These Toys Are Sulit! 16 Toys To Boost Your Toddler's Brain Power

Toddlers and preschoolers develop and learn through play, and it is good for them to experience all kinds to develop holistically. Naturally, when choosing gifts for this age group, we think of toys, which are children’s tools for play.

How can you know if a toy is sulit or budol?

Toys have different functions and each one teaches a child different skills. When choosing new toys for your child, consider what he already has. A toy is sulit when it promises to hone a skill that the his current toys can't do.

Like a book that teaches your child how to read better—something his collection of trucks won't be able to provide. On the other hand, a toy may be considered budol when it teaches the same skill as your child's other toys.

It's also important to consider your child’s interests and choose a gift (or two) that he can enjoy for a long time, or even pass on to siblings and cousins. That would really make the toy sulit!

16 educational toys for toddlers and preschoolers

Toys that pique your child’s interest in language, letters and writing

Kids story book torch, Php599

Take bedtime storytelling up a notch with this Mideer Storybook Torch with eight fairy tales. The torch can be used four ways: as a story projector, a starry night projector, a nightlight and a torch light.

Available at Lazada

Wika board book bundle, Php1,156.50

This set of board books from Adarna House will help increase your little one’s appreciation of the Filipino language while learning age-appropriate concepts.

Available at Lazada

Magnetic doodle board,  Php599.75

Let your little one practice their fine motor skills and exercise their imagination with a doodle board. This is a great “toy” that younger and older kids could use to play together. Choose one that is big and of good quality so it could last longer.

Available at Lazada

Toys that encourage your child to be active

Kiddimoto running bike, Php4,999.00

Designed for children 18 months old and above, this running bike has a lightweight steel frame and fork, and has puncture-resistant tires. The seat is adjustable from 32cm to 45cm so it can grow with your little one.

Available at Rustans.com

Tent with tunnel, Php989.00 

If you have the space at home, this toy can foster active play, letting your child crawl through the tunnel and get in and out of the tent and cube. It can also function as a space for quiet play or imaginative play, for example as a reading nook or a pretend drive-thru restaurant.

Available at Lazada

Pogo jumper, on sale at Php149

Even if the kids spend most of their time cooped up in the house, parents can encourage them to move with this foam pogo jumper. This can be used indoors and outdoors by kids three years old and up, including big kids and parents!

Available at Shopee

Toys that stimulate your child’s imagination

Glow-in-the-dark dinosaurs, Php349

Your dinosaur-loving toddler will love this set of mini dinosaurs as their constant companions during pretend play. The glow-in-the-dark feature can make bedtime storytelling or playtime more interesting.

Available at H&M.

Kinetic sand, from Php179.75

Small kids, big kids, and adults fall in love with kinetic sand at first touch as it is incredibly soft and smooth. Kinetic sand does not stick to the hands or surfaces and can be cut, molded or sculpted any way kids want. They’re also easy to clean and do not dry out when left out in the open.

Available at Rustans.com

Busy board, on sale at Php2,040

A busy board is a great gift for curious tots who like to tinker. This does not only entertain, it also allows for lots of practice for your child’s fine motor skills and teaches cause and effect.

Available at Shopee

Cooking set, Php989

This would make a great gift for the little ones who are constantly imitating mom or dad in the kitchen. The cookware pieces are made of high quality stainless steel and the set already includes cuttable fruits and vegetables.

Available at Lazada

Wooden construction tool box, on sale at Php759.75

Let your little engineer create and take apart their own toys from this construction toolbox. Made of good quality wood, these tools are perfect for your toddler or preschooler’s little hands. The storage box makes it easy to tidy up and keep all the pieces together. 

Available at Lazada

Construction toys, Php299.75

For little ones whose favorite Blippi episodes are the ones where he learns about construction vehicles, this dump truck and loader set would make a perfect gift.

Available at Lazada

Lego Duplo, Php1,700

Building blocks are great tools for open ended play and spark a child’s imagination in unlimited ways. Legos are a classic toy of choice and if you take care of them well, they could be handed down to younger siblings and even the next generation.

Available at Lazada

Toys that develop your child’s appreciation of music

Wooden percussion set, Php1,180

Toddlers seem to have a natural ability to follow a beat. They also instinctively enjoy tapping and hitting which makes these toys perfect for toddlers. Sing or play your child’s favorite music in the background and let him/her play to the beat!

Available at Lazada

Toy guitar, Php1,850

Let your little guitarist explore different notes and sounds on this high-quality wooden guitar.

Available at Lazada

Musical mat, Php499

Introduce your child to do-re-mi and play basic tunes like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star with this musical mat.

Available at Lazada

Picking gifts for young children is always fun because, as we’ve seen in the list above, some of the coolest things in the world are made for this age group. So enjoy gift shopping and pick the toys that best suit your child, but also remember to enjoy these gifts with them.