The 35 Best Gifts for 3-Year-Olds
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What makes shopping for a 3-year-old so tough? Well, mostly the fact that this is the first year you absolutely cannot phone it in. (She is definitely not just interested in the wrapping paper anymore!) Don’t worry, though. We have some suggestions to make your life a little easier…well, minus the whole potty training part.
The best gifts for 3-year-olds are often the best gifts for parents, too. Hear us out:
On this list, we have gathered more than three dozen toys, activities, books and other gifts that every 3-year-old will love and actually use, and that their parents will be thanking you for getting.
Top 10 Gifts for 3-Year-Olds At a Glance
How We Chose the Best Gifts for 3-Year-Olds
We scoured reviews and ratings online, and looked for products that are popular, even trending on social sites like TikTok. We also used our own personal experience and talked with friends and family members with kids around this age to come up with the best of the best. We also considered toys we loved from our own childhood that seem to be making a resurgence (or have always been classics).
In addition to the considerations above, we also looked for toys that promote physical activity and time away from the bright, distracting screens of connected mobile devices. The toy should be durable enough to withstand the slippery fingers and the rowdy nature of a typical 3-year-old: a toy car that is going to crack when they slam it on the ground won’t cut it. We also looked for products made of BPA-free, non-toxic materials.
The Best Gifts for 3-Year-Olds
1. Seckton Kids Selfie Camera
You’ll be taking photos like wildfire on your vacation or family outings, so why not get something a 3-year-old can use to join in on the fun, too? This kids’ selfie camera comes with a 32GB microSD card for snapping and storing tons of photos and even videos, too. After taking a photo, kids can add funny frames and color filters to them. Remove the microSD card, pop it into your computer, and save the photo creations, even upload them to social media or have them printed. It comes with a lanyard to safely secure the camera around their neck (or you can secure it to the stroller) and offers up to two hours of battery life per charge, enough for an afternoon at the park or sight-seeing stroll on vacation. Made of non-toxic plastic, this camera is totally safe for kids to use and it’s ultra-durable, too, so don’t worry if they toss it to the ground. With five colors, you’ll easily find one for they’ll love.
2.OugerToy Magnetic Building Tiles
Kids are just starting to develop and hone those fine motor skills at this age, and building block toys are a perfect fit, pun intended. These magnetic stacking blocks can be used to construct everything from a car to a castle, basic cubes or just jumbled messes that they can knock down and giggle hysterically while watching them fall. Kids learn about 2D planar and 3D geometric shapes while having fun, which is what the best STEM toys are all about. Pieces are BPA-free with magnets securely inside. Each set even comes with a pair of magnetic car bases and four window click-ins so they can enjoy imaginative play after building something amazing. These tiles help kids work on basic geometry, color and shape recognition—as well as problem solving—all core facets of STEM.
3. Lincoln Logs
Lincoln Logs are still just so smart and cool. Your 3-year-old can build a tiny house that actually looks like a mini version of a real house—and best of all, a Lincoln Log structure can withstand a huff and a puff, so it’s a pretty badass way to play architect. The best part for parents, however, is that it comes with a classic collectible tin that makes both clean-up and storage a breeze. Older siblings will love playing along, too. And who are we kidding? Parents will, too!
4. National Geographic Balance Stepping Stones
Your soon-to-be preschooler might be fairly sure-footed (and perhaps a little too confident), but when it comes to gross motor skill development, these stepping stones are great for a wide age range. They’re low to the ground and soft, so you don’t have to worry about your toddler twisting an ankle, yet still a perfect prop for 7-year-olds who want to play “The Floor Is Lava!” This toy encourages physical activity, too, perfect for the backyard or even inside on a carpeted area. It’s also worth noting that every National Geographic product purchase helps support the global non-profit National Geographic Society, so you can feel good about helping the planet.
5. Aurora World Stick Pony
If you have or know a 3-year-old, you have probably seen firsthand how small props can go a long way. Doesn’t matter if you call it a stick pony or a hobby horse, your little one is very likely to find it exciting. It might even slow her down a bit as she tears through the house during those stir-crazy winter months. It plays two sounds when you press the ears for even more realistic play. Chances are, you had a toy just like this when you were a kid (or maybe just used a broomstick with a toy stuck to the end). It’s always the simplest gifts that kids play with, isn’t it?
