gifts for 3 year old boy educational

28 of the best toys for 3-year-olds, from a mess-free painting set to an indoor basketball hoop

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• The best toys for 3-year-olds encourage their development while being fun and engaging.
• We spoke to toy experts and a psychologist to round up some of the best toys to gift 3-year-olds.
• Still looking for a gift? Check out our list of the  All-Time Best products we've ever tested .

At 3 years old, children enter a new world of imaginative and pretend play, and the selection of toys to inspire their play is virtually endless. If you're shopping for a holiday gift for a 3-year-old, consider this list of toys that we narrowed down after talking to two toy experts and a developmental psychologist.

All of our experts emphasized the importance of considering a 3-year-old's interests when buying them a toy, whether that's their favorite activity, TV show, or animal. If there's a hot toy that you know they'll love, we recommend buying it now to avoid potential price increases and stock shortages due to supply chain issues .

With our experts' advice in mind and our own research and testing, we've compiled our favorite toys for 3-year-olds. From active toys to art projects and everything in between, we found something that's bound to delight the child on your shopping list.

Here are 28 of the best toys for 3-year-olds that are educational and fun:

A simple and open-ended dollhouse.

Haba Little Friends Dollhouse, $99.99, available at Amazon

Some of the best toys for kids are open-ended and require them to use their imagination. Three-year-olds will be encouraged to create their own play world when they open this furnished dollhouse. My 3-year-old often reenacts parts of her day in this house. Note that you'll need to purchase dolls separately.

Recommended ages: 3 to 8 years old

Magical sand that easily molds

Kinetic Sand Sandwhirlz Playset, $13.49, available at Amazon

As opposed to typical dry sand that falls apart, kinetic sand keeps its molded form, providing an excellent sensory experience. Charlton said that open-ended toys engage the imaginations and critical thinking skills of 3-year-olds. When they're given this kit with 2 pounds of sand and 6 shapeshifters, kids will have no choice but to imagine and create their own play world.

Recommended ages: 3 to 12 years old

A basketball hoop just their size

Little Tikes Easy Score Toy Basketball Hoop, $23.97, available at Walmart

Most 3-year-olds are ready to refine their throwing and catching skills — there's no better time than now to get them a basketball hoop. You can adjust this hoop from 2.5 to 4 feet, so it can grow with them and always stay at an ideal height. Perfect for indoors or outdoors, this gift will help them channel some of their seemingly never-ending energy.

Recommended ages:  18 months to 5 years old

A dinosaur set for creative play

Melissa & Doug Play, Draw, Create Reusable Drawing and Magnet Kit, from $12.50, available at Amazon , Target , and Macy's

Three-year-olds who love dinosaur toys will grow their creativity and fine motor skills with this activity set they can revisit over and over. It comes with magnets, dry-erase markers, and an erasable drawing board and activity book with facts about dinosaurs, drawing games, and more.

Recommended ages:  3 years and up

A sensory bin for space exploration

Creativity for Kids Sensory Bin: Outerspace, $15.97, available at Amazon

Kids are always exploring their environments. With this sensory bin, they can explore outer space through sight, touch, and hearing. The set comes with outer space rocks (instead of typical sand), glowing stars, an astronaut, a squishy alien, tongs, and a scoop.

A set of aquatic pets made for coloring

Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Ocean Pets Lagoon Playset, from $19.99, available at Amazon and Michaels

These four aquatic pets are perfect for 3-year-olds to color. Kids can decorate them with the included markers, wash them off when they're ready to make a new design, and then start all over. "Kids can go on imaginative adventures with their pets based on their looks and get to totally customize their experience," said Maddie Michalik , senior editor of The Toy Insider. This set comes with shark, octopus, whale, and clown fish figures, six markers, and a scrubbie tub.

Recommended ages: 3 years and up

A beloved TV show combined with a classic building toy

CreateOn Magna-Tiles Sesame Street Cookie Monster's Shapes, $44.95, available at Amazon

Elmo, Big Bird, Oscar, and of course, Cookie Monster all make an appearance in this 17-piece Magna-Tiles set. Bronwyn Charlton, PhD, developmental psychologist and cofounder of Seedlingsgroup , recommends Magna-Tiles as a toy that can be used in a variety of ways, and this one can be combined with other CreateOn Magna-Tiles sets.

A Paw Patrol set for rescue by land and air

Paw Patrol, Chase's 5-in-1 Ultimate Cruiser, from $68.99, available at Amazon and Target

Kids who love "Paw Patrol" will delight in taking Chase on rescue missions by truck, helicopter, and motorcycle. The most exciting part of this toy is the dual-launching motorcycles. Just press a button on the cruiser and the bikes pop out the sides.

A doll that encourages handwashing

Doc McStuffins Wash Your Hands Doll, $19.01, available at Walmart

Doc McStuffins is a toddler favorite, making this doll an accessible way to encourage kids to wash their hands and wear their mask. The doll comes with an interactive stethoscope, face mask, doctor's bag, thermometer, and otoscope. As part of the doll's launch, Disney and Just Play donated funds for two million meals to Feeding America.

A climbing tower to channel their energy

Toy Bars Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower, $149.99, available at Amazon

If you know a 3-year-old who can't help but climb furniture, this tower will give them an appropriate and safe place to get their climbing fix. Charlton recommends the Monkey Bars Climbing Tower to get kids moving, even in a small space. This durable tower can withstand up to 150 pounds, so multiple kids can play together.

Recommended ages: 3 to 6 years

The ultimate PJ Masks toy

PJ Masks Transforming 2-in-1 Mobile HQ, $67.99, available at Amazon

Jim Silver , CEO of TTPM (Toys, Tots, Pets & More), said that the PJ Masks HQ is the ultimate toy for fans of the show, and it's easy to see why. In HQ mode, the toy is 3 feet tall and has five levels, and in Seeker mode, it's ready to roll to take Catboy on a mission. The toy comes with Catboy and one Cat-Car as well as a compartment to trap villains.

A monthly activity box for 3-year-olds

KiwiCo Panda Crate, from $15.95/month, available at KiwiCo

This subscription activity box brings a new adventure for curious kids every month. Each box has themed educational activities and games that allow kids to explore topics like ocean life and visiting the doctor's office. The items are chosen by developmental psychologists to keep kids interested and learning long after opening the box.

Recommended ages: 2 to 4 years

A watercolor set with minimal mess

Melissa & Doug Paint With Water, $18.29, available at Amazon

These watercolor books are an excellent introduction to painting for 3-year-olds. They can wet the included paintbrush and use it to activate the colors on the paint palette at the top of each page. Learning to use a paintbrush helps hone fine motor skills. Charlton recommends toys such as this that strengthen finger dexterity, a precursor to writing.

A bike for beginners

Little Tikes My First Balance, $69.99, available at Target

This balance bike skips training wheels, as kids learn to balance with their feet on the ground before learning to pedal. "Prioritize toys that encourage your child to be active," Charlton said. Once toddlers get the hang out it, this will be a go-to toy for getting energy out. The seat and handlebars are adjustable to grow with the child, and the tires are made of foam that won't go flat.

Recommended ages: 2 to 5 years

A set of jigsaw puzzles

Melissa & Doug Vehicles 4-in-1 Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles, $9.16, available at Amazon and Walmart

This set includes four wooden jigsaw puzzles: a firetruck, a train, a school bus, and a race car. The sturdy wooden pieces and included storage box minimize the risk of pieces getting destroyed or going AWOL. Charlton recommends puzzles for 3-year-olds because they encourage exploration and problem-solving.

A tree house play set

Timber Tots Tree House, $57.49, available on Amazon

The Timber Tots Tree House packs a lot of play into a small package. The set comes with two Timber Tots, a tree house that closes up for easy carrying, a working elevator, three rooms, a swing, a hideaway, a car, and nine pieces of furniture. It's an ideal set for 3-year-olds who are beginning to explore pretend play.

Recommended ages: 2 years and up

A sweatshirt that turns into a stuffed animal

Cubcoats Hoodies, from $20, available at Amazon and Macy's

Cubcoats can be transformed from a sweatshirt to a stuffed animal in less than a minute. Choose from popular characters from their favorite TV shows and movies, like "Paw Patrol" and "Star Wars," as well as animals like a puppy, cat, sloth, and panda. The quality of the fabric and the hoodie's easy layering are convincing enough , but the stuffed animal transformation makes this a truly special purchase.

Available sizes: 2T to 10

A game about emotions

Janod Emotions Magnetic Game, $29.99, available at Amazon

Learning to identify and regulate emotions is difficult for toddlers, but this game makes it easier. Recommended by Charlton, the Emotions Magnetic Game helps kids build social-emotional skills. It encourages them to identify 10 feelings by matching them with situations from everyday life and even includes a mirror to practice emotional faces.

A kids' book that explores different cultures

"A World Together," from $10.28, available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

This new book was written by Sonia Manzano of "Sesame Street" to spread the message that although all of our lives look different, we're really all the same. This message is beautifully illustrated through real photographs of people around the world. The pictures are sure to spark conversation about different cultures with curious kids.

Recommended ages: preschool to grade 2

A play appliance just their size

Little Tikes First Appliances, from $19.77, available at Amazon and Target

Surprise a kid with a miniature version of a major appliance. Michalik said that an ideal gift for a 3-year-old is one that centers around role-play. Kids get to pretend they're using real appliances with these toys that have interactive features, including as a washer that spins, a sink with a working faucet , a stove with play food and burners that light up, and a fridge that dispenses plastic ice cubes.

Jungle animal figurines

Learning Resources Jungle Animal Counters, $24.99, available at Amazon  and Walmart

This collection is an ideal springboard for creative pretend play. Kids will find 60 figurines from across 12 animal species, including giraffes, lions, elephants, tigers, and zebras. These toys help teach early learning concepts like counting, sorting, compare and contrast, addition and subtraction, and pattern recognition.

A vacuum that picks up 'dusties'

Leapfrog Pickup and Count Vacuum, from $24.96, available at Walmart and Target

Three-year-olds can help around the house with this vacuum that comes with "dusties" for them to pick up. A conveyor belt in the vacuum sucks them up, and the talking toy challenges kids to pick up specific colors or to suck them all up as quickly as possible. Toddlers will enjoy engaging in the challenges while "helping" with chores. 

An environmentally friendly version of an old classic

Mr. Potato Head Goes Green, $6.99, available at Amazon

Mr. Potato Head has gone green in this new iteration made from plant-based plastic. Kids will love mixing and matching his body parts to create silly face combinations. It comes with 14 accessories, including some new additions like a worm, flowerpot, and plant sprout.

A baby that grows into a big kid

Baby Alive Baby Grows Up, from $47.99, available at Macy's and Target

When kids open the box, they'll find a surprise newborn baby that will grow into a big kid with lots of love and care. Michalik said toys that develop social and emotional skills are of the utmost importance for toddlers. Kids will get to feed the baby her first bottle, hear her first word, and help her stand for the first time.

A Baby Yoda doll to snuggle

The Child Plush, $9.99, available at Target

The only thing more adorable than Baby Yoda is a 3-year-old cuddling Baby Yoda. Officially named The Child, this 8-inch plush version is just the right size for a toddler. It has a weighted bottom so it can stand upright, yet the entire toy is soft and huggable.

A classic game with a twist

Don't Break the Ice, Disney Frozen II Edition, $19.99, available at Amazon

"Frozen" fans will enjoy this new twist on a classic game as they try not to break Elsa's ice. In addition to being a fun family game, it will challenge 3-year-olds to practice patience and motor planning. They'll also feel a sense of accomplishment as their ice-tapping skills improve.

A 3-story Lego Duplo house

Lego Duplo Modular Playhouse, $59.99, available at Amazon

Playing with Lego bricks helps 3-year-olds develop their fine motor skills and inspires creativity. "Toddlers love to take apart, put back together, pull out, put in, add on, and build up," said Charlton. This 129-piece set includes extra building ideas so kids can create their own unique houses. Some of the pieces include a fridge that opens, a guitar, a rocking horse, and a pet dog.

Sensory dough they can help make themselves

The Dough Project DIY Mix, $12, available at The Dough Project

This DIY kit includes ingredients and simple instructions to make a batch of play dough. Kids can help combine the dry mix with water and oil before it's cooked on the stove. The dough is a breeze to make and surprisingly not messy. One package makes a generous 15 ounces of dough and is available in red, yellow, or blue.

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• Gifts for babies and kids

The 33 Best Gifts for 3-Year-Olds

By Caitlin Giddings and Wirecutter Staff

When kids reach the age of 3, the gift-giving game changes. Many children in this age group are likely to know what they want. Lots of them will have more interests, opinions, and language to express their excitement than they had in the past. But that doesn’t negate the thrill of a good surprise. “Often the idea of receiving a gift is what’s exciting for them, not necessarily what the gift is,” said Heather Singh, director of educational programs at the Thinkery , a children’s museum in Austin, Texas, at the time of our interview.

Three-year-olds are ready for toys that foster lots of imaginative play, Singh said. So open-ended playthings that inspire storytelling and creative engagement are better than one-trick ponies. Toys and costumes that allow for role-playing and board games that encourage group interaction will nurture 3-year-olds’ developing social skills. And many kids at this age are ready for speedier, sleeker movement toys—like scooters and trikes—that reward their growing physical confidence.

We’ve included toy suggestions from Singh and other educators. And members of our staff added the kind of memory-making gifts that have gone over best with the 3-year-olds in their lives. If you’re looking for more gift ideas for kids, check out our guides to the best gifts for 1-year-olds , 2-year-olds , 4-year-olds , 5-year-olds , 6-year-olds , 7-year-olds , 8-year-olds , 9-year-olds , and 10-year-olds , as well as wonderful stocking stuffers for kids . (We also have guides to gifts for tweens and teens .) Since kids vary widely in their personalities, interests, and development, we advise that you take these age recommendations with a grain of salt. And please share your own best ideas in the comments below.

Cooperative counting games

Count Your Chickens Board Game

In this beginner board game, all of the baby chicks need to be returned to the coop.

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The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game

Players work together to help a hungry squirrel collect acorns.

Cooperative board games—where players work toward a common goal, instead of competing against one another—are ideal for 3-year-olds who are learning to follow directions, take turns, and work as a group. The Count Your Chickens Board Game  is a hit with preschoolers and parents at Toybrary Austin , our local toy-lending library in Texas. In this game, players team up to bring a mother hen’s chicks back to the coop. It’s simple and, just as importantly, fast (perfect for a 3-year-old’s attention span). Once you’ve all mastered the art of chicken reunions, check out The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game , another great cooperative board game for beginners. (We offer more ideas in our guide to the best board games for kids .)

—Caitlin Giddings

Dotty art supplies

Do-A-Dot Art Rainbow Dot Markers

These oversize markers create a fun trail of big, vibrant dots.

It’s hard to go wrong with a gift of novel art supplies. My son got a set of Do-A-Dot Art Rainbow Dot Markers when he was 3 (and just embarking on a now-years-long obsession with rainbows). The sticks are easy for little hands to grip, and the colors are vibrant enough to look bright both on cardboard boxes and on regular paper. I like that they have the special feel of paints but with less mess and effort. You may want to pair them with a ream of paper or some add-on art supplies, like scissors and a glue stick.

—Kalee Thompson

A-to-Z sports

B Is for Baller: The Ultimate Basketball Alphabet

This hoops-themed alphabet book features an all-star NBA lineup.

S is for Slugger: The Ultimate Baseball Alphabet

“O” is for “October” in this baseball-themed alphabet book.

I’m not sure which my son learned first—what the alphabet is or who the NBA greats are. B Is for Baller: The Ultimate Basketball Alphabet is an ode to pro basketball. Each letter of the alphabet presents an opportunity to explore the mythology of a current or former NBA star. For example, “T is for Three” depicts the Golden State Warriors’ sharp-shooter Steph Curry firing a three-pointer from one side of the Golden Gate Bridge to the other. Since this book came out, in 2018, two more have been added to the series. G Is for Golazo: The Ultimate Soccer Alphabet features athletes from the pitch, including Brazil’s Marta Vieira da Silva. S Is for Slugger: The Ultimate Baseball Alphabet highlights Mamie “Peanut” Johnson, among other baseball figures; in this book, “P” stands for “Pioneer” because Johnson was the first woman to pitch in the Negro Leagues .

—Lara Rabinovitch

A sturdy puzzle

Melissa & Doug 100-Piece Safari Floor Puzzle

The jumbo-size pieces of this floor puzzle easily fit together to create a 4-foot long safari scene.

May be out of stock

As a preschooler, my son loved the challenge—and reward—of a good puzzle, and the Melissa & Doug 100-Piece Safari Floor Puzzle was one of his favorites. The large, durable pieces were easy for him to manipulate on his own (and hard to lose), and the result was a grand masterpiece that stretched across the floor. My son loves wild animals, so this particular theme—with giraffes, an elephant, and a rhinoceros in the savanna—appealed to him. If a 100-piece puzzle feels too intimidating, start with one of Melissa & Doug’s 48-piece floor puzzles, instead ( dinosaurs and the solar system are two options).

