Most caregivers are aware of how entertained toddlers are by keys. Lock and key toys are so much fun for toddlers and preschoolers because they are more than just toys – they are functional, just like the keys of ours that entertain them so much.
Lock toys aren't just fun, though. They have a lot of developmental benefits for toddlers and preschoolers.
In this article, you will learn about the benefits of gifting your child a lock and key toy and get 7 great recommendations for lock and key toys for toddlers and preschoolers.
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The benefits of lock and key toys for toddlers and preschoolers
Lock and key toys are not only engaging, fun, and satisfying, but they provide children with lots of benefits.
Here are a few benefits of lock and key toys:
- imporoved hand-eye coordination
- improved fine motor skills
- better problem-solving skills
- teaches cause and effect
- helps decision-making skills
- encourages creativity
- introduces and reinforces acedemic concepts
Lock and keys toys are also great for children in the enclosure and connection schemas.
The 7 best lock and key toys for toddlers and preschoolers
1. Melissa & Doug Take-Along Wooden Doorbell Dollhouse
The Melissa and Doug Doorbell House was gifted to my first child on her 3rd birthday and I have to say that I was (and still am) impressed by this lock and key toy.
Each door on the house has a matching real key, which children must figure out, as the keys are not color-coded.
Inside each doorway is a doll that is wearing clothes that match the door. This makes for a fun matching game, as well.
- STURDY WOODEN CONSTRUCTION: The Melissa & Doug Child’s…
- EASY TO TRANSPORT: Our little people house is built with a pair…
- FOUR LOCKS AND KEYS: The Melissa & Doug dollhouse includes four…
2. Montessori Color Matching Lock Set
If you are looking to introduce some lock and key shelf work to your preschooler, this Montessori color matching lock and key set is beautiful and sure to keep your child engaged.
- PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL PROP: This Montessori learning activity…
- HAND-EYE COORDINATION: This matching lock toy set well-rounded…
- Montessori LOCKS Can be used as a Matching activity Practical…
3. Learning Resources Sorting Surprise Pirate Treasure
This is a really fun set of lock and key toys. This toy set is great for fine motor skills, math skills, and color matching.
If you have small learning objects, as many Montessori parents do, those can be used with the numbered chests for other activities, as well.
- UNLOCK the colorful toy surprises hidden inside each pirate…
- DISCOVER new color and shape identification skills with every…
- BUILD sorting and matching skills with 15 pirate treasure coins!
4. Montessori Practical Life Lock & Key Matching Game
This is another great lock and key tray activity that's wonderful for a preschooler's shelf.
This is similar to the second item on our list, however, this one has different types of keys, which adds an extra element of sensory exploration.
This toy also lacks the bright colors of the #2 toy on our list, which some children can find a little distracting and overwhelming.
- HANDS-ON LEARNING – The Montessori approach recognizes that a…
- DEVELOP FINE MOTORS SKILLS – This Montessori lock and key set…
- MONTESSORI TEACHER APPROVED: The Montessori lock and key set is a…
5. Kghios Kids Learning Locks with Keys
This is a nice lock and key set that helps teach preschoolers the concept of 1:1 correspondence while also giving them the skills they need for a proper pencil grasp.
Another neat feature of this lock and key toy is that the locks are functional, which children find fun.
- SKILL DEVELOPMENT: 10 locks and 10 keys. Each lock has a matching…
- NOVEL DIGITAL LEARNING TOYS: different from traditional digital…
- PERFECT FAMILY GAME: when children play alone, it is a good toy,…
6. Shape Sorter House
If you've got a toddler that likes to keep their hands busy, this is a great toy that includes locks and a key set.
This toy also functions as a shape sorter and it has a handle. This makes it a good travel toy or waiting room toy.
- 14-Pieces shape sorting house: match the shapes of the blocks and…
- Learning toy: learn colors, shapes and concepts like…
- 12 different shapes: yes, there is the usual standard shapes Like…
7. Melissa & Doug Wooden Rescue Vehicles and Garage
This is another personal favorite of mine. When purchased new, this is inexpensive, but I was still tickled to find this at a consignment store when my first child was a toddler.
This lock and key toy is geared toward toddlers, as there are only 3 color-coded keys to match the corresponding locks. The plastic keys are also large and easy to grip.
The wooden vehicles that come with this toy are also a lot of fun for toddlers to play with in other ways.
- Three-bay garage with locking doors, color-coded keys, and three…
- Includes wooden fire engine, ambulance, and police car
- Turn the correct keys to unlock doors, slide doors open, and…
As you can see, there are so many different options of lock and key toys for both toddlers and preschoolers.
Some of these options make great take-along toys for traveling or doctor's office visits and some of them make great shelf-work.
Whichever toy you choose, the lucky child in your life will reap the amazing benefits that lock and key toys offer.
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