Best of … pre kindergarten activity toys

Contributed by Rachelle Dawson, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

Young children learn best by playing. And much of what they learn has to do with life, not just academic subjects. Toys which encourage imaginative and active participation help pre-kindergarteners to develop healthy habits, coordination, problem-solving skills, and more.

When selecting activity toys, avoid many of the toys which have become popular in big-box stores today. They may seem alluring because of flashing lights or battery-powered sounds, but they usually have only one or two functions. The best activity toys encourage your children to discover new ways of playing each time.

Young Explorers

Age-appropriate toys for exploration

Preschoolers are natural explorers. Encourage and harness that curiosity with toys like the Young Explorer Inside Me! Wooden Puzzle, which shows five layers of a child’s body, including bones, organs, muscles, and skin. For the little girl in your life, consider the dollhouse kit that allows her to create and decorate her own dollhouse and dolls, from the yard all the way up to the attic. Teach your little man about different roles with a dress-up man doll which can become a policeman, fireman, or pirate, among other things.

Highlights

More than a magazine

Highlights offers more than its magazine by the same name. Though they aren’t a toy warehouse, and some of their offerings aren’t appropriate for toddlers, nearly all of their selections do encourage active play. Hidden picture books, pretend play sets, arts and crafts materials, puzzles, and games round out their selection.

MindWare

Lasting value

MindWare’s strength is toys that work for preschoolers but also appeal to children in elementary grades. Building sets, balancing games, floor puzzles, and a few outdoor toys will probably appeal to a wider range of ages than some of the other toys listed here. While the initial cost may seem high for some sets, continued use (especially with several children) should more than justify paying the price.