25 Christmas Gifts for Preschoolers That Help Prepare Them for Kindergarten
Looking for Christmas gifts for preschoolers that are both fun and educational? We’ve rounded up 25 of our favorite toys, games, and hands-on activities that your little one will be excited to unwrap this holiday season, each one labeled with the early skill it helps build!
We put this gift guide together with kindergarten readiness in mind. You’ve probably heard that term before, and while it can sometimes feel like there’s a lot of pressure to get your child ready for school, remember that every child learns and develops at their own pace. Kindergarten is a place where they’ll continue learning and growing!
These gifts are simply fun ways to encourage some of those early skills, like recognizing letters, counting, building fine motor skills, solving problems, and becoming more independent. And the best part? Your preschooler will be learning through play!
If you’d like to learn more about kindergarten readiness, check out our guides to the essential skills every child should learn before kindergarten and our kindergarten readiness checklist.
Now, let’s get to the gifts!
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How to Choose Christmas Gifts for Preschoolers
The best Christmas gifts for preschoolers are toys and games that let 3- to 5-year-olds practice early skills through play, like magnetic letters for learning letter sounds or a cooperative board game for taking turns. Look for gifts labeled for ages 3 and up that your child can use on their own and that will grow with them.
A few quick things to keep in mind as you shop:
- Follow their interests. A child who loves building will get more out of magnetic tiles than a worksheet-style toy, even if both teach shapes.
- Mix quiet and active gifts. Pair a busy book or art set with something that gets them moving, like stepping stones or a launcher game.
- Think about who’s playing. Board games and pretend play sets shine when siblings, grandparents, or friends can join in.
Want more year-round ideas? Our list of the best toys for preschoolers has even more favorites.
Christmas Gifts for Preschoolers That Build Early Literacy Skills
Learning letters and sounds doesn’t have to mean sitting at a table with flashcards! These gifts make early literacy fun through games, puzzles, and hands-on play. (For more playful ideas, here are 5 ways to teach the alphabet.)
1. MAGNA-TILES microMAGS LEARN Letters
If your preschooler loves building with magnetic tiles, this is such a fun way to introduce letters!
The MAGNA-TILES microMAGS LEARN Letters Set combines magnetic building with alphabet learning. Kids can explore letters, practice recognizing them, and experiment with letter sounds while creating their own designs.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Letter recognition, beginning sounds, and fine motor skills.
2. LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set
Turn your refrigerator into a little learning station!
The LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set lets preschoolers place magnetic letters into an interactive toy that says letter names and sounds.
It’s perfect for kids who love music, buttons, and learning through repetition.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Alphabet recognition and letter sounds.
3. Learning Resources Alphabet Learning Mailbox
You’ve got mail!
The Learning Resources Alphabet Learning Mailbox turns practicing letters into a pretend-play activity.
Preschoolers can explore alphabet activities while playing mail carrier, making this a fun gift for kids who love imaginative play.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Letter recognition, vocabulary, and early writing.
4. Little Tikes Dr. Seuss Story Dream Machine
Storytime just got a whole lot more exciting!
The Little Tikes Dr. Seuss Story Dream Machine brings stories to life with colorful projections, narration, and sound effects. It’s a fun, screen-free way for preschoolers to enjoy stories, follow along, and talk about their favorite characters.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Listening comprehension, vocabulary, and storytelling.
5. Learning Resources Alphablasters! Letter & Spelling Game
For preschoolers who would rather be moving than sitting still, this one is especially fun!
The Learning Resources Alphablasters! Game lets kids use an air-powered launcher to knock down letters while playing alphabet and spelling games.
It’s a playful way to bring some action into early literacy practice.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Letter recognition, letter sounds, and early spelling.
Preschool Math Gifts for Counting, Numbers & Shapes
Counting, sorting, recognizing shapes, and making patterns are all important early math skills. These gifts help preschoolers explore numbers without making math feel like a lesson. If your child loves hands-on counting, you’ll also like our favorite math manipulatives for preschool.
6. Numberblocks MathLink Cubes Activity Set
If your preschooler loves Numberblocks, this might be one of their favorite gifts under the tree!
The Numberblocks 1–10 MathLink Cubes Activity Set lets kids build their favorite Numberblocks characters using colorful connecting cubes.
They can practice counting, comparing quantities, and seeing how numbers fit together.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Counting, number recognition, and understanding quantities.
7. Educational Insights Hop to 10 Stepping Stones
Who says counting has to happen sitting down?
The Hop to 10 Stepping Stones turn number practice into an active game! Preschoolers can hop, balance, and move between numbered stones while practicing counting and recognizing numbers.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Number recognition, counting, balance, and coordination.
