15+ Toddler & Preschool Toys That Are Worth Every Penny
As a mom of two very active boys (currently 2 and 4), I can tell you this: Not all toys are created equal. Some sit untouched on the shelf… and some get played with every single day.
I’ve definitely learned through trial and error what toys are worth the space in our home — and which ones are duds. In this post, I’m sharing our very favorite toddler and preschool toys that actually get used over and over again. These are perfect for keeping little hands and minds busy — especially when you’re trying to drink your coffee hot or hop on a quick work call. ☕️😉
The Short List: Our Most-Played Toys
1️⃣ Lovevery Play Kits
These playkits have been in rotation in our house since Logan was a baby — and they continue to get tons of play even now. I love that they’re developmentally designed, beautiful, and built to last. We keep each kit sorted by age group so I can rotate them in and out — which keeps things fresh and exciting for both boys.
Current Favorites:
Play Water Sink — Hours of fun with pretend water play indoors
Jump-In Eco Hoops + Bean Bags — Perfect for gross motor practice and obstacle courses
Drop and Match Dot Catcher — Great for fine motor skills and color matching
Montessori Math Bars — A surprisingly fun intro to counting and early math
Number Sense Nature Counters — We love using these for sorting, counting, and color games
Size It Up Measuring Tape — The boys love "measuring" things all over the house
Discover and Inspect Microscope — One of our most-used tools for exploring nature finds and random household objects
2️⃣ Melissa & Doug Vet Center
This is one of the most imaginative play sets we own. The boys love pretending to take care of their stuffed animals — giving them shots, wrapping them in bandages, using the stethoscope, and more. It’s a great option for dramatic play and helps teach empathy, too.
3️⃣ Target Toy Checkout Lane
Endless play opportunities here! My boys love “shopping” for play food, stocking shelves, and checking each other out at the register. I keep a Target play grocery cart nearby with toy food, which makes it easy for them to start playing without a lot of setup.
4️⃣ Step 2 Water Table
If I had to name a #1 summer MVP toy — this is it. We pull this out constantly in warm weather. Sometimes we keep it simple with water and cups, sometimes we add bath toys or even bubbles for extra fun. It keeps them engaged outdoors for long stretches of time. For even more easy fun, add this water pump for continuous water pumping fun!
5️⃣ Magnetic Tiles
These are a HUGE hit and have grown with both boys. They build towers, garages, houses, and ramps for cars. I love that these encourage STEM thinking and creativity — and they’re easy to clean up at the end of the day.
6️⃣ Do-a-Dot Markers & Coloring
When I need something calm (hello, post-lunch quiet time), Do-a-Dot markers or basic coloring always deliver. I keep simple coloring pages and blank paper in a bin they can grab on their own. Snag our favorite dot markers and simple activity book!
7️⃣ Playdough + Tools
Playdough is such an open-ended, sensory-friendly activity. We have a stash of playdough tools, rollers, and cookie cutters. This one’s also great for rainy days or when we need a reset.
8️⃣ Outdoor Bubble Play
Bubbles are the ultimate simple joy. We rotate between wands, bubble machines, and even bubble mowers. Easy entertainment that gets them running around outside (a win for everyone).
9️⃣ DIY Obstacle Courses
One of our favorite rainy day or high-energy activities: setting up obstacle courses with pillows, cushions, chairs, and other household items. The boys love making up new courses and seeing how fast they can get through them. Our go to: this Nugget couch dupe from Kohls!
Why These Toys Work for Us
Open-ended: They encourage imagination and multiple ways to play.
Durable: I don’t want to constantly replace toys — these have held up beautifully.
Appeal to multiple ages: Many of these get used by both my 2-year-old and my 4-year-old (often together!).
Minimal setup: As a working mom, I need toys they can access and play with independently.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the best toys in our house are the ones that keep coming off the shelves — not the ones that look cute on Instagram. 😉
If you’re building out a toddler or preschool toy collection, I hope this list gives you some ideas! And if you have any can’t-miss toys your little ones love, drop them in the comments — I’m always looking for new ones to try.
