Christmas is almost here and I can’t wait! We did deck the halls last week and make snowman hot chocolates, so at least there is that. Check out our simple, kid friendly Chrsitmas tree and decorations here.
As for Christmas gifts for preschoolers, I love things that can live outside, encourage creativity, serve multiple purposes and books. I love books. I’m all about buying toys that will be loved for a long time. But, this is a tricky feat to accomplish with tiny humans and short attention spans. From my almost 3 years of “research”, I’ve noticed that Maxwell really loves whatever we have. For example, an electric leaf blower (#13 on this list) seems a little weird but it is one of Maxwell’s very favorite things. Best of all, it doubles as actually getting a real life chore checked of the ol’ to do list.
17 Useful Gifts for Preschoolers
1. Extra large dump truck
Grandpa got Maxwell this giant dump truck for his 2nd birthday, and it has been a winner ever since! Sometimes he actually rides in the dump truck, but most of the time it is used as a way to bring toys to and from one place to another. It is also storage for all of the small cars in our house.
2. Kid sized table and chairs
Fingers crossed Santa brings this for Max and Mila for Christmas. (Wink, wink.) I know a toddler sized table and chairs will get a lot of good use and we have a perfect spot. (Four years later, I can say that the table is still getting a lot of good use!) We have also loved this outside picnic table for the kids.
3. DUPLO bricks
Maxwell got his first set of DUPLO bricks for his first birthday, and still loves to build “tall, tall towers”! You can see a recent post I wrote about teaching toddlers with DUPLO bricks.
4. 4 in one Puzzles
Melissa and Doug makes these 4 in 1 wooden puzzles in a a few styles. Max, of course, loves the machines. Whatever your kiddo is into, there is likely a 4 in 1 puzzles for him or her! Princesses and dinos are always a winner with the preschool crowd. Bonus: parents will love that the puzzles store themselves in a neat little wooden box!
5. Magnetic building tiles
Kids of all ages love these magnetic building tiles. My kids still build towers, castles and parking garages with their Picasso Tiles. These days they like to hide treasures in their buildings for each other to find.
6. Tegu blocks
Tegu blocks are similar to Magna Tiles in the way that they are both magnetic. Magna Tiles are great for building buildings, and Tegu blocks are great for innovative vehicles and transforming creations into other creations. I highly recommend getting a Tegu set with 4 wheels at some point.This is a great grandparent gift or something that you can start with a small package and add more blocks as you see fit. My son and daughter both love these!
7. Alphabet Robots
My son discovered these in his 3 year old preschool class and fell in love. I love that they are learning tools!
8. Books
Books are always a good idea, and can be enjoyed for years to come. Here are a few of my preschoolers favorite books.
- Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site
- Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
- I Broke My Trunk
- Do Not Open this Book
- Where’s Waldo
- C.R.A.F.T.
9. Hot Wheels Track
This toy gets played with outside and inside! This is a great starter kit and you can build on to the track for other holidays. I love that all of the piece fit inside of the blue box and that the blue box is also part of the toy!
Outdoor Toys for Preschoolers
10. Wagon
I love outside toys! And I think this will be really fun for both kids. Max loves to pull things and Mila likes to sit and ride! So, I’m pretty sure this will be a winner for neighborhood walks and park trips!
11. Scooter
This is one of Maxwell’s most loved toys. It’s also how we bribe him when necessary, ha! “If you eat your dinner, we can go on a scooter ride.” “If you take a good nap, we can go on a scooter ride when you wake up.” In fact, his 2nd birthday was at a parking garage so that he could ride his scooter! He’s been riding and loving this scooter since he was about 20 months.
12. DIY Outside chalkboard
This one is super easy to make. Here is the step by step for making an outdoor chalkboard. All you need is a piece of ply wood cut down to size and chalkboard paint! Give it a few good coats of paint and screw it on your fence. Voila! And while we’re on the subject a sandbox is a great gift too. We turned a tire into a sandbox! It’s perfect for one toddler, but if you have more than kiddo, I’d suggest making a bigger one.
13. Electric Leaf Blower
If you have leaves in your yard, this is such an awesome gift idea. It’s light enough for Max to hold and he loves to do “work”.
14. Croc Rain Boots
Max loves these things and I love that he can put them on and take them off all by himself. The built in handles are key. Given a choice, he picks his “work boots” every time! These rain boots hold up and can be passed down to siblings. Pro tip: I’d recommend buying these 1-2 sizes bigger. (Proof!)
15. Picnic table
Again, I love things that live outside. Max loves it and asks to have picnics outside regularly. I love that this picnic table seats 8 when necessary.
16. Kid sized garden tools
But, not the plastic kind, the real ones! Max loves using his tools in the garden. Here’s another picture of Max and his tools in action. My kids also love kid sized cleaning tools!
17. A cardboard box train
All you need is a diaper box, spray paint, a hot glue gun. Your little conductor or farmer will love it! Add a train conductor dress up for even more fun!
What else do your preschoolers love? I’d love to hear!
Psst… I’ve also got a best gifts for a one year old if you’re looking for younger kiddos too.
Comments & Reviews
You know, kid’s size furniture might seem cool, but in practice kids grow out of it really fast, trust me on this! Instead of a plastic chair, consider a wooden stool – it’ll come in handy as a stepping stool when Maxwell will grow up a little bit!
Good to know! He loves his little picnic table that we have outside so much though!