Stapelstein: Open-Ended Play for Active Learning
The majority of toys you open the box and you know exactly what it is. Open a box of Stapelstein stepping stones and eyes widen; ideas form and a world of endless possibilities unfold over and over. Each time you come to them next there’s a new thought, a new way to play.
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If you’re looking for a versatile, open-ended play resource that encourages movement, creativity, and learning, Stapelstein might just be the perfect addition to your home or educational setting. These colourful, lightweight stepping stones are more than just stackable toys; they offer endless opportunities for active play, motor skill development, and imaginative exploration.
This post will go through the key products in the Stapelstein range as well as how and why to use them. Use the section below to navigate to the sections you’d like to read.
Stapelstein Stepping Stone Post Navigation
What is Stapelstein?
Stapelstein, meaning “stacking stone” in German, is a range of multifunctional, durable play elements designed to support children’s movement and creativity.
Made from environmentally friendly EPP (expanded polypropylene), they are lightweight, yet sturdy enough to withstand up to 180kg of weight for the original stepping stone. Their simple yet clever design allows children to build, balance, stack, and step, making them an ideal addition to both indoor and outdoor play environments.
Stapelstein Stockists
Learn About Stapelstein Range
Stapelstein offers a range of products in different sizes to cater to various age groups and play preferences. Here’s a comparison of their main product sizes:
Stapelstein® Original Mini:
- Dimensions: 13.5 cm in diameter and 6 cm in height.
- Weight: Approximately 24 grams.
- Weight Capacity: Supports up to 80 kg.
- Description: The Mini is a smaller version of the Original, designed to fit comfortably in children’s hands, making it ideal for younger users. Its compact size encourages fine motor skill development and can be used for stacking, sorting, and imaginative play. The Mini is available in sets of six, featuring either classic or pastel colours.
Stapelstein® Original:
- Dimensions: 27.5 cm in diameter and 12 cm in height.
- Weight: Approximately 180 grams.
- Weight Capacity: Supports up to 180 kg.
- Description: The Original is the standard size and is versatile for various activities, including balancing, stacking, and active play. Its lightweight yet durable design makes it suitable for children of all ages and can support dynamic movement games and creative constructions. They are available in sets of classic and pastel but there are also additional colour options available for the original.
Stapelstein® Original Grow:
- Dimensions: 22.7 inches (approximately 57.7 cm) in diameter and 9.6 inches (approximately 24.4 cm) in height.
- Weight: Weighs 2.56 lbs (approximately 1.16 kg).
- Weight Capacity: Supports up to 661 lbs (approximately 300 kg).
- Description: The Grow is double the size of the Original, designed to promote group and collaborative play. It’s suitable for both adults and children, allowing grown-ups to engage in play and experience the world from a child’s perspective. The larger size offers new possibilities for movement and play, bridging generations and encouraging family interaction.
Each Stapelstein size offers unique benefits
- Mini: Perfect for developing fine motor skills and portable play.
- Original: Versatile for a wide range of activities, suitable for all ages.
- Grow: Ideal for collaborative play and adult participation, enhancing the play experience across age groups.
Choosing the right size depends on the intended use, the age of the participants, and the desired play experience.
Stapelstein® Board:
- Dimensions: 35.5 cm in diameter and 8.4 cm in height.
- Weight: Approximately 268 grams.
- Weight Capacity: Supports up to 120 kg.
- Description: The Board is designed to enhance balance and coordination through playful activities. It serves both as a balance board and a dynamic seating option. When combined with the Stapelstein® Original, it allows for adjustable seat heights and increased difficulty in stacking games. The raised edge provides additional support, making it suitable for children and individuals with physical impairments. Its lightweight and durable design make it ideal for various movement games and creative play.
Stapelstein® Inside Set:
- Contents: The set includes 2 Original elements, 2 Inside L elements, 2 Inside M elements, and 2 Inside S elements.
- Dimensions:
- Original: 27.5 cm in diameter and 12 cm in height.
- Inside L: 21.11 cm in diameter and 8.76 cm in height.
- Inside M: 15.56 cm in diameter and 6.61 cm in height.
- Inside S: 9.35 cm in diameter and 4.22 cm in height.
- Weight Capacity: Each Inside element supports up to 50 kg, while the Original supports up to 180 kg.
- Description: The Inside Set is a compact and versatile collection designed for creative stacking, nesting, and imaginative play. The interlocking elements promote fine motor skills and spatial thinking, making them ideal for pouring and stacking games. Their lightweight and waterproof nature encourages experimentation, supporting balance, body awareness, and sensory perception. The set’s design allows for easy transport, making it perfect for holidays, travel, or spontaneous adventures.
Stapelstein® Mat:
- Dimensions: 183 cm in length, 111 cm in width, and 0.75 cm in thickness.
- Weight: Approximately 4.1 kg.
- Description: The Stapelstein® Mat is a versatile and spacious mat designed to cater to the movement and relaxation needs of the entire family. Its generous dimensions provide ample space for activities ranging from play and yoga to workouts and relaxation. The mat features two distinct surfaces that offer secure grip and promote motor development, accommodating various activities and age groups. With rounded corners and available in gently shining colors like light blue, light violet, and light green, it adds an aesthetic touch to any space. Sustainably produced in Germany, the mat is environmentally friendly and durable. It’s easy to clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent, ensuring hygiene after play or exercise sessions. The Stapelstein® Mat transforms any floor into a favorite spot for dynamic play, intensive workouts, or relaxed yoga sessions, making it a valuable addition to any household.