6. Kriddo Classic Metal Toddler Trike
Think your babe is ready to upgrade to something with pedals? When it comes to finding a good trike, the decision-making process can be daunting. That’s where you can’t go wrong with a classic. This one is comfortable and durable, thanks to its metal frame, and it even has a bamboo basket for toting your kiddo’s favorite stuffed animal.
7. Little Tikes T-Ball Set
Hooray! Your child can hone their hand-eye coordination and get out the threenager aggression without wielding an actual baseball bat. T-ball has stood the test of time because it is toddler-tested: safe and fun. A 3-year-old might just gain an affinity for softball, or sports in general, after playing with this toy. Get ready to sign this lil’ slugger up for the local t-ball team after they hit a few out of the park (er, across the backyard). If they’re already playing ball, this set is perfect for extra practice at home.
8. Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower
It’s a big-ticket item, yes…but it might save your sanity on those days when the weather is truly frightful (and your couch is so delightful?) Plus, by age 3, all kids just really need to climb! For a family with a sizeable backyard, this is a great structure to set up that will provide hours of fun. If kids are too cautious at the park, let them get comfortable at home, and invite their neighborhood buds over for some good old-fashioned climbing fun.
9. Cra-z-art Creative Artist Studio
It might not all be fridge-worthy (did we say that out loud?), but if your little one has an affinity for art, you should definitely scoop up this artist studio set. It includes pastels, watercolors, markers and more—all for the same price you’d pay for just one of those items. Best of all, it’s neatly packaged in an oh-so-fancy briefcase so you don’t have to come up with new ideas for crayon storage.
10. Furreals Walkalots Big Wags Dino
A dino that walks, makes fun noises, has all the charm of a real pet—and none of the responsibility that you might regret. If your child has been begging and pleading for a cat or dog but you’re deathly allergic (or just pretend to be), your child can nurture this dino instead. It walks along as your little one pushes it with the included (and detachable) leash. His head wobbles and tail wags as he enjoys the view and the exercise. You’ll never have to worry about extinction since this reptile friend runs on a coin cell battery you can replace at any local convenience or watch store. (Just make sure to keep the battery secured inside the pet if this is for an extra curious and destructive 3-year-old).
11. Paw Patrol Transforming City PAW Patroller Vehicle
No 3-year-old’s wish list would be complete without something related to Paw Patrol. This rescue vehicle is oversized, but that’s because it has a fully functional elevator—and storage for all the Chase, Marshall and Skye accessories you picked up along the way. The set comes with Ryder and his ATV, but with room for three more Paw Patrol vehicles (able to display up to five when open), you can bet there will be a few on the list for Santa this year.
12. Vtech Touch and Learn Activity Desk Deluxe
Your 3-year-old might not officially be in school just yet, but this educational gift will prep them for what’s to come. The desk and stool are perfectly suited for little bodies, and activities are built right in. They can go from learning about letters and numbers to drawing shapes, identifying objects and animals, and listening to songs, just to name a few options. Oh, and when parents get sick of hearing the same song for the 20th time, they can transform the desk into a chalkboard, or even an easel, for creative fun. There’s even storage under the desk for crayons and other art supplies. With more than 100 vocabulary words and 20 activities, they’ll be ready to tackle preschool and kindergarten like a boss.
13. Kidzlane Floor Piano
Kids today might not get the reference from the movie Big but there’s no denying the joy you get from a floor piano. Unroll this six-foot mat on a flat surface, then let your toddler tap, jump, walk, and slide their feet along the keys to make sweet, sweet music. (Or more like horrifying, out of tune noises). Hop on with them and use the 10 song cards (so they think they’re totally playing that song with their feet) or use the learning mode and eight instrument sounds to help them create a decent melody. Don’t be afraid to just stomp your feet around like you’re on a disco dance floor and just have boatloads of fun, too. You can even record and playback your unique track. Diplo and Zedd will be calling to add this kid’s sick tunes to their next DJ mix!