Guessing game

Petit Collage What Am I? Game

In this fun take on the game 20 Questions, each player wears paper glasses holding a mystery card. Then players take turns guessing the objects on their cards.

The concept of Petit Collage’s What Am I? Game is simple: Each player dons a pair of paper glasses and takes a turn tucking a card into the slotted nose bridge, making sure they don’t look at the illustration on the card. The bespectacled person then asks a series of questions to help them guess what’s on their card—there are 50 options in all, ranging from an ice cream cone to a sailboat to a turtle. My pre-reader daughter, who got the game as a gift for her third birthday, was able to play it right out of the box. And back then, we didn’t worry ourselves over leading questions or a little peeking. (Petit Collage recommends this game for kids ages 4 to 8. But younger children can enjoy a looser version, sans timer and maybe with a few extra hints.) Now my daughter is 5, and we still play. When I’ve given this game to a few of her peers, it’s gotten rave reviews. The quality of the game itself is also high, with thoughtful touches like a sturdy wooden timer and glasses sized for adults and children. There’s just something about seeing one another in floppy paper spectacles that brings connection and fun to even our punkiest moments.

—Hannah Morrill

Clever cupcakes

Learning Resources Smart Snacks Shape Sorting Cupcakes

These cupcakes aren’t just pretend treats—they also come apart and double as a shape-matching puzzle.

Toys that pull double duty are my favorite for my two kids, and these Smart Snacks Shape Sorting Cupcakes deliver learning and fun in equal measure. Each confection pulls apart to reveal a different shape, with the tops matching the bottoms and the bottoms matching corresponding divots in the pan. My younger son enjoys the challenge of sorting shapes and identifying colors; my preschooler works these pastries into pretend baking games, picnic scenarios, imaginative shopping trips, and more. The set is nearly indestructible, and I find myself retrieving it during room cleanup every night—a surefire sign that it’s in the rotation for good.

—Ingrid Skjong

A musical book

Welcome to Jazz: A Swing-Along Celebration of America’s Music

This interactive book introduces young readers to jazz music, including the sounds of such instruments as the tuba, drums, and clarinet.

I can do without children’s books that blare sounds, but I make an exception for Welcome to Jazz: A Swing-Along Celebration of America’s Music , by Carolyn Sloan. Although I initially thought my 2-year-old might be a tad young for a jazz primer, he took to this book immediately—from the vivid illustrations featuring a trio of cats learning the genesis of jazz to the 12 buttons that, when pressed, play the different musical parts of “When the Saints Go Marching In.” (A 3-year-old might be in an even better position to enjoy it.) My son loves hearing the deep double bass, the jangly rhythm section, the free-spirited scatting—and he’s learning the names of jazz legends like Billie Holiday and King Oliver. This is a musical introduction we can all get behind.

Superior sand

Mad Mattr Modeling Dough

This soft dough can be molded, kneaded, and stretched. And it doesn’t dry out if it’s left out of its container.

Someone gave us a pack of Mad Mattr Modeling Dough , which has several advantages over Play-Doh for both kids and caretakers. It’s moldable like a dough and compresses into hard shapes, but it stretches out into a kind of soft sand. It’s not sticky, it doesn’t stain or get everywhere, and it doesn’t dry out, though it’s also less ductile than Play-Doh.

— Nathan Edwards

Sticky adventures

Melissa & Doug Reusable Sticker Pad: Jungle and Savanna

These reusable stickers—depicting animals including a kangaroo and a rhinoceros—can be placed in scenic habitats like the Australian Outback.

When my toddler began showing an interest in stickers, I was delighted. What’s not to like about an activity that’s nostalgic, cheap, and doesn’t hog floor space? But when she began surreptitiously applying the stickers to random surfaces throughout our home—you can still see traces on our butcher block—I was less thrilled. Our solution: Melissa & Doug’s jungle-and-savanna-themed Reusable Sticker Pad . The oversize, 11-by-14-inch pad comes with 175 durable, cling-style reusable stickers that can be arranged and rearranged on five glossy scenic backdrops, as well as on your fridge, windows, or dishwasher—consequence-free. The stickers come in varying sizes, and my daughter usually needs a little help freeing them from their tightly arranged contact sheets (older kids may not have this problem). If animals aren’t your jam, Melissa & Doug makes these pads in lots of other themes, too, like this Make-a-Meal version.

— Ingela Ratledge Amundson

Petit Collage Ocean Life Floor Puzzle

In this colorful, 18-by-24-inch floor puzzle, 24 sturdy pieces click together easily. This one is great for beginners.

It may seem as if most puzzles are created equal, but some of them stand out from the rest. Petit Collage’s Ocean Life Puzzle has 24 thicker-than-normal pieces that are easy for small fingers to grasp; the pieces also provide a bit of tactile feedback ( click !) when pressed into place. Then, when it’s destruction time, they separate cleanly, without sticking together. Perhaps best of all, every Petit Collage puzzle comes in a vibrant and sturdy box complete with a rope handle for carrying (other 24-piece designs include a world map and wild rainforest ). Crocodile Creek makes similar high-quality puzzles in stackable boxes that won’t rip or flatten; they were the hottest picks (and the first to disappear) during our neighborhood puzzle swaps.

A robo-bug brigade

Hexbug Nano Nitro 5 Pack

These delightfully creepy robotic bugs scamper around on their own, but they require button cell batteries.

These thumb-sized, multi-legged robots are equal parts endearing and frenetic. Propelled by the sheer force of their (amusing) vibrations, they skitter around corners, scale small obstacles, and right themselves. They move surprisingly quickly. So if—like us—you live somewhere with actual big bugs that race across your floor (hello from Texas!), you might want to warn your family before you let a Hexbug loose. Once they’re in play, they’re a blast. For cats, the challenge is to chase them around. (Just use caution around pets who aren’t discriminating about what they swallow.) For kids, the fun is in creating obstacle courses and elaborate containment chambers out of anything you can find, like train tracks, shoes, and boxes. (Adults get to just sit back and watch the cats and kids entertain each other.) The only downside is that each critter in this Hexbug Nano Nitro 5 Pack requires an AG13/LR44 button cell battery . The first one is included, but it will need to be replaced fairly quickly if your household enjoys robot bugs as much as mine does.

A groovy board game

Pete the Cat The Missing Cupcakes Game

Featuring characters from the popular Pete the Cat series, this game challenges players to sing, act, or perform so they can collect cupcakes for Pete’s birthday party.

If your child is a fan of this cool cat , then there might be some added excitement when you break out the Pete the Cat The Missing Cupcakes Game . But you don’t have to be familiar with the groovy feline and his friends (featured in this book and more) to understand or enjoy this cooperative board game. The object: Players try to collect 14 plastic cupcakes for Pete’s birthday party by working together on preschool-level challenges. Depending on where they land on the board, they may have to sing, perform an activity, or act out a word, à la charades. But if anybody lands on the dreaded Grumpy Toad space, a cupcake must be removed from the board. Eventually, all of the cupcakes are accounted for, everyone “wins” (there’s no way to lose), and the game ends with the whole group singing “Happy Birthday” to Pete. In our experience, the challenges are varied enough to keep the players engaged—when prompted, my son especially loves belting out his favorite songs. And the game tests memory skills (since you can’t repeat another player’s choices) and helps young kids associate images with words (reading is not required). More importantly, it encourages silliness.

— Barbara Kimberly Seigel

Alphabet in disguise

Lakeshore Learning Alpha-Bots

These 2-inch letters can transform into individual robots.

Letters that are robots in disguise? Meet Alpha-Bots , a set of educational transformers from Lakeshore Learning. With these 26 colorful plastic letters, kids can twist, turn, flip, and lift the moveable parts to create robots, and then maneuver them back into their letter forms. Some robots may at first take more trial and error to manipulate, but that can ultimately help a kid develop spatial and fine motor skills—and it simply adds to the fun. Each robot can be looked at as a tiny individual puzzle, though collectively the robots might inspire creative play, too. My little one got a kick out of making the robots look like they were holding hands.

Pattern play

Fat Brain Toys Bugzzle

This puzzle challenges young minds to fit colorful pieces inside a bug-shaped frame, following a series of increasingly difficult patterns.

Bugzzle is essentially a tangram (a puzzle made up of geometric pieces that can be arranged in different shapes) for toddlers. An early STEM toy that provides a soft, visual introduction to fractions, Bugzzle includes one sturdy bug frame, 18 semicircular plastic puzzle pieces, and 40 cards with increasingly difficult patterns to re-create inside the bug. Many 3-year-olds can become adept at remaking the patterns using the problem-solving skills and spatial reasoning that Bugzzle is designed to foster. For a more-traditional format, the Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards Classic Toy encourages the same critical-thinking skills as Bugzzle, using colorful wooden shapes.

Fun by the yard

Little Tikes Gas ’N Go Mower

This toy lawn mower makes an entertaining popping sound when it’s pushed.

When my then-2-year-old son got his Little Tikes Gas ’N Go Mower —long before we had a yard of our own—I don’t think he knew about actual lawnmowers, but that’s beside the point. He loved to run through the corridors of our home, pushing it and delighting in its pop-pop-popping sound. Later, his younger sister, then 3, inherited the lawnmower, and the mysterious appeal of this toy proved to be enduring. I still don’t fully understand why kids feel compelled to mimic mowing a lawn—a task many adults actively avoid. But I love this piece of plastic because there are no batteries, assembly requires no tools, and it has provided years of imaginative play for my kids. We now live in a house that has a real lawn, and my daughter will spend hours on end “grooming” it.

— Lara Rabinovitch

A tower of buggy blocks

Lakeshore Learning Don’t Let the Bugs Fall! Game

In this stacking game, players take turns removing bug-eyed blocks until the tower comes crashing down.

At age 3, my daughter loved every part of the Don’t Let the Bugs Fall! Game (a Jenga-style stacking game for kids): the die-rolling and calling out of the color rolled, the cautious removal of each block, and the dramatic collapse that signals triumph or defeat. She even loved to exhaustively rebuild the tower setup, which is objectively the worst part of actual Jenga. Admittedly, it can be difficult to play according to the exact instructions—you’re supposed to dislodge each bug-faced block one-handed, which is no easy feat. But after you develop some loose and forgiving house rules, the game is fun, fast-paced, and engaging for all ages.

Magnetic letters

Magnatab A to Z Uppercase

This magnetic writing board encourages kids to trace the letters of the alphabet, with a stylus that pulls and clicks tiny beaded magnets into place.

At age 3, some kids begin showing interest in gripping a pencil and trying to form letters or numbers. The Magnatab A to Z Uppercase magnetic writing board is an early handwriting tool that’s fun, tactile, and even semi-addictive. Kids use the thick magnetic stylus to trace letters, pulling the tiny metal beads into place. The beads are encased, so they can’t fall out or get lost. Directional arrows help budding writers visualize where to start and end each letter. There is also a Magnatab for practicing numbers and shapes . For free-form magnetic drawing and writing, try this simple slate . (And you can purchase a replacement stylus , if yours goes missing.)

Iron chef junior

Melissa & Doug Let’s Play House! Stainless Steel Pots & Pans Play Set

This sturdy set of kitchenware provides the necessary tools to prepare a make-believe culinary feast.

My kids use this eight-piece play cooking set to make chicken soup with chocolate, grape spaghetti, and countless other pretend concoctions. Melissa & Doug Let’s Play House! Stainless Steel Pots & Pans Play Set works well as a standalone gift. But it’s also a useful addition to a toy kitchen, like the IKEA Duktig Play Kitchen (featured in our guide to the best gifts for 2-year-olds ). This play cooking set includes a colander, two wooden utensils, and its own vertical storage rack; since the pots and pans are made of stainless steel, they’ve lasted through my kids’ vigorous culinary sessions. (They’re even dishwasher-safe, but you can’t use them for actual cooking.) My son and daughter especially love that this cookware comes with a lid—once their pretend bibimbap or boeuf bourguignon is ready, they can surprise diners by removing it with a dramatic flourish.

A little big top

IKEA Cirkustält

This circus-themed play tent creates a cozy space for kids to imagine, play, or snuggle.

IKEA’s colorful polyester Cirkustält offers long-lasting fun for a low price. The littlest kids may enjoy playing hide-and-seek inside or peekaboo from behind the curtains. Three-year-olds might like loading it up with mounds of stuffed animals, using it as a private place to play or rest, or turning the tent into a rocket ship. I can attest to this tent’s durability: We had one that lasted for at least five years, and there were many catastrophic rocket crashes during that time. IKEA’s Dvärgmås Play Tunnel , which we recommend in our guide to the best gifts for 2-year-olds , pairs nicely with the circus tent and was another hit with my kids. Availability at IKEA stores varies by location.

Costume kits

Melissa & Doug Fire Chief Role Play Costume Set

Melissa & Doug’s costume sets offer an outfit and accessories for kids to fully embody their role as firefighter, construction worker, or doctor.

Kids Costumes Superhero Capes Set

When they don these satin capes and matching masks, kids can easily transform into superheros and save the day.

My child’s peer group absolutely loves dramatic play and dress-up. One minute they’re doctors, the next minute they’re firefighters, and at some point they all splinter off into different versions of Spider-Man on a group mission to destroy the house. The costume sets from Melissa & Doug—like this Fire Chief Role Play Costume Set —don’t include caped-superhero options. But they do let kids take on lots of heroic, real-world career roles , like veterinarian or pediatric nurse. Each costume comes with accessories—hard hat, hammer, and saw for the construction worker; fedora, sunglasses, and decoder lens for the spy—that help set the scene for freewheeling imaginative play. If your kid is, in fact, particularly obsessed with playing a superhero, they may also love the five-piece Kids Superhero Capes Set , with Velcro closures and matching felt masks. And if they’re more inclined toward imitating royalty, consider these sumptuous velour ones .

A creativity station

Melissa & Doug Double-Sided Tabletop Easel

This compact easel doubles as a chalkboard and a magnetic dry-erase board, and it can be folded up for easy storage.

Melissa & Doug’s Deluxe Double-Sided Tabletop Easel gives toddlers dozens of creative options for when they’re seated at the table or on the floor. On one side, there’s a chalkboard; flip the whole thing over and you’ll find a magnetic dry-erase board. The sturdy set includes a 50-foot roll of paper for painting and drawing, five sticks of colored chalk, a dry-erase marker and felt eraser, and 36 letter and number magnets that can be stored in the wooden base tray. It all packs down easily, so you can stow it anywhere or take it on a trip. (My toddler loves to sit outside on the ground with it and paint.) If you’re looking for a full-size easel, we like the KidKraft Storage Easel or the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Standing Art Easel , both of which we recommend in our guide to the best gifts for 4-year-olds .

Plush puppets

Folkmanis Snowy Owl Hand Puppet

Folkmanis puppets, including this snowy owl, are soft and well made, and they inspire endless storytelling and imaginative play.

Puppets can be a great outlet for preschoolers to explore storytelling. When they were younger, my kids had a dedicated puppet basket, as well as this puppet theater . Yet I found that the individual puppets got way more use than the theater itself—my kids were more interested in private, imaginative play than in performing for an audience. Folkmanis makes a range of plush animal puppets: We were given a tiny praying mantis and a scaly three-headed dragon. But I think the Snowy Owl Hand Puppet was the most special one in our bin. It’s extra-soft and structured, with a head you can rotate using a plastic knob inside. After my older son got dive-bombed by a nesting owl—for real, and he was fine—we were able to embark on some extra-dramatic play with this thing.

Instructive instruments

Eastar Kids Accordion

This kid-size accordion includes enough working buttons to play tunes like “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”

Liza Wilson, owner of the Toybrary Austin lending library in Texas, said that playing musical instruments—or even just playing with them—will help preschoolers explore sensory input in a way that’s creative and self-directed. The resulting sounds may be chaotic, but 3-year-olds can learn much more from real instruments than from simply pushing buttons or tapping screens to play pre-recorded songs. For 3-year-olds, small pianos and drums might be good choices. But Wilson said Toybrary’s Eastar Kids Accordion gets the most play. Kids love pulling on the bellows and pushing the vocal keys and buttons for harmony and bass. It’s a toy that can grow with a child as they progress from making creative sounds to learning actual songs—and, heck, even adults can have some fun fiddling with it.

We scream for ice cream

Melissa & Doug Scoop & Stack Ice Cream Cone Playset

Built-in magnets make it easy to scoop and serve these pretend ice cream cones.

According to the International Dairy Foods Association , the average American devours 20 pounds of ice cream a year. Love for the stuff starts early, as illustrated by Melissa & Doug’s Scoop & Stack Ice Cream Cone Playset . Kids can spoon and serve with two magnetized scoopers, which have a satisfyingly realistic feel when you are doling out one of the four scoops of ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and mint chocolate chip) to top off the two wooden cones. The flavors may be well edited, but the playful possibilities are nearly endless.

