Medieval Parent Magazine – Toys

 

 

Article – The BEST Toys of 1347: Poppets, Gourds, Twigs & More

 

What did peasant kids play with?

 

Poppets - Basically a doll. The term ‘doll’ was not in use in medieval times. It usually was a figure similar to a human form. Peasants usually didn’t have the money to buy or the time to make their children’s toys. A poppet could be a simple piece of wood somewhat carved to look like it had a head, but not necessarily arms or legs. It could then be dressed in pieces of rags. If there was enough to work with, a poppet could be made from rags or string. They could also be made from twigs or grass twisted together.

 

Carved wood was also used to make simple figures like horses or other animals. Maybe a little cart. These could also be made with twigs.

 

Balls could be small pouches made from scrap material and filled with dirt or sand.

A stick could be a pretend sword.

 

Childhood didn’t last long. A boy child that made it past toddlerhood was usually put to work. A girl child was trained to be a wife and mother.