Toys for 3 Year Olds

Three is also when many toys with smaller pieces become suitable, so this is a lovely age for first board games, magnetic tiles and craft.

What helps at this age

• Pretend play: play kitchens, shops, doctor's kits and dress-up let children try out grown-up roles and practise talking and taking turns.
• Building: train sets, magnetic tiles and blocks build planning and problem solving, and they are easy to play together.
• First games: simple games like Jungle Crash and Tumbling Teddies are a gentle way to learn about winning, losing and waiting your turn.
• Making things: the NHS suggests drawing, painting and junk modelling for this age. An easel makes a great home for it.

How to choose toys for a 3 year old

• Check the age label: from 3, toys marked not suitable under 36 months are fine, but keep them away from younger siblings.
• Pick toys that can be played with in more than one way, alone or with others.
• Follow their interests. Dinosaurs, farms, trains and cameras all go a long way at three.
• Sets that can be added to, like train tracks and magnetic tiles, grow with them for years.

Questions parents ask

What are the best toys for a 3 year old?

A play kitchen or shop, a wooden train set, a dress-up outfit and a first board game cover most of what three year olds love.

What are good educational toys for 3 year olds?

Magnetic tiles, counting toys like an abacus, lacing beads and puzzles all practise early maths and hand control while still feeling like play.

Is a kids' camera good for a 3 year old?

Often, yes. Our Hoppstar cameras have chunky shapes and simple buttons. Check the age on each listing.

Buying a present? See our gifts for 3 year olds, or browse every stage on our Stage by Stage page.