Bath-time builders

Lakeshore Learning Design & Build Water Blocks

This bath-time set comes with 30 foam blocks of multiple shapes, sizes, and colors. And they easily stick together in water to create a floating city.

Move over, rubber ducky. These sturdy foam Design & Build Water Blocks cling together and float in water, so kids can build imaginative cityscapes in the tub, pool, or water table. The 30-piece set comes with a 7½-inch-square floating platform that provides a stable base for play. (Also included: a drawstring bag for storage between uses.) My 3½-year-old loves to create a town out of the blocks, position her favorite plastic figurines atop the foam towers, and then introduce a storm surge to the bathtub to see who and what can survive her relentless tsunami. She’ll stay in there constructing and reconstructing this scenario until the water grows cold—not too shabby for a kid who claims to hate bathing.

Creepy-crawly competition

Snug as a Bug in a Rug!

Players practice counting and identifying shapes and colors as they work together to help all the bugs hide from three stink bugs.

This cooperative board game was my kiddo’s favorite at 3½, since it paired her two most beloved elements of play—matching and talking about stinky things. The object of the game is always the same: Help an assortment of bright, friendly faced bugs get tucked safely beneath the rug (the game board) before they’re encroached upon by three invading stink bugs. Snug as a Bug in a Rug! has three levels of play to choose from, with escalating degrees of difficulty (we usually played the middle version), so it can grow with the player. The whole game takes only about 15 minutes to complete, unless (as we did) you feel compelled to lovingly tuck each bug in with gentle words of reassurance about how safe and protected they’ll now be under the rug. We also liked to feign outsize horror in response to the stink bugs’ hideousness and odor ... which takes some of the sting out of the fact that we lost to them so often.

A doll for all

Miniland Dolls

These award-winning dolls come in several skin and hair colors, as well as with inclusive features, such as a hearing aid.

For preschoolers, dolls can be an important tool for early social and emotional learning. The right doll can also help children build self-esteem and empathy by mirroring identity differences back to them in a positive light. Miniland (an award-winning toy and doll maker based in Spain, and a favorite among preschool educators) has made inclusivity a priority, and its dolls are a pick in our guide to the best dolls . The collection includes infant and toddler dolls with a range of skin colors and features, including dolls with glasses , with a hearing aid , and an award-winning doll with facial features common in children with Down syndrome . My preschooler loves this Miniland doll , which has Asian features; with a bob and blunt bangs, the doll even resembles her.

The anatomically correct dolls come dressed in simple one- or two-piece white cotton undies. To add to their wardrobe, you can choose from accessories including shoes, sweaters and overalls.

Pedal bike perfection

Woom 2 Pedal Bike 14"

This lightweight pedal bike is proportioned just right for new, young bike riders.

After mastering the art of gliding on a Woom 1 balance bike (the upgrade pick in our guide to the best balance bikes , and a recommendation in our gift guide for 1-year-olds ), my 3½-year-old leveled up to this model—a real bike with pedals! It was the perfect entryway. Like all of the Austin, Texas–based company’s bikes, the Woom 2 Pedal Bike is thoughtfully designed for the needs of the youngest riders. This bike has a low standover height and weighs just over 12 pounds, so a small human can easily mount and operate it. The BMX -style riser handlebar puts kids in a comfortable upright position, so they can look around while cruising the neighborhood streets. Two hand brakes are suitably sized for little fingers. When my daughter was first getting started on the Woom 2, we removed the pedals and let her continue to push off with her feet and glide on the bike until she got used to steering and braking. Then we raised the quick-release adjustable saddle an inch or so and added the pedals. She soon had the basics down. It’s cool to see what kids can do when they have a bike that’s designed for them.

Note: In July 2023, Woom bikes announced a recall following 77 incidents of handlebar stems malfunctioning, causing cuts, bruising, and abrasions. New Woom bikes, and those made after 2021, are not affected. Do not use an older bike until you’ve checked to see whether it was part of the recall. If so, it can be repaired with a free kit provided by Woom.

Tools for toddlers

Black+Decker Junior Power Tool Workshop

This kid-size workbench introduces children to the joy of power tools, including a hand saw.

Play kitchens are all the rage due to their encouragement of imaginative play and social-development skills. (See our guide to the best gifts for 2-year-olds for our favorite one.) But play workbenches deserve the same amount of love. A friend has the Black+Decker Junior Power Tool Workshop , and my daughter can’t get enough of it. She collects all of the small accessories, such as nuts, screws, and bolts, and loads them into the toolbox. But the coolest part is the attention to detail on the power tools: In addition to a working vise, the workshop comes with a miter saw and a drill, which function realistically and emit battery-powered sounds. The entire thing has more than 50 parts, including a flashlight, a phone, and everything else a kid needs to fall in love with home repair.

A modern dollhouse

Hape All Seasons Kids Wooden Dollhouse

This modern-looking, multilevel dollhouse has six rooms and plenty of space for imaginary play.

Hape’s three-story All Seasons Kids Wooden Dollhouse is bright, gender-neutral, and open on all sides. My daughter loved that she could reach into any room from almost any spot to adjust the furniture and play with the wooden people (sold separately). I liked the extra furniture sets and accessories we could buy (including these pets ). This was a staple toy during her toddler and preschool years—until we got a puppy, who eventually devoured everything in the dollhouse, including the two families who lived there. (Note: The price of this dollhouse can jump as high as $200; you may want to look on Facebook Marketplace or in a local online parents’ group to see whether anyone in your area is selling a lightly used, pre-owned dollhouse.)

—Jackie Reeve

The swiftest scooter

Micro Kickboard Micro Mini Deluxe

This introductory scooter provides a stable, smooth ride, and it has an adjustable-height handlebar so it can grow with a child.

When she was 3, my second daughter received Micro Kickboard’s Micro Mini Deluxe  for Hanukkah. It’s Wirecutter’s pick for the best scooter for kids under 5 . And any doubts I had about giving such a pricey scooter to a preschooler were blown away once I saw how my daughter handled this one, compared with the cheaper models she’d borrowed from friends at the park. Other scooters were wobbly, clanky, difficult to steer, and laborious to propel. On this scooter, my daughter could zip and glide around with ease, deftly navigating turns by shifting her weight, and using the foot brake on the back wheel to slow down and stop. It comfortably fits kids up to age 5, so multiple kids can use it. (Tip: Extending the scooter’s handlebar to full height makes it convenient for an adult towing a tuckered-out kid home.) When the time does come to graduate to the next size up, we recommend the Micro Maxi Deluxe , as described in this ode .

—Courtney Schley

A classic red trike

Schwinn Roadster Tricycle 12-Inch

This low-to-the-ground tricycle has air-filled tires that make it fast and fun to ride.

The Schwinn Roadster Tricycle , Wirecutter’s recommendation for the best low-rider tricycle , is built for confident pedalers who are ready to tear up some ground. Unlike other trikes’ plastic or foam tires, the Roadster Tricycle’s tires are air-filled, like a bicycle’s, making this a grippier and faster ride. The heftier build and low center of gravity (a riff on the classic Big Wheel ) give this tricycle the stability needed to handle faster, tighter turns, so it’s a thrilling ride for a 3-year-old. And with its shiny metal body, tassels on the handlebars, a bell, and a wooden deck in back (where a friend can hitch a ride), the Roadster Tricycle cannot be beaten for style.

—Kate Gammon

Adoptable animals

World Wildlife Fund Symbolic Species Adoptions

Through a donation to the World Wildlife Fund, you can “adopt” one of 135 animals, from an orangutan to a hippopotamus. The adoption kit includes a soft, plush stuffed animal.

Like many kids, my second daughter developed a full-blown fascination with animals at around age 3. In her case, it was monkeys, monkeys, and more monkeys. After amassing a sizable collection of monkey stuffed animals, a monkey necklace, and other monkey swag, she informed me that she was ready for a real, live one. Instead, with a $60 sponsorship, we “adopted” a squirrel monkey named Chestnut at our local zoo in Philadelphia . We printed and framed the accompanying adoption certificate, which states that my daughter is now Chestnut’s “zoo parent.” And we paired it with a stuffed squirrel monkey from Wild Republic , which offers dozens of stuffed creatures in both small and extra-large sizes. (It also has these beautiful birds , which make authentic bird calls and were produced in partnership with the National Audubon Society.) If you don’t have a similar program at your local zoo, the World Wildlife Fund’s Symbolic Species Adoptions kit provides adoptions for more than a hundred species. So it’s likely you’ll find whatever animal your kid adores, whether it’s a three-toed sloth or a pangolin . Each adoption comes with a stuffed animal, an adoption certificate, a photo, an information card about the species, and a reusable WWF tote bag.

We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend .

Additional reporting by Julie Kim. This article was edited by Ellen Lee and Kalee Thompson.

Meet your guides

Caitlin Giddings

Caitlin Giddings is a freelance writer based in Austin, Texas. Her work has appeared in Bicycling, Runner’s World, Lonely Planet, Outside magazine, and more.

Wirecutter Staff

Mentioned above

• We spent 20 hours researching nearly 50 board games for kids. Read on to find out our favorite games for preschoolers, elementary-school kids, and families. Board Games We Love for Kids and Families  
• For some children, a doll will be the most treasured toy they own. We tested 25 dolls to help you find one that feels just right for the kid in your life. The Best Dolls  
• We subjected a fleet of balance bikes to cadres of kids and found the best bikes for different budgets and ages. The Best Balance Bikes  
• We’ve compared 16 kids scooters over the past five years, and we are confident that the popular Micro Maxi Deluxe is a worthwhile investment in longtime fun. The Best Kids Scooters  
• The Micro Maxi Deluxe provides a smoother, faster, and more satisfying ride than any other kids scooter. The Micro Maxi Deluxe Scooter is More Than a Toy. It’s Smooth, Efficient Transportation for Kids.  
• Over the past six years, we’ve enlisted dozens of kids to try out 21 three-wheelers, and we have four top trikes to recommend. The Best Tricycles  

Further reading

The 100 Most Popular Wirecutter-Approved Gifts for Kids

by Wirecutter Staff

Here are the most-purchased Wirecutter-recommended gifts for kids so far this year.

The 30 Best Gifts for 4-Year-Olds

by Kelly Glass, Caitlin Giddings, and Wirecutter Staff

Toys that encourage building, puzzling, role-playing, and creating will engage curious 4-year-olds.

The 31 Best Gifts for 5-Year-Olds

Gifts that tap into art, science, sports, or construction are often great choices for 5-year-olds, since many of them are developing personal interests.

The 28 Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds

by Caitlin Giddings and Wirecutter Staff

Some of the best gifts for 1-year-olds are those that engage kids’ rapidly developing motor skills, sensory exploration, and boundless curiosity.

The 14 Best Educational Toys For 3-Year-Olds & 7 Factors To Help You Choose

What Kind Of Toys Should A 3-Year-Old Have?

Plenty of 3-year-olds love to socialize and play with new friends, but don’t be surprised if your little one prefers to play on their own. Kids develop at different rates and have varied personalities.

According to child development experts, preschoolers (3-4-year-olds) begin to develop their social skills at this age. When they notice other children playing, most are likely to readily join these other kids even if they don’t know them. (1)(2)

Toys for this age group are ideally those that can be shared and played with other children, such as jumbo building toys for little hands, simple board games, interactive toys for pretend play, and age-appropriate learning activities.

You might also notice that many developmentally friendly toys for 1-year-olds and 2-year-olds are still great for 3-year-olds.

These toys can grow with your child, and you might be surprised that they’ll find new ways to play with these old toys. Older kids (5-7-year-olds) might even find these toys interesting, especially educational toys that continue to challenge their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Why Should You Choose Learning Toys For 3-Year-Olds?

Your child is getting ready for preschool or might already be in school at three years old. One way of encouraging them to learn is to make the experience fun.

The best learning toys can be used to develop their cognitive skills and learn basic math, science, and language concepts.

That’s why STEM toys (science, technology, engineering, and math) are among the best learning resources and toys you can pick for your child.

These will introduce them to the basic concepts and let them develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as they prepare for preschool.

Our Top 14 Picks For The Best Educational Toys For Three-Year-Olds

You can find our top 14 recommendations for the best learning toys for three-year-olds and other young children, grouped based on:

• STEM & Montessori -inspired toys
• Educational building sets & blocks
• Words, ABCs, numbers, & colors
• Puzzles & matching toys
• Imaginative play & role play
• Musical toys
• Toys for learning life skills
• Creative & sensory toys for learning new skills

Continue reading to learn more about each toy below.

STEM & Montessori-inspired Toys

Melissa & doug my first daily magnetic calendar.

• Pros & best features: Magnetic calendar with 80 magnetic pieces to teach kids the basic concepts of date, weeks, months, special events, and weather
• Materials: Not disclosed on the company product page
• Type of toy: Learning materials
• Educational value: Basic math and time concepts,
• Recommended age range: 3+ years (still ideal for up to 8-year-olds or even older)
• Extra features: Fabric-hinged (sturdy cord), dry-erase boards (for the calendar template and magnet storage
• Certification: FSC, US, and EU (European Union) conformity certificates
• Product recall: None
• Cons: Some complaints on Amazon about the magnets being too weak and the pieces easily falling off the board

Skillmatics Educational Game: Search & Find

• Pros & best features: Set of learning materials (write and wipe activity mats) for different learning concepts
• Product safety: Passed US child safety tests
• Materials: Certified child-safe
• Educational value: Reflective thinking, problem-solving , reading and comprehension, writing skills, focus, and attention
• Recommended age range: 3-6 years
• Extra features: Includes duster cloth and pens
• Certification: ASTM and CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act)
• Cons: Some complaints over the product being too pricey 

Osmo Little Genius Starter Kit + Early Math Adventure

• Pros & best features: Introduces core kindergarten subjects (including shapes, counting, early literacy, language, and communication) with fun games for kids
• Materials: Silicone, plastic
• Type of toy: Learning material set designed for use with a compatible device (iPad or Fire)
• Educational value: Fine motor skills, cognitive development, social-emotional skills, and early literacy
• Recommended age range: 3-5-year-olds
• Extra features: Learn 300+ words
• Cons: The set can be pricey and requires a compatible electronic device.

Educational Building Sets & Blocks

Dado fat cube toys.

• Pros & best features: Hollow building blocks that can be connected using slits along the sides
• Materials: BPA-free plastic
• Type of toy: Building blocks set
• Educational value: Planning, engineering, visual-spatial skills, fine motor skills, creativity, experimentation, and self-esteem
• Recommended age range: 3+ years old
• Extra features: Deluxe pieces that add a twist to the classic building blocks
• Cons: Some complaints about sharp edges. It’s made of plastic.

Soyee Magnetic Blocks (100pcs)

• Pros & best features: 100 magnetic block pieces with different shapes, number blocks, and alphabet blocks
• Materials: ABS plastic
• Educational value: Architecture, STEM toys, hand-eye coordination, and physics spatial reasoning
• Recommended age range: 3-6 year-olds or even older kids
• Extra features: Ferris wheel components
• Cons: Some complaints about weak magnets and missing pieces. It’s made of plastic.

Gigi Bloks 100 XXL Building Blocks

• Pros & best features: Jumbo building blocks to create child-sized forts, castles, etc.
• Materials: Strong, durable, and finished cardboard made of unbleached softwood pulp
• Educational value: Imaginative play, architecture, engineering, gross motor skills, and spatial awareness
• Extra features: Paper-based materials that your child can draw or paint on Certification: Certified food-safe
• Cons: The blocks need adult assembly

Words, ABCs, Numbers, & Colors

Lego duplo my first alphabet truck.

• Pros & best features: Building blocks set with 36 block pieces, a toy truck, and small people
• Materials: ABS plastic (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
• Educational value: Role play, cognitive skills, and learning ABCs
• Recommended age range: 1½ years old and over
• Extra features: Small people and a bear are included in the set
• Certification: US and EU standards
• Cons: Some complaints about duplicates or missing letters. It’s made of plastic.

Inchimals by Fat Brain Toys

• Pros & best features: Blocks with 12 pieces that have exact inch segments and cute prints for the representative animals
• Materials: Wood
• Type of toy: Wooden blocks and STEM toys
• Educational value: Math and pre-algebra skills
• Extra features: Comes with a write-on-wipe-off puzzle book with 100 puzzles
• Cons: Some complaints about the wooden blocks arriving with some paint already chipping

Puzzles & Matching Toys

Thames & kosmos robot engineer (level 1) by kids first.

• Pros & best features: Multi-award toy set with 53 pieces designed for STEM learning by making non-motorized but movable robots (with a matching storybook)
• Product safety: With safety warning for choking hazards for kids under three years old
• Materials: Plastic
• Type of toy: Building set
• Educational value: Fine motor skills, visual-spatial skills, science and math skills, and reasoning and concept development skills
• Recommended age range: 3+ years old (can also be ideal for 6-year-olds or older children)
• Extra features: Storybook
• Cons: Some complaints about the pieces not staying together like they’re supposed to. It’s made of plastic.

