There's a tremendous explosion in learning ability at this age, and it's a good time to introduce interactive educational toys that teach math and verbal skills, such as phonics boards or mini computers.Kids are now able to imagine that they're someone else and may fantasize about being airplane pilots, police officers, doctors, or teachers.

Top Toys:

• Art supplies and craft kits
• Blocks of different shapes
• Electronic phonics toys
• Construction sets with large pieces, such as Legos or Lincoln Logs
• Puzzles of greater complexity
• Dress-up clothes
• Transportation toys, such as parking garages, airports, and train stations
• Board games that don't require reading, such as Hungry Hungry Hippos, Monopoly Junior, Cluedo Junior, or Candyland
• Balls and basketballs