I know that 3-6 years old is a LARGE age range.  Next year, I’ll probably split some of this.  But, since KK (3.5) and KJ (6) share so many of their toys, I wasn’t quite ready to split this apart YET.  But, by next year, for sure, especially with the introduction of legos, I will split up 6 years old and up from the preschoolers!

One nice thing about KJ having his birthday at the end of October is the toy catalogs roll around before that, so we can see what he is interested in and split some of his picks from birthday to Christmas.  It also means some of the stuff he LOVED from his birthday is on this list! Hope this list helps you find something for the preschooler or kindergartener in your life!

Note – we have two boys, so this list is heavy on boy or neutral toys.  I have added some things my niece loves in this age range and some of my friend’s kids, but the list is heavy on what our boys have loved. Also, for a quick summary and reminder, for all the fancy toys below, what KK plays the MOST with are random hot wheel cars, monster trucks, and his kinetic sand.  KJ loves to play pretend with random little animal figurines.  So, never underestimate the power of simplicity!

Something They Want

•  Plasma Car – KJ received this for his third birthday but didn’t start really riding it consistently until right around his fourth birthday.  Best $90 ever spent! He literally rides it all over the house every day, and I can tell it’s an outlet for him when he may be feeling antsy, energetic, or even a bit destructive. This was on my toddler gift guide, too, because KK started riding his at two.  And baby girl could ride hers by 17 months old! All three still ride through the house like a little trio. It’s adorable and kind of loud. 
• Kinetic Sand – the boys continue to love this! Honestly, it’s the one quiet activity they will sit side by side and happily play for an extended period of time. They play with it OUTSIDE.  Do yourself a favor; NEVER get colored sand. Learn from my mistakes. NEVER use colored sand. We love this set and this set. 
• Dancing Flamingo – this is totally random, but we gave this to a friend’s daughter who turned three last year, and she LOVED it.  She happens to be really into flamingos, so it might have been specific to her, but I added it to the list anyway!
• Bike and Helmet – we got a bike for KJ this year on this fourth birthday!  He’s learning to pedal and ride it like a champ! KJ is on the taller side, but we went with a smaller 12-inch bike so that it would be easier to learn. We plan to upgrade him to a taller bike as soon as he gets comfortable.  This way, KK can have the 12-inch when he is ready!
• Dino Eggs – KJ really enjoyed these break-apart dino eggs he got for his birthday! They’d make a fun gift for any preschooler; be prepared for a mess.  
• MAGNA-tiles –  KJ was at first hit or miss with MAGNA-tiles, but this year, he is more into them, it’s one of the few things he likes to build with. My nephew has loved them since he was about three years old. My best friend’s kid got really into MAGNA tiles this year at 5 years old, so it might just be something some kids are late bloomers on. And if you know a kid that loves MAGNA-tiles there are all sorts of expansion kits I’m sure they would love to have, even if they have some MAGNA-tiles, they likely want more.  (Kind of like getting additional Lego sets.) 
  • My Aunt got them the jungle animal extension pack and the forest animal extension pack last year, and ever since then, they’ve been a staple in our house.  Both will play with them, but I’d say KJ the most.  I HIGHLY recommend the Magnatiles brand as I’ve yet to have a broken maganatile.  (As you probably know, magnetic objects can be extremely dangerous, especially if swallowed.)  I put a few more extension packs on the kid’s list for this year.  Please note that if you have babies in the house, you may want to avoid the micro tiles, as the boxes that contain them are clearly labeled.  
• Tinker Toys – Tinker toys are an old-style building system that the boys LOVE.  My in-laws had some leftovers from when my husband was little, and we noticed that around two years old, KK started building with them, and KJ would join.  We got one KK his own set for his birthday in May, but there are really small pieces, so I’m putting this on the preschool gift guide since KJ loves them, too.  
• Power Wheels – We’ve had ours for about a year now, and the boys LOVE it.  KK still rides shotgun mostly but is learning to drive; KJ has been driving it for over two years now! Ours is a very similar model, but not the exact same as they discontinued the one we bought last year.  But I remember comparing these two side by side, and they were essentially the same.  
• Grow Sponge Animals – my kids, especially my preschooler, LOVES these probably more than anything else.  He saves the sponges and has a whole village of them he plays with when his little brother is sleeping.  For ten bucks, you can’t really beat the value.  PS We also did them in the bath with warm water. 
