Great Gifts for Toddlers and Preschoolers - 2010

The benefits of introduction to music in early childhood are well documented. Lucky for us, all toddlers and preschoolers love to make music. A drum is the perfect first instrument! Remo makes quality drums that will withstand the abuse a young child to which a child will subject it - unlike most drums marketed for this age group. Both the Floor Tom and the Bongos can be played with mallets or the children's hands.

This age group loves to do things on their own, and they are proud when they succeed. These great toys by Melissa and Doug not only give children great pleasure, but also teach them important skills. The Deluxe Latch Board teaches them how to work different latching mechanisms, which helps their fine motor skills. At around $20, the set of 3 Pegboard Puzzles helps toddlers recognize shapes and sizes, and they are brightly colored! The Wooden Shape Clock is especially innovative. Not only is it a clock that will help older preschoolers learn to tell time, but it is also a counting tool and a shape sorting puzzle - my almost 3 year old loves it. It's a gift that your child won't outgrow quickly! Knowing these toys were made by Melissa and Doug also helps you ensure that any gift given to your child is a safe gift, and won't end up on a recall list like cheaply made toys have in the recent past.

Our children spend far fewer hours outdoors than any generation of the past. Toddlers and preschoolers usually love being outside and all the space they can explore, but sometimes all the entertainment inside distracts them. These presents will get them excited about getting outdoors! The EasyScore Basketball Goal is lots of fun, and sized aged appropriately. Your toddler will love the praise they receive each time they make a basket. And the WaterWheel Activity Table lets children splash, have fun and keep cool - even if you don't have the space or money for a pool. Then there is the Big Flyer Trike. No name has been as respected for so long as Radio Flyer, and a tricycle is good first vehicle for this age group.

I've had to wrestle my camera and cell phone away from my toddler and preschooler more times than I can count. The Leapfrog First Computer and Fisher-Price Kid Tough Digital Camera gives them there own technical toys so they don't swipe (and destroy) mine. The Digital Camera gift gives me a great idea for next year's gift - a book of pictures my preschooler took over the year prior!

The iPod Touch may seem like an unconventional gift for a toddler or preschooler, but with the easy to use interface your child can touch the graphic and get to a fun application without needing to read! Check out my iPod Education Site for more information.

Both boys and girls like to mimic their parents and pretend they are doing the same work they see mommy and daddy doing in their daily lives. Kids love to pretend to cook at a play kitchen, and the Step 2 Custom Kitchen is a great choice. The Melissa and Doug Dollhouse is sturdy, and will give your little one hours of fun. The Step 2 Real Projects Workshop lets little boys pretend they are daddy doing woodwork in the garage.