These Observation Tubes are a big hit in the classroom and this set of 8 is a great deal. Find them at:
http://www.constructiveplaythings.com/observation-tubes-1
The Ladybug Playground is great for little nature explorers. We collect ladybugs and roly-poly bugs and watch them walk up and down the ramps. These are get for viewing natures creatures. Available at Amazon and Bass Pro Shops.
These big, easy-to-hold blocks connect easily and firmly with durable snap buttons. Kids can make buildings, people, even cars with this colorful set. 35 wooden pieces; the largest piece is 4" long. Find them at:
Lakeshore Learning
A great gift for the child that is interested in learning to ride a "big kid" bike. My kids learned to ride a two wheeler in record time using a balance bike. The rider has more control because the balance bike allows one to isolate the skill of core balance needed to successfully ride. Once that balance is achieved you can move onto a bike with pedals and master it quickly. There is a wide variety available on Amazon.
This is probably one of the best gifts I have ever bought my kids. They are now 5 and 8 and still play with it all the time. It has seriously provided them with countless hours of fun. These are available on Amazon and at Walmart or Target.
Any musical instrument set is always fun for this age. The children love exploring the instruments I have in the classroom and use them all the time. This set is from Melissa and Doug available on Amazon.
Puzzles are great for little hands and can help review all kinds of concepts from letters to number to colors and every interest in between.
Great collection of music. We use several of his songs in class. Available at http://www.jimgill.com/
Fisher-Price Travel Doodler Pro is great for activities on the go. No pieces to lose! Comes in a variety of colors. Available on Amazon or at Target or Walmart.
Pegboards And Hold-Tight Stacking Pegs are great for building, patterning, counting. Available here: http://www.constructiveplaythings.com/pegboards-and-hold-tight-stacking-pegs
Animal Hammer & Nail Set: Hammer the matching 2 piece wooden animals on the 11 5/8" x 8 3/8" corkboard using metal nails. Add a few additional trees for a jungle surrounding. Includes 24 wooden pieces, corkboard, and 30 nails. Ages 3 yrs. +. Found here: http://www.constructiveplaythings.com/new-items/manipulatives/animal-hammer-nail-set
Wikki Stix® Activity Pack: Manipulate and press the Wikki Stix® to fit the alphabet letter outlines on 27 cards (7" Sq.) using 36 six inch Wikki Stix® in 9 bright colors. Ages 3 yrs. + Available at Lakeshore Learning.
Crayon Rocks: Crayon Rocks Sixteen Colors packed in a red velvet bag. 16 Summer Colors: red, pink, blue, sky, green, grass, dark yellow, light yellow, orange, peach, purple, light purple, brown, tan, black, gray. Simply the best coloring tool for children! Designed to strengthen the tripod grip muscles, preparing fingers and hands for handwriting. The shape allows small fingers to color in large, wide strokes creating pictures rich in color. Used by occupational therapists to develop fine motor skills. Available on Amazon