• Mess Free Painting – hands down, one of the coolest things I’ve ever purchased.  Highly recommend.  
• Kid Chair – I can’t tell you how much the kids love their own little chair to sit in when they get screen time or family movie time.  My in-laws got this one for KJ and got another one for KK for Christmas this year. My only complaint is that potty training wasn’t kind to it, and it would be nice if there was a washable/waterproof option.  Also, for a more aesthetically pleasing chair for your living room, this one looks nice while still being at a good price point. Note: I did notice that the boys are not using the chairs in our new house in Texas.  I think it’s because the TV is so much closer since we have the TV in the smaller living area.  
• Bean Bag Toss – an entertainer for sure!  
• Color Lab Kit – we got a color lab kit from Loveevery, which was a huge hit this year.  You could put the same type of kit with these test tubes, dyes, and syringes.  Highly highly recommend it! 
• Go Fish – a classic, and for a good reason!
• Kids Digital Camera – We got this for KJ for his fifth birthday, and it was a huge hit! I now basically order one for any birthday party we go to. If you have a kiddo who loves to steal your phone to take pictures, this is a win!
• Alphabet Bingo – for learning letters in a fun way!  This really helped KJ in pre-K!
• Kids puzzle – KJ started with these 12-piece puzzles and has moved on to these 48-piece puzzles.  He can’t quite do the 48 pieces by himself, so I’m going to get him a few 24 pieces as well for Christmas.  I figure KK and Baby Girl will do them eventually, too!
• Play-Doh Sets –  The boys LOVE Play-Doh! We have this dino Play-Doh set and this stand mixer set, which are both huge hits. The boys absolutely love Play-Doh, especially KK.  I love that in this age range, they don’t have quite so much supervision or help playing with it!
  • I’m eyeing this haircut set for KJ this year and this Hulk or Marvel set for KK.  
• Tablets 
  • Amazon Fire Tablet 8 (for kids 2+) – These are just OKAY.  Initially, when we got them, I LOVED them.  Now, I’m so so on them.  They have a nice return policy but are glitchy.   If you find them on sale, they are a great deal, but I wouldn’t pay full price for one again. Fire Tablet Accessories: Headrest Mount| Clear Screen | MicroSD Card
  • LeapFrog Tablet – We’ve been using more LeapFrog products/shows on the recommendation of our sons preschool.  I bought this tablet for Christmas, and it’s definitely for your 3+ child, but I couldn’t recommend it more.  We used this tablet to supplement preschool learning since KJ only went to Pre-K three days a week.  Also, we used it to keep him on track this summer.  It has a “my world mode,” and essentially, the kids follow the world through lessons with games and videos.  So, he systematically progressed from pre-K content through kindergarten content.  I plan to have him use it again during Thanksgiving and Christmas break.  KK now uses it, too, but not quite as systematically.  
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab – my nephew has this tab, and it’s so much better than the Fire tablets.  If I wanted just a general tablet for watching movies/shows, I would get this! 
  • Refurbished iPad – honestly, this seems like the best way to go if you’re just looking for something to play movies/download shows onto, etc.  When the baby needs her own tablet for road trips, we will probably just upgrade KJ to a refurbished iPad and give her the glitchy Amazon one. 
• Remote control tarantula –  This was purchased last year and was a huge hit! Easy to control and really fun! 
• Themed Playsets- the boys seem to go through phases with TV show-themed toys.  KK has really been in an octonaut phase, playing with KJs old octonaut set a lot.     
  • Paw Patrol Set
  • Octanauts Playset 
  • Dino Ranch Set
• Bug Related- our boys are super into bugs, KJ definitely more than KK.  But KK loves spiders. Here are some of   
  • Real Bug Discovery Kit – We gave this to KJ for Christmas last year, and it’s still a favorite! 
  • Bug Finder Catch and Release Tool
  • Big Bug Hunter Set
• Beginner Lego Sets – KJ isn’t that into building things (he’d rather get to the imaginative part of playing with the thing), so we haven’t felt the need to dive into legos, especially with younger siblings in the house.  My SIL really thoughtfully picked out a set that was very beginner-level with fewer small pieces.  He also received a couple beginner sets for his birthday from friends, here are the ones I would recommend!
  • Lego City Monster Truck – this is the one my SIL got him! Really durable and a great first set!
  • Lego Spiderman and Doc Building Set – we haven’t opened this one yet, but you can tell it’s minimal pieces!

