Toys for pre-schoolers

Toys for pre-schoolers need to keep up with a child who is climbing, sorting, scribbling and asking questions all day. This collection gathers the kinds of play that suit ages three to five: Montessori busy boards and busy books for fine motor practice, stacking and fishing games that build hand-eye coordination, ride-on scooters and light-and-sound motorcycles for energy that has to go somewhere, plus music kits and wooden name boards for early letter recognition. Most of it works just as well on the living room floor as at a table.

If you are looking for preschool learning toys that feel like games rather than lessons, start with the busy books and personalised wooden boards. For quieter moments, the plush sleep companions and soft pillows help at bedtime or on long journeys. 3 to 5 year old gift ideas here cover birthdays, first days at nursery and Christmas, with educational toys for pre-schoolers that carry on being useful as skills grow.