Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Learning Toys We Actually Use
19
items As both a preschool educator and a mom, I'm always looking for toys that are fun, durable, and truly support children's development. These are the learning toys we've personally used and loved at home and in the classroom. They encourage hands-on pla...
Sections
4
Early Learning & Literacy
Math & Counting Fun
STEM & Problem Solving
Fine Motor & Creative Play
Early Learning & Literacy
These are our favorite toys for introducing letters, sounds, colors, and vocabulary through play. They're easy for little hands to use and help build confidence while making learning feel natural and enjoyable.
This interactive book has been a favorite for building vocabulary and encouraging curiosity. I love that children can explore words independently while hearing clear pronunciation and fun sounds. It's a wonderful choice for toddlers beginning to deve...
LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book
A classic puzzle that never goes out of style. It helps children recognize letters while strengthening fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. We've used it both during independent play and small group learning activities.
Alphabet and Counting Puzzles
These colorful acorns make letter matching feel like a game. They're perfect for practicing uppercase and lowercase recognition while encouraging sorting and problem-solving. My students always enjoy opening each acorn to discover what's inside.
Learning Resources Alphabet Acorns Set
Magnetic letters are incredibly versatile. We use them on the refrigerator, magnetic boards, and cookie trays to practice spelling names, simple words, and letter recognition. They're a staple in both our home and classroom.
JoyCat 78 Pcs Magnetic Letters Numbers ABC 123
This tablet offers a fun way to practice early writing skills without using paper. The guided activities help children learn proper letter formation while giving them confidence to keep trying independently.
LeapFrog Mr Pencil's Scribble Write & Read
Math & Counting Fun
Learning math doesn't have to mean worksheets. These toys help children understand numbers, counting, patterns, and sorting through hands-on activities that naturally fit into everyday play.
One of my all-time favorite learning tools. These bears can be used for counting, sorting by color, creating patterns, and simple math. It's amazing how many different learning activities you can create with one simple set.
Learning Resources Baby Bear Counters - 102 pcs
Pattern blocks encourage creativity while introducing shapes, symmetry, and spatial reasoning. I love watching children design their own pictures while strengthening important early math skills.
Pattern Blocks and Boards Classic Toy
Number puzzles are a simple way to reinforce number recognition and sequencing. They're especially helpful for children who enjoy hands-on learning and benefit from visual support.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Number Puzzles 40 pcs
These connecting cubes are excellent for counting, measuring, building patterns, and comparing quantities. They're one of the most flexible math manipulatives we've used both at home and in preschool.
Learning Resources MathLink Cubes Big Builders
Wooden number blocks combine number recognition with open-ended building play. They're sturdy, engaging, and easy to incorporate into everyday learning activities.
Number Wooden Blocks
STEM & Problem Solving
These toys encourage children to think critically, solve problems, and experiment through play. They're perfect for developing creativity, engineering skills, and confidence while having fun.
These magnetic building tiles inspire endless creativity. Children naturally explore shapes, balance, and engineering concepts while building towers, castles, and imaginative creations together.
MAGNA-TILES Classic 100-Piece Magnetic Set
A timeless favorite that grows with your child. DUPLO bricks encourage creative thinking, storytelling, and fine motor development while providing hours of open-ended play.
LEGO DUPLO Classic Brick Box Building Blocks
Simple wooden blocks continue to be one of the best investments for early learning. Children naturally practice balance, planning, creativity, and cooperation while building together.
100 Piece Wood Blocks Set
This interactive construction set introduces simple engineering concepts in a playful way. Kids love connecting the colorful gears and discovering how everything moves together.
Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! 150-Piece STEM Toy Set
Fine Motor & Creative Play
Fine motor skills develop best through meaningful play. These activities strengthen little hands while encouraging creativity, independence, and focus in ways children genuinely enjoy.
Play-Doh is one of our favorite ways to strengthen little hands before writing. Rolling, squeezing, and cutting dough builds hand muscles while encouraging creativity and imaginative play.
PLAY DOH FUN FACTORY
Lacing beads help improve hand-eye coordination, concentration, and fine motor control. They're also a wonderful quiet activity for independent play or travel.
Melissa & Doug Primary Lacing Beads Toy
This adorable hedgehog makes fine motor practice feel like a game. Picking up and placing the colorful pegs helps strengthen finger muscles while introducing colors and counting.
Learning Resources Spike Fine Motor Hedgehog
Squigz encourage creative building while strengthening finger muscles through pushing and pulling. They're fun on tables, windows, bathtubs, and almost any smooth surface.
Fat Brain Toys Squigz Starter Set, 24 Pc
These chunky markers are perfect for little hands just beginning to draw. I appreciate how easily they wash off, making art time less stressful and much more enjoyable for everyone.
CRAYOLA MyFirst Washable Markers - 8 Pack