- Children younger than age three years are just starting to develop their physical skills. Most of their play revolves around testing and stretching those skills to the limit. Good toys to help them do this include balls and blocks, nontoxic art supplies, play household items such as telephones or vacuum cleaners, a tricycle or wagon and shape sorters.
- Between the ages of three and six years, children are testing their imaginations. Dress-up and pretending toys are good choices for children in this age group. For girls, a dress-up trunk filled with clothes and shoes is a good gift item. Boys may prefer a play fireman's or policeman's coat. Arts and crafts such as safety scissors, finger paints and an easel or construction paper and Crayons are also good selections for children of this age.
- At this age, children are entering school and progressing through primary education. Strategy and skill games are more enjoyable to children at this age. For this reason, board games are enjoyed more at this age. Children are also exploring their broadening understanding of the adult world. Because of this, fashion dolls, action figures, and science and magic kits are popular. Children at this age are also refining their motor skills and enjoy sporting equipment as well.
