.) We now have 3 large Rubbermaid containers filled with a wide variety of Playmobil people and accessories.

We have a sheriff's office, a pirate island, Noah's ark, cars, trucks, and a tree house. We have knights, Victorian children, pirates, a detective, and a clown as part of our entourage. We don't have the large Victorian house, which I've always wanted. Instead, Gramma Grace bought a metal dollhouse like one I had as a child. An excellant substitute!


These little people with all of their trappings (e.g. a bucket of fish, tiny dishes, weapons, etc.) encourage, not inhibit, imaginations. Unlike Army men or Barbies, these toys are attractive to both boys and girls. I had not realized that playing with them at Christmas had risen to "tradition" status until they brought the containers up with the tree decorations. Apparently, the decorated tree is a great prop for the intrigues of this eclectic society of settlers, explorers, warriors and plunderers (did I mention pirates?).





I usually allowed a week of undisturbed play in the living room. (It could go longer in the bedrooms) Many times the Playmobil was augmented with Lincoln Logs, Legoes, Hot Wheels, or Army men with their plastic mountains. I rarely "pretended" along with the kids, but I loved being within earshot of their conversations and make-believing.


Looking back, these toys have been some of our best and wisest purchases. The kids could play for hours; they adjusted their play according to which children were playing and what "civilization" was in vogue. When we studied ancient Rome and Greece, they became parts of dioramas depicting chariot races and temple worship. Though my children have outgrown many computer games, Playmobil still sees a lot of action.

Again, a great investment into the play and imaginations of our children.