The holiday season is a joyful time—and it can also feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to find the best holiday gifts for a preschooler. With so many options, it’s easy to feel pressure to buy more or spend more than you planned.
As preschoolers grow and develop new interests, it can feel like a whole new world of exciting toys opens up—and it’s fun to see what captures their attention!
But the truth is, the best holiday gifts for preschoolers often cost little to nothing. Many meaningful gifts come from everyday moments and shared experiences.
Preschoolers are often curious, imaginative and eager to try new things. When choosing gifts or sharing a wishlist with family and friends, look for items that challenge their growing minds, build early skills and give them space to explore their creativity.
The Best Holiday Gifts for Preschoolers
Toys that sharpen problem-solving and thinking skills
Preschoolers are learning how to think through challenges, plan ahead and try new solutions. Toys and games that support problem-solving help build confidence and persistence. Great options include:
- Puzzles, such as floor puzzles or matching games
- Simple board games that encourage turn-taking
- Building sets, blocks and magnetic tiles for endless creation and fun
Creativity boosters
Creative play gives preschoolers a chance to express themselves and use their imagination. Open-ended materials allow children to explore in many different ways. A few ideas include:
- Art supplies like crayons, washable paint, safety scissors, modeling clay and drawing pads
- Dress-up clothes and pretend play sets, such as kitchen tools, doctor kits and puppets
- Simple instruments like shakers or small drums to explore rhythm and sound
There’s no right or wrong way to create. The process matters more than the final product.
Early literacy and learning fun
Preschoolers are building the foundation for reading and learning. Gifts that support early literacy and math skills can be playful and engaging. Consider options like:
- Picture and alphabet books
- Simple story collections
- Activity books that encourage tracing, sorting, counting and sequencing.
TIP: Incorporating reading and learning together into your daily routine helps preschoolers prepare for kindergarten!
The Gifts That Matter Most
As with younger ages, the most valuable gift for preschoolers is time together. Playing, reading and creating with your child supports their confidence, learning and imagination in big ways.
For more ideas that support learning through play, explore the full FTF Gift Guide for preschooler-friendly inspiration.
