What Are Loose Parts? How to Build a Budget-Friendly Collection for Play-Based Learning

The Power of Loose Parts Play (And How to Start Your Own Collection)

One of the most powerful tools in my play-based, child-led dayhome isn’t a toy you’ll find on a store shelf — it’s a curious, ever-growing collection of loose parts.Loose parts play is all about offering children open-ended materials they can move, combine, build with, and explore freely. These materials don’t come with instructions or a “right” way to use them. Instead, they invite creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration — and support all kinds of learning through play.

But here’s the thing: you don’t build a beautiful, diverse loose parts collection overnight. It takes time.

How I Built My Loose Parts Collection

In my dayhome, we’ve gathered materials bit by bit. Some of our favorite finds came from the kitchen aisle at thrift stores, Buy Nothing groups, Facebook Marketplace, and generous donations from friends and family. Others were low-cost online orders from Amazon or Temu.

The best part? Loose parts don’t need to be expensive. In fact, most of the items we use are secondhand, recycled, or repurposed. What it really takes is time, curiosity, and a willingness to think outside the box.

At first, I misunderstood what loose parts could be. I thought they were only tiny pieces — tricky to manage with toddlers who still mouth things. But over time, I’ve learned that anything can be a loose part:

• Scarves, hula hoops, ribbon, scrap fabric

• Large tree cookies, branches, pinecones, rocks

• Coffee cans, plastic spools, metal bowls

• Wooden rings, clothespins, corks, pegs, blocks

Loose parts can be big or small, natural or man-made. They can be used indoors or outside. The same piece of ribbon might be a leash in pretend play one day and part of a fort the next.

How We Use Loose Parts in Play

I love incorporating loose parts into all areas of play. Some of our favorite ways include:

• Outdoor play – turning the backyard into a world of possibility

• Sensory play – adding textures, scoops, and variety

• Small world play – where gems become food, and fabric becomes fields or bedding

• Invitations to play – simple setups that spark imagination and storytelling

No matter how we use them, the beauty of loose parts is that they support open-ended, child-led play. You never know how children will use them — and watching their ideas unfold is pure magic.

Ready to Start Your Own Collection?

If you’re just getting started, here are a few tips:

• Start small and build over time

• Visit thrift stores or dollar stores with a curious eye

• Ask friends and family if they’re decluttering

• Browse your local Buy Nothing or Facebook groups

• Look online for low-cost materials in bulk

And most importantly — don’t overthink it. Children don’t need Pinterest-worthy setups. They just need materials with potential.

👇 Grab My Free Loose Parts Guide!

To make it even easier, I’ve put together a free printable list of loose parts you can find around your house today. It’s full of simple, everyday items that are perfect for sparking open-ended play — no prep, no shopping trip required.

🎉 Click here to grab the free guide now!

It’s a great way to get started or refresh your current collection — and a reminder that sometimes the best play materials are already right under your nose.