8. Numberblocks Blockzee Balance Activity Set
Learning about numbers is a lot more exciting when kids can actually see how they compare!
The Numberblocks Blockzee Balance Activity Set includes a balance toy and connecting cubes that help children explore numbers and compare amounts.
Preschoolers can experiment with which side is heavier while building their understanding of quantities.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Counting, comparing quantities, and early mathematical reasoning.
9. Educational Insights The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game
This adorable squirrel game is a fun combination of counting, colors, and fine motor practice!
In The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game, kids use a squirrel-shaped tool to collect colorful acorns while following the spinner.
It’s a great introduction to simple game rules, too!
Kindergarten readiness skill: Color recognition, matching, fine motor coordination, and turn-taking.
Fine Motor & Pre-Writing Christmas Gifts for Preschoolers
Before children can comfortably write letters, they need opportunities to strengthen their hands and practice coordinating small movements.
And luckily, some of the most fun preschool activities do exactly that! (You’ll find even more in our big list of fine motor activities.)
10. Play-Doh Fun Factory Starter Set
You really can’t go wrong with Play-Doh!
The Play-Doh Fun Factory Starter Set gives kids tools to squeeze, press, shape, and create all kinds of fun designs.
While they’re busy making their masterpieces, they’re also strengthening the little hand muscles they’ll use for drawing and writing.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Hand strength, fine motor coordination, and creativity.
11. Melissa & Doug Scissor Skills Activity Pad
Learning to use scissors is a big milestone for preschoolers!
The Melissa & Doug Scissor Skills Activity Pad includes child-safe scissors and fun cutting activities.
Kids can practice cutting along lines and completing projects while building confidence with a classroom tool they’ll use often.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Scissor skills, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor control.
12. Learning Resources Helping Hands Fine Motor Tool Set
Little hands love having their own special tools!
The Learning Resources Helping Hands Fine Motor Tool Set includes tools for squeezing, scooping, grabbing, and transferring objects.
Pair them with a Christmas sensory bin, water activity, or pom-pom sorting game for lots of hands-on fun.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Fine motor strength, hand-eye coordination, and grasp development.
13. Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets Tub Set
Color them, wash them, and start all over again!
The Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets Tub Set lets preschoolers decorate adorable little pets with washable markers, then give them a bath so they’re ready for another makeover.
It’s such a fun way to encourage creativity while practicing the hand movements they’ll eventually use for writing.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Fine motor control, creativity, and hand-eye coordination.
Social-Emotional & Communication Gifts for Preschoolers
Kindergarten isn’t just about letters and numbers. Kids are also learning how to make friends, take turns, communicate, and handle big feelings.
These gifts make practicing those skills a little more fun!
14. Peaceable Kingdom Count Your Chickens Board Game
A board game where everyone works together instead of competing? Yes, please!
In Count Your Chickens, players work as a team to bring the baby chicks back to the coop.
It’s a wonderful first board game for preschoolers who are learning to take turns and follow rules.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Cooperation, turn-taking, counting, and following directions.
15. Learning Resources Who’s Feeling What?
Recognizing emotions is an important part of learning how to communicate with others.
The Learning Resources Who’s Feeling What? Game encourages kids to look at facial expressions and think about how other people might be feeling.
It’s a fun way to start conversations about emotions, empathy, and friendships.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Emotional awareness, communication, and empathy.
16. LeapFrog Scoop and Learn Ice Cream Parlor
Who wants ice cream?
The LeapFrog Scoop and Learn Ice Cream Parlor lets preschoolers pretend to run their own ice cream shop, serve customers, and practice following orders.
It’s a great gift for kids who love pretend play, especially when siblings or friends join in as customers! For more ideas, see our favorite toys for dramatic play.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Communication, listening, following directions, and imaginative play.
17. Junior Learning Social Skills Board Games
For older preschoolers who are ready for more structured games, this set is worth considering.
The Junior Learning Social Skills Board Games includes activities centered around friendship, empathy, manners, and understanding emotions.
These games can help start conversations about situations children might experience with classmates.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Social awareness, communication, and problem-solving.
Best suited to older preschoolers; check the manufacturer’s age recommendation.
Christmas Gifts That Encourage Independence & School Readiness
One of the biggest changes when children start kindergarten is learning to do more things for themselves.
These gifts give preschoolers opportunities to practice everyday routines and feel proud of what they can accomplish!
18. Melissa & Doug Basic Skills Board
Buttons, zippers, buckles, and laces can be tricky for little hands!
The Melissa & Doug Basic Skills Board turns practicing those everyday dressing skills into a hands-on puzzle.
It’s a great gift for preschoolers who are learning to get dressed more independently.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Dressing skills, fine motor coordination, and independence.
