Our top (fun) educational toys for 2–6-year-olds

Read time: 8 minutes

Published on: 06/12/24

Toys that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning are especially valuable for children aged 2 to 6. These early years are a time of rapid growth in thinking and social skills. Our guide highlights some of the best educational toys designed to spark imagination, build skills, and keep your little one engaged. Whether they enjoy crafting, constructing, or problem-solving, there’s something here to make learning, growth, and development both fun and impactful.

Why years 2 to 6 are critical for a child’s cognitive and physical development

The ages of 2 to 6 are pivotal for a child's cognitive and physical development, as this period encompasses significant growth in language, motor skills, social interaction, and problem-solving abilities. During these years, children develop foundational skills such as memory, attention, and reasoning, which are essential for later learning.

Physically, they gain coordination and fine motor skills through activities like drawing and building. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework by the UK Department for Education highlights the importance of play-based learning during these stages to support holistic development.

What is the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework?

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework is a comprehensive guideline set by the UK government to ensure the safety, well-being, and developmental progress of children from birth to 5 years old. It establishes the standards that nurseries, preschools, and childminders must meet, focusing on areas like communication, physical development, personal and social skills, and early literacy and numeracy. The framework emphasizes the importance of play-based learning and aims to provide a consistent foundation for children's development, school readiness, and future learning potential.

Our top five educational toys for 2–6-year-olds

Now that we know why these kinds of toys are so important, let’s take a look at our favourites:

1. Kids Jumbo Artist Easel - Grey (3–6 Years)

Price: £17.95

Here’s why we love it

• Suitable for young artists: This jumbo artist easel is designed for children aged 3 to 6 years, making it a perfect tool for sparking creativity and imaginative play
• Encourages creativity: With its spacious drawing surface, this easel allows children to express themselves freely through painting, drawing, and crafting, fostering their artistic skills
• Loads of accessories: The easel comes with a built-in pencil case for easy access to art supplies, along with other accessories included to inspire creativity and make art time enjoyable

Add the Kids Jumbo Easel to your shopping basket

2. 3-in-1 Indoor/Outdoor Water & Sand Activity Table - Blue (2–6 Years)

Price: £26.95

Here’s why we love it

• Versatile 3-in-1 design: This indoor/outdoor water & sand activity table is perfect for children aged 2 to 6 years. It features a sand table, a water table, and an activity table, allowing families to enjoy various sensory play experiences all in one product
• Encourages creative play: Whether it's building sandcastles or splashing in water, this table promotes imaginative play and fine motor skills. It offers endless opportunities for children to explore, create, and have fun in both indoor and outdoor settings
• Durable and practical: Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, this activity table is made to withstand playful adventures. Its sturdy construction ensures that families can easily set it up in the garden or bring it indoors for year-round enjoyment

Look at everything you get with the activity table

3. Spiral Roadway Set - Multi (2–5 Years)

Price: £14.95

Here’s why we love it

• Encourages creativity and play: The Spiral Roadway Set is designed to spark imagination in children aged 2 to 5 years. With 38 pieces, including stickers for customisation, families can enjoy endless fun as they create their unique roadways and scenarios
• Sturdy and tall design: Standing 60 cm tall, this roadway set provides a dynamic play experience that encourages children to engage in physical play. Its height makes it easy for little ones to interact with their creations and enhances their overall play experience
• Versatile play options: This set offers various ways to play, allowing children to build and rearrange their roadways as they wish. Whether racing cars or creating imaginative stories, this set is perfect for developing fine motor skills and encouraging cooperative play among friends and siblings

Spark their imaginations with the Spiral Roadway Set

4. Jumblock x 50 With Maxi Truck - Multicoloured (18+ Months)

Price: £21.95 

Here’s why we love it 

• Encourages creative play: The Jumblock set includes 50 colourful blocks perfect for inspiring creativity in children aged 18 months and older. Families can enjoy hours of imaginative play, building structures and exploring new designs together 
• Versatile indoor and outdoor use: Designed for indoor and outdoor play, these blocks are versatile enough to be used in various settings. Whether it's a rainy day indoors or a sunny afternoon outside, families can create and enjoy playtime anywhere 
• 2-in-1 maxi truck feature: The included maxi truck not only serves as a storage solution for the blocks but also transforms playtime by allowing little ones to transport their creations. This added functionality makes it easy for families to keep everything tidy while encouraging interactive play 

Help your child have fun while they learn with the Jumblock Maxi Truck 

5. Kids Study Desk with Footrest & Pen Holder - Grey (3–6 Years)

Price: £22.95 

Here’s why we love it 

• Ergonomic design for comfort: The Kids Study Desk is thoughtfully designed with ergonomics in mind, providing a comfortable workspace for children aged 3 to 6 years. This design supports proper posture, helping your little one stay focused while they study or engage in creative activities 
• Convenient footrest for added support: The built-in footrest allows children to rest their feet comfortably while seated, promoting better posture and reducing strain during study sessions. This thoughtful feature helps ensure that your child can concentrate on their tasks without discomfort 
• Organised workspace with pen holder: The desk includes a handy pen holder, keeping writing tools within easy reach and encouraging your child to stay organised. By providing a dedicated space for their supplies, families can help nurture good habits and a love for learning from an early age 

Encourage their cognitive development – add the Study Desk to your order 

Gifts for growing imaginations 

Choosing the right educational toys can genuinely nurture your child's cognitive and mental development while ensuring they have fun. These carefully selected toys not only spark creativity and critical thinking but can also lay the groundwork for a positive attitude toward learning that carries into later life. Engaging in play that fosters curiosity and skill-building can boost your child’s confidence, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities. 

If you need further assistance or more suggestions for fun educational gifts, our customer services experts are here to help make your shopping experience easier and more informed. 

All prices are correct at the time of publication. Prices are subject to change.