44 entertaining gifts your 3-year-old won’t want to put down
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The best gifts for 3-year-olds will include plenty of opportunities to explore as toddlers grow and develop into more imaginative play.
Finally out of the "terrible twos," many are entering school for the first time and interacting with friends. They’re becoming increasingly verbal and able to answer questions and follow directions. (Or not: There’s a reason people call them “threenagers.”)
“Three-year-olds are getting to be more social and have ideas of their own,” said Tovah Klein, director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development and author of “How Toddlers Thrive.” “Open-ended toys such as blocks and building toys allow them to explore, discover and carry out their ideas."
They are deep in the “I’ll do it myself” phase, so they enjoy things that help them master the fine motor skills that might help them dress themselves, said Marie Conti, the head of The Wetherill School in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, and a board member of the American Montessori Society.
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Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s 2020 Gift Guide to find the perfect present for everyone on your list!
Bestselling gifts from this article
Amazon "What Kind of Car Does a T. Rex Drive?" by Mark Lee and Brian Biggs, $13.94
Amazon Mudpuppy Puzzle Sticks, $13.59
Best toys for 3-year-olds
1. Fat Brain Toys GeoMagic Mosaics
Fat Brain Toys GeoMagic Mosaics
Fat Brain Toys GeoMagic Mosaics $29.95 at Fat Brain Toys
Fat Brain Toys GeoMagic Mosaics $29.95 at Walmart
The options are endless when it comes to the patterns and designs your child could make with these vibrant geometric blocks. Their problem-solving skills and natural curiosity will also be tested by shapes like hexagons, trapezoids, rhombuses and more.
2. Chuckle & Roar Jumbo Aqua Draw Doodle Mat
Chuckle & Roar Jumbo 4' x 3' Aqua Draw Doodle Mat
Chuckle & Roar Jumbo 4' x 3' Aqua Draw Doodle Mat $14.99 at Target
With a little bit of water and a lot of creativity, your 3-year-old could create colorful masterpieces with just a flick of the wrist — plus some brush pens and markers.
3. Boon Marco Light-Up Bath Toy
Boon Marco Light-Up Bath Toy for Kids
Boon Marco Light-Up Bath Toy for Kids $14.99 at Amazon
Boon Marco Light-Up Bath Toy for Kids $14.99 at BuyBuyBaby
Boon Marco Light-Up Bath Toy for Kids $14.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond
Bath time just got so much more fun! Marco's helmet changes a multitude of colors once he hits the water, making his deep-sea explorations a lot easier.
4. Toniebox Audio Player
Toniebox Audio Player
Toniebox Audio Player $99.99 at Target
Toniebox Audio Player $100.00 at F.A.O. Schwartz
Toddlers can control their own music and storytime with the Toniebox audio player. Add-on figures come with songs and stories from favorite books and movies.
5. Kid O A to Z Magnatab
Kid O A to Z Magnatab
Kid O A to Z Magnatab $22.21 at Amazon
Kid O A to Z Magnatab $22.24 at Walmart
Kid O A to Z Magnatab $29.99 at Macy's
With a magnetic stylus, reinforcing the ABC's and their handwriting becomes an easy task. It's perfect for the young learner that is still practicing their penmanship.
6. VTech Write And Learn Creative Center
VTech Write And Learn Creative Center
VTech Write And Learn Creative Center $19.88 at Walmart
VTech Write And Learn Creative Center $19.89 at Target
Whether they like to draw or write, they'll get to explore their artistic side with this interactive toy.
7. Little Tikes Rescue Tales Scrub 'n Groom Bathtub Playset
Little Tikes Rescue Tales Scrub 'n Groom Bathtub Playset
Little Tikes Rescue Tales Scrub 'n Groom Bathtub Playset $29.82 at Walmart
Little Tikes Rescue Tales Scrub 'n Groom Bathtub Playset $29.99 at Target
With a real working shower head, little ones will get to bathe the adorable Chocolate Lab and engage in pretend play to experience adopting their own dog.
8. Color Your Own Superhero Cape
Color Your Own Superhero Cape
Color Your Own Superhero Cape $35.00 at UncommonGoods
This customizable cape is perfect for pretend play that’s not determined by a character from TV or books.
9. Sarah's Silks Enchanted Playsilk
Sarah's Silks Enchanted Playsilk
Sarah's Silks Enchanted Playsilk $19.95 at Amazon
These real silk play scarves can be capes, wings, the roof of a fortress ... it's the ultimate in open-ended play.
