Best Toys For 3-Year-Olds 2024 - Forbes Vetted

Oct 26, 2024

Age 3 is when toddlers really start to have strong opinions about the types of toys they want, inspired by favorite characters, budding interests and big imaginations. Not only do they have preferences, they’re not afraid to voice them either. The best toys for 3-year-olds take toddlers’ individual interests into mind and support their overall development, keeping curious tots active, busy and engaged in purposeful play. Kids this age are so fun to shop for too, with their boundless energy and creativity.

At age 3, a whole new world of toys opens up to kids. Here are the best toys and gifts for ... [+] 3-year-olds on the market.

“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, a pediatric occupational therapist.

We gathered insights from parents and guidance from child development experts to compile this list of the best toys and gifts for 3-year-olds. It includes open-ended toys that encourage 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 Best Play Kitchens and Best Playhouses stories, which are both great to introduce at this age.

Amazon

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, which co-author Elizabeth Mitchell Kadar says her son is currently obsessed with, or mega block bundles as the perfect starter set.

Amazon

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.

Amazon

This 20-piece Duplo set is just right for beginning builders with minimal parts and a cute construction theme. Kids are 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.

Amazon

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.

“When my little fashionista was younger, she loved styling her Abbey & Emma dolls and mixing and matching outfits,” says Kadar. “At age 5, she still brings this toy out to play with from time to time.”

Learning Resources

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.

Amazon

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,” writes co-author Jessica Booth.

Amazon

Squigz are an incredibly versatile toy with an incredible following. You can use them anywhere, and we’ve pulled our Squigz out for playtime 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.

Amazon

If your 3-year-old is at that stage where vehicles are life, they’ll love these transport-themed Connetix magnetic tiles, which allows littles to create endless vehicle designs with real rubber wheels to drive around the house instead of driving parents crazy. Pair with the coordinating Creative Roads Pack to expand their play and imagination. “My 2.5-year-old wakes up and the first thing he asks for are his car magnets,” says Kadar. “This allows me to make breakfast and pack lunches in peace.”

Amazon

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. “Both my kids enjoy playing with this set, mending broken legs, administering shots and even trying to put the included cone on the family dog," says Kadar.

Amazon

This award-winning pretend workbench lets your little builder get super hands-on. It comes with 35 pieces, including realistic looking toy 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.

Amazon

This dress-up trunk is full of options. It includes 22 pieces, with outfits and accessories to dress as a mermaid, princess, fairy or ballerina (or something completely made up). This versatile kit allows 3-year-olds 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.

Amazon

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, which Kadar’s kids do regularly. The set comes with a bit of play money, so don’t expect free cones.

What our editors say: “My toddler loves this set—he particularly enjoys stacking as many flavors on top of each other as possible,” says Margaret Badore, the baby and kids gear editor.

Amazon

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.

Amazon

For the Blippi fanatic who’s also obsessed with dump trucks, this character-themed construction vehicle is sure to impress. It comes with a little Blippi construction worker figure and various accessories, including a traffic barrel, cone, stop sign and concrete blocks to up the pretend play. It also makes sounds when you press the bowtie and can be tilted, filled and dumped just like the real thing.

Amazon

Toddlers love to be part of family activities and to try out all the chores 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,” says Booth.

Amazon

With curly C3 textured hair, this Black doll from Purpose Toys gives 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.

Maisonette

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.

Amazon

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. We 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.

Amazon

Kids can roll up to save the day with this mighty motorized Chase Power Haulin’ Cruiser from Paw Patrol. It’s perfect for inspiring hours of pretend play, especially when paired with other vehicles and character figurines from the show. It has a motorized winch, lights, sounds and a super cool projectile launcher. “My oldest son used to spend hours reenacting scenes from Paw Patrol (his favorite show) at this age,” says Kadar. “While we didn’t have this exact Chase vehicle, we had many others he used heavily for years.”

Amazon

You’re constantly playing doctor to your toddler, and now it’s their turn. This bestselling vintage-inspired wooden doctor’s kit lets them tend to every scrape, bang, cut and boo-boo, real or fake. It comes with nine colorful accessories, including a stethoscope, thermometer, surgical scissors, needle, ointment and more.

Amazon

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.

Amazon

“My toddler is willing to climb anything and everything," says Booth. "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.

Fat Brain Toys

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,” says Booth. “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.

Amazon

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. We like that this set comes with three balls.

Amazon

This wooden indoor climbing set from Tiny Land has 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.

Amazon

This is the perfect budget-friendly toy if you feel like your 3-year-old never stops moving or bouncing off the walls. The soft, toddler version of a pogo stick allows them to jump 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.

Nugget

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 on the market. Kids can arrange the pieces into a fort or pile them up for a cozy hangout space. Parents appreciate the removable and washable covers, along with the Greenguard Gold certification (meaning it’s made with safer and more eco-friendly materials) and a multitude of colors. “My kids have used their Nugget as a launch pad, secret hangout spot, cozy place to curl up for a movie and even as a shield for nerf gun wars,” says Kadar.

Amazon

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.

Amazon

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.

Amazon

Inflatables are big fun and hold 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 inside 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.

Amazon

Get your mini golfer on the right course with these pint-sized golf clubs designed at the perfect height and weight for them and in fun colors they’ll love, including red, blue and pink for the girls. These clubs are best for toddlers 34 to 38 inches tall, however if you have a tall 3-year-old, you can purchase the next size up. They’ll love joining mom and dad on the golf course or just practicing their putting game in the backyard. For more options, check out our list of the best junior golf clubs.

