50+
Toys Tested
3-4
Years Old
Expert Approved
6
Categories

Development Milestones

What to expect from 3-4 year olds

Physical Development

  • ✓ Runs, jumps and climbs with confidence
  • ✓ Can ride a tricycle or balance bike
  • ✓ Throws and catches balls
  • ✓ Dresses themselves mostly independently

Cognitive Development

  • ✓ Counts to 10 or higher
  • ✓ Knows basic shapes and colours
  • ✓ Understands time concepts (yesterday, tomorrow)
  • ✓ Solves simple puzzles

Language & Communication

  • ✓ Speaks in full sentences (4-6 words)
  • ✓ Tells stories and describes experiences
  • ✓ Asks many "why?" questions
  • ✓ Knows their full name

Social-Emotional

  • ✓ Plays cooperatively with others
  • ✓ Understands sharing and taking turns
  • ✓ Shows empathy for others
  • ✓ Has favourite friends

Key Development Areas

Targeted toys for every skill

🏃

Gross Motor Skills

Preschoolers are bursting with energy! They're learning to run, jump, climb and balance. Outdoor toys and movement games are essential for their physical development.

Recommended toys:
  • Stomp Rocket - launch by jumping!
  • Tricycles and balance bikes
  • Climbing frames and swings
  • Balls in various sizes
✂️

Fine Motor Skills

Preschoolers are developing the precise hand movements needed for writing. Cutting, drawing, building and puzzling strengthen these crucial skills.

Recommended toys:
  • Magnetic building blocks
  • Safety scissors for children
  • Play dough and modelling sets
  • Threading beads and laces
📚

Language & Literacy

Vocabulary is exploding! Preschoolers are learning new words, forming longer sentences and beginning to recognise letters. Reading aloud and language games stimulate this growth.

Recommended toys:
  • Picture books and storybooks
  • Letter blocks and magnetic letters
  • Memory games with words
  • Puppet theatre for storytelling
🧩

Cognitive Development

Preschoolers are little scientists who want to understand everything. Puzzles, sorting and counting games, and STEM toys feed their curiosity.

Recommended toys:
  • Kanoodle Fusion puzzle game
  • Numberblocks Stamp Set
  • Puzzles (20-50 pieces)
  • Sorting and classification games
🎭

Imagination & Role Play

The fantasy world of preschoolers knows no bounds! They become superheroes, doctors, chefs and adventurers. Role play develops social skills and creativity.

Recommended toys:
  • WOW Toys Police Plane Pete
  • Dress-up clothes and costumes
  • Play kitchens and workbenches
  • Dollhouses or toy fire stations
🤝

Social-Emotional

Preschoolers are learning to play together, share and take turns. Cooperative games and group activities help develop social skills.

Recommended toys:
  • Cooperative board games
  • Emotion cards and books
  • Cuddly toys for comfort
  • Team games for outdoors

Our Top Recommendations

Tested and approved by our preschooler panel

84 Pieces Magnetic Building Blocks
Editor's Choice
MagBuild

84 Pieces Magnetic Building Blocks Toy

★★★★★ (4.9/5)

Colourful magnetic building blocks that enable endless creations. Stimulates spatial awareness, creativity and STEM skills. Safe, sturdy magnets.

3+ years
Read Review
WOW Toys Police Plane Pete
WOW Toys

WOW Toys Police Plane Pete

★★★★☆ (4.6/5)

Battery-free police plane with movable parts. Encourages imaginative play and storytelling. Sturdy and durable for active play.

3+ years
Read Review
Learning Resources Numberblocks Stamp Set
New
Learning Resources

Learning Resources Numberblocks Stamp Set

★★★★★ (4.8/5)

Based on the popular Numberblocks series. Teaches numbers and counting in a playful way. Combines stamping with arithmetic.

3+ years
Read Review
Learning Resources Kanoodle Fusion
Learning Resources

Learning Resources Kanoodle Fusion

★★★★☆ (4.7/5)

Brain-teasing puzzle game with 50+ challenges. Develops critical thinking and spatial awareness. Compact for travel.

4+ years
Read Review
Stomp Rocket Stomp Racers
Best Seller
Stomp Rocket

Stomp Rocket Stomp Racers

★★★★★ (4.8/5)

Jump and launch your race car! 100% kid-powered, no batteries needed. Combines physical activity with STEM learning about force and motion.

3+ years
Read Review
LEGO Classic Creative Brick Box
LEGO

LEGO Classic Creative Brick Box

★★★★★ (4.9/5)

The classic for preschoolers! 484 bricks in 35 colours for endless building fun. Stimulates creativity and fine motor skills.

4+ years
Read Review

Tips for Parents of Preschoolers

Practical advice for this dynamic age

💡 Appreciate the "Why?" Questions

The endless questions of preschoolers are a sign of a healthy, curious mind. Take time to answer or explore answers together.

⏰ Routine and Structure

Preschoolers thrive on predictability. Fixed play times, meals and bedtime help them feel safe and regulate their emotions.

🎯 Choose Age-Appropriate Toys

Toys that are too difficult frustrate, too easy bore. Always check the age recommendation and choose toys that are slightly challenging.

🎭 Join in with Imaginative Play

Be the patient when they play doctor, the customer in their restaurant. Playing along strengthens your bond and stimulates language development.

⚠️ Safety Remains Important

Although preschoolers are more capable, stay alert to small parts that could be swallowed. Check toys regularly for damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to popular questions about preschoolers and toys

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