Why I Gift Playsilks (And Why You Should Too!)

As a parent, I’ve come to really understand the value of toys that last—not just in terms of quality, but in the way they stay loved, relevant, and useful as my child grows. I now find myself gravitating toward gifts that spark imagination, encourage open-ended play, and don’t come with flashing lights or a thousand tiny pieces.

And whenever I’m choosing a gift for a child — whether it’s for a birthday, a holiday, or just because — there’s one thing I return to again and again: a playsilk.

What’s so special about a playsilk?

At first glance, it seems incredibly simple: a square of silk, usually around 36x36 inches. But give one to a child, and you’ll see the transformation. It becomes a superhero’s cape, a ballerina’s skirt, a pirate’s bandana. It becomes grass, water, fire, a mountain — part of an imagined world built entirely from a child’s own ideas. There’s no “right” way to use a playsilk. That’s the beauty of it. It’s pure possibility in a piece of fabric.

A toy you won't find on every high street shelf...

Despite the fact that they are a versatile toy, playsilks can be surprisingly hard to find in highstreet shops. You won’t usually spot them piled high in toy aisles or topping bestseller lists, but in early years settings, they’re a quiet staple. Teachers and educators have long recognised their value: playsilks support creativity, fine motor development, sensory exploration, and imaginative role play. They’re adaptable to every age and interest, and they meet children where they are, whether that’s building a den, dancing in the living room, or wrapping up a teddy for a make-believe journey.

It’s always struck me as odd that something so loved in classrooms isn’t more widely available for home play. That’s one of the reasons I love gifting them. They’re unexpected but instantly engaging and they’re the kind of toy parents come to truly appreciate, once they’ve seen how often they’re used.

I’ve seen first-hand how playsilks inspire long, quiet stretches of play—not because they’re attention-grabbing, but because they’re open-ended. They invite children to lead. That kind of toy is gold dust for parents, and exactly the kind of gift I want to give to other families.

Because when you give a playsilk, you're not just giving a toy. You're giving…

• an easy kids costume: from knights and queens to butterflies, chefs, astronauts or forest fairies — playsilks are the ultimate flexible costume. With just one square of silk, children can create endless characters and scenarios. No zips, velcro or plastic accessories, just pure, imaginative, open-ended dress-up play that they won't outgrow.

• a sensory experience: soft, flowing, soothing, not transparent, but not quite opaque, perfect for small hands to explore.

• a storytelling tool: a prop for acting out a favourite book or making up new worlds.

• a space to retreat: draped into a den or tent, it becomes part of a calming, creative corner.

• a companion to movement: think dance parties, waving to music, or simply tossing and catching.

And the best part? It doesn’t break, beep, or require batteries. It just becomes whatever the child needs it to be.

At The StoryBox Co., we build each box around a brilliant children’s book and pair it with items that extend the story through play. Playsilks are a perfect fit. They bridge reading and doing. They help stories come alive and allow children to step into the narrative — not just listen, but become. These beautiful silks are sourced from Sarah's Silks. We love this company because they embody the values of quality, sustainability, and imaginative play that we cherish. Their silks are made from Habotai silk—an ancient fabric from China—dyed with non-toxic, environmentally friendly dyes, ensuring they are safe for children and gentle on the planet. This high quality silk is biodegradable, and unlike many other fabrics, its production is actually beneficial for the environment. Silk caterpillars feed on mulberry leaves, so farms must grow plenty of trees, supporting healthy ecosystems. The caterpillars are extremely sensitive, meaning pesticides and chemicals can’t be used—resulting in a 100% natural product.

That’s why, as a parent and a gift giver, I choose playsilks. They are beautiful, versatile, long-lasting, and deeply loved — in our house and in every home I’ve gifted them to.

Let’s give gifts that nurture imagination. Because that’s the kind of magic that will be remembered.