Best Toys & Games for children ages 1-6 years

September 1, 2023

Play is important, that is how children learn. Age-appropriate toys and games based upon children's interest give fantastic learning experiences. I do believe that encouraging play from a young age and as long as possible will promote a lifelong love for learning.
I have compiled here a list of our Best Toys & Games for children ages 1-6 years.

TOYS FOR 1 TO 2 YEAR OLDS:

When it comes to toys for 1 to 2-year-olds, simplicity and interactivity are key. Traditional toys that stimulate senses and movement are great. For example, building blocks, shape sorters, stacking toys, and wooden puzzles. All of these toys of course have to be age appropriate in size and safety, with large pieces to suits toddlers' little hands and not frustrate them!

In the early years, parents involvement in playtime is really important. This is a topic I discussed with Gill Moses - Parent Mentor in one of my podcasts. Engaging with children during play creates bonding and connections. Parents also give guidance and encouragement which are key to promoting self-esteem and self-worth!
When selecting toys for the young age group, it is important and I was going to say easy, to consider sustainability as most of the toys are made of wood or soft material and can be passed on to someone else when the child has grown out of it. Wooden blocks or wooden puzzles will last forever!

TOP 6 TOYS FOR 1 TO 2 YEAR OLDS:

Hape Pull along Lady Bird
Hand Puppet Zebra
Korko Tall Architects Blocks
Djeco My Friends Stacking Blocks
New Classic Toys Wire Bead Maze
Djeco Minibrico

TOYS FOR 2 TO 3 YEAR OLDS:

The best toys for 2 to 3-year-olds is entertaining and also contributes to children's development. At this age, children are curious learners and become aware of the world around them. Building blocks, a good old favourite! encourage fine motor skills, puzzles enhance problem-solving and spatial awareness, music toys and toy instruments can introduce a sense of rhythm and body expression and puppets are fantastic complement to a book and can make story time, bedtime, going to the doctor time...a pleasant and relaxing experience!

As a parent, this was probably one of my favourite age to play with my children. I loved their curiosity, incredible imagination and creativity.

TOP 6 TOYS FOR 2 TO 3 YEAR OLDS:

New Classic Toys Magnetic Bead Maze Snail
New Classic Toys Alphabet Puzzle Uppercase
Djeco Trio Puzzle My Daily Life
Smartgames Peek a Zoo
Djeco Lassanimo
The Puppet Company baby Monster Red

TOYS FOR 3 TO 4 YEARS OLDS:

The best toys for 3 to 4-year-olds engage children's imagination, encourage active play and create spaces where children can develop problem-solving and STEM skills. Traditional Toys like play kitchens, tool sets, and doctor's kits allow children to imitate real-world scenarios and explore different roles. Figurines allow children to build their own world where they can enlarge their vocabulary. Building games, balancing games are great to promote problem-solving and fine motor skills. These toys are also fun for parents to join in play or even just to watch children's imagination run wild. I've always loved a cup of tea served in a sticky wooden cup or my hair brushed with the brush used on the cat!

TOP 6 TOYS FOR 3 TO 4 YEAR OLDS:

New Classic Toys Tool Kit Soft Colours

New Classic Toy set of 3 Vehicles

Fiesta Crafts Wizard Hand Puppet

Djeco Create with Stickers Coloured Dots

Djeco Arty Toyse Caraiba

Buitenspeel Balance Buddies Game

TOYS FOR 4 TO 5 YEARS OLDS:

When it comes to the best toys for 4 to 5-year-olds, there are several options that provide both entertainment and educational value. Building blocks and construction sets like Kapla or magnetic games encourage creativity and "serious" problem-solving as well as developing fine motor skills. All age appropriate puzzles give what I call a bit of head space and a chance for silent reflection! Anything to do with Art & Crafts like paint or play dough is a nice way to explore children's creative minds.
With Dress up Clothes and Puppets, children are now in charge of their play, of their stories and of their characters. A real boost to storytelling and imagination.
Most toys like these, except for the Arts & Crafts maybe, can be passed on. These toys are not subject to a brand, a trend, they are just the toys children like to play with.

TOP 6 TOYS FOR 4 TO 5 YEAR OLDS:

KAPLA® Construction 100 Planks
Beleduc Magnetboard Colours
Learning Resources Feelings Family Hand Puppets
Djeco Milfiori Mosaics
Bigjigs Firefighter Dress up Costume with Helmet
Smartgames SmartFarmer Logic Game

TOYS FOR 5 TO 6 YEARS OLDS:

Let's remember that play is the way children learn, use their imagination but also connect with the world around them. At the age of 5 to 6, children love to play more than ever! and as they start school, they may now be interested in a specific type of play. I remember my eldest daughter was into puzzles and drawing, nothing else, whereas my son was into dressing up and pretty much nothing else! I just went with the flow...
All the toys I've listed before, building blocks, construction toys, puzzles, art & crafts, games, dress ups and puppets are all excellent choices.
They promote all the skills needed to manoeuvre in the world and are still fun to use.