GIFT GUIDE 2009
Preschool Gifts
Gifts for a 3-Year-Old or 4-Year-Old
From toys that stand the test of time to board games that are anything but boring, we found the best preschool products for a three-year-old or four-year-old. Our list of loot is kid-tested, teacher approved, and full of options for any family, so get wrappin'!
School Bus and Children
This big yellow school bus is a Fair Trade product--handmade in Sri Lanka from albizia wood, one of the fastest-growing trees on earth, and colored with nontoxic paints.
Tub Tunes Water Drums
Grab your drumsticks, it's bath time! This set of two plastic and foam drums floats in the bathtub, giving kids a solid introduction to percussion in the midst of soaping up.
Monster Toss
This bright wooden set invites kids to test their throwing arms, and get plenty of practice with eye-hand coordination while they're at it.
Veggie Cutting Set
You may not be able to get your child to eat his veggies, but with this set, he'll sure enjoy cutting them up! Packed in a wood crate, with a small cutting board and smooth-edged wood knife, this toy makes playing with food fun.
Build-it Rocket Kit
This creative art project transforms into a sturdy, all-wood rocket, able to withstand plenty of pretend play.
Peep
Out for a walk with the family, Peep reaches the edge of the sidewalk and is petrified to jump off. A sweet read for little ones dealing with life's challenges, and a calming way to spark a talk about fears.
Otis
Otis is a hardworking little tractor who loves life on the farm with his friend the little calf, until the little calf wanders into Mud Pond and no one can save him. Can Otis help?
All-Terrain Cargo Wagon
This Radio Flyer has a controlled turning radius to prevent tipping and a no-pinch ball joint to keep fingers safe. The final touch? Big air tires, so young kids can pull on bumpy roads, or drag it through the sandbox.
Finger Puppets
These little guys are a breeze for preschoolers to manipulate. Almost every finger puppet in the line, from hedgehog to emperor penguin, costs less than $10.
Softies Simply Natural Puppets
Eco-friendly animals on the outside, playful puppets on the inside, Softies are made from 100 percent natural cotton and colored using vegetable dyes.
Come Back Soon
When Elephant gets an invitation to visit his penguin pals in faraway Icetown, he sets sail immediately. Gorgeous artwork and a silly premise make this a delight for young readers.
Tag Tails Zoo
Each child gets a colorful animal tail, attached via a belt. Then it's time for tag with a twist: instead of just tapping each other, kids try to pull off each other's tails!
My Little Helper Toolbox
Preschoolers tend to be fix-it fans by nature, and most love to take things apart and put them back together. This little toolkit gives preschoolers the chance to lug their own set of tools around, just like mom and dad.
Wooden Blocks
These days, kids are surrounded 24/7 by high tech gizmos and beeping "educational" toys. What a joy to find these low-tech beauties - high quality wood blocks with embossed images. Comes in the alphabet and numbers and Nursery Rhymes sets.
Medieval Dress Up Crown or Tiara
The pink princess tiara features jewel, flower and ribbon details. Or, go for the King Arthur look with the reversible crown: the rubied, red velvet side is for kingly duties, and the silver side is for knight business.
Princess Pig
When pig starts thinking she's a princess, she learns some important lessons about being herself. A very cute tale about friendship and realizing what's really special.
-
1
- 2
