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Three and all about me! Preschool-age kids are busy, busy, busy… asserting their independence. By the time your tot turns 3, they want to do it all themselves, from zipping their own coat and pushing (all) the elevator buttons to climbing in and out of the car with “NO HELP!”
Best Gifts For 3-Year-Olds
- Damhorst Toys & Puzzles Personalized Wooden Child's Name Puzzle Stool
- Springee 9ft Balance Beam
- ALEX Toys Little Hands Learn To Dress Kitty
- Skit Hop Zoo Little Kids & Toddler Backpack
- OK to Wake! Alarm Clock And Night-Light
- PP PICADOR Toddler Soccer Ball Toy
- Best Choice Products Kids Pretend Play Pushing Electronic Bubble Mower
- Preschool Basic Skills: Fine-Motor & Scissor Skills Workbook
- Pixel Premium ABC Magnets
- TOPTIE 4 Sets Kids
- Disney Princess Style Collection Travel Vanity
- Learning Resources Pretend And Play Calculator Cash Register
- Playz 7pc Kids Playhouse Pop Up Play Tent Crawl Tunnel & Ball Pit With Basketball Hoop
- Little Tikes 3-Foot Trampoline
- Step2 Best Chef
- Radio Flyer Red Rider Trike
- Ride on Wiggle Car By Lil
- Step2 Waterfall Discovery Wall
- Melissa & Doug Band-In-A-Box
- Play-Doh Modeling Compound 10-Pack Case
- Melissa & Doug Water Wow! Reusable Color With Water Activity Pad 3-Pack
- Brickyard 163 Piece STEM Toys Kit
- Baby Alive Potty Dance Baby
- Lincoln Logs
- KIZZYEA Water Doodle Mat
Along with a 3-year-old’s can-do attitude comes an amazing set of new feats that are a joy to watch come on. Now, your child can grip crayons and practice with scissors (on paper, hopefully!). Their imagination is growing as quickly as their ability to leap and bound, but that means fears are also developing. Watch for that monster under the bed! A child this age is also learning to balance on one foot, can hop, kick and throw a ball with some precision, go up and down stairs with alternating feet, walk in a straight line, ride a tricycle and draw simple shapes like a circle. They may even start to draw faces.
Preschoolers love pretend play and are beginning to understand the stories you read to them, and their relation to those stories. They are also learning more about the world around them each day, from colors to numbers to how to really, really show you what they want. NOW!
If you are looking for a gift to entertain and educate the energetic threenager in your life, consider these top-selling options that range from awesome outdoor play ideas to age-appropriate art supplies to STEM toys to classic offerings and even toys that make learning fun!
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
1 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Damhorst Toys & Puzzles Personalized Wooden Child's Name Puzzle Stool
To go along with their budding independence, this personalized-name step stool is a perfect, useful gift for any 3-year-old. Made of high-quality wood, it’s a precious keepsake that is bound to be in any child’s life for years to come.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This is really sweet and it is something we will treasure forever. Very high quality! Perfect gift!
2 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Springee 9ft Balance Beam
Three-year-olds are working on balance and coordination, and even walking backward. A tightrope isn’t really a safe gift, so how about a balance beam? This one is has a no-slip base, is covered in soft suede and makes a great addition to a playroom. Be sure to place a mat underneath to brace falls!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This beam is just what we were looking for! I am pleased with the quality of this balance beam! My girls are madly in love with this beam.
3 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
ALEX Toys Little Hands Learn to Dress Kitty
Your preschool-bound peewee is learning to dress themself, and this toy helps with practicing zippers, buckles, buttons and tying laces. Plus, it’s cute and cuddly!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
It was great quality! Durable and soft at the same time. keeps them busy for long periods of time. Super cute, with nice functionality.
4 of 25 Image Credits: Target
Skip Hop Zoo Little Kids & Toddler Backpack
Every preschooler needs their very own backpack. Skip Hop makes an adorable array of zoo animal backpacks that feature an insulated pouch for snack time treats, a mesh drink pocket, and a writeable nametag inside. Make sure to take a photo!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
It’s adorable! Super cute backpack. Great material and colors!