Educational Insights Design & Drill Take-Along Toolkit

• Pros & best features: 60 big, colorful bolt pieces with three screwdriver bits to create different patterns on the board
• Product safety: With safety warning as a choking hazard for children under three years old
• Type of toy: STEM toy
• Educational value: Fine motor skills and creativity
• Extra features: The screwdriver bits have different designs (flat head, Phillips, and socket)
• Cons: The screwdriver piece requires batteries, but some parents complain on Amazon about the toy not working even with fresh batteries. It’s made of plastic.

Imaginative Play & Role Play Toys

Lovevery the storyteller play kit.

• Pros & best features: Montessori-based materials to introduce different learning concepts
• Materials: Sustainably harvested FSC-certified wood, water-based paint, and finishes
• Educational value: Engineering, problem-solving skills, imaginative play, and real-life skills
• Recommended age range: 40-42 months
• Extra features: Puppet theater set and child-sized squeeze & spray mop
• Certification: FSC
• Cons: It can be pricey.

Musical Toys

Hape learn with lights electronic ukulele.

• Pros & best features: Playable ukulele with flashing lights as a guide to teach your child how to play music
• Product safety: Passed all toy safety tests (sharp point, bite force, tensile, small parts, drop, and chemical tests)
• Materials: Solid wood, plastic toy finishes are non-toxic according to the brand’s product page
• Type of toy: Musical toy
• Educational value: Pretend play and musical learning
• Extra features: With instruction sticker, booklet, and handle for easy carrying
• Certification: ASTM
• Cons: Requires batteries

Toys For Learning Life Skills

The big dig sandbox digger excavator crane.

• Pros & best features: Working crane designed for little hands to shovel and move dirt, sand, snow, etc.
• Materials: Metal, base with capped ends
• Type of toy: Pretend play
• Educational value: Logical thinking, reasoning, imaginative play, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills
• Extra features: Seat for your little worker
• Cons: Some complaints about the metal being too soft and easily bending

Creative & Sensory Toys For Learning New Skills

Step2 flip and doodle desk with stool & easel.

• Pros & best features: Activity center with medium and large-sized bins for art supplies
• Product safety: Free from heavy metals and phthalates
• Materials: Polypropylene and/or polyethylene plastics
• Educational value: Fine motor skills, creativity and visualization, self-expression, and coordination
• Recommended age range: 2+ years but also ideal for 3-6-year-olds
• Extra features: Easel flips down to turn into a desk
• Cons: Requires assembly, made of plastic

How To Choose The Right Educational Toys For Three-Year-Olds?

Here are seven factors to consider in choosing your little one’s toys:

Recommended Age: What Does A 3-Year-Old Need?

Although kids develop at different rates, most toys tend to be ideal for different ages. Three-year-olds (or around the same age) need education toys and learning materials to introduce them to basic learning concepts while they’re having fun.

Child development experts acknowledge that kids can learn a lot through play. Your child can develop any or a combination of the following: (3)

• Social skills
• New vocabulary
• Cognitive skills
• Literacy skills
• Physical abilities

Learning Ability, Interests, & Skills

It’s good to pick toys that fit their developmental milestones, learning abilities, skills, and interests.

Developmental milestones for 3-year-olds include the following: (1)(2)

• Running and jumping easily
• Stacking 10+ blocks
• Walking upstairs unassisted
• Easily drawing straight lines or copying circles
• Concentrates on tasks for 8-9 minutes
• Say around 500-900 words
• Makes two or three-word sentences
• Names colors
• Knows some numbers and letters
• Joins other kids in play

Kids also have different interests, sometimes depending on their gender. For example, some toys for 3-year-old girls might not seem interesting to boys of the same age.

Skills Development & Benefits

Kids this age might already recognize colors, shapes, numbers, and letters more quickly than younger ones. These new skills can make them more interested in educational toys.

Note that many educational toys for 2-year-olds can still be a great option for 3-year-olds and older kids.

Safe To Play

Although most toys with small parts have warnings that indicate they’re unsafe for children under three, avoid choosing them if your child still loves to put things in their mouth even at 3+.

Choosing toys made of child-safe materials free from toxic chemicals like lead and other heavy metals, phthalates, and BPA is also good.

Engagement & Fun

It’s tempting to give “advanced” toys to help your kids learn more. However, toys that offer too much information or have many different things going on might seem too complex for your child.

They could lose interest if they don’t grasp the essential elements of a certain activity. 

Sometimes, it’s best to pick a fun and engaging toys that are simple and fit for their age but let them use their imagination.

Educational Value

Consider offering your child toys with different educational values so they can develop various learning aspects and find new ways to have fun.

Building toys, musical instruments, crafting kits, and other learning materials can let them learn without sacrificing entertainment.

Value For Your Money

Will your kids outgrow the toys after just a few months? Thankfully, that might be true for some toys for 1-year-olds , but many educational toys for older children might still be interesting as they grow older.

It’s also good to check for the toy’s quality because some toys might be cheaper but can be unsafe or easily break and get damaged.

What Can I Buy My 3-Year-Old Daughter?

Dolls and toys for imaginative play are popular for 3-year-old girls, but you can also pick building blocks, musical instruments, learning sets, cooking sets, and other unisex toys.

If unsure, you can always ask them to pick the ones they like before you checkout.

What’s The Best Gift For A 3-Year-Old Baby Girl?

The answer will usually depend on the child’s interests. But because kids this age are getting ready for preschool, you can never go wrong with picking educational toys.

Is A 3-Year-Old A Toddler Or Preschooler?

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), 3-year-olds are preschoolers. Toddlers are kids starting from 1-year-old until they turn three. (4)

Can 3-Year-Olds Write?

Although some can already write a few letters or numbers, most 3-year-olds can’t do that yet. However, many might show interest in holding a pencil or any writing material to create lines. (5)

How Far Should A 3-Year-Old Count?

Most 3-year-olds can count up to four objects, while some can reach up to 10. (2)

What Should A 3-Year-Old Draw?

Kids this age can draw straight lines and copy circles. (2)

How Do Educational Toys For 3-Year-Olds Differ From Those For 2-Year-Olds?

Many learning toys for 3-year-olds can have more numbers, letters, or features than educational toys for 2-year-olds .

Toymakers might also design these toys for sharing and socialization because 3-year-olds are developmentally ready to improve their social skills by sharing and playing with others. (1)(2)

Other Learning Toys For Different Age Groups

• Best educational toys
• DIY Montessori toys
• Educational toys
• Educational baby toys
• Educational toys for toddlers
• Educational toys for 2-year-olds
• Educational toys for 4-year-olds
• Educational toys for 5-year-olds
• Educational toys for 6-year-olds
• Educational toys for 7- year-olds
• Educational toys for 8-year-olds
• Montessori baby toys
• Montessori climbing toys
• Montessori toys
• Montessori toys for toddlers
• Montessori toys for 1-year-olds
• Montessori toys for 3-year-olds
• Montessori toys for 4-year-olds
• Montessori wooden toys
• Outdoor toys for 1-year-olds
• Toys for 1-year-olds
• Toys for 2-year-olds
• Toys for 6-year-old boys
• Wooden educational toys

Toy Recalls To Monitor

• Calico Critters recall (2023)
• Kids Preferred recall (2023)
• Target Toy recall (2022)
• Haba recall (2022)
• Kidoozie Play Tent recall (2022)
• Monti Kids recall (2022)

REFERENCES:

(1) https://www.understood.org/en/articles/developmental-milestones-for-typical-3-year-olds

(2) https://www.choc.org/primary-care/ages-stages/3-years/

(3) https://www.unicef.org/sites/default/files/2018-12/UNICEF-Lego-Foundation-Learning-through-Play.pdf

(4) https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/preschoolers.html

(5) https://www.pbs.org/parents/learn-grow/age-3/literacy/writing

– Motherhood Community is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More

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Home » Recommendations » Toys » 9 Best Educational Toys for 3-year-olds to Promote Development

9 Best Educational Toys for 3-year-olds to Promote Development

Preschool-aged children learn through discovery and exploration in their daily surroundings. Providing access to educational toys for 3-year-olds crates a natural teaching environment. This fosters developmentally appropriate situations where children encounter learning and discovery that promotes the development of cognitive, motor, social and emotional skills.

1. Bath Letters and Numbers by Munchkin

Turn bath time into learning time with Bath Letters and Numbers by Munchkin . Incorporate learning into your 3-year-old’s bath routine with colorful foam letters and numbers.

These foam toys float in the bath and cling to tub walls when wet. Then they come off easily when dry and leave no residue. With 26 letters and 10 numerals in six fun colors, there is plenty of opportunities for children to learn names of the colors, letters, and numbers.

Why We Recommend:

• 36 colorful, floating letters and numbers
• Sticks to bathtub walls when wet
• Made of soft, durable, non-toxic foam
• Introduce colors, letters, and numbers
• Incorporates learning into daily activity

2. Dado Cube by Fat Brain Toys

These educational toys for 3-year-olds and up are an exciting twist on classic building blocks. Dado Cubes are a set of 10 cubes scaled from 1 inch to 5 inches that nest, stack, and connect along slits in their edges. These unique blocks teach kids proportion, balance, structure, and color in a naturalistic teaching environment. Young imaginations engage with the slits in each block that interlock to create 3-dimensional structures.

You can construct vertically, horizontally, diagonally, or nest them together. Dado Cubes promote visual-spacial awareness and problem-solving skills through experimentation and play. These innovative blocks inspire art and STEM as kids explore architectural principals.

• Great STEM toy for preschool classrooms and home
• Open-ended play for individual or cooperative learning
• Improves fine motor skills, hand strength, finger dexterity, and coordination
• Encourages visual-spatial skills, creativity, experimentation, planning, self-esteem
• Nests for easy storage
• Made of durable, BPA-free plastic
• Developed, manufactured, and assembled in the U.S.A.

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3. MightyMind by LeisureLearning

The innovation of Mighty Mind makes it a singularly amazing toy for 3-year-olds at home or school. This toy promotes the development of essential skills such as creativity, spacial awareness, logic, problem-solving, fine motor, and self-confidence.

Children can learn to solve these mind boosting puzzles before they ever learn to read. The brightly colored shapes can fit onto the shape card in various ways. These educational toys for 3-year-olds and up has received many awards, including Parents Choice Honor Toy, Teachers Choice Award, Dr Toys Best Vacation Toy, and more.

The sequence of numbered patterns gets increasingly difficult as children manipulate 32 geometric shapes and build pictures. The first 20 puzzles provide prompt and clues in the picture to assist a child in selecting the correct shapes, but the last 10 are without clues and are the most challenging of them all. Children can also get creative with their own designs using the 32 vibrant Mighty Mind colored shape tiles.

• Teaches kids how to build and solve puzzles.
• Unique program designed to build a child’s confidence
• No reading or language required
• Distributed worldwide in 26 countries
• Develops essential critical analytical thinking skills
• Structured or open-play for individual or cooperative learning

4. Inchimals by Fat Brain Toys

Inchimals by Fat Brain Toys take children on a mathematical safari adventure. These precisely-sized animal blocks help with learning math concepts such as measurement, numbers, addition, subtraction, and pre-algebra. These 12 beautifully crafted wooden blocks range from 1 to 12 inches in hight. Each features a different animal, inch line segments, written numerals, and representative dots corresponding to the actual hight of the block.

These fun, colorful blocks allow for measurement exploration and visual representations of addition and subtraction. The set comes with a write-on, wipe-off puzzle book to introduce pre-algebra concepts and balancing equations. Great for use in schools or at home for early math education.

• Multiple ways to learn and explore – structured and open-play
• Introduce vocabulary – shorter, taller, hight, length, distance
• Teaches addition and subtraction concepts
• Stacking blocks promotes motor control
• Encourages creative thinking, spacial reasoning, and dramatic play
• 12 animal blocks and a write-on, wipe-off puzzle book
• Use in home or classrooms

5.Robot Engineer (Level 1) by Kids First

Level 1 Robot Engineer Kit by Kids First includes a storybook and 51 large, colorful plastic building pieces that are easy for small hands to manipulate. Children can construct robots with arms that spin while they learn about simple machines. Kids can have a blast constructing the simple, non-motorized robot models based on the robots in the included storybook.

Little Engineers can follow along with Ty and Karlie in the silly storybook as they build and repair robots and solve problems in a candy factory. The book and construction kit are a fun way to introduce simple engineering concepts to 3-year-olds.

• Introduces simple machines and gears
• Develops STEM-related skills – science, math, visual-spacial, reasoning, and problem-solving
• Engages children with simple engineering concepts
• 53-piece building set
• Durable Storage Case
• 32-page storybook

6. Rhyming Words Match & Learn Puzzle

This box set of Rhyming Words Match & Learn Puzzles make great educational toys for 3-year-olds. The self-correcting puzzles have real-life pictures with the associated word underneath. Flip the pieces over and the associated word only is on the back for more advanced gameplay for 2 games in one.

The rhyming part of each word pair is highlighted in matching colors to help early learners identify correct rhymes. Children improve fine motor skills through manipulating the puzzle pieces. Pieces are large enough for little hands to grip and manipulate.

• Introduces rhyming words
• Self-correcting puzzles
• Fine motor skills
• Real-life pictures and associated words
• 2-in-1 game

7. 2-in-1 LeapTop Touch by LeapFrog

The 2-in-1 LeapTop Touch by LeapFrog is a touch-screen learning toy for preschoolers that transforms from a laptop-style device to a tablet. The screen flips to convert from keyboard to tablet mode. This computerized toy comes loaded with 26 fun animals that teach letter recognition and letter sounds. Five learning modes include ABCs, numbers, games, music, and messages.

Children can also have a blast pretending to be mom or dad sending emails on the computer. The 2-in-1 LeapTop Touch introduces basic computer literacy skills to young children in an age-appropriate and entertaining way. Children role-play typing on a laptop and tapping on a tablet to play fun games and activities that teach letter sounds, counting, and animals.

• Teaches Letters and Numbers
• Encourages Social Skills
• Makes learning fun with music and rhyme
• Boosts basic computer literacy
• Dramatic play and role-playing

8. Wooden Latches Board by Melissa and Doug

Keep your 3-year-old busy and entertained with the Wooden Latches Board for Melissa and Doug. Children can undo locks and latches to swing open the numbered doors. Fun pictures hide behind each door. Build fine motor skills while learning colors, numbers, animals and more with this educational toy.

• Promotes fine motor development
• Introduces colors and numbers
• Encourages problem-solving
• Learning to open latches promotes self-help and daily living skills
• Promotes independence and self-confidence

9. My Magnetic Daily Calendar by Melissa and Doug

Maintaining their own calendar gives children a greater sense of independence, self-reliance, responsibility, and control. Each day your 3-year-old can help post on My Magnetic Daily Calendar by Melissa and Doug. This calendar provides a visual facilitation to talk to your child daily about the day of the week, date, weather, and special events.

There’s even a space to post their moon which encourages open communication and emotional awareness. Preprinted magnets make updating the calendar simple and fun. There are even two dry-erase magnets to make your own custom tiles.

• Promotes independence and responsibility
• Teaches calendar skills — days, dates, months
• Teaches weather, seasons, and holidays
• Promotes social-emotional wellness
• Practice fine motor skills daily by moving the calendar pieces
• Solid wood construction

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The 35 Best Gifts for 3-Year-Old Boys That Match Their Boundless Energy

As he starts to grow out of his toddler years, so will his new world of play.

If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

Another year, another holiday or birthday. This time, he’s three, and what a fun age it is. By the time your toddler gets to this stage, he’ll be talking, starting to get out of diapers (if he hasn’t already, that is), and looking for a way to exercise his new skills. As he engages with the world around him, help him lean into what he loves to do: play.

Before you buy, here’s one important thing to remember: not all 3-year-olds are going to act the same. Some will gravitate towards educational activities (like learning the alphabet and counting numbers), while others are going to be into sports, race cars , and interactive games . To help you accommodate your kiddos interests, we've rounded up the best gifts to satisfy his imagination, keep him energized, and provoke his budding independence .

FRUSE Jurassic Dinosaur Playmat

Your kiddo will know you’ve spared no expense in this awesome dinosaur park! Complete with nine different dinosaurs, a detailed play mat, and its own carrying case, this toy will provide hours of imaginative fun, perfect for sharing on playdates.

More: The Best Gift Ideas for 1-Year-Olds

Prextex Radio Control Cars

Remote control cars are undeniably awesome, but sometimes the ones meant for bigger kids can be challenging for preschoolers to figure out. This leads to frustration, which leads to a bad time for everyone involved.

These cool cars are perfect for smaller hands. Best of all, this set comes with two cars, making them ideal for sharing.

Crayola Color Wonder Marker and Stamp Set

Just because your young Picasso wants to create doesn’t mean he’s ready for messy paint. This Color Wonder Mess Free Coloring Set comes with scented markers, stamps, a scented ink pad, and a blank coloring book.

Though nontoxic, it’s a good idea to remind your little one not to be fooled by the yummy scents; they’re not for licking or eating!

