It’s hard to know what kind of toys toddlers will actually enjoy and play with. The interests of a three year old may vary widely and their interests change very quickly. Here are my tried-and-true toy recommendations for a 3 year old.
Check out this post about Christmas gift ideas for a 3 year old.
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Action figures
Whether it’s their favorite character from a TV show or a set of farm animals, action figures are one of the most played with toys in my house. The most popular toys in my house right now are the Paw Patrol action figures. My 3 year old actually plays with these for hours and hours every single day. In fact, every time we go somewhere (like grandma’s house) we need to pack them all up and bring them with us.
Paint activities
Painting is another favorite activity in my house. My 3 year old can spend hours painting all types of things – paper, ceramic or wood figures, pumpkins, and more. We even go on little scavenger hunts looking for rocks, pinecones and leaves we can bring home to paint. It’s such a fun activity that my 3 year old actually enjoys doing.
Doctor kit
My 3 year old loves to play with her doctor kit and it’s an activity that we can do as a family. She’ll take our temperature, check our ears, and give us medicine. It’s so much fun and so cute to watch her imagination in action.
Makeup kit
My 3 year old loves to “put on makeup” with me in the morning. This kit so so cute and looks and feels like real makeup, but it’s all pretend! No mess! This is a great fake makeup kit your 3 year old will love.
Foam climbing blocks
If your 3 year old is anything like mine, climbing on the furniture is one of their favorite activities. Give them something safe to climb on like these foam climbing blocks. They’re great for climbing, creating obstacle courses, building forts and more. Looking for the perfect gift for a 3 year old? These climbing blocks are it!
This is the set we have and love!
Here are a few additional sets available on Amazon:
Binoculars
Binoculars make the perfect little gift for the outdoorsy 3 year old. They are so fun for your 3 year old to bring out on family adventures. Our 3 year old asks for them every time we’re on a nature walk, at the park or at the zoo. Binoculars are a great gift for a 3 year old.
Balance bike
Balance bikes are so fun and make a great gift for a 3 year old. They teach balance and coordination. These are so fun to ride around the neighborhood and take to the park. Our 3 year old loves their balance bike!
Crazy coupe toy car
This is a classic toy that every 3 year old loves. These Crazy Coupe cars make great gifts for a 3 year old. They are so fun to play with and let their imagination play. I have many fond memories playing with my Crazy Coupe toy car 25+ years ago and it’s so nostalgic watching my 3 year old enjoy it as well.