10. Etch-a-Sketch
Etch A Sketch
Etch A Sketch $12.89 at Target
Etch A Sketch $18.79 at Staples
Etch A Sketch $14.99 at Barnes and Noble
The original mess-free way to draw is a perfect toy for travel or restaurant play.
11.Slumberkins Alpaca Snuggler
Slumberkins Alpaca Snuggler
Slumberkins Alpaca Snuggler $44.00 at Slumberkins
As they start school, toddlers may become more interested in cozy friends who give comfort. These therapist-designed snugglers come with a story to help with stress management.
12. Janod Mint Balance Scooter Bike
Janod Mint Balance Scooter Bike
Scooters, tricycles and balance bikes all encourage coordination.
13. Green Toys Car Carrier
Green Toys Car Carrier Set
Green Toys Car Carrier Set $23.95 at Walmart
This car carrier helps with fine motor skills and imaginative play.
14. Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Thomas
Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Thomas
Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Thomas $6.89 at Walmart
Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Thomas $9.99 at Barnes and Noble
Klein and Conti both appreciate Thomas the Tank Engine and the stories that go with him.
15. AnaMalz Wooden Moose Figure
AnaMalz Wooden Moose Figure
AnaMalz Wooden Moose Figure $21.99 at Amazon
Animals are of great interest at age 3 and these sweet wooden figures are perfect for pretend.
16. Kiko+ Kaleidoscope Wooden Camera
Kiko+ Kaleidoscope Wooden Camera
Kiko+ Kaleidoscope Wooden Camera $29.99 at Amazon
Kiko+ Kaleidoscope Wooden Camera $33.00 at Maisonette
This chic wooden camera features a kaleidoscope lens to delight 3-year-olds as they mimic their paparazzi parents.
17. Mudpuppy Puzzle Sticks
Mudpuppy Transportation Puzzle Sticks
Mudpuppy Transportation Puzzle Sticks $13.59 at Amazon
This unusual puzzle lets 3-year-olds arrange sticks to form a picture, a different kind of problem-solving than the usual notch-and-groove puzzle.
Related: Make the holidays sparkle for kids and teens in need this year.
Best book gifts for 3-year-olds
1. "Everyone's Awake," by Colin Meloy and Shawn Harris
"Everyone's Awake," by Colin Meloy and Shawn Harris
"Everyone's Awake," by Colin Meloy and Shawn Harris $14.49 at Amazon
"Everyone's Awake," by Colin Meloy and Shawn Harris $15.99 at Barnes and Noble
"Everyone's Awake," by Colin Meloy and Shawn Harris $16.55 at Bookshop
Everyone should be sleeping, but bedtime hijinks get in the way, with escalating, rhyming silliness from the lead singer of The Decemberists.
2. "Every Little Letter," by Deborah Underwood and Joy Hwang Ruiz
"Every Little Letter," by Deborah Underwood and Joy Hwang Ruiz
"Every Little Letter," by Deborah Underwood and Joy Hwang Ruiz $17.09 at Amazon
"Every Little Letter," by Deborah Underwood and Joy Hwang Ruiz $17.99 at Barnes and Noble
"Every Little Letter," by Deborah Underwood and Joy Hwang Ruiz $16.55 at Bookshop
In a city of letters that refuse to mingle, one little letter sees through a wall to start something extraordinary. This book about the alphabet has some important lessons about community, too.
3. "Randy, the Badly Drawn Horse," by T.L. McBeth
"Randy, the Badly Drawn Horse," by T.L. McBeth
"Randy, the Badly Drawn Horse," by T.L. McBeth $17.30 at Amazon
"Randy, the Badly Drawn Horse," by T.L. McBeth $18.99 at Barnes and Noble
"Randy, the Badly Drawn Horse," by T.L. McBeth $17.47 at Bookshop
Randy is bursting with the confidence of his child creator, until he sees his own reflection and has some doubts. But of course he's beautiful, because he's loved.
4. "You Don't Want a Dragon," by Ame Dyckman and Liz Climo
"You Don't Want a Dragon," by Ame Dyckman and Liz Climo
"You Don't Want a Dragon," by Ame Dyckman and Liz Climo $14.79 at Amazon
"You Don't Want a Dragon," by Ame Dyckman and Liz Climo $17.99 at Barnes and Noble
"You Don't Want a Dragon," by Ame Dyckman and Liz Climo $16.55 at Bookshop
In this sequel to "You Don't Want a Unicorn," there's a new kind of warning: You definitely don't want a marshmallow-toasting, awesome dragon.
