10 Preschooler-Approved Toys to Give as Gifts This Holiday

November 19, 2014

Michele Huggins,

Toys! Toys! Toys! It’s that time of year again when little ones are making their wish lists for Santa (and hopefully being extra good in anticipation of his arrival). With so many choices on the retail shelves, it helps to have a little guidance on what’s hot and what kids want.

The Goddard School created a list based on choices of some of the most important testers – preschoolers. Local preschoolers from The Goddard School located in Concord, along with 49 other Goddard School preschools across the country took on the job of a lifetime … as toy testers! Children ranging in age from baby to 6 played with toys while teachers observed and documented how the toy rates among the selection criteria. Criteria included how they encourage interactive play, support learning and skill development, as well as inspire creativity.

After “playful” consideration, the children’s votes were tallied to determine The Goddard School Top 10 Preschooler-Approved Toys for 2014. The Toy Test winners are (listed below in suggested age range order):

• Rock & Ball by Tiny Love (Suggested Age Range: 3+ Months)

• Green Toys Elephant-on-Wheels by Green Toys (Suggested Age Range: 6+ Months)

• Bunny Peek A Boo by Smart Toys and Games, Inc. (Suggested Age Range: 2+ Years)

• 12 Gel Crayons by Faber-Castell (Suggested Age Range: 3+ Years)

• Arx 2.0 by Fat Brain Toys (Suggested Age Range: 3+ Years)

• Giant Roller Ramps – Starter Set by Lakeshore Learning Materials (Suggested Age Range: 3+ Years)

• OgoDisk Mezo by OgoSport (Suggested Age Range: 3+ Years)

• Primary Science Color Mixing Set by Learning Resources (Suggested Age Range: 3+ Years)

• Smarty Blocks by Fat Brain Toys (Suggested Age Range: 5+ Years)

• 70 Model Building Set by K’NEX (Suggested Age Range: 7+ Years)

Now The Goddard School is asking you to vote for the top toy on The Goddard School’s Toy Test page through Nov. 26. The “Favorite Goddard School Preschooler-Approved Toy for 2014” will be announced on Dec. 2 and Goddard School International will then purchase and donate 100 of the winning toy to Toys for Tots. Click on the links above and then vote. Consider it holiday research, and a way to help give kids less fortunate a new awesome toy this Christmas through Toys for Tots.