27 Best Holiday Gift Ideas for Preschoolers
From bikes to dolls to trucks and so much more, we have the best toy ideas.
The holiday season is a time of magic, nostalgia and a whole lot of planning. Between figuring out dinner menus, home decor and gifts for family and friends of all ages, you can bet you’ll be making multiple lists and checking them (at least!) twice. Fortunately, we’re here to make your holiday prep a lot easier with these 27 holiday gift ideas for preschoolers!
Looking for something that will really make a kid’s eyes light up this holiday? Look no further. The Toy Insider has come up with the best gifts of 2022, and you can be sure that these toys will bring a lot of joy to every kid’s world this year.
This list is filled with creative ideas to spark kids’ imaginations, keep them interested and learning, and just allow them to have some good old-fashioned fun! From movable tractors to dinosaur eggs to adorable fidget friends, classic games and so much more, you can’t go wrong with any one of these exciting toys for active toddlers and preschoolers.
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Playsets for Preschoolers
Super Cityscape Transport Bucket Set, $124.99 on Amazon
This wooden transportation center features 80 beautifully painted pieces, including a freight train with two carriages; a light-up, battery-powered train with two passenger cars; a fire truck; a crane; a taxi; a plane; trees; a watch tower and even two figurines–everything a young one (ages three and up) needs for a city built from their imagination. Super Cityscape Transport Bucket Set, $124.99 on Amazon
Ryan’s World Mega Mecha Titan, $59.99 on Amazon
Kids (ages three and up) will delight in turning this seemingly run-of-the-mill storage chest into a robot that will capture their imaginations. Plus, they will be surprised along with the way. As they check out the chest and begin to reconfigure it, they will find five hidden micro figures, a wearable eyemask and cape, stickers, titan-themed gear, and more. Let the discovery begin! Ryan’s World Mega Mecha Titan, $59.99 on Amazon
Wiltopia Research Station With Compass, $79.99 on Amazon
From Playmobil, Wiltopia is an eco-friendly line of toys that encourages kids (ages four and up) to virtually visit regions all around the globe and appreciate the wildlife that lives there. In this set, kids can pretend they are high above the treeline of a jungle. The multi-level tower with rotating platform allows a 360-degree view while the functional compass offers a real-life valuable tool for budding explorers. The Research Station also comes with collectible animal cards that can be used in conjunction with the Wiltopia app to learn all about the animals and their habitats. Kids can even take selfies with the animals by projecting them right into their home via AR. Wiltopia Research Station With Compass, $79.99 on Amazon
Scribble Scrubbie Arctic Snow Explorer, $27.99 on Amazon
Kids (ages three and up) are in for a flurry of fun with this colorful adventure set from Crayola. Included are three color-change pets, an explorer truck, two markers, and a brush. Kids can color the pets and give them all sorts of creative designs. And when they are done, they can start all over by simply brushing them clean. Place the pets in the freezer for a minute to see how cold temperature affect their color. Scribble Scrubbie Arctic Snow Explorer, $27.99 on Amazon
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Collectibles for Preschoolers
Aphmau MeeMeows Mystery Plush, $9.99-19.99 on Amazon
YouTuber Aphmau is known for her love of cats. And now her fans (ages five and up) can collect their own mini versions of her animated feline friends. The cats come in a blind box for the thrill of surprise. Each box contains one of eight different MeeMeows, including Ice Cream Cat, Dragon Cat, and Angel Cat. Aphmau MeeMeows Mystery Plush, $9.99-19.99 on Amazon
Jurassic World Captivz Dominion Single Egg with Glow-in-the-Dark Slime, $4.99 at Walmart (In-Store Only)
Only available in stores. Who doesn’t love a fun surprise? This Jurassic World Dominion egg features more than 15 Pop n Lock dinosaurs that kids (ages three and up) can collect, trade, and battle—after they unwrap the egg, ooze through the stretch biosyn lab slime, and reveal the dino species. Each dino features unique details accurate to the Jurassic World Dominion movie, including never-seen-before species and glow-in-the-dark dinos! Jurassic World Captivz Dominion Single Egg with Glow-in-the-Dark Slime, $4.99 at Walmart (In-Store Only)
Dolls and Plush for Preschoolers
Fidgie Friends, $19.97 at Walmart
Kids (ages three and up) will enter a magical world where colorful rainbows stretch over glittery seas as they play with this group of four stylish, fashion-forward friends. The girls each have a unique style but the best part is these dolls also come with fidget fashion—popper wings, stress-ball skirts, and more. Fidgie Friends, $19.97 at Walmart
