Family Living


Top Holiday Toys for Preschoolers in 2018

Family Living | November 18, 2018
Preschool toys

It’s Thanksgiving Week, which means that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are right around the corner. Whether you love getting up at 4:00 a.m. to celebrate Black Friday or prefer to do your shopping online, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of trying to decide what to get your little ones. To help relieve some of the holiday shopping anxiety, our team at The Gardner School scoured through several lists of the top holiday toys for preschoolers and toddlers in 2018.

The Top Holiday Toys for Preschoolers in 2018

After some extensive research, here is a list of some of the top classic toys, STEAM-focused educational toys, gifts that give back, and more:

Gifts for Little Learners 

Do you have a little scientist or teacher in your house? If so, there are dozens of different options to cultivate their curiosity and love of learning. Your older preschooler might enjoy the Educational Insights Talking Microscope to learn the tiny details about animals, plants, and everyday household items. The Ready, Set, School Kit is another great option, especially for preschoolers who are preparing for Kindergarten next year, and these traditional stacking cups are perfect for younger children.

Presents for Playing “Grown-Up”

Does your little one love pretending? The good news is that kids aren’t limited to pretending to cook or build. Whatever “grown-up” your preschooler wants to be, Target or Amazon probably has a play set for it. Does your little one love animals? The Melissa & Doug Vet Play Set might be a great option. Does he or she love going shopping? They can do it without ever leaving home with the One Stop Shop Play Set, and younger children will enjoy some imaginative fun with this Learning Resources New Sprouts Fresh Fruit Salad Set.

Pretend Pets when Puppies Aren’t an Option

Looking for an alternative to a puppy or kitten that your little one will still love? Pomsies are one of the hottest toys of 2018 for preschoolers and toddlers. They’re as smart as they are cute and cuddly and can respond with up to 50 different reactions! If Pomsies aren’t your thing, the furReal Munchin’ Rex is another great option your child can play with, live with, and love. Something else that’s sure to be a hit with younger children is the Melissa & Doug Playful Puppy Wooden Pull Toy for Beginner Walkers.

Holiday Classics Parents Will Remember

Nostalgic toys are making a comeback to the delight of parents and grandparents everywhere. If you’re looking for a “classic” toy that will never go out of style, the Radio Flyer My 1st Wagon is a popular choice for many parents. If your child loves playing interactive games, this portable SkeeBall set might be a great addition to the playroom that kids and parents can both enjoy. If you’re looking for a fun, classic toy to help foster your child’s fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, the Fisher-Price Classic Xylophone is a must-have.

Gifts that Give Back

Teaching kids about giving back is a priority for many parents during the holidays. The good news is that there are many incredible ways to give back during the holiday season— including the gifts you give your little ones. Purchasing a Pearl the Mermaid for your little one also helps provide 10 nutritious meals to children around the world. If building blocks are more their thing, Tegu toys has a variety of options that help provide jobs and aid to families who work in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Additional Tips & Resources for Surviving the Holidays

Since the holiday season has officially started, we also wanted to revisit some of our favorite tips for parents:

● Tips for Surviving Holiday Photos with Santa—Not sure how this year’s photo with Santa will go? This post provides some helpful tips we’ve learned over the years.

● Teaching Gratitude During the Holidays —Instilling gratitude within your child is one way you can help them find deeper meaning during the winter holidays and all year long!

In whatever ways you choose to celebrate the holidays with your family, our team at The Gardner School hopes that it’s full of joy, love, and incredible memories.


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