If your preschoolers are like ours, then pretend play toys are always at the top of their list. As a gentle break from all those licensed characters (we can't get that song out of our heads either) we think each of these gorgeous toys, lots of them handmade, will make any child's day. No batteries or power outlets needed. There's just something really lovely about seeing our kids use a little extra imagination during playtime to become their own princesses, knights, superheroes, moms, dads, doctors, and uh, baristas.
($40 at Cool Mom Picks Indie Shop)
We love the idea of a DIY dollhouse which adds a whole new level of fun for your creative kid.
($46.18 at Little Citizens Boutique)
Get them started young so they can make you the real stuff later on. You know, when they're four.
($33 at Brooklyn Makers)
Every superhero needs his own sidekick. We think this adorable handmade doll is up to the task.
($89 at My Sweet Muffin)
Because builders gotta build.
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($19.95 at Fat Brain Toys)
So what's so wrong about a purple pirate ship in turbulent orange seas?
($34.99 at amazon)
As opposed to the plastic play doctors kits, we bet this wooden doctors kit might just last them through medical school.
($49.50 at My Sweet Muffin)
What a smart space-saving gift idea for budding puppeteers.
($39.95 at Fat Brain Toys)
They're baaaaaaaack.
($145.69 at blita)
We might just buy this little red riding hood play set for ourselves. You can never be too old for pretend, right?
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($170 at Rock & Pebble)
Animal House! Ha, get it?
($499 at natural pod)
So many possibilities--add a few blankets and you've got forts, castles, and magical unicorn zoos for years of play.
All gift ideas have been editorially chosen by our staff; there is no compensation in exchange for recommendations. CMP is an Amazon and reward style affiliate partner. Discount codes expire 12/31/14.
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