Suggestions on Buying Preschool Toys

Preschool toys can be as simple as a set of blocks or as advanced as an electronic handheld learning game. Whatever shape they take, preschool toys should be safe, age appropriate, and developmentally supportive. If you do your research and know what to look out for, buying new preschool toys will be a rewarding experience.

1. Buy toys that are interesting. Look at the interests of whoever you're buying toys for. Are they fascinated by trains, superheroes, or princesses? Knowing their interests will help you choose toys they’ll enjoy playing with. If you’re not sure, bring them along to the store with you or ask them what they like.

2. Buy toys that encourage creativity. Preschoolers are growing individuals and they’re starting to learn how to be creative. Choose toys that will give them an outlet for their newfound creativity. There are a variety of toys out there that can help with this stage of development:

3. Buy toys for pretending. Preschoolers love to make-believe, and it’s a great way for them to develop important skills for later in life.[1] Buy clothes for dress-up to encourage playing pretend, or consider other toys that foster imagination and fantasy:

Child-sized furniture.

Play-kitchen set.

Puppets.

Dolls.

Toy cars.

Construction sets.

Building blocks.

4. Buy toys for muscle development. Preschoolers are at an age where their bodies are growing rapidly, so choose toys that facilitate muscle development.[2] Any toy that gets preschoolers to move around and use their bodies is great for this, so there are a variety of toys to choose from: