The gift-giving game changes once the child turns three. Older toddlers are more likely to know what they want. They are also very likely to show it and tell you. By age three, kids begin to have their own opinions and interests, which helps you buy them better presents.
Once they turn three, kids become ready for toys that foster lots of imaginative play. So when it comes to the best gifts for 3-year-olds, open-ended toys that encourage creative engagement and storytelling are better than one-trick ponies that just sing songs and/or light up.
If you are researching the market for that perfect toy for your three-year-old son, daughter, or cousin, we are here to help you with it. We have created a list of the most delightful and fun toys that will bring the biggest smile on your favorite 3-year-old’s face. Also check out gifts for adjacent years, such as gifts for 4-year-olds and gifts for 2-year-olds for gifts that may apply to kids of different ages.
If looking for toys that are ideal toys 3-year-olds, simply read through the list below. We have assembled a collection of educational toys for toddlers and other gift ideas that help 3-year olds solve problems, which helps in child development. These are great gifts for 3-year-olds.
Multicolored Classic Colorforms – re-stickable storytelling toy
What better way is there to tell your adventurous toddler stories than with the Multicolored Classic Storytelling Colorforms. The set includes a booklet of 5 pages, a playboard, an easy-to-read guide, 350 color forms for your kiddies’ stories, and a large box for storage.
This toy is licensed by the best preschool regulations and is recommended by STEM for building creativity in 3-year-olds.
Count Your Chickens! Board Game – Award-Winning Cooperative Counting Game for Kids (Renewed)
Three-year-olds are learning to follow directions, take turns, and work as a group, which is why they will love cooperative board games. During the course of the game, players have to work together to achieve the same goal instead of competing with one another. In the ‘Count Your Chickens!’ game, all of the players join hands to get the little chicks back to their mother’s coop.
This game is entertaining for every player, but it is also very simple, and the rounds are pretty fast, which is just right for the attention span of a child that is three years old
Melissa & Doug Star Diner Play Set – Great Gift for Girls and Boys
The best toys for 3-year-olds are those that open a window for them into the real world. The Melissa & Doug Star Diner Play Set is a 41-piece kitchen and dining set that helps your 3-year-olds develop their domestic role-playing skills. In addition to assisting them in pruning their cooking potentials, the diner set also teaches your kids to order and serve delicious meals at intervals. The collection includes items such as frying pan, milkshake cup, knife, and a host of other cooking utensils that are made from safe and durable materials.
Alex My Giant Busy Box
The box is jam-packed with an enormous variety of instructions and the crafting supplies that are needed to make sixteen projects, and the kids will love opening it and digging through it. All of the tissue paper, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, crayons, dough, and stickers can be turned into puppets, pictures, collages, and critters, with just a little bit of imagination. And the kids will have fun while doing it!
Blabla Bunny – Knit Stuffed Animal for Kids
Give your 3-year-old a forever friend by purchasing them a Blabla Bunny. Each bunny is hand-knitted and embroidered from eco-friendly materials that ensure your baby’s safety. Blabla Bunny is a cuddly doll that is soft and machine-washable so that your child can cuddle it forever! It also helps your child to perfect their interactive and cognitive skills.
Learning Resources ABC Cupcake Party Toppers – Homeschool, Early Alphabet Learning
Toys that have dual benefits are some of the greatest toys you can buy, and these 6 colorful cupcakes deliver fun and learning in equal measure. Your child gets to decorate the pretend cupcakes with 52 letters and picture cupcake toppers. Great for early alphabet learning and use of imagination as your child serves up the cupcakes. The game offers a good opportunity to learn to verbalize the alphabet. Your child gets to have fun without realizing he or she is also learning in the process.
Magna-Tiles Building Tiles – 32-Piece Clear Colors Set
This tileset is a product of science, creativity, and math that helps your 3-year-olds develop relevant skills. It includes 32 translucent pieces of colorful shapes that hold together by magnetic force. It is designed by preschool experts and helps your child grow their creative and imaginative skills. Your kids’ imaginations are the only limitations they’d have with this game for hours.
Do a Dot Art! 6-Pack Washable Paint Markers Rainbow – The Original Dot Marker
You are unlikely to get it wrong when you choose new art supplies as a gift. The sticks are easy for the toddler’s small hands to grip, and the colors are vibrant enough to look bright on both regular paper and cardboard boxes. This set offers a special feel of paints while still being less messy and easier to clean up. These markers will provide fun time for your toddler. The will inspire creativity.
Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball Set
The Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball Set is more than a toy. It’s a practical gift for your 3 year old to get some exercise, develop social skills, motor skills and coordination. Kids aged 3 are at that point when they also can feel a sense of accomplishment when they get something right. Gifts for 3-year-olds can also be those that help get good exercise. This basketball set, which adjusts to six heights from 2 to 4 feet is suitable for kids 1 ½ to 5 years of age.
The oversize rim and kid-sized basketball are designed so that baskets are easier to make, which will be rewarding for the child. It also provides an opportunity for preschoolers and toddlers to play learn how to play independently sometimes, as they work on their balance and coordination.
Lego Duplo My First Bricks– Toys Building Kit for Toddler Play
Many kids love Legos more than any other toy in the world and the preschool-friendly Duplos are the starter blocks that will introduce them to the fun of building things. Duplos are rugged, colorful and so much fun. The set offers endless possibilities for building and play, and is convenient for long car trips. This basic set has 80 pieces, but there is an option to build a bigger collection with several smaller sets. Duplos are the perfect toy that a child can play with and build something alone or in a group. It’s an age-appropriate toy for toddlers aged 1½ to 3 years old to experience building things and roll-playing, which helps in child development.
Jellycat Bashful Unicorn – Stuffed Animal, Really Big
Unleash the tender loving care in your child with this bashful unicorn made by Jellycat. It is 12-inches tall and makes for a perfect cuddle paddy for your 3-year-old. Just hand this unicorn to your kids and watch them play the roles of perfect parents.
This stuffed animal is made from polyester, is easy to wash, and very much durable.
Folkmanis Snowy Owl Hand Puppet – Award-winning design
If you are looking for a great outlet for preschoolers to explore storytelling, puppets make for one of the best choices. Folkmanis has an array of animal puppets that are plush. All of the puppets are extra-soft and very structured, and their heads rotate! These puppets inspires kids to come up with a narrative and play, whether in a group or alone. The puppets are great fun for toddlers and older children. This snowy owl, plush puppet will make a great gift for storytelling, pre-school, daycare, role playing, pretend play, games and parties.
Green Toys Car Carrier – Vehicle Set Toy, Blue
This phthalate and BPA-free plastic Car Carrier from Green Toys is the ideal toy your 3-year-old needs to develop their motor skills and imaginative play. This toy set includes a dishwasher-safe carrier and three smaller cars.
Your baby’s safety is considered a priority in the design of this toy set as it has no metal parts, and its prints are done with soy inks.
IKEA Cirkustält
IKEA’s colorful polyester play tents are durable and fun, and they are the perfect option for a fun toy that comes for a low price. The smallest kids will enjoy playing peekaboo from behind the curtains or hide-and-seek inside. The older toddlers will love loading the tents with stuffed animals, or turning them into rocket ships or utilizing them as an own place for private play – think of it as their own little escape.
Kid O A to Z Magnatab – Explore creativity and learning
At age 3, many kids begin showing interest in gripping a pencil and trying to write numbers and letters. This magnetic writing board can serve as a fun, sensory, and even semi-addictive handwriting tool. By arranging the tiny metal balls in place, kids can trace letters using the magnetic stylus. The enclosed balls stay in place, so no falling out or getting lost. Educational toys for toddlers can give them a good head-start before school years.
Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway – Thomas is the No. 1 blue engine
Step up your 3-year-old’s toy collection by adding a model of the hardworking Thomas to it. Thomas always has his way of getting things done and also connecting to his track friends via magnetic cable. Thomas is made from 100% recycled plastic and can help your child build fine motor skills as well as imaginative role play.
Melissa & Doug Fire Chief Role-Play Costume Set – made from high-quality materials
When they turn three years old, kids tend to become obsessed with dramatic play and dress-up, and they want to be doctors, firefighters, and superheroes. These role-play sets from Melissa & Doug are pretty impressive because they let kids take on lots of heroic career roles from the real world, like pediatric nurses and veterinarians. Every single costume comes with accessories (a hard hat, pair of sunglasses, decoder lens for the spy, a hammer, and saw, a fedora) that help set the scene for freewheeling imaginative play.
Hot Wheels Throwback Figure 8 Raceway – reconfigurable classic track set
Just like any other long-lived brand, Hot Wheels has a vast range of products that are all compatible, from the various flexible or rigid track pieces to stands, supports, and carrying cases. It’s equipped with a launcher that is motorized and wheels that are soft rubber, which can zip the Throwback Figure 8 Raceway through a loop with a flourish that is fulfilling. This is the toy that will keep your child entertained for hours on end, and it is the toy that can be played alone or in a group.
