Between ages 3 and 5, children rapidly grow as curious problem-solvers, expressive communicators, and imaginative players. They build friendships, develop empathy, and gain physical independence. This all lays a strong foundation for school readiness and future learning.
Sensory
For this age group, sensory items should encourage hands-on exploration, support self-regulation, and build foundational skills, all while nurturing their growing independence and imagination.
Top Choice: Bumpas Weighted Plush Toy
- Why We Love It: Honestly, this is by far one of my fave items this year. These soft, cuddly companions are designed to provide comfort, emotional support, and calming sensory input through touch and proprioception. Each plush weighs about 3 pounds and features weighted arms that wrap around like a hug, offering gentle pressure that can help reduce anxiety and promote calm.
OKTO Air-Clay by Numbers – This hands-on low-mess art kit for kids ages 5 and up blends the creativity of modeling clay with the guidance of paint-by-numbers.
Creativity for Kids Sensory Pack – Designed for children ages 3 and up, this portable, easy clean play kit is designed to spark imaginative, tactile exploration and play. We liked that it was a quick, all-in-one sensory bin, saving you time. They also have different themed bags, so you can mix and match.
Books
For preschoolers, choose books that support language growth, emotional understanding, imagination, and emerging literacy. Look for engaging stories, rich visuals, and relatable themes that match their developmental stage.
Top Choice: Stalactite & Stalagmite: A Big Tale from a Little Cave by Drew Beckmeyer
- Why We Love It: Stalactite & Stalagmite is a whimsical, thought-provoking picture book that follows two cave formations as they slowly grow and observe the entire history of Earth. Blending humor, science, and emotion, it sparks curiosity and early STEM/ecology in a playful way.
Tap! Tap! Tap!: Dance! Dance! Dance! by Herve Tullet – An oversized, interactive picture book that fosters dexterity, coordination, and hand-eye control. Herve Tullet is always a favorite.
Zombie and Brain Are Friends by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic – A quirky, heartfelt picture book about friendship, identity, and challenging expectations.
The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers – A love letter to language, this playful picture book is about a dictionary who dreams of becoming a storyteller.
Pretend and STEM Play
Pretend play and STEM toys often overlap but they nurture different developmental skills. Pretend play supports creativity, emotional growth, and social development through imaginative role-play. STEM toys build curiosity, problem-solving, and motor coordination through hands-on exploration. Choose pretend items that foster independence and storytelling, and STEM toys that align with milestones and encourage discovery.
Top Choice for Pretend Play: Melissa & Doug Simmer & Stir Stovetop
- Why We Love It: This is a hands-on, kitchen-themed toy for preschoolers ages 3 and up. It features color-changing food pieces that “cook” when water is applied, offering a mess-free way to explore cause and effect. The set encourages imaginative role-play, fine motor development, and early food science learning. There is also a breakfast grill set.
Top Choice for STEM: Clixo Crew Magnetic Building Pack
- Why We Love It: Unlike other magnetic building sets, Clixo is a flexible, magnetic building toy for kids ages 4 and up. It’s lightweight, bendable pieces can create a multitude of 2D and 3D figures. Its open-ended design encourages imaginative play, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving, while the sturdy magnetic connections support fine motor development and offer engaging sensory feedback.
Games
When choosing games for ages 3–5, prioritize those that support social skills, emotional regulation, early learning, and motor development. They should also match their attention span and need for play/exploration.
- Why We Love It: Designed for ages 3 and up, this picture-based charades game is ideal for preschoolers thanks to its emphasis on imagination, movement, and nonverbal communication. Its image-only cards require no reading, making them accessible for emerging literacy and useful as flashcards for vocabulary building.
Other favorite games to grab:
Katamino Family Puzzle Game
The Eggmazing Egg Decorator Cake-N-Bake Challenge
Monster Chase
Campfire Chatmallows™
Stocking Stuffers
Potion Play
Pushpeel Sensory Activity Board
Smelly Gellies or Colored Smencils
Melissa & Doug Sticker Wow!™ Activity Pad
Most of the linked items can also be found on our Child(ish) Advice Holiday Amazon Storefront.
You can also check out our guides and lists from the last couple years for more development-focused toys and gifts.
Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Preschool and Early Elementary
Holiday Gift Guide 2023: Toddlers & Preschool
Holiday Gift Guide 2022: 4+ years
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