YEEBAY Whack-a-Frog Game

Helping develop hand-eye coordination, the 3-year-old in your life will get a kick out of this game. Let’s face it: That toddler of yours will whack other things anyway, but now you can make it a fun competition between you and him.

Choose the speed that suits the child best, and go to town with the two provided hammers that are as soft as can be.

FFTROC Wooden Stacking Dinosaurs

If your 3-year-old loves puzzles, this dinosaur stacking game makes for a fun new challenge: Not only will it help develop his concentration, but he will also learn a little logic and patience in the process.

When the dinosaurs drop, watch him squeal with joy. And don’t worry — the pieces are big enough that this toy is not a choking hazard for the younger set.

Gazillion Bubbles Hurricane Machine

There is no greater joy for the 3-year-old than bubbles. Up his bubble game by gifting him this Gazillion Bubbles Hurricane Machine, which comes with an automatic blower that pumps out thousands of bubbles in a short amount of time.

Pour the quality bubble solution it comes with easily into the device, and watch it launch a fun bubble storm.

Step2 Waterfall Discovery Wall

Don’t let the image fool you: This water wall might be as tall as your 3-year-old (or pretty close). Your tot will love the 13 accessories it comes with that will give him the opportunity to scoop up water from the bottom to pour on top.

Watch the water zigzag all the way down 33 inches of wall. And the best part is that two children can play because this water toy is double-sided.

LEGO Duplo My First Number Train Learning and Counting Train Set

Even if your toddler is new to Legos, he can probably build this one all by himself by looking at the pictures and using the numbers on blocks as a handy guide.

This Duplo set of 23 large Lego pieces that are easy for the smallest hands to handle. Help him improve his fine motor skills as well as his counting prowess. Once he’s done building, he can engage in imaginative play with his train set, which comes with two play people and a cat.

VTech Scooter Time Bluey

These days, you won’t be able to find a toddler (or parents) who are not huge Bluey fans; this lovable, spunky dog has instantly won the hearts of all.

A Bluey gift is just what the 3-year-old in your life would be into. This battery-operated find scoots around like a remote-controlled car. Press its buttons to play dancey tunes or a fun copycat game.

CUPKIN Animal Habitats Sticker Book

By three, he’s learning and understanding more about animals and where they live. This sticker book — featuring over 500 hand-drawn animal stickers and 12 pages to color — will reinforce the educational fun. He can stick dolphins, whales, tigers, lions, lizards, and more on the correct habitat scene pages and learn a lot along the way, too.

Micro Kickboard Mini Deluxe Scooter

By age three, he’ll be ready to scoot. Unlike your typical basic scooter, this Micro Kickboard can be steered by leaning. Its adjustable height means your 3-year-old can also use it for a handful of years to come.

Its innovative design and wheels promise a smooth ride every time — perfect for a little rider who’s still learning.

CHADRIGIVS 5-Piece Drum Kit

We’re not going to lie: This drum set is for the kids, but not for the parents. That said, this five-piece set will encourage him to get ready for his future band and work on his music skills.

Designed for kids ages 3 to 7 years old, he can grow with this set, which comes with a bass drum, four snare drums, one pedal, one cymbal, two drumsticks, and one stool. Lessons not included.

Stomp Rocket The Original Stomp Rocket

Whether in rage, excitement, or glee, 3-year-olds are big into stomping their feet. Put that instinct to fun use with the Stomp Rocket. Just put the foam “rockets” on the launcher, countdown, stomp, and watch them sail up to 200 feet in the air. (It’s fun for adults sometimes, too.)

GLM Brands Dinosaur Construct and Play

Does your kid like building things? Do they like dinosaurs? Do they enjoy building things but also using their imagination to play with toys? Then you’re in luck with this dinosaur toy set.

These dinosaurs are super sturdy and fun to play with, and also easy to put together and take apart with nothing but a small plastic screwdriver.

PicassoTiles 60-Piece Magnetic Tile Set

Your tiny architect’s imagination will be unleashed as he uses the clear, colorful magnetic tiles to build three-dimensional castles, animals, patterns, shapes, and more.

And because the possibilities are endless, he’ll enjoy Picasso Tiles for years to come as his ideas and designs grow with him.

Jeowoqao Dress-Up Costumes Set

Your 3-year-old can be anything he wants to be: a police officer, a chef, a construction worker, or, heck, why not a pirate? With these cool costumes, he can try out any one of his future careers ... or at least have fun pretending.

Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike

Just looking at this toy might conjure up memories you have pedaling one of these down the sidewalk in your neighborhood or the blacktop of your preschool. Rest assured they’re just as fun now.

Your 3-year-old will be king of the road (or your driveway) on this cool Harley-Davidson model!

iBaseToy Toy Doctor Kit

Subtly hinting that you think medical school is a great idea just got a lot more fun with this super-cool doctor’s kit with all the bells and whistles. It can transform into a handbag, trolley case, medical table, or bench quickly and easily.

It includes 40 pieces, from stethoscope to thermometer, complete with sound effects — making it the perfect gift for 3-year-old boys who also happen to be doctors-in-training (hey, you never know!)

TEKFUN LCD Doodle Pad

Scene: You need 10 minutes of quiet time, but feel guilty about resorting to screens. Enter this no-mess doodle pad. Using a stylus, your kid will have fun creating drawings and designs. Plus, the long battery life and waterproof surface ensure it will be enjoyed for a long time.

Mighty Mojo Peppy Pup

Tired of demuring every time your kid asks for a puppy? This might just buy you some more time. Pull your cuddly Peppy Pet along on their leash, and their legs will skitter along and look like they’re really walking. No batteries required — it’s 100% kid-powered.

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The 45 Best Toys For 3-Year-Olds That Are Sure To Entertain Them

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At age 3 a whole new suite of toys open up to kids. These older toddlers and early preschoolers are less likely to put everything into their mouths, and they’ve often developed their motor skills to a point where they can play with smaller pieces, as well as more active items. That’s why the best toys for 3-year-olds keep these burgeoning skills sharp and the curious tots engaged. Kids this age are also a whole lot of fun to shop for as they’re full of energy, creativity and motion.

Foster those imaginations by gifting one of the best toys for 3-year-olds.

“It’s really important to provide toys that promote imaginative play, as this encourages interacting or playing beside their peers and will help them develop their language skills, problem solving, and social and emotional skills,” says Emma Hubbard, pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Brightest Beginning .

Our parenting editors relied on their years of experience covering kids’ toys, as well as insights from parents and guidance from child development experts, to assemble this list of the best toys and gifts for 3-year-olds. These include open-ended toys that promote creativity and learning, as well as items that test their coordination and balance. Ahead, find our curated—and tried and tested list—of the perfect playthings for 3-year-old boys and girls. You might also want to peruse our stories on the Best Play Kitchens and Best Playhouses , which are both great to introduce at this age.

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The 16 best treadmill sales: up to 57% off nordictrack, peloton and more, best toys and gifts for 3-year-olds at a glance.

• Best Building Toys For 3-Year-Olds: Magna-Tiles Safari Animals Set , Lego Duplo Town Truck And Tracked Excavator , Learning Resources 1-2-3 Build It! Robot Factory , Fat Brain Toys Squigz Starter Set
• Best Pretend Play Toys For 3-Year-Olds: Melissa & Doug Examine and Treat Pet Vet Play Set , Toiijoy Dress-Up Trunk , Hape Master Workbench
• Best Active Toys For 3-Year-Olds: Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower , Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set , Blast Zone Magic Castle
• Best Educational Toys For 3-Year-Olds: Montessori Mama Wooden Toddler Puzzles , Mix It Up , Skillmatics Search And Find Activity Mats
• Best Arts And Crafts Toys For 3-Year-Olds: Sgile Magnetic Drawing Board , Ooly Lil’ Pods Watercolor Set , Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Easel
• More Fun Gifts For 3-Year-Olds: Toniebox Starter Set With Paw Patrol , Melissa & Doug Fire Truck Play Tent , Step2 Up And Down Roller Coaster

Best Building Toys For 3-Year-Olds

Magnetic tiles to encourage creative play, magna-tiles safari animals set.

The Magna-Tiles brand offers magnetic building blocks and sets that have exploded in popularity—and age 3 is typically when these blocks suddenly become safe for playtime. The concept is simple: Kids can build 3D structures with various geometric shapes that snap together thanks to the magnetic sides. It leads to tons of open-ended play as kids add on sets and characters. This animal-themed set is the perfect Magna-Tiles introduction for little ones, but there are plenty more to choose from, including dinosaurs or mega block bundles .

A Toolkit And Power Drill That’s Safe For Tots

Educational insights design and drill take-along toolkit.

One thing 3-year-olds love is taking part in all those mundane adult chores—at least for a few minutes. Let them practice their fix-it skills with this mini drill kit. It comes with 60 colorful bolts and a kid-friendly power drill. Kids can put the bolts into the grid any way they want, creating their own fun designs with the electronic screwdriver.

They’re Just The Right Age For Duplo

Lego duplo construction truck and tracked excavator.

This 20-piece Duplo set is just right for beginning builders with minimal parts and a fun theme. Kids will be thrilled to play with the two trucks and figures after building the set. The blocks are compatible with other Duplo sets, too, so you can add to their collection with this pick.

Wooden Dress-Up Dolls For 3D Fun

Melissa & doug magnetic dress-up set.

These magnetic dress-up dolls are wooden, so they feel sturdy and durable. The larger pieces aren’t likely to get lost and everything can stay in the box it comes in when not in use. They work well at home or while on the go with kids. Melissa & Doug makes many different versions of this, from Disney characters to heroes , so they’re fun to collect and mix and match.

Their First Robot

Learning Resources

Learning Resources 1-2-3 Build It! Robot Factory

This toddler friendly STEM toy lets them try out building a robot for the first time. They can mix and match the pieces, snapping the parts in to design their perfect model—or take it apart and start over. No batteries required—and the pieces are chunky enough for small hands.

A Buildable Indoor Garden

Cenove flower garden building toy.

This 130-piece kit includes everything your toddler needs to create a colorful garden in their own home. Not only is this a way to stretch their fine motor skills by putting pieces together correctly to build a flower, it’s also a great way to learn more about plants. As a bonus, everything comes packaged in a handy bucket for easy cleanup and storage. My daughter received this toy as a gift, and I was surprised to find that my twin boys play with it just as much as she does.

Stick 'Em Anywhere For Impromptu Build Sessions

Fat brain toys squigz starter set (24 pieces).

Squigz are an incredibly versatile toy with an incredible following. You can use them anywhere, and we’ve pulled our Squigz out for platytime on the airplane, at a restaurant and in the waiting room. The suction cup bottoms mean you can stick them to pretty much anything, including each other, allowing kids to build wherever they like. The surface is easy to clean, and some parents use them as bath toys.

Best Pretend Play Toys For 3-Year-Olds

A vet play set with stuffed animals, melissa & doug examine and treat pet vet play set.

This Melissa & Doug vet kit is a favorite among kids and parents alike for its attention to detail and commitment to pretend play. The 24-piece set includes a stuffed cat and dog and vet tools to treat any injury or illness imaginable. The small bag is a good place to store all the items.

A Realistic-Looking Workbench

Hape master workbench.

This award-winning pretend workbench lets your little builder get super hands-on. It comes with 35 pieces, including realistic looking fake tools, such as a hammer, screwdriver and wrench. The height-adjustable workbench grows with your little one and makes an adorable gift for a 3-year-old’s playroom.

A Trunk Full Of Fun Accessories

Toiijoy dress-up trunk.

This Toiijoy Dress-Up Trunk is full of options. It includes 22 pieces, including outfits and accessories to dress as a mermaid, princess, fairy or ballerina (or something completely made up). This versatile kit allows them to pick and choose how they want to pair pieces and lets them add these fun accessories to otherwise practical outfits, so you both win.

A Scoop Shop

Melissa & doug wooden scoop and serve ice cream counter.

Everything they need to open their own ice cream shop is right here in this Melissa & Doug pretend food set with its eight scoops, six toppings and plenty of serving utensils. Kids can delight in offering friends and family their creations. The set comes with a bit of play money, so don’t expect free cones.

A Sink Of Their Own For Water Play

Cute stone color changing kitchen sink.

The automatic water cycle system in this mini sink allows it to function as an actual sink, making it perfect for toddlers who love water play. It comes with dishes and utensils that turn white if the water is too hot and a little dish rack for drying. This is cute for indoor or outdoor play.

The Classic Dump Truck

Tonka steel classics mighty dump truck.

At age 2, they’re too young to play with a big, real steel dump truck like this one from Tonka—but at age 3, they’ll thrill to fill the giant flatbed up with sand, toys and other fun. It’s 17-inches long and offers a movable dump and mighty tires.

A Pretend Cleanup Set

Melissa & doug let's play house play set.

Toddlers love to be part of family activities and to try out all the activities their parents and caretakers do, including cleaning the house. We may find it a tedious task, but tots really just want to join in, and this Melissa & Doug Let’s Play House set is just their size. I bought this set many years ago, and my three kids still use it almost daily to sweep and tidy up around the house.

Comes With A Matching Crown For Kids

Purpose toys littlelistas baby doll.

With curly C3 textured hair, this Black doll from Purpose Toys offers tots a huggable friend and an opportunity to select a doll with hair and a skin tone that mirrors her own if she prefers. The Littlelistas dolls come in a variety of sizes, skin tones and natural hair styles. This one comes with an extra crown for your 3-year-old to wear. Dolls can help kids practice everyday activities like getting dressed and brushing teeth, and they also often serve as a comfort object.

Dress-Up Clothes To Make Them Feel Like A Hero

Great pretenders firefighter set.

This is often the age when kids suddenly become very interested in playing dress-up, pulling on all sorts of costumes, masks, wings and dresses. This Great Pretenders Firefighter Set lets them pretend to be the ultimate hero, a firefighter. We suspect your tot might want to wear this jacket daily. It comes with all of the right accessories for a day of firefighting heroics.

Sliceable Fruit With Their Own Knife

Melissa & doug cutting fruit set.

Pretend food is a hot commodity for toddlers, and this Melissa & Doug Cutting Fruit Set takes it to the next level by handing them their own faux knife. I bet you’ve probably started to hear a lot of: “I can do it myself!” Well, this set lets them act out those “do it myself” food prep scenarios. It includes sliced pieces of fruit held together with self-stick tabs, as well as a wooden tray and knife. Kids can use the knife to “cut” the wooden fruit into pieces, something that helps with motor skills and introduces the concepts of part, whole and fractions.

Best Active Toys For 3-Year-Olds

A portable balancing game, national geographic balance stepping stones.

These soft, foam stepping stones are simple but entertaining for a range of ages. Kids can use them to create mini obstacle courses indoors or outdoors. They’re great for practicing balancing and working on jumping and hopping, and they’re portable and easy to store.

A Climbing Tower For Little Adventurers

Eezy peezy monkey bars climbing tower.

My toddler is willing to climb anything and everything. This Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower is great for keeping them off your couch, at least for a little bit. It's easy to assemble and surprisingly lightweight, so if you have the space, you can move it indoors for the winter. Kids can climb to their heart’s content, and it allows them to explore their limits. It holds up to 150 pounds.

A Play Seat That Encourages Active, Creative Play

Fat Brain Toys

Bilibo By Moluk

Bilibos come in a rainbow of bright colors and might just be the ultimate open-ended toy for active kids. They can sit in them and spin or rock, flip them over or fill them with treasures. My kids have used their Bilibo for years and in all sorts of games. They’re durable, easy to wipe clean and BPA-free, PVC-free and phthalate-free.

Shoot Hoops Together

Little tikes easy score basketball set.

This classic toddler basketball hoop lets your little one get in on the big kid sports action. Opt for the adjustable version, and it grows with them. I like that this set comes with three balls.

A Portable Climbing Set

Tiny land 5-in-1 rainbow pikler triangle set.

This wooden indoor climbing set from Tiny Land offers multiple active play options, including the Pikler Triangle, a reversible rock wall/slide and a rocker. It holds up to 132 pounds, meaning it could last your kids well into their childhoods. The climber is foldable, so you can tuck it away for storage as needed.

A Way To Get All Of Their Energy Out

Flybar my first foam pogo jumper.

This is the perfect budget-friendly toy if you feel like your 3-year-old never stops moving. The soft, toddler version of a pogo stick allows them to bounce around as much as they want while practicing their balance. Use it indoors or outdoors whenever they need to burn off a little extra energy.

A Modular Play Couch

If you don’t have a play couch for your active tot yet, you can’t go wrong with The Nugget, one of the first play couches. Kids can arrange the pieces into a fort or pile them up for a cozy hangout space. Parents tend to appreciate the removable and washable covers, along with the Greenguard Gold certification and multitude of colorways.

A Mini Bowling Set For Indoor Play

Melissa & doug k's bowling friends play set.

