As a mom of five, I’ve seen a lot of toys — the good, the bad, and the ones that somehow end up under the couch for the rest of time. This year’s list is all about the “it toys” that actually last — the ones my kids reach for over and over again.

I’ve included some tried-and-true classics that have made it through all five kids, a few new finds that I’m excited to try, plus the toys I’ve designed myself — the ones my toddler is currently obsessed with and that make learning feel like play (my favorite kind!).

If you’re shopping for toddlers or preschoolers this holiday season, this is your shortcut to gifts that actually get used — no gimmicks, just smart, joyful play.

Melissa & Doug Take-Along Railroad Tabletop Playset with Wooden Train Toys, Animals & Scenery Play Pieces.

We’re constantly on the go, and as a screen-free family, that means at restaurants, hockey games, and everywhere in between, my toddler needs to stay busy playing — not flipping off the bleachers (so seated play is preferred!). That’s why I can’t wait to try this amazing toy.

As a mom of five, I know how important it is to find toys that travel and teach. This fold-up train set does exactly that — the sturdy wooden case opens into a full play scene with built-in tracks, tunnels, a bridge, and plenty of little pieces to move around. While the trains roll and the gondola slides, kids strengthen fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and imagination — all without screens or noise. Perfect for car rides, waiting rooms, and sibling playtime.

ABC Find & Fit Puzzle

I couldn’t make a gift guide without including the most-used, most-played-with toy in our house! I created these with parents like you in mind — and two years later, they’re still going strong (and no one’s bored yet!). Little hands can’t resist these soft silicone letters. Each piece is easy to grasp and perfectly sized for early learners to match, press, and explore. It’s a fun way to introduce the alphabet while building fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. And because they’re dishwasher-safe, they’re as practical as they are purposeful — exactly what I set out to design.

Reel Big Catch Game

My son loves fishing and anything interactive, so I couldn’t resist this cute game! I’m hoping it holds up because it’s such a clever way to turn play into real skill-building. Little ones get to “reel in” the fish, strengthening their grip and fine motor coordination, while we talk about small vs. large and measure our catches together.

Monster Truck Christmas Stocking Stuffers for Boys Age 3-6 – Pull Back Monster Trucks for Party Favors, Set of 8

We can never have enough trucks — and these ones look like they can actually move and off-road on tough terrain. I’m always chasing two things: toys that hold kids’ attention and sneak in learning while they think they’re just racing. These powerhouse monster trucks seem to deliver both. Push them, zoom them across the floor, and little hands get to strengthen coordination and experience that satisfying cause-and-effect through play.

Tiny Scholar Essentials Bundle

I recently heard someone say, “Christmas isn’t for educational toys.” I couldn’t disagree more! I created this kit after preschooling four under four at home — and let me tell you, I’m so happy to have it now with number five. It’s a learning bundle that also happens to be a toy, and my little guy reaches for it all the time. Honestly, he’d be thrilled to unwrap it on Christmas morning — the fact that it’s educational is just a bonus!

The Tiny Scholar Bundle is our “all-in” kit for early learners — with alphabet, number, color, and shape puzzles, placemats, and printables that help kids build reading, counting, and fine-motor skills through play. From soft silicone pieces to wipe-clean mats and a handy storage bag, it’s thoughtfully designed for everyday learning that fits into real family life.

Melissa & Doug Wooden Scoop & Serve Ice Cream Counter

My oldest was gifted this eight years ago when she was a toddler — and it’s still holding up (miraculously, with all the pieces intact!). I’m always on the lookout for toys that pull double duty — fun and skill-building — and this ice cream counter is exactly that. My kids love choosing flavors, topping cones, and serving up pretend treats while building hand-eye coordination, fine motor control (that scooper takes real precision!), and early number sense through counting and matching.

LEGO DUPLO Number Train Toy

We can’t get enough of our DUPLO bricks — even my big kids still play with them! I’m excited to add this one to our collection. It’s a classic for a reason: little ones love dropping the shapes in, pulling them out, and doing it all over again. It’s the kind of play that quietly builds problem-solving and coordination skills without screens or noise — just simple, sturdy fun that lasts through every sibling.

YEEBAY Whack A Frog Game

My boys love hammering things, and cause-and-effect toys are always a hit — so this one seems like it might be a favorite in our house. I’ve learned that toys that burn energy and build skills are gold. This one checks both boxes: little ones get to whack the frogs and giggle while working on hand-eye coordination, timing, and early motor skills. The dual hammers make it great for sibling or parent-child play — a playful pick that sneaks in skill-building while everyone’s having a blast.

Farm Sea to Shining Sea Placemat Bundle

These placemats aren’t just for mealtime… we used them for tummy time, taped them to the walls of my son’s room, and yes — we’ve had about 347 meals on them. My toddler even went through a two-month phase where he wanted to sleepwith them. Enough said.

Mealtime can be a learning moment too. These placemats bring animals from the farm and creatures from the sea right to the table — my kids love pointing out the pig and the octopus, and I love how it sparks vocabulary, matching, and conversation. The durable, wipe-clean design means less stress for me and more fun for them.

Logical Road Builder Puzzle Games, STEM Learning Toys

I bought this for my toddler, but I already know the big kids are going to be all over it too — who doesn’t love a little logic? There’s something so fun about watching kids figure things out for themselves. With this road-building puzzle, they’ll be connecting paths, testing ideas, and learning to think through challenges step by step. It’s hands-on STEM play that builds problem-solving and fine motor skills — all wrapped up in something that feels like pure fun.

123 Find & Fit Puzzle

Multipurpose is an understatement — we use this puzzle for baking, as birthday candles, for crafts, for math, and for free play! My toddler loves learning with it, and my six-year-old still jumps in too — our family is right in the sweet spot with this one. Math is just more fun when it’s a toy. Big, soft silicone numbers and shapes make it an instant win at our house. The chunky pieces fit perfectly in little hands, the illustrations underneath bring meaning to every number and shape, and the dishwasher-safe design makes cleanup as easy as playtime. A toy built for real play and real learning.

Aywewii Travel Magnetic Blocks

My kids were gifted a set of these blocks this summer, and they’ve been a big hit. Since we’re always on the go, I picked up this travel pack for my little guy. When we’re out and about, I look for toys that pack up easily but still deliver real learning value—and these magnetic blocks do just that. The tin doubles as a play base, so whether we’re in the car, on a plane, or at a restaurant, my kids are building towers, experimenting with shapes, and strengthening fine-motor and spatial skills without even realizing it.

Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog

I’m excited to give this one a try with my 2-year-old — it seems so fun already! As a mom of five, I’m always drawn to toys that actually do something for little hands, and Spike the Hedgehog looks like one of those gems. It’s simple, hands-on, and the kind of toy that builds real skills while they play.

Honey Bee Acres Farmhouse

My daughter is critter-obsessed but I just can’t keep up with the price tags! We grabbed this cute knockoff set from Sunny Days on Amazon about two years ago, and it’s still one of the most-played-with toys in our house.