It’s All Me Dolls, $49.95 on Amazon
From the acclaimed doll house of Madame Alexander comes It’s All Me Dolls—8-inch poseable dolls in six different styles—great for kids three and up. There is the artist and cheerleader; camper and chess player; yogi and baker; dancer and swimmer; basketball player and avid paddleboarder; and ice cream lover and tennis enthusiast–showing you don’t have to be identified by just one of your passions, you can have multiple interests. You go, girl! It’s All Me Dolls, $49.95 on Amazon
Barbie Dreamhouse Doll House, $224.99 on Amazon
Mattel’s Barbie Dreamhouse has been a dream gift for many young children (ages three and up). Standing a little more than three-and-a-half feet tall, this dreamy dollhouse has three floors and 10 indoor and outdoor living areas. Children will have hours of fun designing and redesigning its rooms with the furnishings and over 70 accessories it comes with. Barbie Dreamhouse Doll House, $224.99 on Amazon
Reindeer in Here Blizzard Plush, $7.99 at Target
This is sure to be a new holiday favorite—a super cute, lovable plush that shows kids (ages three and up) it's OK to be different. The reindeer, who has one short antler, visits during the holiday season. Kids get to name their reindeer and are encouraged to take it on their adventures—from festivities to nap time to playdates—showing that normal is in the eye of the beholder. Reindeer in Here Blizzard Plush, $7.99 at Target
BFF by Cry Babies, $19.99 on Amazon
Cry Babies Magic Tears characters are all grown up and are now BFF Cry Babies—six different fashion dolls, each with six inches of silky nylon hair to style and trendy outfits to collect. Kids (ages five and up) will also enjoy unboxing the doll and discovering seven surprise accessories. BFF by Cry Babies, $19.99 on Amazon
Numberblocks One and Two Playful Pals, $19.99 on Amazon
Straight from the global TV series Numberblocks, this dynamic friend duo is the perfect companion for a child’s (18 months+) imaginative playtime. Constructed of soft, plush fabric, these cuddly pals will remind kids that everything is better with two–just like the episode of the same name. Numberblocks One and Two Playful Pals, $19.99 on Amazon
Best Games for Preschoolers
Barrel of Monkeys, $8.95 on Amazon
The game you grew up loving returns. This classic version of Barrel of Monkeys is sure to bring laughter and fun to all who play (ages three and up). The game looks the same as when it was first issued with its signature red plastic monkeys and yellow barrel. It is sure to inspire another generation to have fun while practicing hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Barrel of Monkeys, $8.95 on Amazon
Pop it Pro, $19.99 on Amazon
The addictive bubble-popping game has gone electronic! Here’s how it works: Kids (ages five and up) are challenged to pop all the lit bubbles as soon as they appear and then press the big button on the back before time runs out. The faster they pop the bubbles, the harder it gets. It's sensory fun for all ages with various modes of gameplay, including multiplayer and solo player blitz. Pop it Pro, $19.99 on Amazon
Educational Toys for Preschoolers
Magformers Stem Starter Builder, $26.99 at Magformers
Creativity never stops with Magformers. Kids (ages three and up) can build and rebuild for hours, creating structures that bring their imagination to life. This 15-piece starter set will introduce them to six geometric shapes–the building blocks of their builds to come. Eight equilateral triangles, two squares, one inner circle square, two circles, one logo square, and one rectangle will help them learn their shapes and colors while adding to their building skills. Magformers Stem Starter Builder, $26.99 at Magformers
Peppa Pig Toniebox Starter Set, $99.99 at Target
An imagination-building, screen-free, educational digital listening experience is what the Peppa Pig Toniebox brings to the play table. Designed to foster imagination, activity, and independent play, the Toniebox comes to life when paired with the Peppa Pig collection of Tonies, hand-painted characters with hours of stories to tell, worlds to explore, and songs to sing. Great for kids ages three and up. Peppa Pig Toniebox Starter Set, $99.99 at Target
Switcheroo Coding Crew, $59.99 on Amazon
A screen-free coding adventure awaits! With this interactive coding set, kids (ages four and up) practice STEM skills like early coding and critical thinking while engaging in interactive rescue missions! Assemble the nine puzzle cards into a town map, draw a coding challenge card, and use of one of three interchangeable shells to choose the best vehicle for the mission. Switcheroo Coding Crew, $59.99 on Amazon
Squaregles Starter Set, $119.99 on Amazon
