Boys like play castles too, ya know.

Boys like play castles too, ya know.
In a house full of girls, my son is used to playing with pink ponies and pretty castles. Really, I'm all for it. But it is nice to find pretend play toys that are a little more gender neutral too. The eco-friendly castle tower from Imagination Box Co is a little different than your regular old princess palace in that it's basically a turret with two stories. There's a drawbridge and windows, and best of all, plenty of space for your kids to color or paint - which are actually included with the castle itself. Construction is remarkably easy and due to its size, my three kids don't have to fight for play space; always a perk when you find yourself acting as sibling referee more often than you'd like.

Speaking of which, this cardboard castle turret makes a great gift for families with couple or more kids, or even a fantastic party activity. And best of all, it's completely recyclable when your kids are done. Which around here, will not be any time soon. -Kristen

Find a range of great cardboard toys at Imagination Box Co.

Share this story

Pin

More in KidsView all picks →

Illustration of three smartphones and a kids' smartwatch with location, signal and Wi-Fi icons
Sponsored

Phone plans for kids, compared: what a first phone line really costs in 2026

From free lines to $65 a month: what a kid's phone plan costs at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and the cheaper carriers, plus kid-safe phones and watches.

Bijou Build adaptable and portable playgrounds

Bijou Build: a modular outdoor playset that grows with your family

Start with the Mainstay and add accessories over time • Panels are woven from recycled water bottles and resist moisture and UV

Collage of holiday gifts for kids, including a Ms. Rachel Toniebox, a LEGO Wallace & Gromit set, a gingerbread house inflatable bed, a drawing robot, a scooter and a red wagon

The Cool Mom Picks 2026 Holiday Gift Guide for Kids

Our annual holiday gift guide for kids: screen-free favorites, LEGO, bikes, books, cozy PJs and the hot toys kids are asking for this year.