An epic list of the best toys for preschoolers. These are open-ended toys for children to grow with, and toys that will inspire a childhood full of play. Expand your child’s independent play skills with this curated gift guide of wonderful toys.
What are the best toys for preschoolers?
The toys that inspire play. Those are the best toys for preschoolers.
Play is the work of childhood – so said psychologist Jean Piaget. Then let’s be clear: if play is the work of childhood, then toys are the tools for that play.
With that in mind, we must be critical and specific with toy purchase. We must be mindful of what children need and find them the best tools for their hard work.
While I’m never one to put pressure on parents, owning the “right” toys (aka tools) can make or break independent play. Toys are what makes play come to life.
Note: It’s important to understand that the price of a toy does not dictate it’s value. The best toy for your child is not necessarily or always the most expensive.
RELATED: Need more toy ideas? Check out my full “Best Toys for Kids” list.
Two types of toys for preschoolers
Very generally speaking, there are two kinds of toys on the market: “one and done toys” and “open-ended toys.”
You know “one and done toys.” They’re often large and flashy. They’re typically not going to work with mixed ages of children (they work with one age group only) and are often a fad or trendy toy.
These toys often have batteries, are meant to entertain a child, and usually have just one purpose (meaning you can’t use the toy in any way other than how it was intended).
One mark of this kind of toy is the lifespan: the child’s engagement and interest in this toy fades quickly. A “one and done toy” is not likely to hold your child’s attention year after year after year, like an open-ended toy is.
Please note my language: Often, likely, typically. Some seemingly “one and done” toys will hold your child’s attention for years or are very necessary for their personal development.
Toys are tools – that’s the message to leave here with. If a toy is a tool for your child and their play, that toy has value.
Learning to buy open-ended toys
As you welcome toys into your home, aim for open-ended toys.
These are the antithesis of “one and done toys.” Open ended toys spark play. They hold little attention spans and they allow for creative usage. Open-ended toys grow with children and though they fall in love with them as youngsters, they continue to play with them (evolving that play) as they grow older.
Open-ended toys are often the classics. They’re simpler toys. Toys that allow children to be in the driver’s seat of play. These are the toys that most often support independent play in early childhood.
Open-ended toys will help a preschooler learn to imagine, create, and think. These toys help them learn to navigate the world, to act out social situations, problem solve, explore, learn, and develop.
Open-ended toys are powerful.
How to find the best toys for preschoolers
In my previous two gift guides (best toys for toddlers and best toys for one year olds), I shared a host of quality open-ended toys that have been loved by my family for nearly a decade.
While these lists say “toddler” or “one year olds” – that’s really a fallacy. These are toys for all ages of children. I make my lists based on when a child may first be interested in the toy.
My toy lists are like board game boxes. A box of Monopoly says “for ages 8+.” This doesn’t mean only eight-year-olds like Monopoly.
Toy lists are the same.
Toys have a broad age range. For example: Toddlers are the first age group to enjoy wooden blocks. Nine year olds still play with them. We can’t limit wooden blocks only to toddlers – that’s simply the first age a child might start to enjoy them.
Please go back and review previous lists before settling on this one.
Toys don’t have a gender
This list of toys for preschoolers is gender neutral (as all toys are). Everything on this list is fantastic for both boys and girls, and equally loved and used by all.
Please don’t skip past a toy because of your preconceived notions – our kids deserve every chance to play and practice various skills.
Revealed: The best toys for preschoolers
Busy Toddler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Many of the following links are to products on Amazon. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.
Horse Stable
Such a great little toy – we’ve had this for years. Eight little horses in a stable and it is just simple fun. These horses are used all over my house and in all sorts of play, then put away easily in their stable holder.
Gifts to pair with the horse stable:
Wooden Crane
We got this crane Christmas 2015. It is still a day-to-day toy in our home. Kids gravitate to this toy and it’s a joy. I see animals, firetrucks, dolls, and blocks all being lifted and moved by this treasured crane.
Gifts to pair with the wooden crane:
Colorful Dominoes
This set is AWESOME!!! A chance for kids to build domino course – so much cause and effect, so much spatial awareness. The plain-colored blocks also double as a great “loose parts” toy.
Ribbon Streamer
Anyone else love watching rhythmic gymnastics? I think that’s probably the reason I bought this for my kids, but nonetheless, it’s been a delight to add to their imaginary play bin.
Gifts that pair well with the wand:
- Silk dress-up wings
- Silk crown (reversible, lots of colors available on the Sarah’s Silks website)
Puppet Theater
Do you have a child who loves to put on shows? This theater is perfect! It’s a tension rod design so it stores compact and sets up easily (adults do this part) in a door frame. We have loved owning this.
Gifts to pair with the puppet theater:
Air Fort
This is a giant tent that inflates with a box fan. It is a super hero on rainy days and just so cozy. My kids LOVE setting this up – fits adults too. It’s a great size.
