Toys for Preschoolers & Kindergarteners (3-5 Years)

Preschoolers and kindergarteners are exceptionally adept at playtime -- they possess active imaginations and lots of energy. Channeling their intellect and enthusiasm with the perfect toy is a tall task; there are so many options out there. As an adult, it's up to you to do the research and select the right toy for your child. When shopping, be sure to note the manufacturer's age recommendations: every toy is geared towards a certain age group, both for safety and developmental reasons. Before buying a toy,  consider if you child is more or less capable than his/her peers and take recommendations from friends. Finally, rely on your instincts, no one knows your child better than you. If shopping for a child that's not your own, consult the parents before making a purchase. Some parents are adamant about only having educational  or wooden toys  in the home or the family may have other issues, such as space limitations.

Quick Picks

Three Years
LeapFrog 100 Hoops	Inside/Outside Cook 'n Grill Kitchen	Mega Bloks Pirate Ship	Razor Bumper Buggy	Savannah Doll House

Four Years
Pisa Bamboo Game	Barbie Jam with Me Karaoke Guitar	Kid Tough FP3 Player	Disney DVD Bingo	Speed Stack Stack Packs

Five Years
SmartGlobe 2.0	Dinosaurs Extinct? Board Game	Alex Sticker Factory	Amazing Allysen	Zoundz

Popular Toy Categories

Educational Toys Toys for this age group should help prepare kids to enter a structured learning environment as they prepare for kindergarten. It's the perfect time to consider educational toys, such as electronic learning games; VTech  and Leap Frog  are two major companies to think about. Check out: VTech Write	Dress Up and Pretend Play Children love to play make belive and to dress up in costumes.  Imitating adults is a natural pastime for preschoolers. Kids will get the opportunity to be just like an adult with miniature versions of household items like vacuum cleaners, telephones, and pots and pans. More elaborate toys can recreate an entire home or business. Check out: Little Tikes Play Kitchen	Sports and Recreation By age 3, most children are ready for outdoor activities. Some ideas for outdoor toys include: kites,  pools,  bikes,  and skates.  Check out: Cranium Super Fort	Arts and Crafts Arts and Crafts are wonderful rainy day activities. These playthings can introduce art, music, dance, and imagination to a child at an early age. Play Doh  and crayons  are basics. Check out: Play Doh Activity Center

Stuffed Animals  & Dolls and Dollhouses Stuffed animals  and dolls  are marvelous companions and comforting sidekicks at this age. Check Out: Rescue Pets	Board Games Basic board games  (for ages 3-5 years) teach children about sharing, taking turns, and expose children to simple concepts like colors and counting. Board games are a natural for family playtime or for playdates with friends. Check out: Sounds of the Seashore	Toy Cars  Matchbox cars  and other toy vehicles are good for both boys and girls. They come in awide array of colors and sizes and are perfect for toting everywhere. Check out: Hot Wheels Cars	Building Sets & Musical Toys Building sets  and musical toys  are good for developing dexterity and motor control. Get them moving with jumbo blocks  or try little pianos,  drums,  sing along  CDs or DVDs, and karaoke machines.  Check out: I Can Play Piano

Related Buying Guides
Children's Books	Educational Toys	Board Games	Toys and Games	Dolls and Dollhouses