Three-year-olds might still be a little young for the actual bowling alley, but this Melissa & Doug set can prepare them at home. The lightweight pins are easy for them to knock down, and the carrying case makes storage simple and convenient. It’s the perfect rainy day boredom buster at home—and it makes a cute gift.

A Mini Motorcycle To Get Pedaling

Fisher-price harley-davidson tricycle.

Some 3-year-olds aren’t quite ready for a big kid bike, but this Harley-Davidson trike might make them feel just as cool as their older siblings. The large pedals and easy-grip handlebars make navigating easier, while the cool biker theme might just encourage them to hop on. A handy secret compartment is perfect for stowing toys.

Bounce It Out

Blast zone magic castle.

Inflatables offer big fun and plenty of allure for kids of all ages. This Blast Zone castle-themed bounce house works indoors with its lower height or outdoors for your toddler’s entertainment zone during their birthday party. It’s durable and comes with the necessary blower and ground stakes. Host up to three kids or up to 300 pounds with this inflatable. It measures 9 x 11 x 7 feet and folds into a backpack-size case. If that’s not enough room for your needs, size up to the Blast Zone Magic Castle XL that can hold up to five kids or the Blast Zone Magic Castle Ultra for even more bouncing space.

Best Educational Toys For 3-Year-Olds

Colorful wooden puzzles to solve, montessori mama wooden toddler puzzles (4-pack).

These sweet wooden puzzles are just challenging enough for a new puzzler with chunky pieces that are easy for little hands to grip. They’re made of eco-friendly wood in colorful primary colors and come in fun animal themes to intrigue your little one. Each one is small, but the four pack provides enough variety to keep them busy.

An Interactive Book That Teaches Color Play

This darling interactive book from artist Hervé Tullet sneakily teaches kids their colors while they’re having a blast pretending to smear, press and mix the paint color on the pages. Tullet also wrote another of my favorite books for this age group: Press Here .

Movable Gears Get Them Thinking

Learning resources gears gears gears deluxe building set.

Introduce them to problem solving and basic mechanics early on with this Gears! Gears! Gears! building set. They can color sort, think critically and flex their creativity with this STEM toy as they build their creations. I’ve watched young kids build independently with this set, but it’ll certainly be a new challenge for a 3-year-old.

A Puzzle To Build Frustration Tolerance

Mudpuppy dinosaur park 25-piece floor puzzle.

Floor puzzles are a favorite for 3-year-olds. These oversize but chunky puzzle pieces make it easier for them to see the design, for example, and they’re just a bit different and special compared to the usual jigsaw. This dinosaur puzzle has 25 pieces, including some that are shaped like dinosaurs. The pieces are nice and thick, and it always holds up to my kids stomping on the puzzle after it’s complete.

Activity Mats Filled With Fun Challenges

Skillmatics search and find reusable activity mats.

This educational tool is disguised as a game to keep little ones busy. They have to find specific items and circle them on the page. These all easily wipe clean to play with again later. It’s perfect for dinner at the restaurant or on the tray table on the airplane.

A Colorful Introduction To The Concept Of Time

Melissa & doug shape sorting clock.

This Shape Sorting Clock is excellent for teaching little ones more about time, clocks and numbers—and it’s also just a lot of fun for them. It’s like a puzzle with number pieces that fit into recessed wells. Kids can move the hour and minute hand to show different times. Let them play with this on their own or use it as part of a larger lesson.

Best Arts And Crafts Toys For 3-Year-Olds

A play-doh table for storing and playing, play-doh play 'n store kids play table.

Play-Doh is a classic for a reason: It keeps kids occupied without making too much of a mess (usually). This play table set makes it easier to store all the Play-Doh and accessories while also offering a pop-up crafting table, so you can keep the sticky dough off your better furniture and rugs. It also comes with a lot of fun molds and shapes they’ll love.

Washable Paint In A Wide Variety Of Colors

Ooly lil' watercolor paint pods.

Painting finally starts to get a bit fun around 3 years old. This watercolor set from Ooly comes with 36 beautiful colors, so they’ll have plenty of options to find the perfect shade for their creations. This paint is completely washable, so there won’t be too much worrying about clothes, the table or the walls.

A Standing Easel For Painting And Coloring

Melissa & doug deluxe standing art easel.

With a dry erase board, chalkboard and room for a paper roller, this dual-sided easel has it all. There are clips to hold the paper in place, spots to store crayons, paint and paint brushes and enough room for more than one toddler to play at a time. It’s sturdy and folds nearly flat for storage. Plus, working on a vertical surface can help strengthen muscles and improve motor skills.

A Must-Have Doodle Distraction

Sgile magnetic drawing board.

A magnetic doodle board might seem too simple to engage a busy toddler, but I’ve found it to be an impressive distraction on car rides, at restaurants and in the airport. Given that it’s all magnetic (no glitter or melty crayons here), it also keeps things pretty mess-free. The slide eraser is easy enough for kids to use.

This Craft Kit Is Great For Sensory Play

Pom pom pictures.

For parents who would rather not clean up the inevitable mess of crayons and paint, this fun arts and crafts kit is the perfect pick. Kids can insert pom-poms into pre-punched felt to create cool designs, from dinosaurs to rainbows. It’s an easy craft to master, won’t create much mess and is something they can do on their own, so it’s a win all around.

All The Art Supplies In One Box

Kids Made Modern

Kid Made Modern My First Arts And Crafts Library Kit

Have your toddler take a break from coloring and painting to make some crafts. This kit comes with everything they need to get creative, like fuzzy sticks, paper straws, foam stickers, googly eyes and so much more. This could lead to hours of creative, independent play. There’s no wrong way to create with this kit, so feel free to step back and let them go to town.

A Mess-Free And Reusable Toy

Melissa & doug on the go water wow (2-pack).

These Water Wow books are my go-to toy whenever my toddler will need to sit for an extended period of time, like while traveling or during an older sibling’s sporting event. Once you fill the pen with water, they can use it to color the pages. After the pages dry, they can do it all over again, so one book can last for a long time.

More Fun Gifts For 3-Year-Olds

An on-demand audio storyteller just for them, toniebox starter set with paw patrol.

This screen-free audio player offers kids stories, songs, podcasts and more. Each topper comes with a new batch of stories. Nab a bundle kit with your child’s favorite characters, from the Paw Patrol featured here to Disney princess characters , so they can enjoy story time whenever they want.

A Cuddly Story Time Companion

Aurora world plush tubbie wubbie cuddly lion gift set.

A plush pal is always a hit at this age, and this gift set offers kids both a snuggly stuffed animal and a story for the perfect duo. The 12-inch stuffed animal is sized just right for tots. Choose from among the lion, a cow or a penguin.

An Exciting Play Tent To Transform Their Day

Melissa & doug fire truck play tent.

Pop-up and play tents offer young kids an exciting escape from their daily play routines by instantly transforming your living room into a magical scene. This fire truck play tent from Melissa & Doug is extra fun with its realistic graphics and enough space for several kids to play make-believe at once.

A Kid-Friendly Gardening Set

Kinderific gardening set.

Toddlers often naturally love to garden and play in the dirt outside, and this sweet gardening set might help to keep them organized. It comes with kid-friendly tools, so they can dig and plant all they want. The adorable case comes in a variety of colors. I’m sure they’ll love watching everything they planted grow as the months go on.

A Ride That's Just Thrilling Enough

Step2 up & down roller coaster.

Offer kiddos a mild thrill with this outdoor roller coaster toy. Kids can ride the car to the end of the ramp at a safe speed while getting a glimpse into what it might feel like to ride a bike one day.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

• Forbes Vetted’s kids and baby gear section includes extensive reporting on everything from parenting must-haves to toy and book guides for kids of all ages.
• Many of us also have firsthand experience as parents. I started writing this story when I was parenting a 3-year-old, and deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala , who oversees this story and all subsequent updates, has three young children.
• We prioritize safety in our coverage of baby and kids gear, taking into consideration any recalls, health and federal guidelines, and potential hazards before recommending an item.
• We consulted two experts in the field of child development: Emma Hubbard , pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Brightest Beginning, and Dr. Jody LeVos , early childhood development expert and chief learning officer of Begin.
• We frequently review and revise this article. It was last updated by Sala in April 2024.

What Do 3-Year-Olds Like To Play With?

At this age, toddlers are getting more into imaginative play and are learning how to play with their peers instead of alongside them. “Three-year-olds often display what is known as ‘deep conceptual interests’ that go beyond a casual interest in things like dinosaurs and princesses,” explains Dr. LeVos. “That is, many children in this age range express a very strong interest and fascination with specific topics, such as trains, garbage trucks or ponies, and this will drive a lot of their play and toy preferences.”

They also love acting out things that happen throughout their day, like shopping or putting a baby to bed. “Between 3 and 3-and-a-half, their play themes expand to include events which happen beyond personal experience, like pretending to be a fireman/woman or a police officer,” Hubbard says.

What Kinds Of Toys Should 3-Year-Olds Have?

Toys that encourage imaginative play and creativity and that help with the development of motor skills are ideal for 3-year-olds. Hubbard recommends toys like blocks, magnetic tiles, play dough or train sets to help further the development of fine motor skills and problem solving tactics. Boost creativity with craft sets that encourage them to paint and draw. She recommends imaginative toys like toy kitchens, doctor kits, dress-up clothes and baby dolls to promote imaginative play to develop fine motor, cognitive and social skills. For gross motor skills, she likes active toys like scooters, bikes and balls.

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22 Best Gifts for 3-Year-Olds That Toddlers (and Parents!) Love

Medical review policy, latest update:, quick summary, how we chose the best toys for 3-year-olds, why trust us, best building blocks gift for 3-year-olds, melissa & doug standard unit blocks, best barn toy for 3-year-olds, fisher-price little people caring for animals farm, best montessori gift for 3-year-olds, sarah’s silks set of 5 mini playsilks, best scooter for 3-year-olds, micro kickboard mini deluxe scooter, best puzzle for 3-year-olds, melissa & doug disney peg puzzle set, best doctor’s kit toy for 3-year-olds, fisher-price medical kit, best dollhouse for 3-year-olds, hape happy villa kids wooden dollhouse set, best book for 3-year-olds, dr. seuss collectible boxed set, best learning gift for 3-year-olds, leapfrog my own leaptop, best play kitchen gift for 3-year-olds, step2 best chefs kitchen playset, best play instruments for 3-year-olds, melissa & doug deluxe band set, best memory game for 3-year-olds, disney classic characters matching game, best classic gift for 3-year-olds, haba funny faces tangram wooden tile arranging game, best board game for 3-year-olds, the sneaky snacky squirrel game, best playhouse for 3-year-olds, little tikes cape cottage playhouse, best musical gift for 3-year-olds, toniebox audio player starter set with playtime puppy, best sensory gift for 3-year-olds, kinetic sand ultimate sandisfying set, best doll for 3-year-olds, baby alive super snacks lily doll, best art gift for 3-year-olds, melissa & doug deluxe standing art easel, best stuffed animal for 3-year-olds, kmuysl unicorn mommy stuffed animal with 4 baby unicorns, best active gift for 3-year-olds, gymnic rody bounce horse, best outdoor gift for 3-year-olds, swing-a-ring, our research.

WhatToExpect.com,  3-Year-Old Child , June 2022. American Academy of Pediatrics, Toy Buying Tips for Babies & Young Children: AAP Report Explained , November 2021. American Academy of Pediatrics, Pediatrics, Selecting Appropriate Toys for Young Children in the Digital Era , January 2019. Kids Health From Nemours, Smart Toys for Every Age , June 2018. Kids Health From Nemours, Toddler Reading Time , August 2023. Natasha Burgert, M.D., F.A.A.P., Pediatrician, South Overland Park, Kansas.

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Best Gifts and Toys for 3 Year Olds (That They’ll Love)

This post may contain affiliate links.

Discover gifts and toys for 3 year olds that will provide hours of imaginative pretend play time, develop fine and gross motor skills, practice preschool skills, and more.

Don’t you love buying toys as gifts that will give them hours of imaginative play? Or building play?

Give these rewarding toys, games, and books to your kids, grandkids, friends, and neighbors.

Best Gifts and Toys for 3 Year Olds

Play-Doh Activity Table Use the flat side and the playmats or the 3D side with a pretend river and other features. This includes 15 accessories and 6 colors. When you want to clean up, simply place everything inside the table and put on the lid. My kids would have loved this table!

Magformers My First 54 Pieces Rainbow Colors Budding engineers will love using these colorful geometric shapes to make buildings, animals, and more!

Medical Kit Doctor Bag Pretend play to make going to the doctor less scary. Use the stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, thermometer, otoscope, syringe, bandage & fabric ‘doctor’ bag to be the doctor and give checkups!

Melissa and Doug 8-piece Chunky Wooden Puzzle Puzzles are so good for children’s brains. This one with large, chunky pieces are easy to grasp. The colorful scene will help kids learn about African animals.

Sorting Snacks Mini Fridge Count, sort, and make patterns with the snacks and activity cards.

Pizza Play Set My kids loved these pretend play sets from Melissa & Doug. And who doesn’t love pizza!? Kids get to cut slices, serve, and add toppings. Yum!

Baby Doll Lightweight and washable, these cuddly dolls come in different skin colors with purple or pink outfits.

I Am Dog!  written by Peter Bently, illustrated by Chris Chatterton Playful rhyming, simple text shares a day in the life from a dog’s perspective. “ I am a dog. Dog is me. I like walkies. I like tree. ” Dog likes to chase, splash, dig, and bark.. among other things like searching for the smell he sniffs which makes a big mess! The illustrations are essential to this story of the dog’s day — and what is really happening. This is the perfect read aloud for 2 – 5 year olds!

How to Count to 1  by Casper Salmon, illustrated by Matt Hunt  Can you count to 1? And no higher?  Silly illustrations and humorous writing will surprise and engage growing mathematicians as they follow the directions and count to ONE . One worm in disguise, one giraffe (among other African animals,) one duck rollerblading, and well, you get the idea– ONE! What’s even better is that the illustrations often mislead you to think you might be counting higher. Except– you are not. Brilliant!

One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree  by Daniel Bernstrom, illustrated by Brendan Wenzel When a snake eats him, the brave boy makes a plan from inside the snake’s tummy to get out. He encourages the snake to eat more–from grapes to a beehive and the snake keeps eating until a small fly makes the snake burp everything all out. Including the boy! Hooray!

My First Scribble This is a classic gift for young children who like to draw and write. My daughter carried this exact notebook around with her for a year until she filled it up. Of course, I saved it because it’s so precious! The spiral binding makes it so easy to use. LOVE!! Pair with  jumbo crayons  or  jumbo colored pencils  in a  cute carrying case .

Rhyming Dust Bunnies  by Jan Thomas Bob just doesn’t fit in with the other  rhyming dust bunnies , which makes this book a total crack-up! Because he’s trying to warn them that there is a vacuum coming. Too bad his fellow Dust Bunnies ignoring his warning. Will they get all vacuumed up?!

Paw Patrol City Cruiser Toy Car with Motorcycle Do your kids love Paw Patrol? Then they’ll love Chase’s cruiser that also launches a motorcycle and features lights and sounds effects.

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Melissa Taylor, MA, is the creator of Imagination Soup. She's a mother, former teacher & literacy trainer, and freelance education writer. She writes Imagination Soup and freelances for publications online and in print, including Penguin Random House's Brightly website, USA Today Health, Adobe Education, Colorado Parent, and Parenting. She is passionate about matching kids with books that they'll love.

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Best Learning Gifts for 3 Year Old Toddlers

Gifts for 3-year-olds can be particularly tough to choose – they’re still very much “toddlers,” but they’re growing more and more into “preschoolers” every day.

At this age, they start to be more into activities than just toys, so STEM / learning toys can be great gifts, whether it’s for the holidays or a birthday.

More than anything, toddlers actually love to learn, so toys that are geared towards developing their skills or teaching them something new tend to keep them engaged longer. And I’m ALL about toys that will keep my toddler entertained for longer than 5 minutes, because we all know they generally have the attention spans of gnats.

If a gift can keep my 3-year-old’s interest for 30 minutes or more, I’m a happy mama. And all the toddler gift ideas on this list fit that bill!

And if you need some gift ideas for younger toddlers and babies, be sure to check out my list of the best gifts for babies and best gifts for 12-18 month olds .

And for older kiddos, check out this list of the best unique gifts for toddlers & preschoolers !

*Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This just means I earn a small commission if you purchase a product from that link (at no extra cost to you, of course) .

Go Go Gears! - Fat Brain Toys

How cool is this?! This STEM toy checks all the boxes my 3-year-old loves: learning, imagination, vehicles. This one is on his wish list for this year. I love that it provides guidance for how to place the gears, but allows for the freedom to use their imagination however they'd like.

Custom Memory Game

My kids both love this custom memory game. Each matching set features a different member of our family, so they love seeing the pictures of everyone, plus working their memories and learning words and names at the same time.

PicassoTiles - 100 Piece Set

Okay, if the toddler you're buying for doesn't have these yet, then you can stop right here and just get these. This is easily the best STEM toy out there for older toddlers, girl or boy.

