Top ten toys for the preschool classroom

Gift giving inspiration with meaningful toys that will enrich your children’s learning and development!

In case you happen to be considering getting a gift for your child’s classroom or you happen to be putting a wish list together for your own classroom, I have put together a snapshot of what I would consider to be the top ten (store-bought) toys my own students really enjoy playing with in my classroom.  I use the word “toys” kind of loosely here because when I purchase any type of toy for my classroom, I try to be selective and think through how my purchase will promote different types of development. With that in mind, here are the top ten toys I find most engaging or meaningful to the children (ranging from ages 3 to 5) in my preschool classroom…

Magnatiles

Magnatiles are simply wonderful. My students use them to construct tall towers and they can be fun for a child who wants to work alone or for a group of children to collaborate together. We have the Magna-Tiles Clear Colors 100 Piece Set

Gears

Get some critical thinking and engineering going with a set of gears! There are different types of gears, I recommend Gears! Gears! Gears!® Beginner’s Building Set as a good place to start and I also recommend that if you choose to buy more than one set of Gears, that you do not mix the type of gears you buy…

Cootie Bug Game

Don’t forget about simple games like the Cootie Bug Game for the classroom.  Games like this allow the children to explore the process of playing a game without it becoming too much of a win-lose proposition…

Oh, and as a bonus – what I also like about games like the Cootie Bug Game  is that we are able to use the cootie bug parts for playdough as well! Double the fun:)

Puppets

My students love puppets. We have a broad variety of puppets in our classroom from people puppets to animal puppets to puppets from the dollar store and more…

Straws and Connectors

We keep a basket of Straws & Connectors in our classroom year round and it didn’t take long before my students figured out how to connect their straws together for creating long lines and over a little bit of time and lots of play, they began to build much more complex structures…

Blocks

We are always adding different types of blocks to our classroom. This simple set of colored wooden blocks is what gets used by far the most in our classroom.  The children often play with them on the floor for building and construction and I like to use them on occasion for some of our planned table top activities…

Block Accessories

We are also always adding different types of block accessories to our classroom. This Guidecraft 42 – Pc. Roadway System has been a real favorite in our classroom…

Puzzles

My students love all kinds of puzzles but we started off the year with different types of wooden chunky or 3D puzzles which the children really enjoyed and proved to be just the right challenge for all the ages of students in my classroom as well…

A second type of puzzle my students love to pull out for not only puzzle play but for dramatic play as well are these Sorting Food Tray Puzzles

Magnetos

My class enjoys playing with these really cool magnets called Magneatos.  We find they stand up best if you play with them on a magnetic board versus just a table or the floor…

Baby Dolls

My students enjoy playing with baby dolls all throughout the classroom.  I have a set of these simple hard body babies that I keep in the classroom. The children use them for play in both our indoor classroom and for water play in our outdoor classroom…

and just as a little bonus…

Easel

This last item wouldn’t really be considered a “toy” but a quality made easel with two sides (chalk and dry-erase) is a must for any preschool classroom…

Don’t Go Away – More Top Ten Toy Lists are below!

Be sure to check out these bloggers for more Top Ten Toy lists!

This holiday gift guide is being cohosted by…

Fun Gifts Beyond Toys by No Twiddle Twaddle
Book + Toy Companion Gifts by What Do We Do All Day?
Best Art Supplies for Kids by To Train Up a Child
Gifts to Inspire the Imagination by The Pleasantest Thing 
Gifts for Your Backyard Explorer/ Gifts for Your Animal Lover by Blog Me Mom
Educational Games by True Aim Education
Basic/Traditional Toys by Creative Playhouse
Therapeutic and Fun Gift Ideas for Child Development by Creative Learning Fun
Top Toys for Babies by B-InspiredMama
Top Toys for Curious Kids by KC Edventures
Educational/ Headache Free Toys for Christmas and Hanukkah by CAUTION: Twins at Play
4 Gift Ideas for Everyone: Want, Wear, Need, and Read by Home Learning Journey
Gifts that Inspire Pretend Play by Connecting Family and Seoul
My Favorite Books and Toys for Preschoolers by Mama Miss
Educational Toys for Preschoolers by The Freckled Homeschooler
Montessori Inspired Toys by Smiling Like Sunshine
Gift Ideas for Older Kids (9-12) by Kitchen Counter Chronicles
Toys for the Classroom by Teach Preschool
Gift Ideas for Budding Readers by Mom 2 to Posh Lil Dives
Stocking Stuffers: A Teacher’s Top 10 by Kindergarten & Preschool for Parents & Teachers
Book Ideas for Everyone on Your List by Pragmatic Mom
Toys that Stand the Test of Time by Mamas Like Me
Top Board Games for Kids and Families by Coffee Cups and Crayons
Home Made Gifts Children Can Make by How to Run a Home Daycare
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Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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