19. Time Timer Visual Timer
If your preschooler struggles with transitions, a visual timer can be such a helpful tool!
A Time Timer lets children see time passing, which can make it easier to understand when it’s time to clean up, finish an activity, or get ready to leave.
It’s also a useful way to introduce simple routines before kindergarten.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Following routines, time awareness, and self-management.
20. Skillmatics Montessori Busy Book for Preschoolers
Looking for something your preschooler can pull out and explore independently?
The Skillmatics Montessori Busy Book includes reusable activities that encourage kids to match, sort, trace, and count.
It’s a great option for quiet time, traveling, or giving your child opportunities to practice completing activities on their own.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Independent learning, following directions, matching, and problem-solving.
STEM, Creativity & Problem-Solving Gifts for Preschoolers
Some of the best learning happens when kids are building, experimenting, and figuring things out for themselves.
These gifts encourage preschoolers to ask questions, try new ideas, and get creative!
21. Fat Brain Toys Air Toobz EVO
This is definitely one of the more exciting gifts on our list!
The Air Toobz EVO lets kids build pathways with tubes and use moving air to send foam balls through their creations.
Preschoolers can experiment with different designs, see what works, and try again when something doesn’t go as planned.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Problem-solving, experimentation, and cause and effect.
22. PicassoTiles Magnetic Building Set
Magnetic tiles are one of those toys kids can play with in so many different ways!
The PicassoTiles 101-Piece Magnetic Building Set lets preschoolers build towers, cars, houses, shapes, and whatever else they can imagine.
It’s a wonderful open-ended gift that can grow with your child. (More ideas like this in our list of toys for open-ended play.)
Kindergarten readiness skill: Spatial awareness, shape recognition, creativity, and problem-solving.
23. Learning Resources Primary Science Lab Set
Have a preschooler who loves asking questions and experimenting?
The Learning Resources Primary Science Lab Set gives kids child-sized science tools to explore mixing, observing, and experimenting.
It’s a fun introduction to scientific thinking through supervised hands-on activities.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Observation, curiosity, and early scientific reasoning.
24. Hape Portable Art & Learn Set
Have a little artist who loves to create?
The Hape Portable Art & Learn Set gives preschoolers their own creative station with drawing supplies and magnetic numbers.
It’s a fun gift for kids who enjoy drawing, experimenting with colors, and making their own creations.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Creativity, pre-writing, number recognition, and fine motor skills.
25. Subscription Box Kids Preschool Box
Want to give your preschooler a Christmas gift that keeps the fun going all year long?
The Preschool Box is a fun way to introduce new hands-on learning activities throughout the year! Instead of getting just one toy for Christmas, your child gets new opportunities to explore, create, and practice important preschool skills.
Kindergarten readiness skill: Creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning.
Black Friday Deal: Get one free box with a 6- or 12-month subscription, or 50% off your first box with a monthly subscription!
Keep the Learning Going with Teaching Mama!
Christmas gifts are a wonderful way to encourage learning through play, but the fun doesn’t have to stop when the presents are put away!
At Teaching Mama, we have tons of preschool worksheets, printable activities, and hands-on learning resources that help children practice many of the same skills featured in this gift guide, including our Christmas printables for preschoolers.
Whether your preschooler is working on recognizing letters, counting objects, learning shapes, or strengthening fine motor skills, our preschool printables make it easy to keep the learning going at home.
And with Black Friday right around the corner, it’s a great time to stock up on activities for the months ahead! Use code BLACKFRIDAY40 anytime between November 23rd and November 30th to get 40% off our entire shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
There’s no right number, but many families find that a handful of thoughtful gifts goes further than a big pile. Preschoolers can get overwhelmed opening lots of presents at once and often end up playing with just one or two. Some parents spread gifts out over the season or save a few to bring out during the long winter months.
They can be, in moderation. Toys like talking letter sets are great for repetition, but hands-on toys like blocks, Play-Doh, and board games usually give kids more chances to think, create, and talk with you. A good mix is one or two electronic toys alongside plenty of open-ended ones.
Start with the age label, since toys marked 3+ often contain small parts that aren’t safe for younger siblings. Check whether it needs batteries (and include them!), and note any pieces that need adult setup so Christmas morning goes smoothly.
Most of them span the preschool years, but there are differences. Younger preschoolers usually enjoy simple, hands-on gifts like Play-Doh, the Helping Hands tools, and Count Your Chickens. Older preschoolers are often ready for more structured games, scissor practice, and early spelling games like Alphablasters!
Let your child lead. Play alongside them, follow their ideas, and skip the quizzing. Ask open questions like “What are you building?” instead of “What letter is that?” Kids learn the most when they’re having fun, so if they use a toy differently than the box suggests, that’s okay too!
