The figures and pieces of a Nativity set can make information about the people and events of the Nativity concretely understandable for children. Instead of having the parts of delicate family heirloom Nativity sets broken through careless handling by children using them to act out Nativity stories, thoughtful parents can provide children with their own safe, attractive, and kid-friendly Nativity sets.
Choosing a Plastic Nativity Set
A plastic nativity set may be the best option for families with very young children. Sets such as the Veggie Tales Nativity Set may include popular brand-name characters that children know and love playing the Nativity figures. Careful parents should not assume that all plastic sets are appropriate for all age groups, however. While a Nativity set by Fisher Price will most likely be safe from birth up, a Playmobil Nativity Set full of high-quality detailed plastic poseable figures will include many small pieces that, while conducive to good imaginative play, present a choking hazard to small children and will be difficult for younger kids to keep track of.
Pros include:
- Plastic and rubber are durable materials.
- The figures from many plastic nativity sets are made with smooth, rounded corners and painted with bright, attractive colors for safe and engaging play.
- Plastic sets are often very reasonably priced.
Cons include:
- Plastic sets are made using petroleum resources, will not be easy to recycle down the line, and might potentially contain harmful chemicals or artificial substances.
- Plastic is not a material that appeals to all tastes.
Choosing a Cloth or Fabric Nativity Set
A cloth or fabric Nativity set by a brand such as Aurora Baby or Pockets of Learning is another fine choice for families with very small children. Soft sculpture nativity sets and felt board nativity sets are both generally safe and can inspire many hours of fun play.
Pros include:
- Figures made of soft plush and velour fabrics can be appealing and safe even for babies.
- Felt board figures, especially ones handmade by a family, can be an inexpensive alternative to more costly Nativity set materials, as well as providing great tools for acting out various Biblical scenarios.
Cons include:
- Fancier fabric figures must be checked carefully to be sure that any decorative details such as yarn hair, tiny buttons or beads, or small felt balls will not pull loose and pose a choking hazard to small children.
- Fabric may wear badly, get dirty, or tear with hard play over time.
Choosing a Wood Nativity Set
Wood nativity sets have the advantage of being durable, beautiful, and generally ecologically friendly. The best sets are made with all-natural materials, non-toxic finishes, and lead-free paints and can be used for generations as an heirloom Nativity set.
Cheaper wooden Nativity sets by brands such as Learning Journey, Maxim, Kurt Adler, North Star Toys, and Haba are often offered as a package, with stable and figures bundled together. These sets are often specifically designed for children and include appealing figures whose designs are heavily influenced by folk art.
More expensive Nativity sets can be assembled by investing in stables and figures from imported German brands such as Kinderkram, Ostheimer, Holtziger, and Kathe Kruse. The wooden creche scenes built from pieces from these lines will stand up under hard play for years to come, as well as look stylish as part of the family Christmas decorations. So long as consumers keep in mind the scale of figures and stables, pieces from different brands can be mixed and matched for an eclectic, personalized effect.
Other Unique Nativity Sets that Offer Safe, Appealing Play Experiences
- Magnetic Nativity play sets
- A Nativity bake set made up of cookie cutters for the stable and various figures
- The Haba TC Timber Nativity Set where children build the stable from natural wood blocks and then play with figures that are flat wooden silhouettes
As children grow older, they will find less fun in acting out scenes with their Nativity sets and more enjoyment in setting their creche scenes up and decorating them with creative extra elements such as holly, pine needles, or strands of hay. At this stage, children may be trusted with sets made of molded claydough or even porcelain.
Regardless of whatever Nativity set a family purchases or makes, involved parents must never forget the ultimate purpose of the Nativity set. As enjoyable as it can be to collect and play with the parts of a creche scene, both parents and children should remember the meaning behind each piece and be sure to take time out each holiday season to reread and discuss the stories of the Nativity, using the Nativity set as a focus for this important family activity.
Next, consider how to pick an Advent calendar for children.
Renee Carver - Renée Carver has an Elementary Education degree and over ten years of experience writing and editing children's educational products.
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