The Versatility of Stapelstein
One of the biggest appeals of Stapelstein is its versatility. Unlike many toys that have a single function, these stepping stones can be used in countless ways, making them a long-lasting investment in your child’s play and development. From gross motor skill activities to sensory exploration, Stapelstein adapts to different needs and environments.
Indoor and Outdoor Play
Stapelstein stepping stones are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Their waterproof, moisture-resistant material makes them ideal for garden play, splash areas, and even bathtime fun.
We’ve found the mini to be our favourites to use in the bath! They’re equally great for messy play in containers such as tuff trays due to their compact size.
Since they are so lightweight, children can easily carry them around and rearrange them to suit their play needs.
They should not be used as flotation devices, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading over time.
Active and Dynamic Learning
Physical activity is a crucial part of a child’s development, and Stapelstein provides an engaging way to integrate movement into daily learning. Children can create obstacle courses, balance paths, and jumping challenges to build coordination, strength, and flexibility. These activities help develop important motor skills while keeping playtime fun and engaging.
An important opportunity for children is to have autonomy over their own play and understanding of the world around them. Being able to explore in a variety of ways with a play element that becomes so familiar is reassuring. This allows children to be more adventurous in their play as they build upon what they have learnt before.
Why Choose Stapelstein?
1. Encourages Movement
In a world where screen time is ever-increasing, Stapelstein offers a brilliant way to get children moving. They can be used to create obstacle courses, stepping paths, or balance challenges, helping to develop gross motor skills and coordination.
2. Open-Ended Play
One of the most exciting aspects of Stapelstein is its open-ended nature. Unlike traditional toys with a set function, these stackable stones encourage children to use their imagination. They can be stepping stones in a magical river, podiums for performances, or even storage solutions for smaller toys. The possibilities are endless!
3. Inclusive and Adaptive
Stapelstein is designed for children of all abilities. Their lightweight nature makes them easy for younger children and those who need additional support to handle, while their robust construction means they can support a wide range of body weights. They are particularly useful in inclusive play settings, providing sensory and movement-based activities that cater to different needs.
4. Sustainable and Safe
Sustainability is at the heart of Stapelstein. The materials used are 100% recyclable and free from harmful substances, ensuring a safe play environment for children. The rounded edges and soft, shock-absorbent texture make them safe for all ages. They’re a resources that help children to develop and understanding of risk.
A Commitment to Play and Sustainability
Stapelstein was founded on the belief that movement should be an integral part of every child’s life. By creating play elements that inspire active and imaginative play, the brand aims to foster a love of movement while supporting holistic development. Their products are not just designed for fun but also serve an important purpose in promoting inclusivity and accessibility in play environments.
Beyond their impact on children’s well-being, Stapelstein is deeply committed to environmental responsibility. By using resource-efficient production processes and ensuring their products are 100% recyclable, they minimise their ecological footprint.
This commitment to sustainability means that families can invest in high-quality play materials that are built to last while being kind to the planet.
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How to Use Stapelstein
There are countless ways to use Stapelstein in play and learning. Here are a few ideas to inspire creative and active fun:
- Balance and Coordination: Set up a simple balancing path to improve stability and core strength.
- Role-Playing: Create imaginative worlds using the different colours and stackable elements.
- Active Learning: Use them for counting, sorting, and colour recognition activities.
- Water Play: Their waterproof material makes them great for outdoor or sensory play.
- Physical Challenges: Incorporate them into movement games such as stepping-stone races, jump challenges, or even simple yoga-inspired balancing exercises.
- Storage Solutions: Their stackable nature means they can also serve as fun, colourful storage containers for small toys or craft supplies.
Stapelstein Magazine Blog
There’s a great section on the Stapelstein website that gives you lots of inspiration and ideas on ways to use Stapelstein resources. I love that these section is added to frequently so you’re always able to return to find a new way to use this open ended play resource.
Maintenance and Durability
Stapelstein stepping stones are built to last. Their water-resistant and moisture-resistant properties ensure they hold up well in different environments. They are easy to clean with a simple wipe-down, and their sturdy material allows them to withstand frequent use. While durable, it is recommended to store them away from direct sunlight when not in use to prevent fading.
Which Stapelstein Did We Buy?
We had specific reasons for looking into Stapelstein. We are often on the look out to test play related products that promote gross motor skills. However, we have specific prerequisites to be able to support medical needs that cause significant fatigue and difficulties with balance. Equally, we don’t want our living room to look like a multigym!
Key features that appealed to us about Stapelstein were the weight (incredibly light compared to their strength and appearance) and the endless play opportunities. We purchased a set of seven Stapelstein Minis in pastel which came with a confetti coloured as the seventh. Then we got a set of seven Stapelstein Originals (again the seventh was a confetti one) but this time in rainbow bright colours. We also got a confetti Balance Board; we weren’t sure about whether to have one of these but we are so glad we did. It brings a very different dynamic to the Originals.
Where to Buy Stapelstein in the UK
We are UK based but purchased a set of original and mini stacks direct from Stapelstein with free delivery but you do need to pay customs charges depending upon the total order value. Stapelstein is growing in popularity worldwide, and UK retailers are beginning to stock them. The Kid Collective is UK based and stocks Stapelstein here so you can avoid any customs charges.
Stapelstein Stockists
Final Thoughts
Stapelstein is more than just a toy. It’s a play system that nurtures movement, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Whether for home use, early years settings, or schools, these vibrant stacking stones provide children with an engaging and dynamic way to explore the world around them. Their waterproof and durable nature makes them a fantastic investment for both indoor and outdoor play.
By choosing Stapelstein, parents and educators are not only providing children with meaningful and active play opportunities but also supporting a brand that prioritises sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.