Tub of Animals
We are big fans of small animal toys, and my daughter (the expert) says this is the best brand of them. She’d know: she’s the one who is 7 years old and playing with them daily.
Stacking Stones
These small, rock/gem like wooden stones are a pretend play dream. They can be food. They can be currency. They can be hidden treasure. They have endless possibilities and have been a joy to own. 10/10.
Parking Garage
Unlike other garages, this one also hooks in with wooden train tracks…but unlike most other train accessories, this one is fully compatible with wheeled vehicles.
Best of all worlds here makes this like two toys for the price of one. It’s such a great product – we are so happy with it.
Alphabet Toys
You don’t need to flashcard to teach them the alphabet – kids can learn letters through play. Having a few toys they can play with is a great way to get them familiar in a play-based, hands-on, organic way and this puzzle is tops (we got this in late 2016, still love it).
- Foam bath letters
- ABC Magnets (if safe for your child)
- The classic ABC blocks
Magnetic Maze
This magnetic maze is a favorite of my preschoolers – he can sit with this for longer than I could ever have imagined, quietly working on using the magnetic bird to move the balls through the maze. It’s a simple toy – but effective a promoting concentration and motor skills.
Sword and Shield
This has been our go-to gift for 4 and 5 year olds for a long time now. We love this set (it’s a hard foam but lighter than plastic). The sword and shield have been imaginary play heroes.
Looking for a softer sword? This is a soft foam sword covered in silk. That one is also a huge hit here.
People/Family Toy
This is an award-winning toy and for good reason: it is an open-ended dream. There are limitless possibilities for families to be created and social situations to play out. This toy is special (it’s also filled with math learning, too) and perfect if your child needs generic play people for their games.
Race Track
Just go with me on this, the picture isn’t great. This is a 15-foot long rubber track that can be taken with anywhere – and takes up very little room (compared to other products for little race cars).
We love this so much that we have one dedicated for inside play and one in the backyard for outdoor races.
Play Silks
This is a set of 3 play silks and they are lovely. There are many colors and prints available – and they can be bought as singles or in multi-packs. Silks are an incredible toy. They can be a cape, a table cloth, a doll blanket… the possibilities are endless. This is a lovely small business. Check out their website for more styles.
Calico Critters
Looking for a fun collection to start growing together? The Calico Critters are a great one. There’s so many animals, families, scenes, and accessories: this is a fun one to grow over time/holidays/birthdays.
**This summer, my kids (ages 8, 6, 5) got really into Calico Critters and it was a joy to listen to them play.
Vet Kit
Dramatic play is one of the treasures of childhood, and it takes on a vibrant life in the preschool years. This vet kit is the full meal deal – and provides hours/days/weeks/years of play. My family is going on 4 years with this kit. Still love it.
Gifts that pair well with a vet kit:
- Doctor dress-up costume
- My First Big Book of Animals (a favorite at our house!)
Jigsaw Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles (in a frame, like this one) are the next step in puzzle building after knob puzzles and chunky puzzles. This is the puzzle step that comes before floor puzzles or free form puzzles.
Floor Puzzles
Some preschoolers may be ready for “free form” puzzles. Large floor puzzles are the next “progression” in the puzzle development. Look for puzzles around 48-60 pieces for this age group.
RELATED: I have a great toy list dedicated to puzzles. If puzzles are on your list, hop over to my best puzzles for kids gift guide.
Castle Play Set
Do you have a little one who loves fantasy? Dragons, castles, kings, queens, and knights? I do. And this is a slam dunk with all 3 of them.
Magnetic Book
This is such a great toy – and a great travel toy. It look like a book but it’s a tin that holds magnetic animal body parts. Create the “real” animal or one from your imagination.
Superhero Capes
Dress up is so much fun for this age and these superhero capes are the best. We have two sets, we love them that much. Here is another style of the superhero set (we have both).
Magnetic Tiles
What a fun and intricate way to build! Magnetic tiles are the “next step” after wooden blocks (although don’t discount wooden blocks from the preschool game – they are still very much loved and needed). This set is compatible with other brands.
LEGO Bricks
When you first start out buying LEGO bricks, start with a box like this one with a little bit of everything. Get your kids going on free building before introducing kits and directions. LEGO bricks are essentially the OG of STEM toys – don’t overlook them!
Animal Parade Puzzle
There’s two reasons why this puzzle is a cool gift. First, it’s not easy. The pieces are double sided but have to fit in just right. Second, the animal pieces are fun to play with away from the puzzle. That’s a double win for me.
Carry Around Animal Town
This may be one of the most perfect toys ever invented (and yes, it’s a giant version of a 90s toy many of us loved.
UPDATE: There is a robot version of this toy now, too!!!
Large Trucks
This fire truck is special: it actually shoots water. My kids have been going nuts for it for years. It’s big – so note the measurements before you commit (wink), but it really is a unique take on the traditional rescue toy.
