When toddlers turn three, their interests might begin to change as they start to mature. What better way to meet their needs than with some new fun and educational toys? We've shared our pick of the best toys for three-year-olds.
By three years old, your little one is probably talking and walking and they might be starting to name colours, play more creatively, follow short commands and understand counting or sorting. With their hand and finger skills improving as well, this means in terms of toys to improve their development, the possibilities are endless.
Best at a glance:
Best overall toy for three year olds: Melissa & Doug Super Smile Dentist Kit Play Set - Buy on Very
Best cooking toy for three years old: Melissa & Doug Pizza Toy Shop - Buy on Amazon
Best book for three year olds: I am Unique and Sedric Snail - Buy on Hug a Bug world
Now is the time when their personality starts to shine, even more, their imagination runs wild and that bond between you becomes even stronger.
What are the best types of toys for a three-year-old?
Problem-solving toys: Problem-solving skills are important and start being developed at around two-years-old. Examples: puzzles (12-20+ pieces), board games, memory games, flashcards and sorting toys.
Building and construction toys: Building structures and creating things are important at this stage. These toys promote an interest in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths). Examples: sand and water play toys, building bricks, colourful blocks, construction sets, magnets and gears.
Role-play/Imaginative toys: Role-play is an important way for them to learn language and imaginative skills. Examples: tea sets, food toys, child-sized kitchens, shop sets, pretend money, mini furniture, dress-up clothes and puppets.
Literacy: As your child's language and reading skills begin to develop they will be able to enjoy books with more words.
Creative toys: It is a good idea to start early and is a fun way to occupy their time (you might even get a crafty present at the end of it!). Examples: crayons, markers, paint/paint brushes, finger paints, coloured paper, chalk and chalkboards, modelling clay and playdough.
Musical and visual toys: Listening to different sounds and noises can be beneficial to your child's development and communication. Examples: Mini instruments, toys with lights and sounds, CDs and DVDs with music and videos.
Things to encourage physical skills: Your child is ready to get outside to explore more physical and outdoor play. Physical play helps them develop their muscles and hand-eye coordination. Examples: scooters, tricycles, balls for catching/throwing/kicking, plastic bats, bowling pins, targets and kids' workbench tools.
Interactive toys: It is never too early to introduce your kids to computers and software. Often technology is salvation for parents who need a quick and easy way to entertain their tots. Examples: tablets, mini-computers, basic coding kits and play mobile telephones.
Best toys for three-year-olds
Best three year olds toy for sounds
www.very.co.uk
Description
With the must-have accessories you need to settle a baby, the Baby Annabell Leah Doll is
Pros
- Baby Annabell Leah is the sweetest baby!
- With realistic mouth movements and baby sounds.
Cons
- Not suitable for children under 3 years
Best three year olds toy for creativity
Description
With wooden accessories and food, this Pizza Toy Shop is a great way to encourage pretend play
Pros
- Allows children to get creative making and serving up delicious-looking pizza.
- Includes pizza counter, play money, pizza paddle, rolling cutter, delivery box, prep instructions, reusable menu, wooden crust, cheese shaker, felt sauce, cheese and toppings
Cons
- Not suitable for children under 36 months.
Best three year olds toy for drawing
www.smythstoys.com
Description
This portable and interactive drawing pad offers endless artistic possibilities. With its vibrant
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Interactive LED screen
- User-friendly stylus
- No mess
Cons
- Requires batteries
Best three year olds toy for puzzle solving
Little Omo www.selfridges.com
Description
This 100 per cent wooden puzzle is simple beautiful. This is one of a range of inclusive puzzles,
Pros
- Includes: 8 pieces, organic-cotton bag
- Educational features: hand-eye coordination, motor skills, memory development, shape recognition, problem-solving skills
Cons
- Only suitable for over 3 year olds.
Best three year olds toy for thinking
www.smythstoys.com
Description
With this dentist play set, young dentists-in-training can give cleanings, treat cavities, and
Pros
- Realistic pretend play dental care essentials
- Give cleanings, treat cavities, and fit retainers and braces
Cons
- Not suitable for children under the age of 3 years due to small parts which could cause a choking hazard.
Best three year olds toy for art
Description
This smart robot has over 280 built in images which it can draw all at a touch of a button. It
Pros
- This developmental toy lets you code JotBot using fun draw codes found within the colour-coded guidebook.
- Provies hours of artistic excitement and interactive fun.
Cons
- Batteries are not included.
Best three year olds toy for music
Description
A marvellous musical toy is great for the little Winnie the Pooh fan in your life. This
Pros
- Painted with non toxic paint, twist and watch it rotate to a wonderful melody.