5 of 25 Image Credits: Target
OK to Wake! Alarm Clock and Night-Light
By 3, kids are ready to take on more responsibility, but waking up whenever they please? Um, no thanks. This alarm clock lights up to soothe away nighttime fears and can be set to change colors when it’s OK for your child to get out of bed. So not 5 a.m.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I'm super happy with this purchase. What a great way to help kids know when it is morning! I have a 3.5 yo and a 2 yo and the clock has worked great for mornings and nap time.
6 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
PP PICADOR Toddler Soccer Ball Toy
A ball can keep a preschooler busy for hours. This ball features a cute animal face and is the perfect size for a 3-year-old. Pump included, and made with safe materials. Score!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Hands down the best little kids soccer ball. It's the right size. The pump that comes with it and the ball is great quality.
7 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Choice Products Kids Pretend Play Pushing Electronic Bubble Mower
For fun outdoor pretend play, this bubble lawn mower makes an adorable gift for the 3-year-old in your life. Because what kid isn’t fascinated by bubbles? Just make sure to buy batteries so your excited child can start “maintaining” the lawn right away!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Present for my grandson and he LOVES it! Great purchase. great for smaller kids makes a lot of bubbles.
8 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Preschool Basic Skills: Fine-Motor & Scissor Skills Workbook
Kids can practice their fine motor and scissor skills with this fun at-home workbook. In case you haven’t heard, all 3-year-olds love cutting! They’ll be so busy having fun, they won’t even know they’re also learning.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Very useful activities to do if it is a rainy day. Perfect book for 2 to 5-year-olds that need help with small motor skills. Excellent.
9 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Pixel Premium ABC Magnets
This colorful set includes 142 magnetic letters sized just right for little learners, a magnetic whiteboard in case you don’t want your fridge to be decorated and 40 learning games. What sets the magnets apart is that they are made of soft foam that’s easy for kiddos to work with for hour after hour of fun.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
These are so bright and fun! Love this set! I love that the magnets are part of the letters, rather than a small magnet glued to the back that will fall off and get swallowed.
10 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
TOPTIE 4 Sets Kids
Kids this age enjoy role play, and this popular dress-up set lets them be a doctor, surgeon, police officer and fire chief. Parents will love that all clothes are machine washable. Kids will love the fun accessories that come with each outfit.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
My grandkids love these. Great quality. this is the best kit I could find and better than I expected. Costumes are great!
11 of 25 Image Credits: Target
Disney Princess Style Collection Travel Vanity
This cute, light-up mirrored vanity will make any 3-year-old feel like a movie star. There are fold-up legs so children can groom sitting or standing. The adorable set includes play accessories like a comb and a lotion bottle. Easy to transport for imaginations on the go.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
It was so cute. purchased for a princess birthday and she loved it!! Is great for imaginations.
12 of 25 Image Credits: Target
Learning Resources Pretend and Play Calculator Cash Register
Three-year-olds are all about pretend. This play cash register features sound effects, a working calculator and cash drawers, as well as play credit cards and money. Enjoy it now before you have to give them the real thing!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This cash register is amazing. It really helps my son and daughter learn how to count money and play store too. They love it.
13 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Playz 7pc Kids Playhouse Pop Up Play Tent Crawl Tunnel & Ball Pit with Basketball Hoop
Who has the coolest playroom on the block? Any kiddo who gets this awesome, multifunctional gift with endless ways to play! The 7-piece soft fabric set includes a tent, crawl tunnel and basketball pit with a hoop. Easy to rearrange and comes with a zippered carrying bag for storage.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
It is very easy to set up and take down. My friend wouldn't stop raving about the quality and how sturdy it was. This is amazing for children to play in.
14 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Little Tikes 3-Foot Trampoline
Kids can jump the day away on this mini-trampoline with a safety bar. It’s a lifesaver on rainy days stuck indoors when little ones have energy to burn!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
We love our trampoline for our son.This product was quite easy to assemble.Of all the things I've bought my son, this was definitely worth the money!