My son got these for his 3rd birthday, and played with them for an hour straight. AN HOUR.

Nearly a year later, still plays with them for 30 minutes to an hour at a time, and the things he can build all by himself blows my mind.

Your kid needs them. The end.

Strider 2-in-1 Balance to Pedal Bike

My son got this balance bike as a gift for his 3rd birthday, and I can't say enough good things about it. Balance bikes are great for helping toddlers develop their gross motor skills, learn coordination, and just get outside and away from their screens.

I was SHOCKED at how quickly my son figured it out! Within a week or two, he went from tip-toeing the bike inch-by-inch to gliding for a few feet at a time with his feet in the air.

Now, after almost a year, he flies on this thing – I literally have to run after him when he really gets going. I like this particular model because it will convert to a pedal bike when he's ready (which might be sooner than I thought!).

Kinetic Sand with Folding Sand Box

OK moms, don't hate me for recommending sand as a gift for your toddler.

Kinetic Sand is a totally different ballgame from messy, grimy, gets-in-every-crevice sand. It miraculously sticks to itself – and only itself – like a magnet. It doesn't get all over your hands, your floor, or clothes.

My 3-year-old will spend at least 30 minutes at a time playing with this kit – using his creativity to make shapes and structures with the molds (so he can smoosh them, of course... the real fun).

{Pro-tip: Make sure to get some extra sand , too. This kit includes 2 lbs, which sounds like a lot, but it's really not enough.}

The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game

At around 3.5 years old, toddlers *finally* start to be able to focus on one activity for longer than a sneeze, and they start develop the critical thinking skills necessary for board games.

This game is so much fun – even for parents! – and does a great job teaching toddlers the basics of winning, losing, and not cheating. It even helps develop some critical thinking skills.

If you're an aunt, uncle, grandparent, friend, or person who doesn't otherwise see the toddler all that often, this would be a great gift to bring, and then play with them! More than anything, 3 year olds just like attention, so they'll love that they get to play this with you.

Hot Wheels Rolling Storage Case

First of all, let me just say: Hot Wheels cars aren't just for boys! My 5-year-old niece loves playing with cars just as much as my 3-year-old son. So don't discount cars as a gift for a 3 year old GIRL, too.

Now, when I came across this storage case for my 3-year-old a few months ago, I figured it'd be a gift for *me* more than anything – just to give a home to all the dang cars strewn about the house.

But he now spends more time rearranging his cars inside this case – arranging them from big to small, sorting them by color and type, counting them one-by-one... sounds a lot like STEM learning to me!

Who would've thought Hot Wheels cars could serve an educational purpose other than racing and crashing?!

Crayola Washable Kids' Paint

Is there anything toddlers love more than making a mess in their own home? I swear, if I dare to even utter the word "paint" in our house, both my kids will drop whatever they're doing and SPRINT to the craft table.

And since STEAM toys are now all-the-rage over STEM toys (the extra "A" is for "Art"), this gift is perfect for a creative toddler.

(Maybe include some smocks and kraft paper rolls , if you want to keep mom happy, too...)

Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Magical Oven

Play-Doh is the classic, old-school STEAM toy for toddlers, in my opinion. They can learn so much just from mushing and melding it together, experimenting with different shapes and colors – the creative possibilities are endless.

And these days, we have so many unique activity kits for Play-Doh that just increase the learning capabilities that much more (not to mention all those fine motor skills!).

So, when in doubt, grab one of these fun kits for a toddler gift, and you pretty much can't go wrong.

LeapFrog LeapStart Interactive Learning System

My son originally got this as a gift when he turned 2-years-old, and he was just a bit too young for it. At that point, he just wanted to bang it and throw it, and he really didn't have the coordination or patience yet.

But at 3-and-a-half, he's really grown into it. Now he LOVES following the games and cues, and even corrects me when I don't follow the instructions.

It's awesome to see everything he's been learning at preschool in action while he plays with this – practicing his letters, matching up words and sounds – and seeing him grow and improve his skills before my eyes.

(Plus, he gets to feel like he's toting around a laptop, which he thinks makes him the coolest kid EVER.)

Melissa & Doug Dinosaur Dawn Jumbo Floor Puzzle

These jumbo floor puzzles are a perfect gift for three-year-olds! For this age toddlers, I think 24-30 piece puzzles are the right amount – they're just the right level of challenging, but still doable. They may need help the first few times they put it together, but my son has gotten to the point where he can mostly do it by himself, with just some prompting from me.

Educational + independent play toys, for the win!

Tomorrow I'll Be Brave

When in doubt: BOOKS. Toddlers can never get enough books, so they make for a great toddler gift, that their parents can never be mad at you about.

This book, in particular, is one of our family's favorites. It has an encouraging message for their budding self-esteem, which has been so helpful for my anxious toddler, and each page has giant, typographic letters on it, which he loves to spell out as we read.

What other learning or STEM / STEAM toys have been good gifts for your 3-year-olds? Share them in the comments!

More Gift Ideas for Moms & Kids

• gift ideas for babies
• best toys for 18-month-olds
• learning gifts for 3-year-olds
• unique gifts for toddlers & preschoolers
• gift ideas for toddler moms

Nadalie Bardo

Friday 8th of November 2019

I'm so not three years old, but these gifts are awesome! Look so fun.

Love all of these ideas!

Paula @ I'm Busy Being Awesome

Thursday 7th of November 2019

kinetic sand is so fun! I bet kids will love it

Amber Myers

What a great list of toys! I can see small kids loving these. I know my kids would have when they were tiny.

Cassie @ Getyourholidayon

I love the choices you've shared! I've already started Christmas shopping. This is very helpful! :)

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Best Toys for 3 Year Olds

We have the best toys for three year olds no matter what they love! Dinosaurs are big with three year olds, plus active toys and things they can interact with and change. We can gift wrap and even add a hand written card.

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Smartmax Power Vehicles - Magnetic Construction

Use the power of magnets to build fun vehicles with this 25 piece set.

Silly Faces - Bath Time Foam Stickers

Make funny faces with 36 large pieces that float & stick to the bath.

Girls Crazy Faces - Magneti'book

Fun 65 piece magnetic set - mix & match funny & colorful characters!

Flamingo Balancing Game

Brightly colored wooden game - how many chicks can you balance?

Peek-A-Boo Zoo - Spot the Animal

Which animal has escaped from the zoo? Peek to try & work it out!

1-2-3 Build It - Rocket, Train, Helicopter!

Build 3 colorful modes of transport with this easy 17 piece set!

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Unicorn Handbag - So Magically Soft!

Fluffy plush bag shaped like a pretty unicorn with a sparkly horn.

Splashy Sprinkler Llama - 6ft Inflatable

Cool jumbo lawn inflatable for a home splash pad - guaranteed giggles!

Maze Builder Track Set - 118 Fun Challenges

Work out how to build a track to get the bulldozer across the maze!

Bath Time Flutes - Musical Fun!

Set of 5 colorful flutes - fill them with water & play a happy tune!

Unicorn Magneti'book - Create your Own

Fun 54 piece magnetic set - mix & match cute, colorful Unicorns!

Unicorn Head Lamp - Magical Fun!

Fun unicorn torch with two light settings & pretty, sparkle sounds!

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Crazy Faces - Magneti'book

Fun 82 piece magnetic set - mix & match funny & colorful characters!

Pop n Toss - Three Classic Games in One!

Triple-sided bean bag toss board, Cornhole, Dartboard & Tic Tac Toe.

Farmyard Farts - Rhyming Scratch and Sniff

Hilarious, lift the flap & have a sniff - a delight for your senses!

Light Up Bubbleizer - Spectacular!

Create magical bubbles & a light show at the same time!

Clockwork Submarine - Water Wonder

Mechanical submarine dives and resurfaces automatically - wicked!

Unicorn Play Tent - Magical Play Time Fun

Delightful unicorn-themed tent for adventures, with sparkly headband.

Weird & Wonderful Animals - Bath Time Foam Stickers

Make funny animals with large pieces that float & stick to the bath.

Dressing Up - Bath Time Foam Stickers

Fashion fun with 32 large pieces that float & stick to the bath.

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CloudBox - My First Dream Box

Soothing nightlight, enchanting projector & a delightful storyteller.

Animal Flashlight & Projector - 24 Amazing Images

Projects images of animal wildlife around your room.

Build Your Own Racing Car - 30+ Pieces

Use a working drill to build a sturdy 7'' car with sounds & lights.

Dinosaur Flashlight & Projector - Natural History Museum

Fun flashlight that projects dinosaur images onto walls and ceilings.

Funny Animals Flashlight & Projector

Fun flashlight projects hilarious animal pictures around your room.

Egg and Spoon Race - Wacky Wooden Set

Four cute wooden eggs with matching spoons - ready... set... GO!

Giant Piano Dance Mat - Music made Easy!

Touch-sensitive, color coded keys - move your feet to sound the beat!

T-Rex Head Lamp - Roarsome Fun

Fun dino torch with two light settings & awesome roar sounds - scary!

Play Foam 20 Pack - No Mess Fun!

Squishy squashy colored play foam for mess-free shaping fun.

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My First Microscope - For Little Hands

Easy-to-use fully functional microscope to view with both eyes.

Robot - Design and Drill

Assemble and customize your very own 8-inch articulated robot.

Spot the Difference - Funny Animal Selfies

Large 24 page book spotting what's changed, with cute smiling animals!

Stencil Montessori - 70 Piece Set with Markers

Combine shapes & colors to make fun drawings to proudly display.

Dinosaur Progressive Puzzles - 4 Sizes

Four different dino jigsaws - progressively getting more pieces!

Bath Bombs - Unicorn Poo!

Fragrant, fizzy balls of colorful unicorn poo to plop in the bath.

Walk Like A Chicken - Scavenger Hunt Game

Search for tokens whilst walking like a robot, penguin, dino & more!

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Choices making you dizzy?

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Design & Drill T-Rex - 14-Piece Set

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Design & Drill Brightworks - Light Up Creativity

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Three Little Piggies - 48 Fun Challenges

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Letters & Words - Montessori Learning

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Chasing Fireflies - Shine & Seek Fun!

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Red Mini Hornit - For Bikes & Scooters

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We have 11 types of gift wrap for you

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Great Products, Great Service I Googled Cool Presents for My Niece, and this was the first result that looked interesting. I didn't hurt that I'm a also a Wicked Uncle. ... Read More I was stoked that there was such a great selection and that most (if not all?) WASN'T Made in China. I found a few great gifts AND they gift wrap (it's cool wrap no less) AND you can add a hand-written card. Well worth the extra ten bucks or so when your shipping out of state. My niece LOVED her gifts and I got compliments on the gift wrap and everyone was happy. All for under $100. Thank you Wicked Uncle! I will be using your services going forward for all my kid gift needs.

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• Arts & Crafts
• Drawing & Writing Boards
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TECJOE LCD Writing Tablet 2 Pack, 8.5 Inch Writing Board Drawing Tablet for Kids, Reusable Learning Pads for 3 4 5 6 Years Old Boys Girls

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• 2 Pack for More Fun: Apply the newest flexible liquid crystal technology, brighter and clearer than most LCD writing tablet. Take pressure-sensitive technology, you can draw lines of different thicknesses through different pressure levels. Package includes 2 pack lcd writing tablet (Blue and Pink), free children's imagination and creativity!
• Eco-friendly and Eyes Protection: The writing tablet can be repeated using at least 20,0000 times, avoid paper wasting. The eye-protection colorful screen of the doodle board provides a better painting experience, no blue light, no glare, avoiding injury to eyes from long-term use.
• Learning Educational Tool: The colorful writing tablet is also a great learning educational tool! Provide a good way for kids to learn spelling, calculation and drawing, bring a better preschool or homeschool learning experience for your kids!
• Lock Function: Slide the lock button on the back of the tablet to prevents accidental clearing, protect your creation! Press the erase button to clean the screen.
• The Great Toys and Gifts For Family: Drawing, painting, writing, doodling, taking notes, even as an office memo board at any time and anywhere. Also a great choice for 3 4 5 6 years old kids girls boys as a gift for back to school, birthday, Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas, etc.

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• Batteries ‏ : ‎ 1 CR2032 batteries required. (included)
• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 22.5 x 14 x 0.3 cm; 203.5 g
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ 11 April 2022
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ TECJOE
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09P517WHB
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ H10A
• Country of origin ‏ : ‎ China
• Guaranteed software updates until ‏ : ‎ unknown
• Delivery information:: We cannot deliver certain products outside mainland UK ( Details ). We will only be able to confirm if this product can be delivered to your chosen address when you enter your delivery address at checkout.
• 1 in Kids' Doodle & Scribble Boards
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Visible screen diagonal.

9" / 22 cm

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Customers say

Customers like the entertainment value, ease of use, and value of the writing board. They mention that it's perfect for little ones to keep them entertained for hours, it'll keep them busy and is good value for money. Customers are also satisfied with the battery, and accessories. However, some customers have reported issues with cleaning the board. Opinions are mixed on quality.

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Customers like the value of the writing board. For example, they mention it's well worth the money, and easy to use. Some say the seller is lovely.

" Great value . Keep the kids entertained for hours and easy to store in your bag." Read more

"... Bargain too ." Read more

"...sure how long they will last as they don't seem very robust but price was excellent for a short term device that suited its purpose." Read more

"...The devices are definitely cheaply made, but then they are cheaply priced . They work perfectly for what I wanted...." Read more

Customers find the writing board perfect for little ones to keep them entertained. They say it's an educational toy for toddlers that keeps them busy and happy. Customers also say it’s easy to use and child friendly.

"Great value. Keep the kids entertained for hours and easy to store in your bag." Read more

"My toddler loves this ! It keeps her entertained for hours , we have swapped it for the iPad especially in the car, it’s easy to use and understand..." Read more

"These are fantastic. Keep the kids happy and quiet in the car. Great quality" Read more

" amazing for kids " Read more

Customers find the writing board portable. They say it's easy to store in their bag, small enough to take anywhere, and ideal for car journeys. Customers also say it’s an excellent travelling toy, and a lovely little gadget for a car ride.

"Great value. Keep the kids entertained for hours and easy to store in your bag ." Read more

"...is such a great toy to have when travelling or out & about as it’s lightweight and no mess!..." Read more

"...Perfect for travel, in the car for school runs and small enough to take anywhere .Kids love them and they are quite sturdy." Read more

"... Very light so ideal for travel...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the battery of the writing board. They mention that it comes with spare batteries and a mini tool to change them. Some appreciate the extra gift that was sent with the product.

"...It comes with two packs of stickers, extra batteries and a little screw driver. I would say it’s a great value for money!" Read more

"...Still very much enjoyed by my toddler son. Comes with batteries plus 2 spare ones as we as as screw driver." Read more

"...stickers for both boards, attachable drawing pens and spare batteries with a mini screwdriver ...." Read more

"... Came with spare batteries , a tiny screwdriver and stickers :D..." Read more

Customers find the writing board easy to use. They mention it's great to pack in the back for trips out or on holiday, the pen is straight forward to attach, and it'll clear the drawing for more. Some appreciate the locking 'non delete' switch.

"... Very easy to use , and works absolutely fine...." Read more

"...her on the flight, she loved these and found them (x2 in a pack) easy to use ...." Read more

"...we have swapped it for the iPad especially in the car, it’s easy to use and understand (she one and a half and can use it independently) we got the..." Read more

"... Foolproof to use and the locking 'non delete' switch is handy if you want to keep hold of something written on...." Read more

Customers like the accessories that come with the writing board. They say the extras are a nice touch and are good options for gifts. Some customers also love the rainbow friendship bracelets. Overall, customers are happy with the quality of the product and the extra accessories.

"...They can do creative stuffs using this tool. Unlimited possibilities . Good options for gifts" Read more

"Bought as a present and very happy with the little extras , batteries+ screwdriver and the way it was packaged." Read more

"...And we absolutely love the rainbow friendship bracelets . Would definitely buy again, and highly recommend." Read more

"These are a great stocking filler for xmas " Read more

Customers are mixed about the quality of the writing board. Some mention that it's fantastic, good, and nice for toddlers, while others say that it stopped working the same day they got it, and is not very robust. They also say the devices are cheaply made and the pen cable is very flimsy.

"This is such a great toy to have when travelling or out & about as it’s lightweight and no mess!..." Read more

"A great toy for messy little artists ! Very easy to use, and works absolutely fine...." Read more

"...Worked perfectly. Not sure how long they will last as they don't seem very robust but price was excellent for a short term device that suited its..." Read more

"... Absolutely perfect entertainment that doesn’t mean staring at a screen for hours." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the cleaning of the writing board. They mention that the erase button doesn't work, the cleaning button doesn’t work at all, and the screen stopped erasing.

