In the ever-expanding search for ways to keep kids entertained while stuck at home, Chloe Varelidi, an architect turned toy designer, has created a kit that allows kids to build their own playgrounds. The kit, called Follies, consists of 45 flat plastic shapes in bright colors that slide together to create all different kinds of architectural combinations to keep kids entertained with novel playground designs day after day.
The versatile nature of the kits offers many benefits. They fold into small spaces for families with limited space, but expand out into a full structure to satisfy children who don’t have access to playgrounds. A single kit can take different shapes over and over again when constructed, offering the entertainment value of multiple games using the same single materials.
The kits are focused on encouraging imaginative play by allowing children to create their own world to explore. Varelidi first got the idea for the kits when she visited refugee camps in Greece and noticed the children had nowhere to engage in cognitive development games. The adaptable nature of the building pieces challenges children to design their own play space and encourages mentally-stimulating creative play.
Follies just launched on Kickstarter at an early bird price of $99, but the kits will eventually retail for $129. Unfortunately, the kits themselves will not be available until January. Additionally, some of the proceeds from her Kickstarter campaign will go to donating kits to the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project in Washington, D.C.
