At Brookshire Learning Centers, we believe that learning should be playful, hands-on, and age-appropriate. One of the best ways to support your child’s development at home and reinforce what they’re learning with us is by choosing educational toys that are both fun and full of purpose. Many of the toys we use in our daycare classrooms can also be found online or in stores, giving your child the chance to continue their learning outside of daycare hours.
Here’s a guide to the best educational toys by age group and why they work.
Infants (0–12 months): Learning Through Exploration
At this stage, babies are learning to understand the world through their senses.
Soft Fabric Books with High-Contrast Images
Why It Works: These books support early visual development and language exposure. Black-and-white contrast helps stimulate vision in the first few months, while crinkle pages and textures support sensory play. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), reading aloud from birth helps with brain development and emotional bonding.
- Try this one: Lamaze Soft Book – Peek-a-Boo Forest
Also in Our Classroom: Our infant room has a cozy corner with fabric books and sensory toys that encourage tummy time and visual tracking. Teachers make time throughout the day to spend time in reading with the babies at Brookshire Learning Centers.
Toddlers (1–2 years): Learning Through Movement and Imitation
Toddlers love to move, stack, sort, and mimic the world around them.
Stacking Cups or Nesting Toys
Why It Works: These toys encourage problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and early math concepts like size comparison and sequencing. When you child stacks the cups in different patterns and ways they are learning. Toddler play kitchens foster pretend play, language development, and fine motor skills.
- Try this one: The First Years Stack Up Cups or KidKraft Vintage Kitchen
Also in Our Classroom: Our toddler room includes colorful stacking toys, chunky puzzles, and a play kitchen for dramatic play. Pretend play helps children develop communication and problem-solving skills with their peers and adults in their life.
Early Preschool (2–3 years): Building Language and Independence
Early preschoolers start to engage in more complex play, including role-playing and storytelling.
Wooden Peg Puzzles and Matching Games
Why It Works: Peg puzzles build fine motor skills and reinforce early literacy and numeracy, while matching games support memory, focus, and vocabulary. Lacing beads help with dexterity and pattern recognition. These are the toys teachers at Brookshire Learning Centers reach for when trying to work with your child on fine motor skills.
- Try this one: Melissa & Doug First Words Wooden Puzzle or Melissa & Doug Lacing Beads Set
Also in Our Classroom: You’ll find puzzles and matching cards in our Early Preschool shelves that children love choosing during free play. NAEYC highlights how problem-solving toys promote cognitive flexibility and executive function.
Preschool (3–5 years): Expanding Creativity and Early Academics
Preschoolers are ready for more intentional learning through guided play and creative expression.
Magnetic Building Tiles (like Magna-Tiles)
Why It Works: These tiles promote STEM skills like geometry, balance, and spatial awareness while supporting imaginative play. Letter blocks or alphabet boards can support early reading readiness.
- Try this one: Magna-Tiles 32-Piece Clear Colors Set or LeapFrog Fridge Phonics
Also in Our Classroom: In our preschool room, you’ll see children using magnetic tiles to build imaginative worlds and explore math concepts. STEM toys help develop logical thinking and collaboration skills
Why Educational Toys Are Worth It
Educational toys are more than just entertainment. They’re tools that support your child’s brain development, emotional growth, and social skills. Plus, many of the toys listed here are the same ones your child uses at daycare, helping to create consistency between home and our classrooms.
Whether you’re building a birthday wish list or adding to your toy shelf, make choices that support learning and play. And if you ever need ideas or want to see what your child is loving at daycare, just ask us!