5. "Welcome to Jazz," by Carolyn Sloan
Welcome to Jazz: A Swing-Along Celebration of America’s Music, Featuring “When the Saints Go Marching In”
Welcome to Jazz: A Swing-Along Celebration of America’s Music, Featuring “When the Saints Go Marching In” $18.51 at Amazon
Welcome to Jazz: A Swing-Along Celebration of America’s Music, Featuring “When the Saints Go Marching In” $24.95 at Barnes and Noble
Welcome to Jazz: A Swing-Along Celebration of America’s Music, Featuring “When the Saints Go Marching In” $18.59 at Target
They'll swing, dance and get into the groove while learning about the history of jazz with this interactive book. The page-turner also comes with a dozen sound chips to expose your music-loving toddler to the rhythm section, scatting, brass instruments and more.
6. "A New Green Day," by Antoinette Portis
"A New Green Day," by Antoinette Portis
"A New Green Day," by Antoinette Portis $15.29 at Amazon
"A New Green Day," by Antoinette Portis $15.29 at Walmart
"A New Green Day," by Antoinette Portis $18.99 at Barnes and Noble
All the little wonders of nature send invitations to enjoy a new green day in this lovely picture book that celebrates the Earth.
7. "Pirate Stew," by Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell
"Pirate Stew," by Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell
"Pirate Stew," by Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell $17.99 at Amazon
"Pirate Stew," by Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell $17.99 at Barnes and Noble
"Pirate Stew," by Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell $18.39 at Bookshop
When Mom and Dad go out, they leave behind a pirate babysitter who isn't sure what to feed the kids. Along comes his crew with a hearty stew — but it might be best not to eat it in this fun, rhyming tale from Neil Gaiman.
8. "Mabel: A Mermaid Fable," by Rowboat Watkins
"Mabel: A Mermaid Fable," by Rowboat Watkins
"Mabel: A Mermaid Fable," by Rowboat Watkins $15.29 at Amazon
"Mabel: A Mermaid Fable," by Rowboat Watkins $16.99 at Barnes and Noble
Mabel is different from other mermaids (she's missing a mustache), but she meets an octopus who is different from other octopuses and they discover the beauty in their difference.
9. "Saturday," by Oge Mora
"Saturday," by Oge Mora
"Saturday," by Oge Mora $13.59 at Amazon
"Saturday," by Oge Mora $16.99 at Barnes and Noble
Age 3 is when children are really starting to follow narratives for the first time, said Nina Lindsay, president of the Association for Library Service to Children. Oge Mora's story about the beauty of spending time with family is a great place to start.
10. "Penguinaut!" by Marcie Colleen and Emma Yarlett
"Penguinaut!" by Marcie Colleen and Emma Yarlett
"Penguinaut!" by Marcie Colleen and Emma Yarlett $14.39 at Amazon
"Penguinaut!" by Marcie Colleen and Emma Yarlett $17.99 at Barnes and Noble
This penguin has a dream and wants to achieve it himself (like many 3-year-olds), but discovers adventures are better with friends.
11. "The Very Impatient Caterpillar," by Ross Burach
"The Very Impatient Caterpillar," by Ross Burach
"The Very Impatient Caterpillar," by Ross Burach $11.69 at Amazon
"The Very Impatient Caterpillar," by Ross Burach $15.99 at Barnes and Noble
Waiting isn't easy for this little guy (or your little ones) in this funny new take on transformation.
12. Literati Vibrant Voices Gift Box
Literati Vibrant Voices Gift Box
Literati Vibrant Voices Gift Box $57.95 at Literati
Give little ones curated boxes full of books as a one-off gift or an ongoing subscription from Literati. Themes include "vibrant voices," a box celebrating diversity and inclusion.
13. "What Kind of Car Does a T. Rex Drive?" by Mark Lee and Brian Biggs
"What Kind of Car Does a T. Rex Drive?" by Mark Lee and Brian Biggs
"What Kind of Car Does a T. Rex Drive?" by Mark Lee and Brian Biggs $13.94 at Amazon
"What Kind of Car Does a T. Rex Drive?" by Mark Lee and Brian Biggs $17.99 at Barnes and Noble
"What Kind of Car Does a T. Rex Drive?" by Mark Lee and Brian Biggs $16.55 at Bookshop
Uncle Otto has a tough time finding the right car for a T. Rex — a fun combination for your dino and car-obsessed toddlers.
14. "Chicken Break," by Cate Berry and Charlotte Alder
"Chicken Break," by Cate Berry and Charlotte Alder
"Chicken Break," by Cate Berry and Charlotte Alder $10.99 at Amazon
"Chicken Break," by Cate Berry and Charlotte Alder $17.99 at Barnes and Noble
Crafty chickens make a break for it in this clever, rhyming, counting book.
