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Preschool Toys

Toys for Kids Ages 2 to 4 years

By , About.com Guide

Preschoolers are developing the ability to talk and communicate in more complex ways. They are expanding their imaginative play skills and beginning to learn the rules of sharing, turn taking, and playing cooperatively with friends. So toys for the preschool age group often include more challenging building sets, simple board games, doll play, and toys that promote educational concepts of learning colors and letters.

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1. Interactive All Around Chuggington Train Set

©Learning Curve Brands

Based on the new children's show, Chuggington, several different train sets are available for kids to enhance their pretend play skills. This particular set includes over 40 feet of track, with 3 interactive stops.  Using Smart-Talk technology, these trains can recognize and communicate directly with each other!

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2. Leapster Explorer

©Leap Frog

This hand held device will begin to expose young children to learning concepts for writing and reading, all while being portable enough to fit in a purse or a backpack. There are games that can be downloaded online and additional themed cartridges featuring popular Disney characters can also be purchased.

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3. Zoobles Mama and Zooblings Playset

©Spinmaster

These brightly colored little creatures curl up into a ball. Place them in their Happi-tat and let them roll through their playset. There are several different magnetic sensors embedded into the playset that activate them to pop open and spring to life! In this set, the mama Zooble can feed, change and nurture her little baby. Individual zoobles can be purchased separately.

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4. Moon Dough Magic Zoo

©Spinmaster

Preschoolers are also learning to develop their artistic sides. This glutein-free airy dough can be pressed into the mold at the top of the zoo and with the simple turn of the crank handle on top of the zoo, their animal creation will walk right out of the zoo across the table! 

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5. VTECH Kidizoom Camera

©VTech / Pricegrabber

Kid's these days are definitely intrigued by adult technology at very early ages. This durable camera by VTECH, geared for kids ages 3-9, stores over 400 photos and has a built-in flash and photo editor.

6. Leap Frog Tag Jr.

©Leap Frog

This handheld device when used in conjunction with the corresponding Tag Jr. board books, using sensor technology, brings books to life. It is helpful to teach young kids vocabulary, and encourages the skills of listening to directions, responding to questions, and developing a love for reading at an early age.

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7. Lalaloopsy Pillow Feather Bed

©MGA Entertainment/ Pricegrabber

This adorable doll is one of many different Lalaloopsy dolls. Pillow Feather Bed was created from a special baby blanket fabric, and when her last stitch was sewn, she came to life! Each Lalaloopsy doll comes with an animal friend and has special activities they each like to individually do for fun that little girls will relate to.

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8. Trio Hot Wheels Stunt Ramp Builder

©Fisher-Price

These small square blocks, sticks and panels snap together to build elaborate play structures like farms, fire engines and this new stunt ramp! These sets not only help with the ability to follow directions, but once they are built, kids can use their pretend play skills to act out a variety of scenarios along with their friends.

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9. YBike

©Ybike / Pricegrabber

Balance bikes are a great to invest in prior to the purchase of a bicycle with training wheels. Learning to shift your weight from side to side is a foundational skill needed for bicycle riding. Some children who have had balance bike experience are more apt to easily transition directly to a two wheeled bike, possibly skip training wheels all together.

10. Cranium Cariboo Island

©Hasbro

First, several balls are inserted into the round openings in the top of the gameboard. Children pick a card that encourages them to match colors, letters, and numbers. They use a key to open one of the doors to look for the hidden balls. This is a great family game that older siblings will enjoy playing as well.

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