Help kids (ages four and up) develop focus as well as fine motor and problem-solving skills through play. This 105-piece building set includes interchangeable magnetic frames and 3D panels as well as paperboard panels for drawing, jumping tacks, and tubes to watch Oggs race through. Play, design, and repeat for fun that never stops. Squaregles Starter Set, $119.99 on Amazon
Toy Story Tablet, $99.99 at Target
Loaded with games, apps, and eBooks, the Toy Story tablet comes with 12 months free access to Gamestore Junio, which boasts more than 500 games. The tablet is paired with a Disney Toy Story protective bumper case to guard against accidental drops or bumps. Kids (ages five and up) will love learning and playing alongside their favorite Toy Story characters: Woody, Buzz, Jessie and more. Toy Story Tablet, $99.99 at Target
Imaginative Toys
Melissa & Doug’s Dust, Sweep & Mop, $42.99 on Amazon
Clean up, clean up, everybody do their share. This six-piece play set will lay the groundwork for kids to enjoy some common housekeeping chores–without them feeling like chores at all! Known for durability and authenticity, this addition to the Melissa & Doug collection of toys is sized just for kids (ages three and up). The set includes a broom, mop, duster, dustpan, and hand brush. Melissa & Doug’s Dust, Sweep & Mop, $42.99 on Amazon
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Play-Doh Ultimate Ice Cream Truck Set, $94.99 on Amazon
With a life-size kitchen, Play-Doh’s Ice Cream truck gives kids (ages three and up) a large space to express their big imaginations. Kids will love dreaming up new flavor combinations and playing with 27 tools, including a sprinkle maker, candy molds, and a cash register with sound. The truck even plays signature “ice cream truck music” and comes with 12 cans of play-doh, of course! Play-Doh Ultimate Ice Cream Truck Set, $94.99 on Amazon
Moji the Lovable Labradoodle, $99.99 on Amazon
Moji is the next best thing to a real puppy dog. Soft with cuddly fur, Moji responds to kids’ voices and touch with more than 150 unique reactions. Its smart collar features a color screen that displays animated emojis so kids can tell what the puppy is thinking. Plus, Moji can also communicate by tail-wagging, head-tilting, and by learning tricks such as “high five” and “Speak!” Moji also comes with a two-sided bowl, chew rope, and grooming brush. Perfect for kids four and up! Moji the Lovable Labradoodle, $99.99 on Amazon
Monster Treads, $24.99 on Amazon
Let’s face it: Kids just love playing with cars and trucks. That’s why Tomy has created this movable tractor. Adorned with a chibi-style face, the tractor has sensor lights for when it rolls either backward or forward as well as oversized tires to help it transverse all kinds of terrains. This is great for children three and up. Monster Treads, $34.99 on Amazon
Active Play for Preschoolers
TekyGo! Junior Bouncer Bundle, $199.00 at TekyGo!
This is a gaming console that encourages physical activity and cognitive development in an interactive, fun way. All you have to do is plug, play and bounce your way to fun. The package includes a Tekygo! Portal, trampoline sensor, and junior bouncer trampoline. Plus, for those with limited play space (that’s most households), it folds flat for easy storage. Perfect for kids two and up! TekyGo! Junior Bouncer Bundle, $199.00 at TekyGo!
Fisher-Price Bouncetopia Bouncer, $149.99 at Kohl's
Easy to inflate with a built-in pump, this Fisher-Price take on the classic bounce house takes just a press of the button to start the fun. Kids (ages three and up) can bounce the day away while working on balance, dexterity, and hand-eye coordination. And, of course, safety comes first. The bouncer has transparent walls so parents can keep an eye on the players and only one opening for entry and exit. Fisher-Price Bouncetopia Bouncer, $149.99 at Bestway USA
Baby Shark 12” Children’s Bike, $94.00 at Walmart
Kids (ages three and up) will love to learn to ride alongside their underwater friend, Baby Shark. Made for children between 34-40 inches, the bike features 12-inch wheels and fun Baby Shark graphics on the frame. Easy-to-use coaster brakes along with training wheels help little ones learn to ride a bike without fear. Baby Shark 12” Children’s Bike, $94.00 at Walmart
Mario Kart 24V, $399.99 at Walmart
Kids (ages three and up) take the driver seat in this ride-on Mario Kart. Hitting speeds up to eight miles per hour, the ride-on comes complete with authentic in-game sounds like an engine revving, Item Box effect, Superstar Mode, and the theme song from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Mario Kart 24V, $399.99 at Walmart
For more great options, visit thetoyinsider.com, and find additional toy gift ideas on the Toy Insider's sponsored video:
Next up, the best holiday toys for older kids!