14. Melissa & Doug Floor Puzzle
If you’re going to do a jigsaw puzzle at age 3, it has to happen fast—but the finished product must be sprawling and spectacular too. Melissa & Doug floor puzzles walk that fine line with ease. This puzzle features imagery of roaring dinosaurs, and what kid doesn’t absolutely adore those creatures? There are only 24 large pieces so this isn’t going to rack your toddler’s brain trying to figure out how to finish it, nor will they get bored before they do. Once done, it measures 2 by 3 feet, and the wee one will have just as much fun tearing it apart to do it all over again.
15.Giant Foam Building Blocks
Building blocks really are one of the most popular gifts for kids of this age. They learn hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills while building all types of creations and, of course, knocking them down. But why deal with tiny handheld pieces when you can get oversized foam blocks that you can jump onto as well? This set comes with 50 pieces in different shapes and sizes (hello, more learning!), all made from safe, non-toxic material. They are waterproof, too, and non-toxic in case a younger sibling starts to gnaw on one while teething. Literally build a castle or get a few sets and make a full-on fort. Just add the pillows and blankets.
16. Pre-World Tea Party Set
Maybe it was that photo of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson parked in a tiny chair having a tea party with his daughter that brought this trend back to light. Nonetheless, every little girl will invite you to a tea party at some point, and with this set, she can take that tea service on the road. It comes with all the pieces necessary for perfect afternoon tea—yes, even the tablecloth (45 pieces in all)—with everything packed into a convenient carrying case. She’ll present you with freshly baked muffins, donut, and scones on a tiered stand that will leave your mouth watering (and maybe strike the itch to bake).
17. Hot Wheels City 50 Mega Garage
You can’t go wrong with Hot Wheels. These tiny cars have been a favorite to zoom across the floor for decades, and a little boy will love this garage set. It only comes with a single Hot Wheels vehicle, but buy an add-on pack to go with it (or he might already have a bunch at home) so he can race them all around the garage. There’s a corkscrew elevator, hand-crank, parking spots and more. They can connect other playsets, too, to make an entire village. This gift will provide hours of fun for little boys, who will be “vroom-vrooming” and performing stunts like they’re on the NASCAR track.
18. KRAFUN My First Felt Kit
Crafting is always fun, but kids as young as 3 are too little to deal with hot glue guns, scissors and other potentially harmful materials. Instead, opt for felt crafting, which is soft without jagged edges and has pieces that don’t require glue to stick together. Kids can make six simple things: a mask, keyring, door hanger, bag, banner and puppet. This set features adorable animals, but there are other themed sets, too. Kids will walk into kindergarten as an expert designer and have something they can proudly say they made all by themselves (shh, no one needs to know you helped!).
19. Baby Alive Happy Hungry Baby Doll
The TikTok universe has spoken, and there’s an entire channel dedicated to the Baby Alive Dolls, which come in tons of different types, each of which performs different realistic functions. This one utters 50 sounds and phrases, and eats her own baby food then requires a diaper change. Seriously! For a 3-year-old dealing with a baby sibling, this trending doll is the perfect way to keep her involved: she can change her baby while a parent changes the real one. Baby Alive even moves, giggles and drinks from her sippy cup.
20. Classic Fairytale Pop-Up Book
What’s better than lying down with your 3-year-old and reading a classic fairytale to them? Choose from classic stories like Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and the Little Mermaid with 3D illustrations that add intrigue and wonder. Forget the movies: Let kids use their imagination. One reviewer says they read this book to their 2-year-old grandchild and there was a “sense of wonder in exploring each new page.”
21. Pussan Busy Board
For 3-year-olds with sensory issues, a sensory toy can make a world of difference. But really, no kid can resist touching buttons, flipping switches, and pulling levers. That’s what this toy is all about, which has an activity area with six switches that correspond to different colored light bulbs and another area with six screws that work with different tools. Called a “busy board,” this toy will indeed keep a child mesmerized. Plus, it helps them understand cause and effect and develop fine motor skills. Before you know it, they’ll be helping you repair things around the house.