Fort Builder Kit
Quick story: there are knock off brands out there, but this is the best one. My parents had one of the off brand sets and threw it away after playing with this fort builder kit. It’s just so easy to use!
Magna Doodle
Remember these? They’re still amazing and just as addicting as they were when we were kids. Love this “retro” version that looks like mine from the 1980s.
Brain Game / Logic Puzzles
This game (and the two listed below) have been fantastic “alone” games for my kids, especially at quiet time. Kids can work through the brain games / logic puzzles without adult help.
Play Track
Think of this set as a middle toy between simple ramps and complex marble runs… but with plenty of legs to stand on its own. The truck drives up the ramp from it’s built up energy – it’s super cool.
This is part of a larger series from Haba (called Kullerbu) so it can grow and build with your child.
Tea Set
This tea set is perfection. Use it in the bathtub, at a snack table, on a picnic blanket, or outside. The sky is the limit. It cleans great in the dishwashers – total 10/10 toy.
Take Apart Vehicles
I’m such a HUGE fan of this collection of toys – it’s almost in the same category as a puzzle. It takes a lot of problem solving for kids to put this toy together, take it apart, and build it again.
First Board Games
Preschool-age is when board games and card games become doable with little kids. Check out these fun games for ages 3-5 years old.
RELATED: Need some more board game suggestions? Check out my board game gift guide.
Magnetic Board
This double sided board is really fun. Use a magnetic wand to lift the enclosed beads up (and easily back down). It’s mesmerizing. On one side, it’s a free work space. On the other side, a fun way to trace letters (even fun for almost 40 year olds…).
Walkie Talkies
A toy with a battery! I KNOW! But Walkie Talkies get a special exemptions for how awesome they are. We’ve had this set for years and the range is incredible – almost a mile!
Kinetic Sand
Kinetic sand is absolutely the best and a perfect indoor, open-ended sensory activity for all ages. I recommend having one bag per child playing.
City Building Blocks
This set could be: an additional set for an expert block builder OR a stand alone set for a block-building novice. It’s a great size, stores in a canvas bag that comes with it, and has loads of play options. It also comes with some building ideas and instructions for those who like to follow directions.
My 7 year old would like me to note that while she is head of heals about these blocks, the puzzle road it comes with is not good and she recycled it ASAP.
Outdoor Excavator
No matter the child’s gender – an outdoor excavator is the best! This gets used by everyone to dig holes. It’s also great for hand-eye coordination and grip strength.
Mud Kitchen
Having a small, battery free, plastic kitchen outside as a dedicated mud kitchen is one of the best ideas I had for my kids. They (and the 8-10 year old neighbor kids) make mud pies and all sorts of other imaginary treats in their kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
That’s going to vary kid to kid. Each child has different tastes in toys, similar to having different tastes in food. In general, I’d make sure to have at least one toy in each of the following categories: toys for building, toys for creating, toys for empathy (doll), toys for imaginary play (costume, kitchen, doll house, wand), toys that are animals and toys that are vehicles.
Toys are a lot like food. Our kids’ job is to ask for what they want; our job is to moderate and make best decisions with all the information we have at hand. If your child asks for candy at breakfast, it’s most likely a no. Candy at breakfast won’t work for our family.
Toys are the same. “That toy looks awesome – it’s not going to work for our family or in our home.” The toy may be too big, too loud, too expensive, too cheaply made, too likely to not be a toy the child grows with.
There are many reasons why a toy won’t work for your family/home. You do not need to buy your child every toy they ask for or be beholden to all their wishes. Some wishes and dream toys just won’t work. Same as having candy for every meal.
That’s personal to the family. Rather than follow any preset guideline, work within a budget and within what the child will find enjoyable to open and not overwhelming. I find preset guidelines for holidays limiting and prefer to use my gut rather than someone else’s poem.
Kids learn through play so literally all toys are education and learning toys. Ironically, toys that call out their “learning” features often support far less learning than (for example) a set of wooden blocks. Terms like “educational” and “learning” are more of a marketing ploy than a legitimate category.
Susie Allison, M. Ed
Owner, Creator
Susie Allison is the creator of Busy Toddler and has more than 1.9 million followers on Instagram. A former teacher and early childhood education advocate, Susie’s parenting book “Busy Toddler’s Guide to Actual Parenting” is available on Amazon.
Subscribe to my free newsletter and I’ll send you “35 Easy Toddler Activities to Break Up the Day!”
Erika says
This list is awesome!!!! My 4 yr old twins would love (or have already and DO love) all these. Thank you for putting this together.
Kalitsa T. Collis says
Do you like the Melissa and Doug Vet Clinic better than the ones from Lakeshore Learning?
busytoddler says
I have the Melissa and Doug which is why it’s on the list. I try to only put toys on my lists that we own and have tested. I LOVE the Lakeshore one and always wanted it for Kate, but my aunt bought the Melissa and Doug version instead (and we’ve adored it).