The Intersection of Play and Design
Charles Eames is often celebrated for his groundbreaking work in furniture and architecture, but what many people don’t know is that his passion extended far beyond chairs and buildings. In fact, Eames believed deeply in the power of play, creativity, and imagination, which is why he devoted a significant part of his career to the development of toys.
For Eames, toys were not just objects of entertainment; they were essential tools for unlocking creativity and fostering innovation. As someone who believed that good design could improve people’s lives, it’s no surprise that he saw toys as a natural extension of his work.
Why Eames Developed Toys
Eames' interest in toys stemmed from his broader philosophy on design. He believed that play was central to human development, stating that "toys are not really as innocent as they look. Toys and games are the preludes to serious ideas." His intention was not only to create fun objects but also to design tools that could inspire creativity in both children and adults.
By designing toys, Eames sought to merge his ideas about functionality, form, and interaction in a way that made them accessible to everyone, regardless of age. He was fascinated by the way that play allows us to explore new ideas without the pressure of "getting it right." It was a process of discovery—something Eames cherished in his own creative process.
Toys offered Eames the opportunity to apply his design principles—balance, color, form, and function—in playful yet meaningful ways. They were an extension of his belief that good design should engage the mind, hands, and heart.
Examples of Eames Toys
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The Toy (1951)
Designed for children and adults alike, The Toy was a kit of brightly colored rods and panels that could be assembled into large, playful structures. True to Eames’ belief that play fuels creativity, this toy encouraged imagination and hands-on exploration. Whether building a fort or a sculpture, The Toy allowed users to create their own environments, offering limitless possibilities.
View Eames' The Toy -
The Eames Elephant (1945)
Originally designed as a molded plywood sculpture, the Eames Elephant was intended for Charles’ own children but was never mass-produced during his lifetime. With its curved lines and functional shape, the elephant is a stunning example of how Eames brought his furniture design sensibilities into the world of toys. Today, the elephant is available in both plywood and plastic versions, serving as both a toy and a decorative object.
View the Eames Elephant -
The Eames Plywood Animals (1940s)
Charles and Ray Eames experimented extensively with molded plywood, which eventually led to their famous LCW chairs. But before that, they played with the idea of creating whimsical animal shapes out of plywood. These plywood animals, although not mass-produced like their other designs, show Eames’ desire to push the boundaries of materials and form, while also engaging the imagination.
See examples of Eames Plywood Animals -
Toys for Playful Building (1950s)
Eames designed several toys intended for building and construction, like the Giant House of Cards, which scaled up the original version for even more ambitious projects. These toys encouraged not only imaginative play but also problem-solving and engineering skills, demonstrating that learning and fun could easily go hand-in-hand.
Explore the Giant House of Cards
The Legacy of Eames' Toy Designs
The toys Charles Eames created weren’t just objects of amusement; they were embodiments of his entire design philosophy. He once said, "The details are not the details. They make the design." This principle applied to his toys as much as his furniture. Each toy was thoughtfully designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional, offering the user opportunities to explore, create, and learn.
Eames toys also embodied the importance of hands-on learning and problem-solving—skills that are vital in design, engineering, and innovation. By developing toys, Eames encouraged both children and adults to engage in play as a way to think outside the box and explore new possibilities.
While not as well-known as his furniture, Charles Eames’ toys continue to inspire designers and families alike. They have certainly inspired me in my journey of product design and provide a beautiful framework for me, as a mom, to think about design and play.
Eames' Toys and the Journey of Parenting for First-Time Moms
For first-time pregnant moms, the anticipation of welcoming a child brings both excitement and the desire to provide the best experiences for their little one. Charles Eames’ philosophy on play resonates deeply - for me - with this stage of life, where nurturing creativity, curiosity, and exploration becomes a priority. Eames didn’t see toys as mere distractions; he saw them as powerful tools for growth and development—offering a thoughtful approach to early childhood that first-time parents can appreciate.
As you prepare for the arrival of your baby, choosing toys can be a reflection of your personal aesthetic and philosophy about play. I personally tried to select toys that encouraged my babies to engage with the world around them in a hands-on way, stimulating both imagination and problem-solving. It's worth reading about Eames’ timeless toys as a springboard for you to think about your parenting philosophy as it pertains to toys, aesthetic and play.
It's also worth trying on for size, as a first-time mom, that play allows us to explore new ideas without the pressure of "getting it right." Approaching parenting from a playful, experimentative framework has, for me, helped take the pressure off the societal expectations placed on me as a mother. As you prepare for this exciting new chapter in your life, hopefully this is helpful for you too.