Bijou Build

For small backyards or families who just don’t want a permanent play structure taking up precious space, the Bijou Build Mainstay is a must-have. “All of my kids, ranging in age from 2 to 7, have thoroughly enjoyed reading, climbing, pretend playing and just hanging out with friends on our Bijou,” says Kadar. “It’s perfect for inspiring hours of open-ended play, and I even catch myself sunbathing outside with a book while lounging on the hover platform. The solar-powered twinkle lights add such a dreamy touch to our backyard at night too.”

It comes with the climbing panel and hover platform, but you can also purchase a sway swing, rope bridge and even a larger swing arm to expand the fun—and their options.

Amazon

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 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.

Amazon

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 our favorite books for this age group: Press Here.

Amazon

Introduce them to problem solving and basic mechanics early on with this 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,” says Booth.

Amazon

Floor puzzles are a favorite for 3-year-olds. One reason it because the oversize but chunky puzzle pieces make it easier for them to see the design, 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,” says Booth.

Amazon

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. We love it for dinner at the restaurant or on the seat-back tray of an airplane.

Amazon

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.

Amazon

If you’re looking for ways to spend more time as a family and cut back on tablet time, this Family Play Deck is the gift that keeps on giving. It’s packed with 60 fun and easy activities, games and experiences organized into six different play categories: movement, pretend play, sensory, nature, on-the-go (great for road trips and travel) and STEAM. Families can play together to strengthen collaboration skills and boost connections or kids can play independently, expanding their imaginations and exploring their own interests and nature.

Amazon

Play-Doh is a classic for a reason: It keeps kids occupied and provides lots of opportunities for kids to use their imaginations and creativity. This play table set makes it easier to store all the Play-Doh and accessories while also serving as 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 that kids love. “We’ve had this set for years now, and it still gets pulled out and used by my two younger children quite often,” says Kadar. “I love the storage space and built-in tabletop molds.”

Ooly

Painting starts to get really fun for 3-year-olds. This watercolor set from Ooly comes with 36 beautiful colors, so they 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, either.

Target

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.

Amazon

“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,” says Booth. Given that it’s all magnetic (no glitter or melty crayons here), it also keeps things mess-free. This one comes in six color options and two sizes, and has fun stamps that can be used to make designs also. The slide eraser is easy enough for kids to use.

Amazon

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 stains and is something they can do on their own, so it’s a win all around.

Super Smalls

Part pretend play and all fun and games, this adorable royalty-themed crown kit helps them live out their best prince or princess dreams. Toddlers can decorate their own foam tiaras and crowns with over 300 gems and stickers for the ultimate crowning achievement to reenact their favorite Disney movies. “Super Smalls is by far my favorite fashionable crafting brand for kids,” says Kadar. “My daughter pulls this kit out any time she has a friend over. The brand has the cutest dress-up shoes and accessories too, like these chic Mermaid Dreams Play Shoes and Disney Princess Headbands.”

Amazon

“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,” says Booth. 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.

Klee Kids

For many toddlers, their face is the ultimate art canvas. “If you’re tired of your toddler stealing your expensive beauty products, this set is well worth the investment,” says Kadar, who’s daughter is obsessed with all the Klee kits. This one has a pretty pink ballet fairy theme and makes a great gift for any girl who loves to get her nails done or apply mom’s lip shimmer and eye shadow.

Amazon

This screen-free audio player lets kids listen to 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.

Tubby Todd

“As a mom of three, bath bombs are my go-to for getting a cranky kid in the tub,” says Kadar. This colorful plant-based bundle from cult-fave clean bodycare brand Tubby Todd is sure to make a splash as the bombs bubble, swirl and fizz in the water, turning the tub a fun new color without staining a thing.

Amazon

A plush pal is always a hit at this age, and this gift set has 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.

Amazon

Pop-up and play tents give young kids an exciting escape from their daily play routines by instantly transforming your living room or their bedroom 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.

Target

If trips to Target make your toddler squeal with excitement, gift them their very own mini Target pop-up shop and checkout lane for the house. It’s perfect for playing with siblings and friends, as one kid can shop while the other rings up their purchases with a real beeping scanner, hand-crank conveyor belt with sound and lights, working cash register and credit card swipe machine. It includes a variety of Target accessory essentials too.

Amazon

Many 3-year-olds love to “garden” and play in the dirt outside, and this sweet gardening set makes the fun even more real. It comes with kid-friendly tools, so they can dig and plant all they want. The adorable bag and accessories come in a variety of colors. “My toddler loves to water the plants on our porch with his tiny but functional watering can,” says Badore. “It can occupy him for quite awhile and actually helps me with a chore—so that’s a real win.”

Gooselings

Three is the average age many kids transition out of a crib and into a twin or toddler bed. "To make the transition a little bit smoother, I gifted my T-Rex-obsessed toddler this gorgeous dino duvet set from Gooselings," says Kadar. “It’s luxuriously soft and in a print we can both appreciate.” It’s also available in twin sizes and can be monogrammed with their name for a personal touch. If dinosaurs aren’t their thing, there are plenty of other sweet themes to choose from, like bows and butterflies or cars and trucks.

Amazon

This roller coaster toy is small enough for tots but fun enough to provide a big thrill. 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.

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.

To select the best toys for 3-year-olds, we weighed input from two child development experts and included plenty of favorites in our own toddler households.

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. Jody LeVos, Ph.D. and early childhood development expert. “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.

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.

Yes, 3-year-olds often feel comforted by snuggling with a favorite stuffed animal, and may also use their plush toys in imaginary play. They often prefer smaller stuffed animals that are easy for them to hold and hug.

For some of our favorites, check out The Best Stuffed Animals.

Co-author Kadar updated this guide with a range of fresh gift and toy recommendations, including the Le Toy Van Doctor’s Kit, Bijou Build Mainstay, Super Smalls DIY Crown & Tiara Kit, Target Toy Checklane and more.