22. Candy Land Board Game
You probably have fond memories of kicking your parents’ butts playing Candy Land when you were a kid. Spark nostalgia and introduce a new generation to this classic kids’ board game with a twist: the Kingdom of Sweet Adventures edition has lots more delectable treat surprises. It’s a simple game that doesn’t require any reading, and each round is pretty quick, making it perfect for preschoolers.
23. Amazon Fire Tablet 7 Kids Tablet
Yeah, yeah, we know, too much screen time isn’t great. But wouldn’t it be nice to get a 15-minute break to wash the dishes or chat with your gal pals at brunch without having to tend to your fidgety 3-year-old? Don’t feel guilty about a bit of screen time. But instead of being nervous they’ll smash your brand-new iPhone to the ground when the next episode of Peppa Pig doesn’t play right away, get them their own tablet. This tablet is specifically designed for preschoolers. It’s small enough to fit in their hands, comes with a protective bumper case with a built-in kickstand, and offers access to a curated selection of content. Loosen the parental controls and they can continue to use it beyond the toddler years, too.
24. KidKraft Let’s Cook Wooden Play Kitchen
What we especially love about this playset is that a child won’t grow out of it so quickly: kids will enjoy a set like this for years. At this age, they can enjoy cooking up a dinner, serving and washing dishes. Don’t worry, though, it’s all pretend. As they get older, you can add a cash register and help teach them about math calculations. I mean, every little kid knows that “grocery store” is the Best. Game. Ever. This set has realistic lights and sounds, doors that open and close, knobs that turn and click, and even a pull-down faucet. Add plastic food and other accessories and they’re ready to hold their own cooking masterclass.
25. Step 2 Neat & Tidy Cottage Outdoor Playhouse
I had this exact outdoor playhouse for my now 11-year-old son when he was younger, and he used it until he could no longer stand inside. Even after, it became a “garage” for his toys (if you have the space, this could be moved indoors, too.) The Dutch doors, pretend fireplace, built-in shelves and play sink, seat, and outdoor grill make them feel like they’re soaking up the sun by the water. There’s even a doorbell (two AA batteries required) for when they’re expecting guests and a play phone for calls if someone is running late. They’ll be hanging out in their own little cottage for hours: Sorry, no adults allowed.
26. FAO Schwartz Starter Smartphone
Let’s be honest: Your favorite accessory is bound to pique their interest. But unlike handing over your phone for a few minutes, this starter cell can’t be used to order pizza or dial your ex. It’s all about learning (colors, animals, numbers!) with its 20 built-in songs and quiz modes. There’s also a sensory fidget popper case to play with, as well as a lanyard to keep it from getting lost easily.
27. Custom Search & Find Adventure Book
Let’s be honest: Your favorite accessory is bound to pique their interest. But unlike handing over your phone for a few minutes, this starter cell can’t be used to order pizza or dial your ex. It’s all about learning (colors, animals, numbers!) with its 20 built-in songs and quiz modes. There’s also a sensory fidget popper case to play with, as well as a lanyard to keep it from getting lost easily.
28. Where’s Bluey? Search-and-Find Book
Want to watch a 3-year-old go suddenly quiet for minutes (or longer) at a time? Gift this book and be mesmerized as they intently stare at the pages trying to find Bluey. The book is perfect for this age group with 32 pages, each with a hidden Bluey character along with other hidden items for them to locate and jump with joy as they discover each one. Challenge them to a search and find contest to see who can find the most items in the quickest time. We named this the best quiet time activity among Bluey toys, with reviewers saying their kids who love the show appreciate that many characters are littered throughout the book. Just don’t mark the pages up and you can do it again and again.
29. Born Toys Dress Up & Pretend Costumes
With this dress-up set, toddlers will be in and out of their room trying on various costumes to play pretend in. They’ll take on the persona of a firefighter, then move on to a doctor (to check you over after you narrowly escaped the fire, of course), and finally a chef—hopefully to cook you a delicious dinner. The set includes six costumes (the aforementioned three, plus policeman, gardener and explorer) and even comes with a storage box. It’s the perfect solution for an antsy kid who needs to keep busy for an hour and loves to strut their stuff. Bonus: Use these as Halloween costumes, too.
