K-deetje: open-ended toys and workshops in Oostkamp

Behind the shop are Debbie and Koen, parents of three. Debbie runs the shop and organises the workshops, while Koen is a school support worker and child coach, with his practice Inborst in the same building.

K‑deetje grew into a shop where parents find more than products. Debbie and Koen talk about a ‘K‑deetje village’, after the saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. Their starting point is the free play of young children. They distinguish between ‘materials’ and ‘toys’: open-ended materials have no fixed purpose, so a child takes the lead and imagination and identity can grow. Alongside these, they also deliberately choose items with a clear goal, such as puzzles, because that balance between free play and ‘work’ helps children discover what they enjoy. K‑deetje is a children’s shop in Oostkamp near Bruges where children lead their own play, and parents find time to play together.

The range is aimed at babies up to six or seven years old, with creative kits and games up to age ten. You will find wooden open-ended toys, sensory play materials, role play, puzzles, board games, books and creative and science craft kits. For the youngest there are teethers, rattles, sensory books, hats and booties. There is also children’s clothing, mainly for outdoors: rainwear, winter coats, boots, hats, scarves and mittens. School bags, lunch boxes, greeting cards and gift vouchers are on offer too. In the shop’s own studio, Het Nest, Debbie runs workshops where parent and child work together, such as crafting with wool and felt, lino printing or wet-on-wet painting, as well as information evenings for parents. There are also activity days, treasure hunts and babywearing walks that bring families together, and an online version of Het Nest.

Looking for a toy shop near Bruges with a wide choice of open-ended toys? Or for a creative workshop for you and your child? Then K‑deetje on the Kortrijksestraat in Oostkamp is an address to remember. If you prefer to shop online, much of the range is in the webshop. In the shop, Debbie is happy to give tips on which materials suit your child’s age and interests.