Hunting for that just-right birthday gift for a preschooler? You know the one – fairly-priced, educational, fun, sparks joy, and won’t end up in the corner collecting dust? Yes, these unicorn playthings do actually exist. “Some toys have a powerful influence on children’s thinking, interaction with peers, and creative expression,” notes Jeffrey Trawick-Smith, a professor at the Center for Early Childhood Education at Eastern Connecticut State University. “One trend that is emerging from our studies can serve as a guide to families as they choose toys: Basic is better.” These first-rate toys fit this bill, and are sure to encourage creative, open-ended play.
Calling all LEGO lovers! These colorful 10 by 20 inch baseplates provide the space little builders need to get creative. They’re large enough to display several structures and figures, yet small enough to easily carry around the house. Universally compatible, these plates work with Mega Bloks, LEGO Duplos, and all other medium and large-sized name brand building blocks. Bonus: they’re premium quality, tested to comply with all U.S. Toy Safety Standards, and lead, cadmium, and phthalate-free.
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This cute block set by Oaktown Supply will provide hours of fun and imaginative play. Each set includes 36 wooden blocks, including 26 letters with matching graphics, 10 numbers with math symbols, and 144 sides of bright, graphic illustrations. Crafted with safety in mind, they’re made with pure, high-quality wood, durable, non-toxic paint, and are sanded to prevent splinters. And, they’re engaging, enhancing kids’ developing skills across the board: spelling and math, color-matching, gross and fine motor, and spatial awareness.
Mini train aficionados will adore this real wood 67-piece train set by Tiny Conductors. Compatible with popular train sets like Thomas and Friends, IKEA Lillabo, Kidcraft, BRIO, and others, preschoolers will play the day away while developing their creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills. This set has enough pieces to create multiple designs at once, including two complete figure-8 tracks (23 inches wide and 41 inches wide).
Score points for giving the coolest gift ever with this Hover Soccer Ball by Let Loose Moose. Ideal for those cold and rainy days when outdoor play isn’t an option, this set comes with two hover soccer balls with fun features like flashing LED lights and soft rubber bumpers. Little feet will love “scoring” as their hover ball glides beneath the coffee table or couch. Note: batteries are not included with this set (4 AA are needed).
This kid-sized soccer ball by GlowCity has two LED lights that turn on upon impact (and power down after 40 seconds of inactivity). Aspiring Lionel Messis can continue to play as the sun goes down, as this glow-in-the-dark ball was designed for evening scrimmages in the yard. Each ball comes with instructions and batteries, ensuring the fun can start ASAP.
If you’re tired of aimlessly wandering the aisles of Target every time there’s a birthday party to attend, you’re not alone! The search for the right gift can feel strangely daunting, with the myriad of plastic and light-up options. While fun and novel, they usually don’t stand the test of time. Take the guesswork out of the equation and go for something simple and timeless like these wooden blocks, LEGO building bases, train tracks, or soccer balls. As the Association for Psychological Science notes, “Toys are the most frivolous things in the world and, in some ways, the most essential. Toys can be objects of solitary attention and entertainment or, far more often, centerpieces of social interaction.” You’re sure to make little faces light up with these high-quality, classic toys.