15 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Step2 Best Chef
It’s a fact: Kids love play kitchens. This one comes with a reasonable price tag, plus, an oven, stove, a full set of play utensils and hooks for storing them, cups, plates and a coffee pot to serve Mom and Dad!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Great for my two boys who love to be chefs. My 3 year old LOVES it. This is the BEST kitchen!
16 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Radio Flyer Red Rider Trike
Radio Flyer’s classic trike makes a great first bicycle for a child learning to ride. The grow-with-me seat extends the life, and the trike includes storage for a juice box and a helmet once your tot bikes all the way to the park and goes off to play. Bonus: There’s a handle on the back in case your child needs an extra push or wants to run home instead.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
It is very sturdy and durable. How can you go wrong with a radio flyer? This trike is precious and well made.
17 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Ride on Wiggle Car by Lil
This fun ride-on vehicle will last for years. Simply wiggle the handlebar to ride around. It’s low to the ground so it’s safe, not to mention super silly, fun and an all-around great toy for a preschooler. Available in multiple colors to suit all tastes.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
We love these scooters! They are so much fun. These are unbelievable tough!
18 of 25 Image Credits: Walmart
Step2 Waterfall Discovery Wall
Kids can customize their water play fun with 26 interchangeable compartments to spill water into from the top of the tower. Then, the fun starts all over again when kiddos collect water from the bottom basin.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
The quality and size is great! Easy to put together. Very entertaining for the kids.
19 of 25 Image Credits: Target
Melissa & Doug Band-in-a-Box
This 10-piece instrument set offers a variety of fun ways for preschoolers to express themselves musically. From a tambourine to maracas to a triangle to cymbals, your budding percussionist will stay entertained as they entertain you.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
As if my toddler wasn't noisy enough! But she loves it. The kids all loved trying out the instruments. My family loves to make music with these.
20 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Play-Doh Modeling Compound 10-Pack Case
It’s time, parents. Kids love play-doh and your child is officially old enough to be (mostly) trusted not to stuff it in their mouths. This starter set includes 10 mini-fun colors for stretching and molding the imagination.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
It's just as fun as it was when I was a kid. I love Playdoh and so does my daughter! I bought this for 3 year old and he is really enjoying it.
21 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Melissa & Doug Water Wow! Reusable Color with Water Activity Pad 3-Pack
These activity pads are amazing for car trips because they are mess-free and keep kids engaged for miles. The included water pen is refillable, and the pads include reusable pages.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
These can be very handy when you need to give your young child something to do when you are out waiting somewhere. Such a great idea! If you haven't yet purchased and used these, please do yourself a favor and do so.
22 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Brickyard 163 Piece STEM Toys Kit
This top-rated, brightly-colored STEM toy features blocks, wrenches, movable wheels, plates, and nuts and bolts so little ones can build anything their imagination desires, from a dinosaur to a helicopter to a car to a train to a smoothie maker. OK, well, a parent can dream, right?
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I absolutely love this product. These are truly quality building pieces. Best building toy ever!
23 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Baby Alive Potty Dance Baby
Potty-training tots will love this peeing doll, who shows she has to go when you feed her. She talks, too, in English and Spanish, and comes with her own potty and progress chart. This is a great toy for any preschooler who is transitioning into big kid underwear.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Granddaughter is so happy bring a little mommy. My 3 year old daughter thinks this doll is hilarious! Gift for my niece who is potty training.
24 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
Lincoln Logs
We had to include this classic toy on the list! Go back to your childhood as you and your kiddo build a Lincoln Log city with this 111-piece set. Stored in a collectible tin, these quality maple wood building blocks build memories, too.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Now that my twins have turned three, it's been a lot of fun buying toys that my husband and I used to have growing up. Wooden toy that stood the test of time. Nice to find real wood toys.
25 of 25 Image Credits: Amazon
KIZZYEA Water Doodle Mat
You can’t go wrong with mess-free self-expression. This 30-by-30-inch mat allows space for your child and their friends to water paint together. Includes 6 drawing shapes and 4 refillable water pens. Once your mini-Picasso’s creation dries, it’s time to draw again!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I bought this for my daughter and she really enjoys drawing on it. The mat is huge, with lots of room to doodle and draw. Do your kids like to paint but you hate the mess? Then this is perfect for you.
