Older toddlers and preschoolers are in a very special part of their lives – everything is a toy, it is always playtime, and everywhere is an opportunity to learn. Being this age is so much fun, and learning through play is the best way to build young minds. What are the best toddler toys? Toys that help with toddler development of course! We love critical thinking toys for toddlers!
Getting educational toys for preschoolers and toddlers also keeps them occupied longer as these are active toys that engage their imaginations and they don’t get bored as quickly as with passive toys. So not only is the little one learning and benefiting, the mom gets a break, too. Win-win! I love learning toys for toddlers! They are also the best non-electronic toys for toddlers and preschoolers since they typically encourage open-ended play.
Here are some wonderful STEM toys and educational toys for 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds to help enrich the minds of toddlers and preschoolers while giving their little bodies something fun to do. Here are some of the best learning toys for preschoolers and toddler thinking toys.
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Educational Toys that Inspire Thinking
Educational toys that inspire thinking in young children are amazing. They are great for brain-building and as family activities (since they are also fun for parents).
STEM Toys
How about a KidyStars drawing board? My son loves this – he calls it magic 🙂
It’s a fun drawing pad and it comes with fun space/planet and letter stencils. He loves the space part.
What is KidyStars?
It’s a magic drawing board that stimulates children’s creativity and distracts them from smart devices. KidyStars is designed for drawing in the dark with a LED light included in the package. Just turn it on and express your creativity on the board!
It uses a photo-luminescent PVC material in a frame, which quickly accumulates light from an artificial or natural light source and then glows for a while in the dark, gradually fading out. All components are absolutely safe for children.
Mochi Robot is a LEGO-compatible screenless coding toy for kids 3-6 years old. Mochi teaches children coding in a playful, hands-on way as they explore the universe and learn colors, numbers, letters, basic words and more!
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Here’s another STEM robot toy, and its’ a train called Coding Express. One thing to note, I’d recommend rechargeable batteries for this guy. My son had a blast putting the stickers on the track and having the robot react, but it does require fresh batteries for best performance.
Robobloq Battery-Operated Smart Robot Toy Train, 22 Functions, Coding Toy for Kids, Compatible to Thomas & Friends, BRIO, IKEA, Melissa & Doug Wooden Tracks (Train)
Board Games and Puzzles
Board games and puzzles help build critical thinking skills. Plus, they can be fun to do together with our children! Here are some ideas.
Educational Toys for Building
Building toys, such as blocks, are wonderful for little minds and tiny hands. Not only do they help build motor skills, but these activities develop critical thinking as well. STEM for the win!
You know I’m a huge fan of STEM toys for toddlers. Check these out! These are gears like blocks in a rainbow of various shapes and colors to sort, count, stack, build & create with their imagination.
Educational Toys that are Active
Toys that promote movement and active playtime are great for tiny people. They not only help build coordination and motor skills but are also good for fitness.
Educational Toys for Pretend Play
Pretend play is very important for tiny minds. They mimic us adults so much at this stage, and it is fun to watch them invent realities to act out. Toys such as play kitchens, dress-up, puppets, play medical kits, etc. are wonderful for preschoolers. These activities also help build language skills.
What do you think of these STEM and educational toys for preschoolers and toddlers? What are some of your favorite toys to stimulate your child’s imagination and learning?
Amy Marohl says
The mop, broom and cleanup set is adorable and I love that it has a little stand to keep everything tidy looking. Where do I get a grown up stand to keep my broom, mop, etc. tidy?
Julie says
Right? I want one like that too! Mine just fall over in the pantry.
Barrie says
I LOVE STEM toys or any toy that is fun for kids but also great for creativity and learning. Blocks were always a favorite here!
Julie says
I love that we’re seeing subscription boxes with STEM projects too!
Lauryn R says
I love wooden toys and blocks! There is just something about them. 🙂 I would love to get my kids the Monkey Balance Board, that sounds like fun indoor exercise! Thanks for sharing!
Julie says
I agree wooden toys are great and nostalgic too
Haddie Lyons says
Can’t go wrong with blocks! We also love the broom and mop set, so good to give them their own tools since they are naturally interested in helping out!
Julie says
Love that idea! Tools are a fun practice play.
Shiree | Confessions of Parenting says
I love having puzzles around for my kids to do. We have a vast amount that caters to all the different age levels in our home. This is a great list!
Thanks for joining #WanderingWednesday! 🙂
Alicia says
Always love to think of what will help my kids brains while they are having fun!
Julie Nelson says
Hello Julie, Board games and puzzles are very helpful to build a mind and thinking skills for our children. I think this is a great way to grow up mind of little kids. Thanks for sharing these tips.
Audrey says
The shopping cart was a huge hit with my son and his cousins. And they still love dress up.
Tina says
I am 37 and I still love toys almost as much as my kids… or maybe more ?
Andrea | Messy Nest Mama says
I love the learning toys! I am a big fan of Melissa & Doug toys as well. Great list for little ones!
Stefani @ Crafty Christian says
This is an awesome list! I love educational toys, it makes me feel better about letting them play with them for hours 😉
Nikki C says
I really love the counting toy and my son would love anything he can build things with.