Top Row
Blocks – Every preschooler needs a good set of basic blocks, they’re the ultimate creativity toy. MPMK readers recommend this Plan set over all others.
Boxed Floor Puzzles – This is also a great age to introduce puzzle play. Large floor puzzles are a good way to start and our family really likes the Crocodile Creek offerings (we have the vehicles set).
Once your child gets the hang of it, they’ll also love more traditional table puzzles. We have this set of 8 Thomas puzzles as well as this Disney variety set of Mickey Mouse, Toy Story, and Cars. The wood boxes make for easy clean up and both sets have been played with for hours upon hours in our home.
Plastic Animals – I never really thought much about plastic animals until MPMK hosted this Montessori guest post. Now I see how great they are for learning, dramatic play, play dough play and a whole host of other activities. Toobs are our favorite sets.
Middle Row
makedo – These cool connector sets take playing with a cardboard box to the next level (we had the chance to review them here). I really appreciate that these sets promote open-ended play, are re-usable, and inexpensive. They make fantastic birthday presents.
Train Set & Table – This is one of those toys that my kids have played with so much, for so long, that I didn’t know whether to put it in this collection or the toddler section. My son got his train table on his 2nd birthday and two years later still plays with it daily. It’s not just for boys, though. My 2 year old daughter is equally smitten with it. (side note: the balance bike is another of those toys that stretches from toddlers to preschoolers. Check out the toddler collection for my thoughts on it). Our preschool has this table and it is a nice one, the included storage compartments are a definite must!
Automoblox – If you have a kiddo that loves cars or LEGOS, this is the toy for them. All of the parts on these very cool cars come off and are inter-changable. There are lots of neat parts like tire treads and windshields (keep an eye on these around small children). Get the set of 3 mini cars instead of one bigger car because there are a lot more options for switching things up that way.
Bottom Row
Magnetic Wooden Alphabet – We have 3 sets of these at home. We bought them for our DIY Magnetic Giraffe and now they cover just about every magnetic surface in the house. I like that they’re wood instead of plastic and big enough that I never had to worry about my daughter choking on them when she was younger.
WEDGITS – I once talked to the owner of a local toy store about these blocks for over 30 minutes. He couldn’t stop raving about what great, open-ended building toys they are and he totally sold me on them. If you have younger kids around, get the Wee WEDGITS – they’re softer and don’t hurt when stepped on.
Magnetic Pattern Blocks – Shape pattern sets are another great learning toy for this age. We prefer these magnetic shapes to other foam versions because they stay put, cutting back on the kids’ frustration. This is another of our go-to travel toys.
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