‘Loose parts’ are items and materials that children and young people can move, adapt, control, change and manipulate within their play. They provide a high level of creativity and choice, as there are endless possibilities for how they can be played with. When a child is playing with sand, it can become anything they want it to be, whereas many toys lack such flexibility. Studies show that children and young people prefer to play with loose parts such as water, sticks, sand, ropes and boxes than traditional toys and play equipment, because they can use their imagination, and have greater control in their play. The saying “Children prefer to play with the box than the present inside” has truth in its origins—the box is an example of a loose part, and loose parts have a very high play value for children.