The Product That Transformed My House Into A Playground Of Joy, Just In Time For The Holidays

Fall and winter can be a challenging time for parents trying to keep our kids active and entertained. The crispness in the air is refreshing, but when the skies are gray and the sun sets early, we need to find ways to stay inside without squelching the magic and wonder of these precious childhood days.

It was barely the crack of dawn when my children’s giggles and squeals filled my home with palpable excitement. I tried to be cranky about the early awakening, but I was unsuccessful. There is nothing like the wild abandon of unbridled childhood laughter — especially when the joy is radiating from your own children.

I was pretty sure I knew what had delighted my children into waking before the sun. I descended the stairs to the family room to find my children playing with the Stapelstein stacking stones I’d left out for them as a surprise the night before.

As I entered the room, my seven-year-old was busy hopping from one “stone” to another. My oldest was trying his luck balancing on the Board. The youngest had laid her head on a red element as if it were a pillow and was pretending to sleep.

Stapelstein translates from German to English literally as “stacking stones.” The company was founded by designer Stephan Schenk and his partner Hannah König in an effort to help kids embrace open-ended, active play and to bring families together in a new way. The Rainbow Classic Set I’d put out for my kids includes six brightly colored Original stones (round, bowl-shaped stacking elements) and one confetti Board (a round balance board that can be used on its own or to stack other pieces).

You may find copycats online, but trust that these simply do not compare. Original Stapelstein pieces are made of eco-friendly EPP (expanded polypropylene) and produced in Germany in a climate-neutralized process. They’re also non-toxic, eco-friendly, recyclable, and water, bite, and saliva-resistant (IYKYK), with each piece having undergone a patented laser surfacing process that enhances durability and smooths the surface so it’s easy to wipe clean.

While the design is minimalist and attractive enough to feel like decor in your family room, it’s also incredibly durable, with each original stacking stone weighing only 0.4 lbs but capable of holding up to 395 lbs. Original Stapelstein elements are truly designed to endure for generations of play.

The company itself is unique too. Structured as a steward-owned company (resembling a non-profit), Stapelstein is free to commit to its mission without investor interference. When you purchase Stapelstein, you support a purpose-driven company that prioritizes sustainable growth, aligns profits with purpose, re-invests in R&D, and gives back to communities in need, all while respecting children’s privacy rights in their communication (notice Stapelstein promotional materials never include a child’s full face).

As my kids played, the floor turned into lava. Then it was the ocean. Elements were stacked two high, then three. Rainbow order. Reverse rainbow order. Flipped over to make a bed for a tiny plush elephant. Filled with invisible pirate treasure. Served up as bowls of soup. Worn like funny hats.

My husband even joined the play, declaring the “river rocks” were slippery with algae and pretending to slip on the green stone and fall into the “creek” in an extremely exaggerated fashion. The kids roared with laughter as he pretended to splash and swim on the family room floor.

As the morning wore on, the Stapelstein elements made their way into every game my kids decided to play. My husband and I retreated to the kitchen to make pancakes, and the sounds of the kids’ imaginations continued to fill the house with joy.

I fell in love with Stapelstein that day. One simple, colorful stacking stone set provided an avenue for discovery, cooperation, and joy for an entire glorious morning for all three of my kids — with no screens or tech in sight. I also love that I don’t have to worry about where to store them. They’re gorgeous, they stack beautifully, and the stacks can even be used as dynamic stools to sit at the table and eat or color.

We can’t wait to expand our collection. With three weeks off of school during the months of November and December, my family will have every opportunity to discover all the things that Stapelstein can become, turning weeks that might have felt like being “cooped up” into cozy cherished memories.

In this modern world where kids are inundated with noisy, complicated toys, games, and experiences that give them a pre-determined script and set of rules, Stapelstein provides kids with a chance to just play. The simple design, unmatched durability, sustainable materials, and company core values make Stapelstein a playroom and holiday gift list must-have. They’re the perfect addition to your child’s world of imagination and creativity.