Are you doing some holiday shopping this week? In this post, discover our top holiday toys for children ages 3–6.
For your convenience, this post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.
Our Top Holiday Toys (Ages 3–6)
I recently wrote a post titled The Best Holiday Gifts for Kids. That post is important to me because everyday in my work as an Elementary School Counselor, I feel frustrated by the lack of family connection that many children experience. Nowadays, it seems too many children are hurt by playing second fiddle to technology, career advancement, and their parents’ social lives. It’s simple: the best holiday gifts you can give a child are your time, attention, energy, and love.
With that said, I should mention that my family does indeed enjoy the Christmas tradition of exchanging gifts. Santa visits our home, whether or not my children are “naughty or nice,” and brings them one really great Christmas gift. I am not a toy expert, but I do pay attention to my children’s interests. Shared below are the top holiday toys on my shopping list this Christmas season.
Imaginext Toys
My youngest son fell in love with Fisher-Price Imaginext toys when he was given the Imaginext Batcave (and many DC Super Friends toys) for his third birthday. Several months later, we were given the Imaginext Castle as a going away present when we moved. Fisher-Price Imaginext toys encourage imaginative play, exercise fine motor skills, and keep my boys engaged in play for hours. When my son told me he was going to ask Santa for a pirate ship, I knew Imaginext would be the brand he would find under the Christmas tree.
LEGOS
As a Kindergartner, my oldest son has become more interested in the intricacy of building with small LEGO bricks. LEGOS are at the top of his holiday wish list this year, so he is hoping Santa will bring him a box of basic bricks and a few beginner’s building sets.
Melissa & Doug Jigsaw Puzzles
My youngest has moved beyond peg puzzles, but puzzles geared towards older kids are still too difficult for him. The 24-piece wooden jigsaw puzzles from Melissa & Doug are perfect for him, so that is exactly what he will be unwrapping from Mommy and Daddy this Christmas morning.
BOB Books
My oldest has caught the reading bug! He wants to read everything and anything he can get his hands on. I’ve heard fantastic feedback about the effectiveness of using BOB Books and know my son would appreciate them. On Christmas morning, my boys will find 1 or 2 sets of BOB Books under the tree from Mommy and Daddy.
Building Toys
My kids are passionate about building and creating. Building toys are timeless, open-ended toys that grow with kids.
More Gift Guides for Kids
If you are still looking for holiday gift ideas for the kiddo in your life, you might enjoy searching all of my Gift Guides. They are packed with high quality toys, games, and books (tested and approved by my children) that encourage hands-on play and learning! Click the images below for more great gift ideas!
drjrogers says
Great list! Im adding BOB books to mine!
Thaleia Maher (@Something2Offer) says
I love the pic of the boys outside in pj’s during the snow. Great idea.
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
Thank you! I’m so glad you stopped by to comment!
Sonja says
I love your simple, un-fancy gift ideas, Melissa! We keep it very simple during the holidays, and focus on spending time together, enjoying a blazing fire with our hot cocoa, playing games, visiting extended family and celebrating Jesus’ birth. The gifts are nice to receive, but definitely secondary!
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
Thank you, Sonja! Simple is pretty awesome in my book!
Julie L says
I have to comment about magna-tiles. They do seem REALLY expensive but kids LOVE them. The school I worked at had 2 sets 5 years ago when I was there, they now have at least 5 or 6 sets because they get played with every. single. day. Even the 5th graders love to build with them. They really area amazingly simple and well loved toy. And if by some odd chance you have a kid who doesn’t love them (I have yet to met on) you could easily resell them on craigslist because there are so many people searching for them.