Toys for 3-6 year olds

The best toys for 3-6 year olds sit right between playing and figuring things out. At this age children want to press, build, race and sing, and they want to see what happens next. That is why this collection mixes movement with making: magnetic construction sets and transformer bricks, gravity-defying track cars, ride-on style motorcycles with lights and sound, and jelly balloon balls for the garden or the hallway.

Alongside them sit quieter toys for preschoolers that build hand strength and patience, like busy boards and Montessori-style panels for fine motor practice, plus circuit puzzles that introduce cause and effect without feeling like a lesson. For children who perform, there are karaoke mic sets, dance mats, beat trainers and a first camera or MP3 player of their own. Most of these travel well in a bag for long car journeys. Useful gift ideas for a 4 or 5 year old when you want something they will come back to, rather than open once.