toy safety for age 3-6
For children at the preschool age (around 3-6) it is important for them to play with toys that will further there cognitive development. Since they are older and more aware of their own safety, they are no longer limited to toys that don't have small parts, breakable pieces, or sharper objects. The best toys for this age group include things that foster creativity, (art materials, instruments, chalkboards, puppets, dress up items, dramatic play toys) things that promote physical activity, (bikes, tricycles, balls, sports equipment, playhouses, etc) and thinks that invoke deeper thinking (books, board games, etc).
Toy List
Listed below are several examples of great toys for this age group.
Imaginarium Safari Block Crayon Activity Table
$22.99 from Toys R Us
Description:
"Imaginarium kid's art and craft kits, toy building sets and playsets open up the mind's appetite for interactive creative play by inspiring children of all ages. By encouraging artistic activities, as well as pretending, parents can assist in the fundamental positive growth of their children. Imaginarium learning and activity toys - the fun way to always be a kid."
-Fosters creativity
-Big crayons that aren't easily lost
-Hands on
-Washable
$22.99 from Toys R Us
Description:
"Imaginarium kid's art and craft kits, toy building sets and playsets open up the mind's appetite for interactive creative play by inspiring children of all ages. By encouraging artistic activities, as well as pretending, parents can assist in the fundamental positive growth of their children. Imaginarium learning and activity toys - the fun way to always be a kid."
-Fosters creativity
-Big crayons that aren't easily lost
-Hands on
-Washable
Play-Doh 15 Count Party Bag
$8.99 from Toys R Us
Description:
"Share the fun with this Play-Doh 15 count Party Bag! They make perfect party favors or school gifts and you can personalize each one with the enclosed gift tags. Best of all, kids can roll, twist and shape them into their finest creations, then tuck them back into their containers to use them again and again!"
-Fosters creativity
-Reusable
-Lots of colors so children don't get bored
-Hands on
$8.99 from Toys R Us
Description:
"Share the fun with this Play-Doh 15 count Party Bag! They make perfect party favors or school gifts and you can personalize each one with the enclosed gift tags. Best of all, kids can roll, twist and shape them into their finest creations, then tuck them back into their containers to use them again and again!"
-Fosters creativity
-Reusable
-Lots of colors so children don't get bored
-Hands on
LEGO Duplo Number Train
$25.99 from Toys R Us
Description:
"Teach your child to count while playing with the LEGO Duplo Number Train (10558) with numbered bricks, child, dog, wagon bases and more!
Hop aboard the Number Train where learning to count has never been so much fun! With numbered LEGO® DUPLO® bricks and 3 wagons, young builders will learn math skills while creating and constructing their own toddler-friendly train! Rebuild into a tunnel, building, dog house and more."
-Promotes cognitive development
$25.99 from Toys R Us
Description:
"Teach your child to count while playing with the LEGO Duplo Number Train (10558) with numbered bricks, child, dog, wagon bases and more!
Hop aboard the Number Train where learning to count has never been so much fun! With numbered LEGO® DUPLO® bricks and 3 wagons, young builders will learn math skills while creating and constructing their own toddler-friendly train! Rebuild into a tunnel, building, dog house and more."
-Promotes cognitive development
Mega Bloks First Builders Big Building Bag
$19.99 from Toys R Us
Description:
"Build and stack for limitless fun with the award-winning Mega Bloks First Builders Big Building Bag - Classic (8327). These bright primary-colored blocks encourage hands-on exploration as children imagine and create. First Builders blocks are big and easy for little fingers to assemble. When playtime is over, zip the blocks up in an eco-friendly bag and stash them in the toy box until the next adventure."
-Hands on
-Promotes creativity
-Easy to clean up
$19.99 from Toys R Us
Description:
"Build and stack for limitless fun with the award-winning Mega Bloks First Builders Big Building Bag - Classic (8327). These bright primary-colored blocks encourage hands-on exploration as children imagine and create. First Builders blocks are big and easy for little fingers to assemble. When playtime is over, zip the blocks up in an eco-friendly bag and stash them in the toy box until the next adventure."
-Hands on
-Promotes creativity
-Easy to clean up
Imaginarium Alphabet and Numbers Foam Puzzle Mat
$24.99 from Toys R Us
Description:
"Let your little one learn numbers and letters through play with the Imaginarium 36-Piece Alphabet and Numbers Mat, which features 36 colorful 12” x 12” foam tiles, including 26 pop-out letters and 10 pop-out numbers. The versatile tiles interlock, allowing flat or three-dimensional building fun, and the 0.5” thick foam provides a safe play surface."
