Preschoolers are kids aged three to five years. No longer toddlers, but not yet mature enough for going to school, children of this age are beginning to develop the basic skills of life, knowledge of their world, and the independence they will need when they begin their formal school years. Their motor skills and cognition are developing at a fast rate, and they are like little sponges soaking up the world around them. They are inquisitive and ready to begin learning about whatever specifically interests them.

Great, high quality, age-appropriate toys are a fantastic way to support your child’s development at any age, but especially for preschoolers.

The very best toys for preschool-age children are what we call “open-ended” toys. They can be used in various ways and are ideal for promoting the development of creativity, problem solving skills, and imagination.

There are so many age-appropriate toys for kids between three and five years, but here we present five of our favourites…

1. Baby Dolls: small children can be incredibly nurturing and baby dolls are a great gift for both girls and boys. This is even truer when there is a new baby in the home – or coming soon – which is an experience many preschoolers will have. A baby doll will be loved and cared for and become a firm favourite for hours of fun.
2. Blocks: kids love to build and knock down and this is great for learning cause and effect. Toys like building blocks, balls, bath stacking cups, and even magnetic toys are great for educational purposes while having fun at the same time.
3. Craft Toys: kids love doing craft (especially if you do it with them!) and there are craft kits and toys suitable for age groups from preschool up. Preschooler art and craft might include crayons, stickers, stamping sets, modelling clay, chalk, and felt character kits.
4. Dinosaur Toys: most boys and girls will develop a fascination – if not an obsession – with dinosaurs (or dragons) at this age and there are fantastic age-appropriate dinosaur toys available that will spark their imagination and encourage them to wish to learn more.
5. Basic Games and Puzzles: ideally, kids will know basic numbers up to ten and be able to write and read their own name by the time they start school. Basic, age-appropriate number games and puzzles will help enormously and make the learning process fun. Additionally, simple memory games can be perfect fun for this age group.

Other ideas for toys preschoolers will love include basic board games, basic card games (like “Snap!”), dress-ups and make believe toys, plasticine, puppets, tricycles, wooden train sets, basic musical instruments, and books.

Preschoolers are not yet ready for electrical toys or other toys created specifically for older children. Avoid choosing “sexy” dolls or weapon-style toys for preschoolers. Choose toys wisely – make sure they are well-made, age-appropriate, non-toxic and easy to clean.

New Dimension Oz proudly supplies a remarkably large range of top quality toys for children from birth to upper primary years. Browse our store today!