Give them bowls or muffin trays and ask them to sort bricks by colour. Add a little egg timer if your child thrives on being “the fastest sorter in the land.”

Freeze small toys in silicone ice cube trays, then give your child a bowl of warm water and a spray bottle to “rescue” them.

It’s a brilliant fine motor activity and works especially well in summer. If you add food coloring to the water, it magically turns into a science experiment. At least, that’s how I sell it when I’m pretending to be an organized, educational parent.

Filled with green shredded paper, plastic eggs, and small animal figurines like bunnies and chicks, this bin includes hidden surprises inside some eggs for an extra element of discovery.

• Download and Print the Checklist – Scroll down for the free printable!
• Head Outside – A garden, park, woodland area, or even a neighborhood walk works.
• Check Off Items – Encourage kids to find each item and tick it off.
• Collect or Observe – Some items (like acorns) can be collected, while others (like birds) can be observed.
• Make It Interactive – Ask questions, take photos, or start a nature journal.

What You Need:

• Empty toilet paper roll
• Peanut butter or nut-free spread
• Birdseed
• String

How to Make It:

1. Spread peanut butter all over the roll.
2. Roll it in birdseed until fully coated.
3. Thread a string through the roll and hang it outside.
4. Wait for birds to arrive (and probably squirrels too).

This paper flower bouquet is a fun way to create something bright and cheerful. Unlike real flowers, these will never wilt, and they make a perfect homemade decoration.

What You’ll Need:

• Coloured tissue paper or construction paper
• Pipe cleaners or straws
• Scissors
• Glue
• Ribbon (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Cut tissue paper into petal shapes.
2. Layer several petals together and twist a pipe cleaner or straw in the middle to hold them in place.
3. Repeat to make a full bouquet.
4. Gather the flowers and tie them with a ribbon for a finishing touch.

Tip: Try mixing different colours and sizes to make the bouquet even more vibrant.

Instructions:

Paint your child’s hands with red and pink paint and press them onto a piece of paper to form a heart. Once dry, frame it or turn it into a card for a loved one.

Benefit:

Handprint crafts are sensory-rich and make the kind of keepsakes you’ll look back on and cherish.

Instructions: Paint your child’s hand with washable paint and stamp it on paper to create petals. Add stems and leaves with a paintbrush or crayons.

Benefits: A sensory activity that also makes for a beautiful keepsake. Perfect for framing or gifting to grandparents.

1. Scooters and Bikes
At this age, many children love the freedom and excitement of wheels. A sturdy scooter, like this adjustable 3 wheel scooter, is great for preschoolers who are learning balance and coordination. For those ready for the next challenge, a bike with training wheels, like this lightweight kids’ bike, helps build confidence while staying active. Physical play like this not only keeps kids moving but also fosters independence as they explore on their own.

2. Craft and Art Supplies
Preschoolers who enjoy quiet, focused activities will love a well-stocked craft station. Items like this all in one craft supply kit include paper, pompopms, googley eyes, and beginner, friendly scissors. These tools encourage creativity and fine motor skills essential for tasks like writing and cutting. Whether they’re making a masterpiece or painting their hands (again), crafting gives kids a way to express themselves while learning essential skills.

3. Imaginative Play Sets
Pretend play continues to be a favorite for children at this stage. A dollhouse, like this wooden playhouse, or dress up costumes can spark hours of creative storytelling. When I managed a nursery, imaginative play was always a highlight in the day, children love stepping into different roles and letting their creativity lead the way. My daughter, for example, loved dressing up as a veterinarian, carefully “examining” every stuffed animal in the house.

4. School Readiness Games and Puzzles
Games that teach letters, numbers, and problem solving are a fun way to build skills for school. Options like this number matching game or this beginner puzzle set make learning feel like play. These tools also encourage focus and persistence, and let’s be honest, preschoolers sure know how to turn learning into a victory parade when they figure something out.

5. Open,Ended Toys and Construction Sets
Toys like Duplo blocks or magnetic tiles provide endless possibilities for creativity and exploration. Preschoolers can build towers, bridges, or even imaginary vehicles, giving them the freedom to express their ideas. Open ended toys like these not only support problem solving but also grow with your child as their skills and imagination expand.

1. Imaginative Play Toys
This is the age where pretend play takes center stage. Play kitchens, like this wooden set, offer endless opportunities for creativity, from “cooking” dinner to serving tea to stuffed animals. My daughter would whip up imaginary meals with the seriousness of a Michelin star chef, insisting we all take a bite. These toys also help develop social skills and foster early conversations during play.

2. Language Development Tools
Language is exploding at this age, but not all children develop at the same pace. Flashcards, like this set of picture cards, are fantastic for introducing new words in a fun and interactive way. My daughter loved turning it into a game, she’d pick a card, and we’d act out or describe the picture together. Tools like these are not only helpful for toddlers with language delays but also a wonderful way to support emerging communication skills for all children.

3. Screen Free Storytelling Devices
Devices like the Yoto or Toniebox provide a delightful alternative to screens. These tools introduce toddlers to a world of stories and songs without the overstimulation of a screen. From classic fairy tales to catchy singalongs, they’re a fantastic way to nurture a love of language and storytelling while giving parents a little quiet time.

4. Building and Creative Play
Open ended toys like magnetic tiles, blocks, or simple art supplies (think washable markers and paper) allow toddlers to experiment and express themselves. There’s nothing quite like the pride on a toddler’s face after they build a tower taller than themselves,only to gleefully knock it down seconds later.

5. Active Play Equipment
Toddlers are full of energy, and toys like climbing equipment or balance bikes, such as this lightweight balance bike, provide a healthy outlet for all that movement. They’re also great for developing balance and coordination, making them a win win for both kids and parents.