Thinking of "Gifts" for Preschoolers

Shopping for preschoolers is never easy. It may seem that way but usually, I'm consumed with guilt when I buy something with so many pieces that some are sure to get lost. Or if I buy a gift that makes a lot of noise (which is funny sometimes, especially as revenge against your own sibling who happens to now have a child). Little ones don't usually have the self control to hide their disappointment if the gift they are opening isn't something spectacular. Scoring the perfect gift for a preschooler brings rich rewards! The added bonus is being that special person to make them glow with joy.

This list of toys is compiled for both preschool boys and girls but most are appropriate for both sexes. Since I have a preschool child, I'll tell you the toys on the following list would rate some pretty big points for Santa.

1. Fisher Price Smartcycle Learning Game System This is a TV ready, arcade-style learning toy. It comes with this cute little exercycle. The system costs about $90.
2. Dora's Talking Kitchen Anything Dora,the Explorer is sure to be a hit with a preschooler. This kitchen has sounds, lights, and music and comes with utensils and kitchenware. Amazon is showing the cost at $70 but it's up to $90 elsewhere.
3. Singing Pizza Elmo For those of you who missed out on TMX Elmo, well, now you can have TMX Elmo holding a pizza! It's cute, the kids love Elmo, and this little guy really knows how to move! About $40.
4. Preschool craft sets These sets are designed for little fingers, with larger paint brushes, finger paints and crayons for hours of indoor fun.
5. Board Games Preschoolers are just capable of sitting still long enough to play a game so this is a great gift. Our favorites are Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders. There are many more and all are very reasonably priced.
6. Crayola Color Wonder Coloring books The coloring books are absolutely the best! The special markers only work on Color Wonder paper so this teaches the child to stay in the lines when coloring. There are many activity packs, all of which come with markers. There are also storage cases and activity desks as accessories. Packs start at $10.
7. Blocks I'm breaking a rule here as most wooden, Lego, or Megablocks sets have lots of pieces. However, blocks allow preschoolers to develop motor coordination. And their imagination as they make houses and forts for their dinosaurs or stuffed animals.
8. Fisher Price Little People sets These are wonderful sets for pretend play and the pieces aren't too small.
Fisher Price makes a farm, zoo, Noah's Ark, barn, house, etc. Something for both boys and girls. Sets start at $20. Little People are by far my child's favorite toy.
9. Leap Frog Click Start My First Computer - This cool computer hooks up to the TV so little kids can feel like big kids on the computer! This learning toy helps with skills such as colors, letters numbers, animals and just about anything else a preschooler needs to know. The computer starts at $60 with additional cartridges priced at $20.
10. Shake and Go Crash-up Speedway This speedway requires batteries but it also uses the shake-n-go cars that are, according to my little one, "cooly!" It comes with the cars and tracks. Priced at $50.
11. Leap Frog Little Touch Learning System A great gift! This delightful story-telling toy has tear-resistant pages and 3 learning levels. It's easy enough for even the littlest ones to use by themselves. Pages work by touch. The system comes with the base and a standard storybook for $50. Additional stories are available.
12. V-Tech V-Smile TV Learning System Another system that hooks to the TV. This is an educational gaming system that grows with your child. Prices starts at $60, with additional games available for about $20.
13. Ready Set Learn, Paz's Jump & Dance Mat A preschooler's version of the popular pre-teen and teen dance mats. This has engaging songs and two modes. One mode is a follow-the-leader version and another plays songs for dancing. Reasonably-priced at $30 for hours and hours of fun!
14. Playdoh Another oldie but a goodie. Kids love mushy stuff and Playdoh is just great for indoor fun. It's easy to use for little hands and easy to clean up. There are playmats, activity sets such as Dora the Explorer and Backyardigans.
15. Plasma Car No, it's not a real car but it doesn't have pedals or need batteries. It's a gravity driven, friction-controlled little mobile for your preschooler. Priced from $60. Definitely looks like something the whole family will be trying out!

Again, don't for the batteries!
Cheers! Smile :)
Have Fun....