ToysAges 3-5
Best Gifts for Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)
When pretend play takes over
Updated June 11, 2026
Three to five is when kids stop using toys as objects and start using them as props. Costumes, kitchens, doctor kits, train tables. The picks below favor open-ended pretend over single-use gimmicks.
KidKraft Uptown Espresso Kitchen
A real-feeling pretend kitchen. Chalkboard, fridge, microwave, knobs that click. Worth the assembly.
$199.99Walmart
Melissa & Doug Doctor Role Play Costume Set
Stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, thermometer, otoscope. Pediatrician visits get noticeably easier.
$29.99Target
Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk 64-Pack
Sixty-four colors. Outdoor art for an entire summer.
$14.99Amazon
Plan Toys Wooden Doctor Set
Sustainably-made wooden version. Beautiful object, plays the same.
$34.99Target
Magformers Standard Set 30-Piece
Magnetic shapes that snap into 3D forms. Less prescriptive than LEGO, more architectural than Duplo.
$49.99Amazon
BRIO World Classic Figure 8 Train Set
Wooden train track. Compatible with Thomas, Ikea Lillabo, and most generic wooden trains.
$39.99Target
Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike
No pedals. Kids learn to balance first, pedal later. Most go straight from this to a pedal bike around age 5.
$119.99Walmart
Hape All Seasons Wooden Kid Dollhouse
Three floors, modern furniture, sturdy wood. For all kids, despite the name.
$159.99Amazon
Crayola Twistables Crayons 24-Pack
No sharpening, no peeling, no broken tips. The form factor wins every time.
$6.99Target
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
The bedtime book. Has soothed multiple generations into sleep.
$8.99Amazon
Schleich Farm World Large Barn
Plastic but premium. Pairs with the deep bench of Schleich animals.
$89.99Walmart
Some products in this guide are sponsored placements. Elowish may earn a commission on purchases made through links on this page. This does not affect the price you pay. All product selections are editorial.