Book review: The Unplugged Play Book

Yes, this is a technology site. Yes, I love gadgets and gizmos and all things “geek.” But when I was a kid, I loved to play. And I firmly believe that kids today love to play, too.

By Heather Camlot

Yes, this is a technology site. Yes, I love gadgets and gizmos and all things “geek.” But when I was a kid, I loved to play. And I firmly believe that kids today love to play, too.

And Ikea agrees with me. According to its recently released Playreport, the largest global study on child development and play, kids age seven to 12 prefer playing with their friends (89%) and parents (73%) than watching television (11%) and playing on the computer (14%).

So when the book The Unplugged Play Book: The Essential Parents Guidearrived, I was excited. Touting 710 games and activities for age 12 months to 10 years (that’s one new idea each day for two years!), the book is the bible of all things fun. From edible finger paint for toddlers, to a fabric scrap collage for preschoolers, to obstacle course croquet for grade-schoolers, all of the activities were tested on children of varying ages. If they didn’t like an activity, it didn’t make it into the book.

Pick up Unplugged Play and keep it in easy reach. When your kids start whining about having nothing to do or start inching towards the DS, flip open the book, pick an activity and hang out with your kids. You can always watch television after they go to bed – or better yet, flip open the book, pick an activity and return to your childhood.

First published August 11, 2010, on WorkLivePlayCafe.com.