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Imagination develops in early childhood, just like language and motor skills, and manifests in countless everyday situations. When a child makes their figurines or stuffed animals talk, invents choreographies or little performances for their family, or finds an original solution to a problem, they are actively engaging their creativity.As a parent, you can nurture this imagination by giving your child the freedom to play without constant intervention and by emphasizing the joy of the process rather than the final result.Creating play spaces that encourage self-expression is an excellent way to foster creativity. These spaces provide the secure environment children need to explore freely. While freedom and structure may seem like opposites, their balance is essential in encouraging creative expression, just like a welcoming atmosphere and the absence of judgment.Play Ideas to Stimulate Creativity by AgeFrom Age 2 – Pretend Play Around 30 months, children begin imitating observed actions, entering the phase of symbolic or pretend play. A small play kitchen placed near the family’s countertop, with child-sized accessories, allows them to explore make-believe while staying close to you. Adding natural elements like pinecones or small stones as pretend food further enriches this space and sparks even more creativity. In addition to fueling the imagination, these activities help develop social skills and self-confidence.Ages 3 to 8 – Crafts and Building Activities During this period, children develop an interest in realism within their play while still maintaining great creative freedom. Building toys are particularly well-suited, as they allow kids to design their own models or take inspiration from existing ones. Hands-on activities such as modeling clay, drawing, cutting, or even cooking are also excellent ways to let their creativity flourish.At Any Age – Storytelling and Reading Reading a story with your child is a special moment that can also become a powerful tool for creativity. While reading, ask questions: What do they think will happen next? Can they imagine an alternative ending? How would they react in the main character’s place? These discussions enrich their imagination and encourage deeper thinking.The Valuable Role of BoredomFinally, it’s important to remember that boredom is a powerful trigger for imagination. Providing unstructured time allows children to invent, create, and turn moments of emptiness into opportunities for discovery.With the right tools and an environment that supports exploration, every child has the potential to develop limitless creativity.

Who better to talk about board games than our sales team? We asked them to share their absolute favorites, the ones they love and recommend without hesitation. Strategy, speed, great ambiance—everyone has their own style, and there’s something for every type of player! Sonia – A Cooperative, Quebec-Made Adventure  Her pick: Mimose & Sam et le Voleur de Fruits (Locomuse) Sonia fell in love with this 100% Quebec-made game, where kids and adults team up to catch the fruit thief before they escape! What she loves most? The cooperative aspect, which keeps both children and parents engaged. And the ultimate test? The enthusiastic reactions from players at the Montreal Board Game Fair last November! Stéphane – Strategic Card Collection with Stunning Artwork  His pick: Arctic (Ludonaute) As a fan of hand management and strategy games, Stéphane appreciates Arctic for its inventive mechanics and unique card collection system. He particularly enjoys the high replayability, thanks to the different animal abilities, and finds that the game’s beautiful design makes it as enjoyable to look at as it is to play. Martin – Simple, Fun, and Perfect for Families  His pick: Stick & Stack (Origames) Martin loves accessible and engaging games, and Stick & Stack delivers on all fronts! Easy to learn, great for families, and offering multiple ways to play, it’s a game that tests dexterity and gravity while keeping things fun. Another bonus? Quick rounds, making it perfect for short and lively game sessions. Chantal – A Clever Game with Immersive Visuals  Her pick: Balconia (Origames) Chantal is drawn to Balconia for its interactive and playful nature. She especially loves the colorful and humorous artwork, which blends seamlessly with the gameplay. But what really stands out for her? The 3D apartment building that brings the construction element to life, and the clever “I split, you pick” mechanic, which forces players to adapt to their opponent’s choices—sometimes for the better, sometimes not! Debbie – A Timeless Classic  Her pick: Classic Line My Rummy (Schmidt) Debbie has a soft spot for strategy games with unexpected twists, and Classic Line My Rummy is a prime example. The challenge of finding smart ways to lay down tiles keeps every game exciting. It’s also a family favorite, so much so that they bring the travel-sized version on vacations for some relaxing fun after a long day. Each member of our team has their personal favorite, but one thing is clear: there’s something for everyone! Whether you love strategy, interaction, or fast-paced family games, these recommendations are sure to be a hit. What’s your favorite board game?

The board gaming world is buzzing about Mimose & Sam et le Voleur de Fruits, a captivating game that has won over both children and expert juries alike. Competing for the As d’Or – Children’s Game award in Cannes, with the ceremony set for the end of February, it is also making waves in Quebec, earning a nomination for the LYS awards in Montreal, scheduled for June. With its colorful world, cooperative gameplay, and accessible mechanics, Mimose & Sam et le Voleur de Fruits embodies everything we love about a great children's game—fun, strategy, and a sense of adventure. These nominations solidify its status as a favorite among families and gaming enthusiasts alike. The suspense is building! Will Mimose & Sam et le Voleur de Fruits take home the gold? Stay tuned to find out!

Finding the next big hit for kids and parents alike is all in a day’s work for Guillaume, the purchasing director at Pierre Belvédère. His secret? A sharp instinct, careful analysis, and hands-on testing. Hunting for Hidden Gems Guillaume starts by keeping a close eye on emerging toy trends—eco-friendly designs, new technology, popular themes… But for him, a great toy goes beyond the latest craze. He’s looking for the WOW factor, that instant spark that grabs attention and makes kids’ eyes light up. “A toy should make you want to play the second you see it,” he explains. Hands-On Testing: Play, Observe, Analyze No toy makes the cut without a hands-on test. Guillaume gets to work, asking himself three key questions: Is it intuitive? Sturdy? Fun over time? “If a toy loses its appeal after an hour, it won’t make it into our selection,” he says. Safety First, Then the Final Pick Every product must meet strict standards: no small, hazardous parts, compliance with Canadian and European regulations, and durable materials. But beyond the tests, a toy must create an instant connection. “If I hesitate, I move on,” Guillaume admits. That’s how he handpicks the best toys—by combining instinct, expertise, and high standards. Because a great toy isn’t just something kids play with… it’s the one they keep coming back to, again and again.