Classic Holiday Gifts for Preschoolers
Old-Fashioned Christmas & Hanukkah Presents for Young Children
Oct 25, 2008
Looking for a holiday gift for a three-year-old or four-year-old child that isn't a piece of blatant merchandising for a television show or movie? For parents frustrated with a toy industry obsessed with Spider Man, Disney princesses, Dora the Explorer, and even tweenager fare like High School Musical, a trip to the toy store may feel disheartening. Fortunately, the same classic, old-fashioned toys that parents and grandparents played with are still on the shelves to bring holiday joy to today's preschool age children. Happily, many of these toy choices are significantly cheaper and more educational than the ultra-commercial alternatives that dominate the shelves.
Here are some classic toy suggestions for three-year-old and four-year-old children.
Easels
Stand-up easels are a classic toy choice for children with great educational value. Most easels have two sides: a magnetic white board that kids can write on and use magnetic letters with, and a chalkboard side. This gives children lots of opportunity to draw and practice their letters and numbers. Easels also come with clips that kids can use to attach paper for drawing and painting.
Fisher Price Little People
The little wooden Fisher Price people you grew up with aren't made anymore (although you can still buy them on eBay). However, they've been replaced by delightfully detailed plastic people who, among other things, are multiracial. Fisher Price sets are designed to be more educational the the old ones; for example, there's a school that comes with a built-in abacus and a learning mat that allows kids to push buttons and learn their letters. There's also a zoo with a set of 26 adorable animals that correspond to the letters of the alphabet. Although these complicated sets lack the innocent simplicity of some of the older versions -- like the barn that mooed when opened, or the parking garage with the hand crank -- they still allow children to use their imaginations, with an extra dose educational value.
Lincoln Logs and Legos
Lincoln Logs aren't as easy to find as they used to be, but they still are being made! These old-fashioned blocks, which were invented by the son of Frank Lloyd Wright, can be used to make log cabins. Of course, another great options of kids who love to build things is Legos. While more complicated Lego sets are not appropriate for young children, many of these sets are fine, so check the boxes to determine the contents and the age appropriateness. Duplo blocks -- the larger version of Legos which are appropriate for toddlers -- are fun for preschool aged children too.
Play-Doh Sets
On a rainy or snowy day, there's nothing like a Play-Doh set to ignite kids' imagination. Play-Doh kits are very inexpensive and often are a great choice for a child you don't know very well.
Tricycles
If you live in a warm enough climate, a tricycle under the tree might be just the thing. A tricycle is an old-fashioned holiday gift that will help kids learn motor skills and independence. For some preschoolers with advanced motor skills, a small bicycle with training wheels might be appropriate. Tricycles can be purchased adorned with Dora, princesses, and all the usual cartoon characters, but the old-fashioned red kind is still a perennial favorite.
Classic Preschool Fun
Preschool children have active imaginations and the desire to learn -- and they don't need Tickle Me Elmo, SpongeBob, or other commercial characters to make that happen. Look for old-fashioned toys that kids have been playing with for generations, and you'll find that even though the marketing campaigns to kids have changed, the children have not.
See also:
Classic Holiday Gifts for Toddlers
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