When buying a gift for a three-year-old, look for hands-on toys that let them act out real-life scenarios. They may enjoy pushing a baby doll in a toy stroller or serving pretend ice cream in a play kitchen. Dress-up toys also go over quite well, whether they are real-life costumes like a construction worker or fantasy-based characters like Elsa from Frozen. Because three-year-olds are beginning to move from parallel play to cooperative play, look for toys that will be equally fun played alone or with other children. When reviewing gifts for three-year-olds, we considered versatility, developmental milestones, design, safety, and ease of cleaning. We also looked for gifts well suited to a three-year-old’s interests, such as dramatic play, outdoor activities, and huggable animal friends. Based on our reviews, these are the best gifts on the market today for three-year-old girls. The play set fosters imaginative play as kids will enjoy making a pretend meal and serving it with the wooden tray. It’s also great for developing fine motor skills and early math concepts. While the fruit set is the perfect addition to a play kitchen, it’s equally fun on its own. Price at time of publication: $28 Price at time of publication: $300 Price at time of publication: $45 Price at time of publication: $39 Price at time of publication: $28 Price at time of publication: $45 Price at time of publication: $95 Price at time of publication: $70 Price at time of publication: $30 Price at time of publication: $49 Price at time of publication: $38 Price at time of publication: $35 Price at time of publication: $53 Price at time of publication: $17 Price at time of publication: $70 Price at time of publication: $65 Price at time of publication: $8 Price at time of publication: $330 Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $35 Price at time of publication: $95 Price at time of publication: $13 Price at time of publication: $68 Price at time of publication: $11 Price at time of publication: $19 Price at time of publication: $55 Price at time of publication: $45 Price at time of publication: $17 Price at time of publication: $95 Price at time of publication: $36 Price at time of publication: $120 Price at time of publication: $19 Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $29 Price at time of publication: $90 Price at time of publication: $50
Dramatic Play
Toddlers and young preschoolers want to do what the big people do. The world is still fresh in their eyes, and they often process new information through dramatic play. Costumes, play tool sets, and other hands-on, real-life-inspired toys help little ones learn about the world around them.
Fine Motor Development
Three-year-olds’ finger muscles are beginning to develop. Over time, that will prepare them to hold a pencil and write, but for now, fun activities that engage the small muscles in the hands will help them on their way. Toys and games that promote grasping and manipulating small objects (as long as they’re not so small as to be choking hazards) prepare little ones’ hands for future learning.
Why Trust Verywell Family?
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a ten-year-old-son, a seven-year-old-son, and a three-year-old daughter. She keeps a secret space in her basement closet for last-minute gifts. Outdoor toys and art kits are Maya’s go-to gifts, since they have a wide appeal. Her kids are super-active and love any toy that can be played with outside. They are currently setting new pogo stick records every day!
More Toys and Gifts for Kids
When it comes to toys and gifts for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top gift and toy picks for every age and stage here:
The Best Christmas Gifts for Kids The Best Newborn Baby Gifts The Best Unique Baby Gifts The Best Baby Gifts The Best Gifts for Baby Girls The Best Baby Boy Gifts The Best Infant Toys The Best Gifts for 2-Month-Olds The Best Gifts for 3-Month Olds The Best Toys for 4-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 5-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 6-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 7-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 8-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 9-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 10-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 12-Month-Olds The Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 15-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 18-Month-Olds The Best Educational Toys for 2-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 2-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 3-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 3-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 4-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 4-Year-Old Boys The Best Educational Toys for 4-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 5-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Girls The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 6-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 6-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 6-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 7-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 7-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 7-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 8-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 8-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 9-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 10-year-Olds The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Girls The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 12-year-old Boys The Best Gifts for Teens The Best Gifts for 14-Year-Old Boys The Black-Owned Gift Guide
