A Parent’s Guide to Choosing the Best Toys for Kids

Finding the best toys for kids depends on a number of factors, like age, interest or developmental goal. There’s no single right way to do it. Kids grow, explore, imagine, and learn in different ways, and the right toy supports all of that. Many play experiences naturally help children develop new skills, spark curiosity, and build confidence. That’s where thoughtful toy choices can make all the difference.

For parents, choosing toys isn’t just about keeping little hands busy. It’s about creating special moments to co-play, connect, or even to enjoy a quiet break while kids dive into their own world of building. That’s the beauty of LEGO® play.

For Ages 1-2 - Simple Builds and Big Discoveries

At this young age, every colour, shape, and character is a new adventure. Sets like the LEGO® Number Train – Learn to Count and LEGO® Creative Garden Flowers allow toddlers to explore stacking and sorting while sharing precious moments with parents. The experience of playing by matching colours, recognising numbers, and talking through the build turns everyday play into an educational experience.

For Ages 3-5 - Unlocking Creativity

Preschoolers love telling stories and making up characters. Sets such as LEGO® Creative Food Friends or LEGO® Creative Dinosaurs combine familiar themes with open-ended building. These sets encourage kids to explore new ideas, spark stories, and experiment with creativity at their own pace.

For Ages 6-8 - Gaining Confidence Through Building

Kids in this age group will want to start exploring more detailed builds. The LEGO® Typewriter with Flowers and LEGO® Retro Telephone let them experiment with shapes and functions that feel wonderfully grown-up. Builds like these also offer parents a chance to co-play, guide when needed, celebrate when the final brick clicks into place, and watch confidence grow each time they complete something new.

For Ages 9-11 - Embracing Challenge and Creativity

As kids seek more complexity, sets like the LEGO® T-Rex and LEGO® Retro Camera strike the right balance between fun and challenge. They tap into passions, from photography and creatures to collectables, while giving kids the space to problem-solve and express their personality through play. For parents, these sets offer that perfect “They’ve got this!” moment.

For Ages 12-17 - Exploring Self-Expression Through Play

Older kids will lean more towards sets that allow them to build something that’s uniquely theirs. The LEGO® Travel Moments set and LEGO® Message Board offer exactly that: personal projects that double as room décor, keepsakes, or creative displays. Here, LEGO® bricks become a tool for self-expression, giving teens a space to unwind, focus, and create something they’ll be proud to show off.

Whether you’re choosing toys for kids based on age, interest, or even personality, the best toys spark imagination while giving parents room to join the fun (or enjoy a moment of calm). With LEGO® play, kids build confidence, creativity, and memories that last long after the bricks are put away.