Best Toys for Preschoolers
Mental development consists of getting toys that compliment the childs age and ability. Preschoolers are becoming more familiar with common shapes, primary colors. They have any increased interest in simple number activities, alphabet play, copying letters, matching/sorting. An interest in nature, science, animals, time, how things work. peak interest in dramatic play – recreates adult occupations, uses costumes and props.
You will notice that preschoolers are master of make-believe. They love to pretend and therefore they like to have a pretend play with their peers or siblings. Preschooler toys like medical kit sets, kitchen sets, cash register and play money, doll house and furniture, doll, stuffed animal, wooden train, car, theme play set, dress-up play set and puppet show set are ideal toys to buy since they support pretend play. But of course you can always encourage your preschooler to use real household items. For instance, bed sheets over a dining table will turn a dining table into a cave. Also, don’t overlook your long-forgotten “treasure trunk in the attic”. They may contain items which will interest your child. Support a child’s pretend play by not interfering with their play. Let them have a free open-ended play which can stimulate their imagination and creativity.
When a child wants a game that offers rules and directions, here are some great real toys to consider:
1. Spin MasterToys Aquadoodle Go ‘N’ Doodle
The travel version of the very popular Aquadoodle is convenient and handy. This cool no mess doodling mat from SpinMasters is a boon to busy moms! The aquadoodle mat has a white surface on which kids doodle with a Magic Pen filled with water. The doodling appears and within less than a minute, dries up and disappears from the surface, leaving no mess to wipe or clean! Perfect for car trips, trips to a friend’s house or even at home, the travel sized Aquadoodle is great for young artists.
2. Fisher-Price Read with Me DVD
The Fisher-Price Read With Me DVD System is a great concept. It works with your existing TV set and DVD player, and provides kids with an interactive, fun filled version of their most popular stories(which come on CD-Rom). Kids can choose to hear the animated stories or turn off the narration and read the stories at their own pace, play interactive games or even highlight words on the TV screen to hear their meanings. This is all possible through the kid-friendly remote provided.
3. Candy Land DVD Game
Candy Land DVD Edition is one of the best games this holiday season has seen. The DVD edition is different from the original Candy Land game in many ways, but a lot more fun too. King Kandy, Mister Mint and their friends direct the kids to move around to the music on their brightly colored mats as the DVD plays on your DVD player. Three different games are possible in English or Spanish. Kids will have a lot of fun with Candy Land, either alone or with their friends.
4. LEGO Spongebob
LEGO’s new Spongebob line of construction sets are awesome. Adventures at Bikini Bottom is a fun playset where kids can build the famous pineapple and open it to play with the basketball inside. The Krusty Krab is an interactive LEGO kit where kids will enjoy flinging Krabby Patties. SpongeBob and Plankton’s Adventure is a desktop model of SpongeBob, complete with internal functions, spinning eyes and interchangeable mouth plates to recreate the antics when Plankton took over SpongeBob’s mind.
5. Crunch Art by HANDSON TOYS INC.
This unique craft kit involves no glue, no water, no paint and no cutting. All that young artists need are the crunch tool, the colorful pieces of fabric included in the box and the specially designed foam (also included) to create vibrant projects that can be proudly displayed once completed.
6.Toobers & Zots by HANDSON TOYS INC.
This foam construction toy consists of wired tuber-shaped oblong pieces (toobers) and thin pieces of variously shaped foam with holes (zots). Boys and girls can make hats, monsters, dragons and more. Each toober is between 1 and 2 feet long. Toobers & Zots has won more than 30 major toy awards and was one of only 12 toys to be included in Dr. Toys’ book, “Toys for a Lifetime” in 2000.
7.The Picnic Game by eeBoo corp.
Players collect everything needed for a great picnic and well-balanced meal. Children spin for each item but must watch out for ants in the process. When ants appear, they take items away. A small picnic blanket is included to get kids in the picnic mood. This game teaches children to take turns and so it is best when played by more than 2 people.
8. Huggy Buggy Monster Truck by HOORAY!
Now little truck lovers can safely crash into cars and walls. The Huggy Buggy Monster Truck is comfortable for little hands and easy on hardwood floors. It has four giant wheels and is new for 2006.
9. Fisher-Price Kid Tough Digital Camera
Preschoolers can learn the art of photography with this digital camera designed especially for them. With a 1.3″ color LCD preview screen, easy navigation menu and wrist strap, it’s meant to stand up to typical rough preschooler use. Kids can instantly see the picture they’ve taken on the LCD screen, or they can delete previous shots. It features dual handle grips ergonomically designed for little hands, and two-eye viewing that makes looking through the viewfinder a breeze. With 640 x 480 resolution for quality 4 x 6 prints, 8 MB built-in memory for up to 50 pictures, SD card slot for increased storage capacity, easy navigation menu, USB cord for computer connection, camera software CD, built-in flash and a wrist strap, this is more than just a toy.
10. Vtech Tote & Go Laptop Plus
Program your preschooler for early learning with the Tote & Go Laptop Plus. Just like Mom and Dad’s, the Tote & Go Laptop Plus has a colorful keyboard and detachable mouse that’s designed for both left-handed and right-handed users. The Tote & Go Laptop Plus features 30 engaging activities that teach language, math, games, and music. Teaches important preschool skills such as letters, numbers, writing, and counting. LCD screen displays fun animations. Detachable mouse with mouse pad for left-handed or right-handed users helps children learn fine motor skills.
When buying these toys or any toys for preschoolers, here are a few points to keep in mind. Preschoolers prefer toys with realistic detail and working parts. Preschool children will show iIncreasing interest in dramatic and pretend play, by age 5, peak period for dramatic play, with kinsds of props. A preschool aged child develops a deeper interest in puppet play, so by all means have a puppet show. It is a period of hightened interest in play scenes, small figures and cars.
Most children in this age group can begin using toys with smaller components. If child is still mouthing objects select toys without small parts. Toys should be sturdy and not likely to break easily into small pieces or leave jagged edges or sharp points. Toys should not be made of glass or brittle plastic and not have any electrical parts unless the child is always going to be supervised by an adult while playing.
