top of page

BEST TOYS FOR 3-YEAR OLDS

Terrific

Threes!

 

 

A year of firsts.

​

A first soccer game. Nursery school. A new sibling. More independence. Maybe even more snuggles. 

 

Here's to new adventures!

​

​

​

​

Geometrics Doll House

Hape

Why We Love It

Little architects design the layout. Open rooms are easily accessible. A good value, especially since it comes with furniture and dolls. Bonus: No assembly required!

Stargazer Lottie Doll

Arklu

Why We Love It 

Calling all astronauts! This high quality doll is ready for stargazing. Small size convenient for travel. Bonus that she looks like a kid (no makeup, jewelry, or high heels).

Castle Logix

​

Smart Games

Why We Love It 

A beautiful 3D wooden puzzle that promotes problem solving and spatial reasoning. With 48 challenges of varying difficulty, it continues to engage kids as they grow.

Dudley Dump Truck

WOW

Why We Love It

Most durable toy truck you may ever find. This top-rated product encourages imaginative play, and kiddos love the (battery-free!) motorized tipping. Includes carry handle.

Micro Mini Deluxe Scooter

Micro

Why We Love It 

Let's get moving! Littles steer this well-made scooter by leaning in the direction they want to go. Smooth ride. Adjustable T-bar height. Develops balance and coordination.

Story Box Circus

​

Janod

Why We Love It 

The circus is in town! Imagination takes (a trapeze) flight with this circus set. Little ringmasters direct circus performers, animals, and equipment to put on the greatest show on Earth.

Crayola Double Easel

Grow'n Up

Why We Love It 

Let little artists create with this durable two-sided easel. Magnetized dry erase board on one side, chalkboard on the other. Also includes a clip for attaching drawing paper.

Magna-Tiles

100-Piece Set

Valtech

Why We Love It 

These sturdy magnetized pieces inspire open-ended creative play. Excellent for shape recognition and motor skills. Smaller sets: 32 pieces for $49.99; 48 pieces for $74.50.

Little Carpenters Tool Box Playset

Indigo Jamm

Why We Love It 

Adorable set lets little carpenters use their tools on the workbench. They won't even notice that what they're really "building" are fine motor skills! Set fits inside carrier for easy transport. 

Day at the Beach Magnetic Playset

Build & Imagine

Why We Love It 

Awesome building and pretend play combo. Use illustrated magnetic pieces to design the surf shop and cafe. Comes with two characters and 42 magnetized accessories.

Fire Chief Costume

Melissa & Doug

Why We Love It 

Cute costume inspires independent and cooperative play. Well-made, durable, and machine washable.

​

​

My Take Along Ship

Playmobil

Why We Love It 

It floats! Littles jump into pretend play with this seaworthy set. Large pieces are easy to handle. Closing case and handle make it easy to bring to playdates and restaurants.

Play Tent with Tunnel

WooHoo

Why We Love It 

Let imaginations run loose in this "secret" hideaway. Easy setup and take down. Stakes included for outdoor use. Tip: Plastic balls add to the fun!

​

Paper Bag Puppets

Alex Brands

Why We Love It 

This colorful craft is the perfect rainy day activity. Includes 5 bags and 250+ decorative items. Plenty of room for creativity. Tip: May want to use your own glue. Included glue stick is so-so.

Parking Garage and Car Wash

Melissa & Doug

Why We Love It 

Small size and great combo of  parking garage and car wash. Engaging features like a working elevator, garage with doors, and roller and dryer strips. Easy carry handle.

My First Playhouse

Lego Duplo

Why We Love It 

Awesome combination of basic building and pretend play. Pieces encourage discussion of child's daily routine, including a great slide for playtime! Perfect size for little hands.

Round the City Rescue Rug

Melissa & Doug

Why We Love It 

Toddlers to the rescue! Littles can steer the four rescue vehicles around town on this adorable play rug. Rug has anti-skid backing. Machine washable.

 

Mini Band Instruments

kilofly

Why We Love It 

Kids create and experiment with sound with this multi-piece set. Enough instruments for kids to enjoy together. Includes bag for easy storage.

​

2-Person UFO Swingset

Jump Power Products

Why We Love It 

Outdoor play beckons with this durable swing in the yard. Big enough for more than one kiddo. Straightforward setup, but make sure to buy anchors for the set.

Pencil Grip Solid Tempera Paint

The Pencil Grip

Why We Love It 

No water. No brushes. No mess! Little artists can't paint quite as precisely as they could with a thinner tip, but paint sticks have vibrant colors. Fast drying to boot

. 

Scoop & Serve Ice Cream Counter

Melissa & Doug

Why We Love It 

Stimulates dramatic play as little ones select flavors and toppings. Scooper actually grabs ice cream, building gross motor skills. Pretend money adds numbers into the mix.

Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game

Educational Insights

Why We Love It 

Beautiful graphics and cool squirrel mechanism. Develops fine motor skill and turn-taking. Word to the wise: Amend rules so wind doesn't blow all the acorns away.

Find It!

Dinosaurs Puzzle

Learning Journey Int'l

Why We Love It 

Large, cheerful puzzle for dinosaur fans. Includes a word- and object-recognition game that provides opportunities to interact and discuss puzzle elements.

​

Foam Letters

and Animals

Baby Loovi

Why We Love It 

Vibrant puzzle / bath toy combo builds motor skills and letter recognition. Pieces stick to the walls or sides of the tub when wet.

​

​

Looking for More Inspiration?

Best Board Books

Best 2-Year-Old Toys

Best 4-Year-Old Toys

Best Picture Books

Special occasion coming up?

We'll hand-pick a selection of gifts for your one-of-a-kind kiddo.  That way you can focus on the fun.

bottom of page