Best 3+ Toy: Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magnetic Standing Art Easel

The jump from 2 to 3 is a big one. Early preschoolers are often content to play with the same toy for hours, have imaginations that run wild, and are constantly soaking up new information. A toy that fits the bill on all three counts? Melissa & Doug’s Deluxe Magnetic Standing Art Easel.

What we love

• Sketch a picture on paper or scribble with chalk, the easel allows Picassos-in-the-making to exercise their creative muscles
• 39 magnetic letters and numbers provide help with counting, sequencing, spelling and pre-reading (and reinforce the earliest lessons learned in school)
• The easel can be adjusted to three different heights to grow with your toddler throughout the years

Summary

From crafting to counting and in between, this easel will be a big hit among the preschool crowd.

Buy it: $78, Amazon.com

Finalists

Hape Cook N’ Serve Kitchen

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-pillar