Looking for some educational fun and ways to play with preschoolers before and after the school season. Here are 20 toys to help your kids be creative, practice communication skills, sensory-friendly and stay active from the National Parenting Product Awards.
1. Sounds of Rain Sensory Tubes
Discover the power of rain pattern sounds to help children calm their energy with this captivating set. $21.99, ages 4+, hand2mind.com
2. Growing Greenhouse Color and Number Playset
Foster color recognition and counting skills while promoting eco-consciousness in a fun and interactive way. Features adorable flowers, pots and a guide filled with kid-friendly sustainability facts. $24.99, ages 18 months+, learningresources.com
3. Flat 2 Fast Card Racers
This toy transforms from cards to superfast racing cars with the press of a button. No pull back needed. Portable and fits perfectly in a pocket or backpack for on-the-go play. $12.99, ages 5+, lukilab.com
4. GeoSafari Jr. My First Walkie Talkies
Encourage exploration, communication and build confidence. Features a single button for easy use, a secure kid-to-kid radio channel, wrist strap, 90-meter range and durable design. $21.99, ages 4+, educationalinsights.com
5. GraviTrax Junior
Introduce children to marble run and construction toys in a vibrant and easy-to-learn way. Start building right away and immerse yourself in thematic worlds for added creative play. Features jungle, ice, desert and ocean-themed sets and expansions. $14.99-$129.99, ages 3+ Various retailers.
6. Space Shuttle AirFort
Aim for the stars and blast-off. Aspiring astronauts will enjoy hours of creative play as they explore the universe and their imagination. Easy assembly. All you need is a standard box fan. $59.99, ages 3+, airfort.com
7. Numberblocks Playing Cards
With a numbery twist on popular card games like Go Fish, Old Maid, and more, children will love playing and learning with their favorite characters. These cards offer a playful and engaging way to practice early math skills. $9.99, ages 3+ years. Various retailers.
8. Kids on the Go Card Set
A fun set of card games that introduces young players to taking turns, recognizing colors, shapes, numbers and letters. Includes a convenient tote bag perfect for out and about. $49, ages 4+, simplyfun.com
9. Cry Babies Tiny Cuddles Disney
The softest version of these popular dolls now have a magical makeover as Disney inspired characters. Feature Disney’s Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Stitch, Daisy Duck and Winnie the Pooh. Each one comes with a matching pacifier and cries real tears. $12.99, ages 18 months+, Various retailers.
10. Mix It Up Activity Box
Create cherished family time with these 125 activity cards that transform even a brief bit of time into lasting memories. Activities use common household items and many don’t require supplies. Simply gather your loved ones, a spark of inspiration and let the time together begin. $29.99, ages 4+, pennycake.com
11. Kinetic Sand Soft Serve Station
Scoop, squeeze, decorate and customize. This sweet playset emulates the real-life soft serve experience. Place the cone under the dispenser and push the sand through to create colorful swirls. Add some sprinkles and extra toppings, then squish and create all over again. $14.99, ages 3+, spinmaster.com
12. Aphmau 11” Classic Mystery Plush
Features eight different MeeMeows to collect. Each comes in a blind bag for surprise unboxing fun with super soft fur, squishy bodies and signature happy faces. $19.99, ages 3+, bonkertoys.com
13. furReal Walk-A-Lots Bernedoodle Interactive Toy
This cute puppy is ready for a stroll. Her bouncy walk and wobbly head move just like a real pet. Listen for barks, howls, a “rwar-ing” happy tune, and other adorable noises. $19.99, ages 4+, justplayproducts.com
14. Rainbow Climber Gym
An indoor playground made of high-quality hard beechwood. Features a compact yet spacious design that facilitates physical and emotional development. Suitable for big families and playdates – can bear up to 440 lbs. Comes with a double-sided slide, wooden rings, wooden swing and hammock. $779.99, ages 18 months+, Various retailers.
15. Theodora S.T.E.A.M. Girls
A line of diverse luxurious plush dolls that encourage young girls to explore the world of S.T.E.A.M. With a mission to inspire and empower, the dolls are role models for young girls and strive to encourage positive thinking. $59.99, ages 3+, theodoradolls.com
16. Claymates’ Family of 4
Designed to encourage open-ended, imaginative play. Includes handmade wooden figures and colorful non-drying clay blocks. Kids create their own characters, facilitating self-expression, fine motor development and social awareness. Crafted from sustainable brown walnut and light maple hardwoods. $33, ages 3+, claymatesusa.com
17. National Geographic Bug Habitat
Catching bugs is simple with the included bug catcher, net and tweezers. First add natural objects like dirt, sticks and rocks to the base to help the bug feel at home. The lid includes two magnifiers–a large, stationary viewer to see details up close, and another that telescopes and moves to expand the field of view and observe bugs as they move around the habitat. Includes a detailed learning guide. $19.99, ages 4+, Various retailers.
18. Droyd Zypster
A mini electric go-kart for hours of fun. Safety features include an automatic smooth-launch control pedal, electromechanical brake, and built-in parental speed controls to lock in its speed at 3 or 6 mph. $249, ages 3+, droyd.com
19. BRIO Dinosaur Adventure Set
Explore the amazing prehistoric world of dinosaurs. This 21-piece train set is full of dinosaur-themed play and includes a train with two wagons and multiple scenic pieces like the dangerous lava cave and grassy meadow tracks. $79.99, ages 3+, brioplay.com
20. JoinAround Puzzle, Zoo
Featuring four levels of complexity, it’s perfect for the whole family. Youngsters conquer big pieces, while older kids and adults tackle the smaller ones. Work together to complete the puzzle and once done, flip the box over and enjoy four bonus games. $24.99, ages 4+, pennycake.com
Elena Epstein is the director of the National Parenting Product Awards. NAPPA Awards has been celebrating the best in family products for 34 years. For more product reviews and gift ideas. visit nappaawards.com