"...the only downside is she dropped one in the backseat and it no longer erases the picture with the button we have to turn it off and on again...." Read more

"...One works perfectly the other doesn't allow you to erase despite changing the batteries and checking the lock button on the side." Read more

"...them, colours are different top to bottom only drawback the bin button doesn’t work to erase the drawing so had to shut off and put on again every..." Read more

"Pink writing pad came faulty so unable to use as it will not erase . Brought for siblings so they have one each, but didn't work out" Read more

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Man accused of killing son in Ballpark murder-suicide had struggled for years with mental health, family says

A neighbor said he previously called police about sam owen in october after he seemed to be experiencing a mental health crisis..

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) A photo of 6-year-old Uintah Elementary first grader Adlai Owen, displayed at Laird Park in Salt Lake City during a memorial on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Police say Adlai’s father, Sam Owen, fatally shot Adlai before killing himself in an apparent murder-suicide on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

For the past two years, Sam Owen’s family was in constant contact with him, sometimes talking several times a day, urging their son and brother to seek help for his struggle with mental health.

The 34-year-old told his father last Friday that he had contacted the mental health assistance program through Salt Lake City government — where he worked — to set up treatment, his father Dave Owen told The Salt Lake Tribune.

“That’s a positive,” his father recalled thinking. “You’re taking one of the steps I’ve been asking you to take. That’s good.”

But the following evening, Dave Owen saw a concerning message his son had emailed him a few hours earlier that sent him into a panic. He frantically called Sam’s sister, mother and police, driving through red lights on the way to Sam’s Ballpark home.

There, he found Sam and Sam’s 6-year-old son Adlai dead. Police, who were called to the house around 10:30 p.m. that night, suspect Sam fatally shot the boy before killing himself.

“I know that Sam was really struggling in recent months, and I know my parents were really trying to help him,” Michael Owen, Sam’s brother, said in an interview. “It was just a staggering and incomprehensible shock that he did what he did. … It’s literally impossible to conceive that Sam would ever, under any circumstances, hurt Adlai. It’s just the farthest thing from how he was as a father.”

On Wednesday evening, Adlai Owen’s classmates, teachers and other mourners gathered at Laird Park, a few blocks from the school where Adlai attended first grade, remembering him as a kind and inquisitive child. The group lit candles and wrote notes about their friend.

“You will always be in all our hearts — your beautiful blue eyes, your obsession with asking questions, your love for adventure,” said Annie Cowley, a secretary at Adlai’s elementary school and a family friend. “You touched every single person here in one way or another, and we are gathered here today to tell you how much we love you and how badly we already miss you.”

Sam Owen did not have a criminal record, state court records indicate, although a neighbor told The Tribune that he had called police last fall after he said Sam Owen threatened him. But officers never showed up, the neighbor, Alex Burlison, said.

Police did call Burlison back later, he said, advising that they spoke with Owen and handled the situation. The caller also alluded to other incidents police had previously responded to at Owen’s house.

“I obviously don’t know the ins and outs, and the processes and the legality around what happened,” Burlison said, “but it definitely feels like this could have been prevented.”

Boy killed was a ‘star’ child

(Owen family) Sam Owen, seen here with his son Adlai, had struggled with mental health issues for several years, according to his family. On May 18, police say Sam shot and killed Adlai before killing himself.

While Owen’s ex-wife had been given custody of Adlai after the couple’s 2019 divorce, court records show, Owen had regained full custody sometime after.

Court records show that Owens had filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in April, to try to get out from under a reported $546,800 in debt. Dave Owen said that was one of the consequences of his son’s compulsive behavior and part of his mental health struggles.

As a youngster, Michael Owen said his brother had a vivid imagination and a “really happy and expansive childhood,” but began using marijuana and hallucinogens as a teenager, eventually entering into drug treatment after high school.

“He was so incredibly high functioning, extremely intelligent ... and he was also definitely neurodivergent in some way,” Michael Owen said. “... It was just very hard for him to confront the world socially.”

He met Adlai’s mother “in 2016 or 2017,” Michael Owen said, and they told the family they were expecting a child not long after. Michael worried it would be a burden on the new parents, but when Adlai was born, he was “charismatic from the time he was weeks old. He had this magnetic appeal about him.”

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Annie Cowley, a secretary at Adlai Owen's elementary school and an Owen family friend, speaks during a candlelight memorial at Laird Park on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, to honor the 6-year-old boy. Police say Adlai’s father, Sam Owen, fatally shot Adlai before killing himself in an apparent murder-suicide on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

“He became this star,” Michael Owen said. “He was just so beloved in the family, and he started going to school and was making all these friends and had the same kind of incredible charisma in that environment as he did elsewhere.”

Since 2017, Sam had worked for Salt Lake City government, first as a paid intern, then in constituent services and eventually as a policy analyst for the City Council.

“He was brilliant. Probably one of the brightest people I’ve ever met. And also very unassuming and very self-deprecating,” Cindy Gust-Jenson, the City Council’s executive director, said in an interview.

Sometimes, Adlai would come to the office or sit on his dad’s lap during budget meetings, she said.

“They were just lovely together. I think Sam has been in a depression, and we have talked about it with Sam and tried to be supportive and helpful, but what I realize is no one can know someone else’s despair,” Gust-Jenson said. “I know Sam would never be malicious to that little boy, and he would never do anything but try to protect him. So I regret that we couldn’t have known the level of help he needed to get through this.”

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said in a statement that she was “heartbroken by this unfathomable tragedy.”

‘Who Sam really was’

(Owen family) Sam Owen, seen here with his son Adlai. On Saturday, police say Sam shot and killed Adlai before killing himself.

Over the past year, Michael Owen said, his brother struggled with the pressures of parenting, finances “and this kind of long-simmering difficulty with kind of a matrix of mental health issues and neurodivergence, and I know my parents have been very, very aggressive trying to help him with that.”

The day Burlison called police, he had initially gone outside to walk his dog. He had heard screaming before heading outside, and when he saw Sam Owen sitting in front of Owen’s house, Burlison asked if he’d heard anything.

He said that Owen responded angrily, making threats, and appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis.

Prior to that day, Burlison said he’d only spoken with Owen briefly at their climbing gym. Despite not knowing him well, he felt the encounter outside their homes was “very out of character.” When Burlison later finished his walk without issue, though, he said he decided, “Maybe it was just a weird misunderstanding.” And then Burlison left his house to get groceries.

Upon returning, he again saw Owen outside, this time with his son. Burlison said Owen began yelling threats — including that he’d “slit” Burlison’s throat. Unsure of what to do, and fearing for both Owen and his child’s safety, he called police.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) People write loving notes during a memorial to honor 6-year-old Adlai Owen at Laird Park in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Police say Adlai’s father, Sam Owen, fatally shot Adlai before killing himself in an apparent murder-suicide on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

The Salt Lake City Police Department confirmed it received Burlison’s call on Oct. 16, 2023, adding that Sam Owen also called the police that day about Burlison to report that his neighbor was “in a gang and he felt unsafe.”

The department said officers handled the call over the phone, adding that police “may choose to start, and conduct, certain investigations by phone on lower priority calls for service that are not in-progress, such as civil disputes or threats.”

“If an officer determines it’s necessary to respond in-person for whatever reason, they will,” the department said.

Police did not say whether or not they’d received other calls about Sam Owen. The Tribune has a pending records request for any previous police calls for service to Owen’s home.

Burlison said he didn’t talk to Owen again until about two weeks ago, when Owen came by to apologize. The next he heard about his neighbor was when family and police arrived and Owen and Adlai were found dead.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Rebecca Bean Owen and Dave Owen, parents of Sam Owen, mourn with others at a candlelight vigil at Laird Park to honor 6-year-old Adlai Owen on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Police say Sam Owen fatally shot Adlai before killing himself in an apparent murder-suicide on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

Owen’s family is still not sure where he got a gun. To Dave Owen’s knowledge, his son didn’t own one.

“We had discussed it before. … I wouldn’t have let him stay in that house with a gun,” the father said.

Dave Owen said the family had hoped to deal with their grief privately, but after the Salt Lake City police put out a news release, they felt like they needed to share their story.

“We wanted people to know who Sam really was — all of it. We wanted people to understand how baffling and complex these things can be,” the father said.

“We want others who may be struggling with a son, or daughter, or spouse with severe mental infirmities to know they are not alone,” he continued. “And for others around them to know that sometimes, all you can do is not enough. We are happy to talk about it on the chance that it maybe helps even one person someday.”

Editor’s note • If you or people you know are at risk of self-harm, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for 24-hour support.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Schoolmates, family and friends gather for a candlelight memorial at Laird Park in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, to honor Adlai Owen. Police say Adlai’s father, Sam Owen, fatally shot Adlai before killing himself in an apparent murder-suicide on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

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65 Best Gifts for Teen Boys, Recommended by Teens, Parents and Experts

From the unusual and the unique to the popular and trendy, this is what teens what this year.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

If you still need some suggestions, these are the best gifts for teen boys in 2024 , some of which have earned top marks from Good Housekeeping Institute tests. Others, like the ingenious smartphone-controlled paper airplane, clever fidget pen and awesome laser tag set, are a mix of Amazon bestsellers and personalized picks from our editors and their teens. Whether he's crazy about music, sports, art, clothes, or video games, we've got more than a few great gifts for the teen boy in your life.

BodyMark Temporary Tattoo Markers

If your teen is anything like mine, he's got a whole Pinterest board of tattoos they can't wait to get permanently printed on their body. These markers let him create his own tattoo art that, thankfully, won't last forever.

Smart LED Light Strip+

Behind his TV, under his bed, around his posters, there's no place that won't be made cooler with these controllable light strips from Roku. They can be scheduled to go on and off at certain times, sync to music and can be controlled through the app.

CR7 Play It Cool by Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most famous soccer players on the planet, and his cologne will make your teen boy smell great but more importantly, feel like a superstar at school, at work and on his first dates.

TOSY Flying Ring

This is the coolest iteration of a Frisbee ever and if the best teen boy gift for when he and his friends want something other than Spikeball to play outside...and at night! It comes in three colors (or you can get a set of all three for $50).

Game of Thrones Soap Collection

GoT is back in full force with season two of House of the Dragon and teen boys famously smell worse than a dragon, so this soap set makes the perfect gift for your smelly, fire-breathing teenager.

'Do Not Disturb, I'm Gaming' Socks

Getting a teen to communicate verbally can be a challenge. These socks do all the talking for him while he's busy fighting, scoring, or building on his Xbox.

One Mobile Gaming Controller for iPhone

Make his iPhone gaming easier and more fun with this cool controller adapter that, thankfully, doesn’t need to be charged (because he’s already got enough cables, plugs, and wires in his room)!

RELATED: Best Electronics Gifts to Shop

Car Air Freshener Vent Clip

The perfect, budget-friendly gift for teen boys who drive is a pack of Febreze air fresheners that'll fight the noble battle against the stench of take out food and body odor after gym workouts.

RELATED: Best Car Accessories on Amazon

'Don’t Do Stupid St**' Keychain

Because sometimes you won't be around to remind him not to do all the stupid stuff that’s in his head!

Portable iPhone Charger

This tiny portable high-speed charger will help ensure your teen boy can never say, "sorry I didn't text, my phone died" while out late with his friends. This means you'll sleep a little better knowing he's safe and still within reach.

Portable and waterproof with awesome sound quality, it'll be hard for him not to want to take it with him everywhere. It's a great alternative to headphones, especially, say, when he's riding his bike.

RELATED : Trendy Gifts for Teens Who Have Everything

Yep, it's a totally functioning pen, but it can also be shaped into a bunch of different sculptures. It's another way for teen boys to busy their restless hands when they need something to fidget with.

RELATED: Best Stocking Stuffers for Teens and Young Adults

Smartphone Controlled Paper Airplane Kit

An upgrade from the ones he used to make when he was little, he can take any piece of paper and connect it to a device for endless hours of flying.

Pocket Sticker Printer

If he's always doodling and snapping cool pics with his phone, give him the gift that'll let your teen boy turn all of his art, and school notes too, into stickers for his locker, notebook and laptop

Light-Up Football

Some of his best convos with you and his friends happen over a game of catch. Now, he can have those moments even when the sun goes down with this cool LED ball.

Professional Printing 3D Pen

You might not understand how it actually works, but he'll love that it really does! Give your teen boy a gift that'll let him create anything he can dream up. This 3D pen magically brings his superhero doodles and dream decor to life right before his eyes.

Luma 150 Ultra Mini Pocket Pico Projector

This machine uses HDMI or Micro USB cables to hook up to a laptop, phone or other storage device, then project the image onto a wall at a size of up to 150 inches. And yet, it's pocket sized (just 4 inches x 4 inches x less than an inch), so it's like carrying a movie theater in your pocket. Good Housekeeping Institute experts were impressed with how easy it was to use this one, too.

RELATED: The Best Budget Projectors

Portable Retro Mini Fridge

This is just enough to keep his favorite snacks and drinks cold — it fits about six cans. It comes in four colors, all in the cool, vintage style.

Gooseneck Bed Phone Holder

No, it's not a selfie stick. If he likes to watch videos in bed, this phone holder will make it so he doesn't have to keep his phone in his hands while he watches — hopefully stopping him from getting the dreaded " text neck ." The arm is adjustable, and it comes in three colors.

Wireless Charging Station

Let him charge all his devices at once. This one can handle a smartwatch, earbuds and a phone, keeping everything organized and in one place. It is compatible with both Apple and Samsung devices, too.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} The Best Gift Ideas for All Occasions

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Buy new: #buybox .a-accordion .a-accordion-active .a-price[data-a-size=l].reinventPriceAccordionT2 .a-price-whole { font-size: 28px !important; } #buybox .a-accordion .a-accordion-active .a-price[data-a-size=l].reinventPriceAccordionT2 .a-price-fraction, #buybox .a-accordion .a-accordion-active .a-price[data-a-size=l].reinventPriceAccordionT2 .a-price-symbol { top: -0.75em; font-size: 13px; } $35.99 $ 35 . 99 FREE delivery Monday, June 3 Ships from: Amazon Sold by: Seckton

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Seckton Upgrade Kids Selfie Camera, Christmas Birthday Gifts for Boys Age 3-9, HD Digital Video Cameras for Toddler, Portable Toy for 3 4 5 6 7 8 Year Old Boy with 32GB SD Card-Blue

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About this item.

• 💙Clearer Moment Recorded & Multi-scene Selections- Equipped with auto Focus, 8.0 Mega pixels and 1080P Video. Greatly improved the definition of photos . Catch the wonderful joy moment for boys or girls. With Big head sticker shooting, children can take photos with frames, leave some hilarious photos with family or friends.
• 💙Upgraded Design - Upgraded to dual-camera configuration, Easy to take selfies. Just open the switch key to enjoy the fun of taking photos. Include a portable lanyard hang, easy to carry and moving. Includes a video recorder and voice recorder for more creative ways to play.
• 💙Powerful Battery Life - Continuously taking photos for 1-2 hours after full charged! Come with 1*USB data line & 1*32GB micro SD card to store thousands of photo!
• 💙Safe & Shockproof - This camera is used high quality non-toxic soft plastic,more safe and comfortable for children’s skin. Shockproof shell provides effective anti-fall protection.
• 💙Great toy for Kids - Perfect birthday, christmas, festival ,holiday gifts for boys and girls aged 3~10. Children love taking photo with extremely cute camera. Simply capture scene or animals on nature with family, experience the fun from nature. First step to develop kids as a talented photographer.

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PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)

Carbonfree Certified determine the carbon footprint of the product, and associated carbon emissions are offset with reduction projects.

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Seckton Kids Selfie Camera

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Why You Choose Our Product?

As an upgraded HD digital video camera for kids. It has dual cameras, easy to take selfies. Simply capture scene or animals on nature with family, experience the fun from nature. First step to develop kids as a talented photographer.

Great Gift for Kids

Perfect Birthday, Christmas, Festival ,Holiday gifts for boys and girls aged 3~10. Children love taking photo with extremely cute camera.

What Can You Get?

1* Kids Camera, 1* USB Charging Cable, 1* 32GB SD Card, 1*Card reader, 1* Lanyard,1* User manual.

Product Description

In order to stimulate children's desire for exploration and interest in photography, we upgraded the 2019 version of the Seckton camera with a new high-definition dual camera configuration. The cute appearance and powerful upgraded Selfie function make children can't wait to explore the outside world. Cultivate children's interest in photography and take the first step to become a talented photographer.

In 2020, our Seckton camera has brought this meaningful gift to over 120,000 young photographer. We are committed to bringing a happy childhood to all kids.

Advantage :

• Dual cameras
• Easy to use and carry
• 28 funny frames
• Come with 32GB SD card

What's in the box

• Camera Body & Accessories

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Advice Before You Buy (Honest Review)

Kevin (Honest Reviewer)

I bought this for my 4 and 7 year old kids see my thoughts

Alisa Phillips

Honest Review of Seckton Kids Selfie & Video Camera

Courtney's Corner

Honest Review of Seckton . Kids Selfie Camera for Toddler

Honest Review of Seckton Upgrade Kids Selfie Camera, Christmas Birthday Gifts for Boys Age 3-9

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