• Hot Wheels Sets/Toys- overall, I think that Hot Wheels stuff is kind of not great quality.  Kind of flimsy and definitely not destruction proof, but the boys do love the sets,  I particularly love the toy in the first bullet point! 
  • Hot Wheels Ultimate TREX Transporter – I was super nervous about this purchase because Hot Wheels tend to be low quality, in my opinion.  But this transporter has stood up to my destructive 3-year-old, and both kids LOVE It so much.  This was 100% worth the money! I’ve been so so so happy with this purchase! 
  • Hot Wheels Toy Car Track Set, Track Builder Unlimited Playset Fuel Can Stunt Box – KJ received this for his birthday.  Love that it all folds up in a carrying case for a portable toy!
  • Metal Machines T-Rex Attack Building Trackset with Mini Racing Car –  KJ also received this for his birthday a few days ago.  The kids love anything that is both car and dinosaurs, so this was a win!  Both boys love it.  
  • Marvel Hot Wheels Spiderman Web Car Launcher – another win. KK got this last year at 2.5 years old, and it is still one of his favorites!

Something They Need

•  Amazon Backpack – this backpack is great quality for a beginner backpack, comes in lots of designs, and is perfect for your preschooler who needs to carry things to and from school or activities. It has a chest strap, so it doesn’t fall off them, and they can actually wear it. 
• Bentgo Leak Proof Lunch Box – great for school lunch or outings at the park.  We’ve had zero issues with this bento box, and I love that it comes apart easily for cleaning and can be put in the dishwasher!
• Montessori placemat – love this placemat because it’s HUGE and because it introduced the concept of setting the table.  I’m sure that I could have taught KJ to help set the table when he was much younger, but I had multiple young children and no energy for that or the potential mess.  But this year, he’s started helping me set the table at dinner, and the placemat helped him catch on quickly to what everyone would need at the table.  
• Hydroflask – by far, my favorite hyrdroflask of KJ’s is the one his grandparents bought him.  It doesn’t leak when traveling and keeps liquids cold! UPDATE: The new model seems to leak, but we might have gotten a dud.  
• Scissor Skills books – we have this one and this one for extra practice at home, and KJ loves them!
• Writing Practice – we have this one 
• ABC Bingo – super helpful in Pre-K for reinforcing letter recognition!
• Convertible Bunk Beds – We got the boys these convertible bunk beds at the beginning of last year, and I have to say it was a great purchase.  So far, they are holding up well, are easy to build, and look great. We just converted them to bunk beds and the boys are LOVING it!  
• Bathtub Plastic Shelf – this shelf will save your sanity if you find yourself constantly wiping up wet floors.  While it’s not 100% at keeping water off the floors, the boys just love this shelf so soooo sooo much!
• Electric Toothbrush (5+) – last year we got KJ this electric toothbrush and it’s been really great!  The dentist said about 5 years old is a good time to introduce one if you are going to do it.  He brushes his own teeth in the morning using the timer, but we still brush his at night.  

Something To Wear

• Stitchfix Kids Delivery – I’ve done Stichfix a few times for KJ now.  I usually do it to get him started on the next size up of clothes for each season (we really only have two seasons here – hot and cold haha). This year, when it got cold, I realized he fit in none of his 4T pants and immediately needed the next size up.  I quickly changed his SF date to the next day and had a whole really cute wardrobe by the end of the week. I don’t use this that much for KK because he gets so many hammy downs!  
• Pajamas are ALWAYS appreciated by parents of preschoolers!  
• Nonslip socks – I’ve purchased this same brand of socks 3 times for KJ.  They have grippers on the bottom that long outlast the socks themselves! 
• Amazon baseball hat – KJ loves his Amazon dino hat! Surprisingly, I’ve never had an issue getting him to wear it. 
• Tracksuits – nothing has gotten more use over the years than KJ’s tracksuits.  He grew out of his 2T suits, so his grandparents gave him some 4T for this year.  Nothing is cuter than a little boy in a tracksuit. I don’t know why. It just is. Now KK is wearing his older one!
• Old Navy Puffer Jacket
• Old Navy Snow Suits – if you watch the sales can get these for around $20 bucks, which is a steal compared to other places for the same item! Since my kids see the snow like 1-2 times a year max, these are perfect!
• Wild Kratts Costumes – if your older toddler is into Wild Kratts, they may love to dress up and get creature powers! (Looks like the shop is taking a break, but I would definitely save it on Etsy in case it comes back!)

Something To Read

KJ now enjoys sitting through longer books, not quite chapter books, but longer stories now.  Here are some of his favorites:

• This Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown
• The Little Engine Who Could
• The Poky Little Puppy
• The Poky Little Puppy Pumpkin Patch
• Search and Find Dinosaur Book
• Fish Out Of Water
• Are You My Mother? 
• Put Me In the Zoo
• The Beginners Bible (We have been gifted several children’s Bibles over the year, but this is by far the winner as far as holding KJ’s attention.  KJ loves it!)
• Blank Board Book – My aunt (who was a third-grade teacher and later a middle school art teacher) MADE a book for KJ when he was around 2, and it’s still one of his favorite books.  This is a great thoughtful gift if you are crafty and can draw.  (I would not fall into that category haha) 
• It’s a Frog Thing – KJ received this for his birthday and LOVED it!
• Inky the Octopus
• Gruffalo 

Bug Books – KJ is obsessed with bugs.  Here are some of his favorite books: 

• Bug Book – 500 Facts About Bugs
• 10 Little Catapillars
• Spiders
• On Beyond Bugs, All About Insects (Dr. Seuss)

Things I wouldn’t purchase again: 

• Live Ant Farm  – Don’t do it.  The ants will die almost immediately without a queen.  To get a queen you have to find a state specific breeder.  We did do that, and it’s been the coolest thing ever but it was significantly more expensive, like closer to $150 bucks.    
• Butterfly Kit – We ordered the National Geographic Butterfly Kit to help house some caterpillars we found, turns out it didn’t come with food for them.  If you have a kid into bugs I highly recommend a kit that comes with live caterpillars, even if you have your own.  Just trust me.