-Hands on
-Great for more than one child at a time
-Promotes cognitive development
$24.99 from Toys R Us
Description:
"Let your little one learn numbers and letters through play with the Imaginarium 36-Piece Alphabet and Numbers Mat, which features 36 colorful 12” x 12” foam tiles, including 26 pop-out letters and 10 pop-out numbers. The versatile tiles interlock, allowing flat or three-dimensional building fun, and the 0.5” thick foam provides a safe play surface."
-Hands on
-Great for more than one child at a time
-Promotes cognitive development
The Home Depot Deluxe Tool Kit
$14.99 from Toys R Us
Description:
"The sturdy plastic toolbox includes a whole array of tools perfect for make-believe construction, including a saw, hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, screws and nails. Each item is labeled to help your little Mr. Fix-It learn the tools of the trade."
-Hands on
-Promotes gender equality
$14.99 from Toys R Us
Description:
"The sturdy plastic toolbox includes a whole array of tools perfect for make-believe construction, including a saw, hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, screws and nails. Each item is labeled to help your little Mr. Fix-It learn the tools of the trade."
-Hands on
-Promotes gender equality
Step2 Lil' Chef's Gourmet Kitchen
$124.99 from Toys R Us
Description:
"An inviting kitchen for friends to cook up delicious treats!"
-Great for more than one child at a time
-Child will never get bored with so many options
-Promotes cognitive development
-Fosters creativity
-Hands on
$124.99 from Toys R Us
Description:
"An inviting kitchen for friends to cook up delicious treats!"
-Great for more than one child at a time
-Child will never get bored with so many options
-Promotes cognitive development
-Fosters creativity
-Hands on
Rallye 16 Inch Glitter Bike
$37.49 from Toys R Us
Description:
"The 16" bike combines lavender, pink and purple with streamers and polka dots in plenty of bright colors for a sweet look and a great ride. The bike features a decorated handlebar pad for safety and comfortable junior-size grips and pedals. The polka-dot seat is padded for comfort while she rides down the sidewalk. The single-speed bike features an easy-to-use coaster brake. Sturdy training wheels are wide for stability."
-Promotes physical activity
-Helps with motor skills
$37.49 from Toys R Us
Description:
"The 16" bike combines lavender, pink and purple with streamers and polka dots in plenty of bright colors for a sweet look and a great ride. The bike features a decorated handlebar pad for safety and comfortable junior-size grips and pedals. The polka-dot seat is padded for comfort while she rides down the sidewalk. The single-speed bike features an easy-to-use coaster brake. Sturdy training wheels are wide for stability."
-Promotes physical activity
-Helps with motor skills
Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set
$22.49 from Toys R Us
Description:
"The Little Tikes TotSports Easy Score Basketball Set makes basketball easy and rewarding for growing toddlers. An oversize rim and a junior-size basketball provide exciting jump shot action. Whether set up in the driveway or on the patio, this set inspires rigorous play and friendly competition."
-Promotes physical activity
-Lightweight
$22.49 from Toys R Us
Description:
"The Little Tikes TotSports Easy Score Basketball Set makes basketball easy and rewarding for growing toddlers. An oversize rim and a junior-size basketball provide exciting jump shot action. Whether set up in the driveway or on the patio, this set inspires rigorous play and friendly competition."
-Promotes physical activity
-Lightweight
FAO Schwarz Big Piano Dance Mat
$79.99 from Toys R Us
Description:
"The FAO Schwarz Big Piano lets you create sweet music with a tap of the toe. This huge 24-key piano pad features eight instrument sounds, 10 pre-recorded songs and record and playback modes for tons of musical fun. Each giant key is numbered, allowing you to compose your own tunes or play one of the three songs included in the instruction booklet."
-Instructional booklet included
-Promotes musical creativity
-Promotes physical activity
$79.99 from Toys R Us
Description:
"The FAO Schwarz Big Piano lets you create sweet music with a tap of the toe. This huge 24-key piano pad features eight instrument sounds, 10 pre-recorded songs and record and playback modes for tons of musical fun. Each giant key is numbered, allowing you to compose your own tunes or play one of the three songs included in the instruction booklet."
-Instructional booklet included
-Promotes musical creativity
-Promotes physical activity