Hape All Season House – Kids Wooden Dollhouse
Hape’s three-story All Season House is gender-neutral, bright, and open on all sides, which allows for active play and a lot of fun with friends or siblings. Kids will love the fact that they can reach into any room from almost any spot in case they want to adjust something or play. You have the option of buying the extra furniture sets and accessories, like these pets, for example.
Easter Kids Button Accordion – Mini Musical Instruments
Even playing with musical instruments, by itself, is a great way for preschoolers to experience sensory connection in a creative, self-starting way. The sound it produces may be as melodious to an adult, but real instruments provide more learning experience, instead of merely pressing screens or buttons to play songs that are pre-recorded. The Easter Button Accordion can sparkle a child’s interest in music, and it can grow with a child as they progress from making creative sounds to learning actual songs.
Indoor Snowball Fight SNOWTIME ANYTIME
Here’s a gift for a 3-year old that makes for tons of fun anytime. The SNOWTIME ANYTIME indoor snowball fight game is the perfect recipe for a good, enjoyable exercise. Kids and adults can enjoy an indoor snowball challenge that is safe anywhere and anytime. Your family can get a good workout and tons of non-stop laughs playing together, without making a mess.
It feels like snow but leaves no mess or slush around, thanks to the soft material it is made of.
Micro Mini Deluxe – Micro Scooter for Kids, Ages 2-5
Having a smooth glide is is one quality that your child will appreciate in a Micro Mini Deluxe scooter. It’s a 3-wheeled Micro Kickboard Mini Deluxe scooter suitable for ages 2 to 5. Its easy to steer frame is built to be strong and durable, holding up to 75 lbs in weight, while still being lightweight. With its adjustable T-bar (handlebar) and durability, your kid can grow with it in the formative years, enjoying the smooth stability it provides as he or she learns to balance and coordination. The Micro Mini is an award-winning scooter whose ease of use, durability, and maneuverability sets it apart from many scooters. It’s a scooter your kid can grow with.
Hape Kid’s Wooden Toy Ukulele in Blue – Perfect introduction to teach kids
Toys for 3-year-olds that involve music are not bad choices at all. Kids love music. Bring out the musician in your 3-year-old with this attractively-colored wooden ukulele from Hape. It was designed to help your child develop an ear for musical sounds and notes. It also features a sturdy, durable wooden frame and 4 nylon strings to enable your child string without difficulties. Its finishing is non-toxic and materials child-safe.
Schwinn Roadster 12-inch Trike – made of genuine wood with burnt-in Schwinn logo
If you are on a lookout for the best low-rider tricycle, you have found it in this one. Schwinn Roadster 12-inch Trike is built for confident pedals and air-filled tires that make it a grippier and faster ride. The trike’s low center of gravity and heftier build give it the stability needed to handle rides that are faster and tighter turns, which makes it a thrilling ride for a 3-year-old.
Kinetic Sand Set – Molds Tools (Colors Vary)
Groom, your child to become a master castle builder with this sand set. The set includes 3 sand molds, a sandbox, and a beach tool, along with a pound of colored sand. The sand is produced in such a way that its granules stick together to keep your baby’s castle in one piece. With this sandcastle kit, your kids won’t be able to tell your home different from the beach except that this sand won’t stick to them.
Strider – 12 Sport Balance Bike – Ages 18 Months to 5 Years
Kids will fall in love with riding bikes if you start them on a bike that’s thoughtfully designed and beautifully made just for them. Designed for ages 18 months to 5 years, the Strider Balance Bike offers an adjustable seat and handlebar so that your child can grow with the bike. Its lightweight makes it easy for your child to ride and it is equipped with mini grips giving him or her more control. It is a highly-rated bike that gives you the best bang for your bucks.
Learning Resources Building Toy Set – Construction Toy, Ages 3+
Play your role in developing your 3-year-olds excellent motor skills and creativity by getting them this building set. This 100-piece building kit includes 46 varieties of bright-colored gear, axles, pillars and pillar joints, interlocks, a storage tube, and crank handles. You’ll be shocked at how critically your tiny little engineer can think when you hand him this colorful set. It’s engaging because it’s different every time you build.
Etch a Sketch Drawing Toy – with Magic Screen, for Ages 3 and Up
Indulge your child in pencil-free creativity with this drawing toy set. It features a red frame and two knobs with which your little one can showcase their drawing skills. Its magic screen allows your toddler to have hours of excitement as a shake on the eraser gives them a whole new adventurous ride with creativity.
