No Batteries Required with Open-Ended Toys

Toy Insider’s 2023 top picks for preschoolers include toys that encourage imaginative roles, pretend play and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) exploration. Additional ideas include exploration with music, arts, crafts and toys that foster active play to get kids outdoors and exercising.

You can’t go wrong with any of the toys that develop these skills. Educators encourage parents to stay away from flashy electronic toys that run on batteries and can only be used one way.

Open-ended toys can be used dozens of different ways and provide infinite possibilities for children’s imagination. Children never grow tired of playing with open-ended toys and they spark brain boosting skills that will serve them well in school and throughout life.

When exploring with open-ended materials, you never get the same result twice. Therefore children are using their imagination, creativity, vision and patience. And don’t forget their trial and error and problem-solving skills.

The most sought-after toy in our preschool classrooms is Magna Tiles! Magna Tiles (such as the giant ones pictured above) are great for developing fine-motor skills, coordination, cognitive skills and creativity. For other gift ideas, don’t forget children’s books both classic and or non-toy gift experiences to create lifelong memories.

Great Open-Ended Gift Ideas:

Wooden blocks, Duplos, Legos, Magna Tiles, gears

Baby dolls & accessories (ex. stroller, bottle, blankets, etc.)

Wooden doll house with furniture and people

Hot Wheels/Matchbox cars & track to build

Art materials (paper, crayons, glue, scissors, etc.)

Dress up & role play items (ex. costumes, tea set, doctor’s kit, pretend school or restaurant)

Animal figurines

Play fort kits/playhouses

Musical instruments

Non-gift Experiences:

Zoo, museum or park passes

Afternoon at an arcade

Mini golf & ice cream

Ice or roller skating

Sledding & hot cocoa

Lessons for sports, music, art, etc.

Kids cooking class

Trip to bookstore to pick out a special book to read together

Pick out a new board game for family game night

Visit to an indoor/outdoor waterpark.