30. Tovla Jr. Kids Cooking and Baking Gift Set
Some 3-year-olds love to sit intently watching an adult cook and bake. Get them involved in the process with this cooking and baking gift set. It has tons of supplies that aren’t just for play: They can be used with real food, too. From mixing batter for banana bread to rolling out dough for apple turnovers and cutting cookies into adorbs shapes, kids will love being in charge.
31. Lite Brite Ultimate Classic Learning Toy
Remember Lite Brite? Yep, it’s still around. And yes, it will still keep kids busy for hours upon hours. This new version comes with six design templates you can place on top of the lightbox, then use the 206 different colored pegs to fill in the image. There are four lighting modes and the LED bulbs are battery powered and don’t get hot. Kids learn to place the right colored peg in the right spot as well as develop their hand-eye coordination. Once they finish one project, light it up, snap a pic, take it apart and start another.
32. Alvantor Kids Play Tent
We could all use some quiet time and our own space, and 3-year-olds need that, too. After they’ve had a massive tantrum because you didn’t cut their baby carrots just so, maybe it’s time to retreat to their own little oasis. This 4’10’’ x 4’10’’ x 3’9’’ tent can fit multiple kids, or a single 3-year-old with some toys and books to keep them occupied when they need quiet downtime. It’s easy to set up and take down for storage. It even comes with a small carry bag. Sorry, no parents allowed, but there is a secret window in the back where adults can check in on the kids and send in snacks. One reviewer says their boys “can’t stay out of it” and views it as their “secret place.”
33. TEMI Dinosaur Truck Toys
Dinosaurs are a favorite among kids of this age. Trucks are a favorite with kids at this age. Put the two together? You can’t go wrong! This T-Rex transport carrier is massive and comes with eight dinosaur figures they can capture and trap inside. But chances are the child already has some dino friends (or other play figures) they can take along for the ride, too. Once they park at the destination (Jurassic Park, anyone?), kids can transfer the dinos to the activity play mat to roam freely, or try to evade capture. From static play on the mat to zooming around the house, this toy will keep them thoroughly entertained.
34. Momo & Nashi Montessori Busy Book
Keep kids occupied, intrigued, learning and prepping for preschool with this busy book that contains tons of activities to teach them about the alphabet, numbers, colors and shapes, farm animals, healthy food, transportation, emotions and more. Shipping in a box with a convenient carry handle, it’s perfect for a plane ride or road trip, or keeping kids entertained in a hotel room. They can remove and stick things onto pages, and that alone will keep them engaged.
35. Melissa & Doug Top & Bake Wooden Pizza Counter Play Set
Papa John? We don’t know him. Your kid will be slinging pies like the best of them with this handy set. It comes with cash, a pizza box, slices and thick felt “toppings,” all housed in a play storefront, so he or she will have everything they need to launch their own cheesy empire. Plus, while they’re selling pies, they’ll be accidentally learning to count, too. Win-win.
What’s the Best Present for a 3-Year-Old?
There really is no one size fits all answer here. There are certainly items you can’t go wrong with, and that any child of that age would love, like a puzzle, a book, a toy car or an electronic toy of some kind with buttons that makes noises.
Every child is different, so consider the specific child. Do they appear to be ahead of the curve in terms of intellectual development? If so, consider a more advanced toy; something educational that will challenge them. Are they rowdy? Look at something that will help them expend energy indoors or out, in a healthy way. If there’s a specific TV show, movie, or character they love, you might want a gift that ties to that.
Consider the parents as well: if you know they are overwhelmed with three kids under the age of 5, maybe steer clear of the noisier toys and ones that require supervision or assembly. Finally, do you know the child’s interests? If they’re totally obsessed with dinosaurs, a dinosaur toy is a no-brainer. If they love sports, help introduce them to a new one.
Where to Buy Gifts for a 3-Year-Old
Gifts for 3-year-olds are super-easy to find at all types of stores. Naturally, Amazon has a massive selection from which to choose, as do stores like Walmart and Target. You can find some great tech and educational toys at Best Buy, along with other goodies like board games and playsets.
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PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