Janod Scooter Mint Balance Bike – Stylish, retro, wooden balance bike
Teach your 3-year-old balance and coordination by letting them ride on this unique wooden scooter. It features an adjustable ergonomic seat that allows your child to have a smooth and comfortable ride. It is also made from safe and eco-friendly materials that do not pose any threat to your baby’s health.
A Personalized Jigsaw Puzzle for ages 3 to 5
Here’s a jigsaw puzzle that your 3 to 5-year-olds will enjoy. This jigsaw puzzle by I Sees Me! Offers unique customization that involves having it personalized with your child’s first name. The name puzzle helps your child learn how to spell his or her name.
The puzzle is made up of colorful trucks, tractor, firetruck, and other construction equipment designed to engage your child and him or her creative. It’s an environmentally-friendly product that’s great for birthdays, baby showers, and fun playtime at home.
Janod Story Box Safari – All pieces are made from high-quality wood
Off goes your kid on an adventurous safari with the skillful wooden hunters in this toy set. The set features 19 different animals, hunters, and a lot of other exciting items. This toy set helps your child develop motor and cognitive skills, and also master their pincer grip. Every item is made from safe wood, which makes the entire collection look like a real safari.
Hape Gourmet Wooden Kitchen – Play Kitchen in Retro Red
Let your kids and their friends enjoy a cooking spree together with this wooden kitchen set by Hape Gourmet. It features an oak kitchen with the necessary equipment to encourage the development of social and creative skills in your children. When they get to cook with friends, this set helps them build friendships and develop their imaginative role-playing.
Plan Toys Tree House – Made from Rubberwood and Non-Toxic Paints and Dyes
Teach your 3-year-old to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of nature by getting them this treehouse. A set containing squirrel, rope tree swing, mushrooms, table, and a lot more should give your kids countless hours of exciting nature play. Each set also includes all your child needs to build their imaginative role-playing and nature appreciation.
Play-Doh Fun Factory
Let your kids have unending fun while they develop their creativity, imaginative, and motor skills. Get the Play-Doh Fun factory to tune playtime a notch higher for them. This toy set includes rollers, cutters, and nicely-shaped colorful tools. Only your 3-year-olds imaginative capacity can stop them with this multiple creative toy set.
Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Wood Racing Figure-8 Set – Sustainably-Sourced Wood
This Fisher-Price racing set includes Thomas, Bertie the Bus, 8 rail tracks, 2 adaptors and other accessories needed to give Thomas and his friends a smooth racing experience. It is easy to build and helps your child develop critical thinking, cognitive, and motor skills.
So, let your kids create and tell their own racing story and let the wooden Mayor Figure ride along and decide who races next.
Wooden Castle Building Blocks – Wood Block Playset Kit for Kids
Transform your kids into cute little medieval royalties while ensuring that their essential skills are adequately developed. Intrigue them with this fantastic wooden castle-building blocks. The set includes 150 pieces of durable wooden blocks with which your toddler can bring the castle of their dreams to life. Each piece is eco-friendly and 100% safe for use by 3-year-olds.
LEGO DUPLO Building Set – Open Ended Toy for Imaginative Play
Allow your kids endless hours of imaginative playtime with this set of building tools from LEGO DUPLO. This toy set includes the figures of a boy and a dog, wheels, and a host of other items from which houses, cars, trees can be built. With this LEGO toy set, your child can develop building skills as well as imaginative play. They can also learn to identify the various items they build during playtime. It’s a practical gift for a toddler to play with and learn about household items.
Calico Critters Cozy Cottage – Includes moveable, reversible floor
Here’s to your kids learning how to put an entire house in order. This cottage comes with 15 pieces of furniture and accessories, as well as floors that can be detached. It measures 12 inches in height and is easily accessible by your toddler. The rabbit figure in this toy set also helps your child to develop their cognitive skill.
PlanToys Wooden fruits and Vegetables Kitchen Set – Non-Toxic Paints and Dyes
Teach your children to identify fruits and vegetables in the middle of an exciting play. The fruits and vegetables are apple, banana, pear, orange, cucumber, lemon, carrot, and mushrooms. A knife and a wooden tray for serving the fruits also boosts your child’s kitchen experience with this set. Let your 3-year-olds also build their imaginative and motor skills when they chop and serve attractive varieties of fruits and vegetables.
Tegu Robo Wooden Magnetic Block Set – no lead, no plastic, non-toxic
Do not stop your 3-year-old from running wild with imaginations with this magnetic block set. It is made from durable wooden blocks that allow your kids to explore their imaginative play skill set and tell their own stories. This set is designed in the U.S. and passes all preschool safety tests to ensure that your child is not exposed to hazard during playtime. Each block is lead-free and made with a water-based lacquer finishing.