Related: Help kids code, build and mix concoctions with these brilliant gifts.
Best play sets for 3-year-olds
1. Melissa & Doug 100-Piece Wood Blocks Set
Melissa & Doug 100-Piece Wood Blocks Set
Melissa & Doug 100-Piece Wood Blocks Set $16.99 at Amazon
Melissa & Doug 100-Piece Wood Blocks Set $16.99 at Walmart
With 100 pieces, this wooden block building set is meant for fun and play. They'll get to use the colorful blocks and shapes to build their own architectural creations.
2. Play-Doh Fun Factory Deluxe Playset
Play-Doh Fun Factory Deluxe Set
Little ones are unleashing their inner artist at this age and this set lets them explore through touch and feel.
3. Lego Build Me Emotions Set
Lego Build Me "Emotions" Set
This Lego set helps kids identify emotions for social emotional development, something many parents are concerned about now.
4. Colorforms Re-Stickable Play Set
Colorforms The Original Classic Set
Colorforms The Original Classic Set $29.84 at Amazon
Colorforms The Original Classic Set $33.52 at Walmart
“They can fit easily in your tote bag the same way an iPad could,” Conti said of this re-stickable set.
5. Janod Music Instrument Set
Janod Ukulele Music Set
Janod Ukulele Music Set $29.07 at Amazon
“Musical toys can form a big part of a 3-year-old’s day,” said educational toys expert Lauren Leisk.
6. Tegu Robo Magnetic Wooden Block Set
Tegu Robo Magnetic Wooden Block Set
Tegu Robo Magnetic Wooden Block Set $22.00 at Amazon
Conti is a big fan of wooden magnetic blocks, like these, for easy manipulation with less frustration.
7. Hape Gourmet Chef Kitchen and Cookware Set
Hape Gourmet Wooden Play Kitchen
Hape Gourmet Wooden Play Kitchen $68.99 at Amazon
For the aspiring chef, this little kitchen can provide hours of play. (They may especially love it in the real kitchen, so they can "cook" with parents.)
8. Melissa & Doug Star Diner Restaurant Play Set
Melissa & Doug Star Diner Restaurant Play Set
Melissa & Doug Star Diner Restaurant Play Set $29.99 at Melissa and Doug
Melissa & Doug Star Diner Restaurant Play Set $25.49 at Kohl's
Melissa & Doug Star Diner Restaurant Play Set $26.99 at Macy's
Take kitchen play up a notch with this full restaurant set.
9. Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Blocks
Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Blocks
Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Blocks $63.46 at Amazon
These blocks are a favorite in preschools everywhere. Various sizes and shapes let little ones problem-solve.
10. Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Set
Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Set
Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Set $39.99 at Amazon
Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Set $55.76 at Walmart
Train sets are great for your 3-year-old boy or girl's developing spatial skills, Klein said. Brio train sets are also compatible.
11. Kinetic Sand Sandcastle Set
Kinetic Sand Sandcastle Set
Kinetic Sand Sandcastle Set $9.97 at Walmart
“The sandbox is one of the most popular activities on our playground, for all ages,” Conti said. This magic sand is a perfect indoor version.
12. Learning Resources Building Toy Gear Set
Learning Resources Building Toy Gear Set
Learning Resources Building Toy Gear Set $41.53 at Amazon
Learning Resources Building Toy Gear Set $39.99 at Staples
Encourage early STEM development and fine motor skills with this interactive gear set that really works.
13. Magna-Tiles Clear Colors 32-Piece Set
Magna-Tiles Clear Colors 32 Piece Set
Magna-Tiles Clear Colors 32 Piece Set $49.99 at Amazon
Magna-Tiles Clear Colors 32 Piece Set $69.53 at Walmart
Magna-Tiles Clear Colors 32 Piece Set $59.99 at Target
These magnetic tiles allow kids to create their own masterpieces and will captivate them for years to come. “Kids will play with those for hours,” Conti said.
Still looking for the perfect gift? Be sure to check out Shop TODAY’s 2020 Gift Guide to shop for everyone on your list, including:
The best gifts for 1-year-olds, according to child development experts
Shopping for a 4-year-old? Here are 34 gifts they'll love this holiday season
39 interactive gifts the 5-year-old in your life won’t want to put down
37 gifts for the 7-year-old who’s ready to take on the world
The best toys and books for third graders, according to professionals
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This gift guide was originally published on Nov. 21, 2017.
