Watching My Kid Play With The Modern Version Of The Same Toys I Loved As A Kid Gives Me All The Feels

The other day, sitting on the floor playing with my daughter and her Little People® figures, I had a flashback to being not much older than her, sitting on the floor with my grandmother playing with my own Little People figures. It was like one of those semi-transparent overlays, with the same type of toys, the same joy, and the same “directing” coming from my kid in her squeaky toddler voice — “No! I’m the teacher and you’re the kids!” I was similarly self-possessed, and my grandmother was as supportive of my assertive energy as I am of my daughter’s.

One of the things no one tells you about becoming a parent is how much heart-squeezing nostalgia is involved in reliving the good moments from your own childhood — especially when your kids play with the leveled-up, modern-day version of the same toys you once did. And let’s be honest, we ALL loved Fisher-Price® Little People toys when we were kids. As adults, we know the science-y reasons why this kind of imaginative play is great for helping kids practice the social and emotional skills they’ll need as grownups. But back then, just like kids today, all we knew was, it was fun.

It’s interesting to compare the similarities and differences between how kids play today and how we played when we were kids. Our little ones still grip their Little People figures in their chubby toddler hands and create the everyday scenarios they imagine take place in The Adult World — like, you know, casually becoming an airplane pilot on a Monday afternoon, or having one fo the Super Friends™ turn up to drive the school bus to the farm, where they will ride pigs and horses … that fly.

But there are some notable differences, too. As kids, many of us modeled very traditional family structures. The mommy stayed home and the daddy went to work. Today’s kids have a much richer world to reflect through their play. Sometimes the dad stays home and the mom goes to the hospital to be a doctor. Or there are two moms. Or there’s one dad and he takes care of the baby while he works from home. Kids have always reflected back the world they see through their play, and the world of Fisher-Price Little People products offers an incredible breadth of diverse toys and figures to allow them to do just that. From their Caring for Animals Farm™ to their Load Up ‘n Learn Construction Site™ to their new ambulance that comes with a paramedic, your little one’s imagination is their only limit.

And the best part is, we get to watch this happen. As our children create their own imaginary worlds, we get to witness their personalities emerge and shine. Their pretend play is a peek into who they may grow up to be — fashion choices and facial hair aside.

One of the major differences in being a kid back then and today is that every day there’s a new, technologically sophisticated toy to figure out. I’m not anti-screens by any means, but seeing my kid play with the refreshed, modern version of the same beloved Little People toys I grew up with is such a powerful reminder that when it comes to discovering the world around them, nothing beats the simplicity of playtime. Playing house, taking care of animals, even taking a ride on a bus — all are everyday aspects of belonging to and participating in a loving and kind community.

Plopping on the floor and allowing your child to make the rules, as they assign you to “be” the doctor, the teacher, the baby, the construction worker, the bus driver, the airplane pilot — ten out of ten, highly recommend. You’ll remember your own little self while you create awesome new Little People figures memories with your kiddo.

Indulge your early-onset nostalgia as you watch your child’s imagination soar. Shop the figures, vehicles, and playsets.