Choosing the right toys for your child can feel like a big decision. You want something fun and engaging, but also meaningful - something that helps your little one grow. At Papilio Early Learning, we understand how important play is for a child’s development.
Play is more than just entertainment; it’s how children learn, explore, and build the skills they’ll carry through life. That’s why our Lifelong Learning Curriculum integrates play-based learning into everything we do.
In this guide, we’ll share our top recommendations for educational toys for children aged 0–5. From sensory mats for babies to STEM kits for preschoolers, these toys are perfect for supporting development while making learning fun.
Why Play and Educational Toys Matter
Research shows that 90% of a child’s brain development happens before the age of 5. This makes the early years a critical window for learning and growth.
Educational toys help children:
- Build critical skills: Toys like puzzles and STEM kits encourage problem-solving, creativity, and cognitive growth.
- Develop coordination and motor skills: Activities like stacking or riding a balance bike strengthen fine and gross motor abilities.
- Foster social connections: Pretend play sets and musical instruments teach teamwork, communication, and empathy.
At Papilio Early Learning, we embrace the power of play to help children reach these milestones in a supportive, fun, and nurturing environment.
Educational Toys for Babies (0–1 Year)
Babies are natural explorers, using their senses to understand the world around them. These toys stimulate their senses and encourage physical and cognitive development.
1. Sensory Play Mats
- Why it’s great: Textures, bright colours, and sounds make sensory mats perfect for tummy time and motor skill development.
- Expert insight: Dr. Carla Hannaford explains, “Sensory play builds neural connections that support early learning.”
- Where to buy: The Tiny Love Meadow Days Gymini Dynamic is available at Baby Village.
2. Cloth Books
- Why it’s great: High-contrast cloth books with crinkly pages are excellent for engaging visual and auditory senses while encouraging a love of books.
- What research says: Reading to babies as early as six months improves language development and bonding (Pediatrics).
- Where to buy: Try the Animal Tails Cloth Educational Book at Baby Stork.
3. Stacking Cups or Rings
- Why it’s great: Stacking toys help babies develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and early problem-solving abilities.
- Activity tip: Use stacking cups during bath time for added sensory fun.
- Where to buy: The Lamaze Pile and Play Stacking Cups can be found at Big W.
Educational Toys for Toddlers (1–3 Years)
Toddlers are full of energy and curiosity. These toys focus that energy into activities that build their cognitive, physical, and social skills.
1. Wooden Puzzles
- Why it’s great: These puzzles teach shapes, colours, and spatial awareness while improving patience and critical thinking.
- Expert quote: Dr. Sarah Kruger notes, “Puzzles are a fantastic way to foster fine motor development and logical thinking.”
- Where to buy: The Melissa & Doug Farm Peg Puzzle is available at Ed Resources.
2. Musical Instruments
- Why it’s great: Instruments like tambourines and maracas introduce rhythm and sound, boosting creativity and motor skills.
- What research says: Musical play enhances memory and brain plasticity (Frontiers in Psychology).
- Where to buy: The Djeco Animambo Set of 3 Musical Instruments is available at Discount Toy Co.
3. Push-and-Pull Toys
- Why it’s great: These toys develop gross motor skills, coordination, and balance while encouraging active play.
- Where to buy: The PlanToys Pull-Along Snail can be found on Amazon.
Educational Toys for Preschoolers (3–5 Years)
Preschoolers are curious and imaginative, making this the perfect stage to introduce toys that challenge their creativity and prepare them for school.
1. STEM Kits and Building Blocks
- Why it’s great: STEM toys inspire problem-solving and exploration, introducing children to basic engineering and science concepts.
- Learning tie-in: These toys align with Papilio’s Lifelong Learning Curriculum, fostering critical thinking and curiosity.
- Where to buy: The 100 Piece Magna-Tiles Classic Set can be found at Big W.
2. Pretend Play Sets
- Why it’s great: Pretend play sparks imagination and helps preschoolers practice social skills by role-playing real-world scenarios.
- Activity tip: Set up themed areas like a “kitchen” or “doctor’s office” to encourage collaborative play.
- Where to buy: The 13 Piece Wooden Tea Playset can be found at Kmart.
3. Balance Bikes
- Why it’s great: Balance bikes promote physical confidence and coordination, preparing children for riding a traditional bike.
- Activity idea: Create an outdoor obstacle course for an extra challenge.
- Where to Buy: Find balance bikes at Little Nation.
FAQs About Educational Toys
Educational toys are designed to support skill development in areas like problem-solving, creativity, and motor skills. They’re fun and help children learn naturally.
Select toys that match your child’s age and developmental stage. Babies benefit from sensory toys, toddlers thrive with problem-solving activities, and preschoolers love STEM and pretend play.
Yes! All recommended toys can be purchased from Australian retailers like Baby Village, Ed Resources, and Discount Toy Co.
How These Toys Support Affinity Education's Lifelong Learning Curriculum
At Papilio Early Learning, we use toys like these to complement the Lifelong Learning Curriculum by:
- Encouraging curiosity and creativity: Toys like sensory mats and STEM kits promote exploration.
- Building critical skills: Activities like puzzles and balance bikes support motor and cognitive development.
- Making learning joyful: Every toy is an opportunity to make education exciting and engaging.
What is the Lifelong Learning Curriculum? Exclusive to Affinity Education centres, including Papilio Early Learning, the Lifelong Learning Curriculum is the most advanced approach to early childhood education. Learn all about it here.
Tools for Learning, Growth & Creativity
Educational toys are much more than playthings - they’re tools for learning, growth, and creativity. From sensory mats for babies to STEM kits for preschoolers, these toys align with Papilio’s Lifelong Learning Curriculum and help children thrive at every stage.
Ready to see how we inspire learning through play? Book a tour at your nearest Papilio Early Learning Centre today and discover the difference quality early education can make. Find your nearest Papilio here.