- Features a a woodland scene with Tigger and Eeyore.
Cons
- Not suitable for children under 3 years. For use under adult supervision.
Best three year olds toy with storybook
hugabugworld.com
Description
Hug-A-Bug World encourages children to enjoy story books with their parents, develop an attachment
Pros
- Encourage self awareness.
- Helps build self-esteem with this emotional well being package.
Cons
- Not many colours to choose from.
Best three year olds toy for a performer
Description
We love this mini ukulele. This four-string guitar is perfect for little musicians in the making.
Pros
- Perfect for little musicians.
- Musical instruments develop a child's sense of rhythm, bodily ease and musical sensitivity.
Cons
- Ideal for 3 to 8 year olds.
Best three year olds toy for humour
Description
Stretchy Worm is a great addition to your child's toy collection and a lovely companion for
Pros
- Child-friendly very robust design, no sharp edges ideal for young children.
- The Stretchy Superworm's agility and flexibility is ideal for realistic and fun game play
Cons
- Not much left in stock.
Best three year olds toy for imagination
Description
These blocks are easy to grip so that your child can easily pick up and build whatever their
Pros
- These large building blocks could be tranformed to a variety of shapes.
- With the continuous construction of different cognitive objects, baby gradually recognizes these shapes.
Cons
- Running out fast.
Best three year olds toy for exploring
Description
Meet a cast of six hungry characters by inserting activity cards to explore colours, counting,
Pros
- This ice cream trolley is ideal for children to get started with role play,
- An ice cream scooper, 18 "flavoured" ice cream scoops, with 3 different toppings, 6 hungry character activity cards.
Cons
- Suitable from 24 months - 6 years.
Best three year olds toy for Peppa pig fans
Description
All children have a Peppa Pig stage, and this magnetic Peppa Pig dress up set with 26 pieces is
Pros
- Peppa’s Magnetic Wooden Dress-Up set is made from FSC Certified Wood, and makes the perfect sustainable choice.
- There’s 26 pieces in total, including outfits and accessories, and wooden Peppa Pig figure, base and tray.
Cons
- To be used under the direct supervision of an adult.
Best three year olds toy for moulding
www.smythstoys.com
Description
Explore open-ended creativity and make amazing creations with this Play-Doh variety pack! With
Pros
- Squish it, roll it, shape and mould it!
- Great for open-ended imaginative play
Cons
- Not suitable for children under 36 months-small parts could prove to be a choking hazard.
Best three year olds toy for confidence
www.micro-scooters.co.uk
Description
Your child will love learning to steer with this three-wheel scooter. This scooter has a gorgeous
Pros
- An exclusive collaboration, The Gruffalo by Micro.
- Colour pop anodised stem for extra protection against wear and tear.
Cons
- Suitable from 2 - 5 year olds.
Best three year olds toy for engaging in storytelling
Description
With over 100 felt shapes, children will be able to recreate their favourite scenes from the
Pros
- Sparks imagination and story telling.
- Encourages recognition, counting and sorting.
Cons
- Not very bright in colour.
Best three year olds toy for budding pirates
thedenkitco.com
Description
This excellent kit from The Den Kit Company provides everything you need to make a den in your
Pros
- Offering every child an outdoor experience whatever the weather
- Designed to capture creative imaginations.
Cons
- Not suitabe for babies.
Best three year olds toy for bedtime
Description
This innovative audio player is easy for young children to use and will last them years. It has up
Pros
- Great for bedtime stories or as a kids' music box.
- No complicated assembly and no over-stimulating flashing screens that are so common on kids toys today.
Cons
- Not much left in stock.
Best three year olds toy for magnetic shapes
www.kidly.co.uk
Description
This smart board box looks just like a traditional book, however, it has a magnetic lid which your
Pros
- Sturdy board box with magnetic lid.
- Magnetic shapes & pieces.
Cons
- Suitable for over 3 year olds.
20. Magnetic Tiles
Best three year olds toy for problem solving
Description
Magnetic PlayTiles is a fantastic toy for helping your child develop their creativity skills. It
Pros
- Creative & Brain Development – Your child can create with this magnetic building blocks and tiles 3D geometric figures while they are playing.
- Made of Non-Toxic and durable ABS plastic, food grade material.
Cons
- Suitable for all ages (3+ and up).
Best three year olds toy for sustainability
Description
With so many plastic toys on the market, this eco-friendly truck is a breath of fresh air. This
Pros
- Eco-friendly locking tipper truck for hours of fun loading up and emptying the truck in pretend games.
- Made with sugarcane, a sustainable plant that reduces carbon emissions.
Cons
- Not many designs to choose from.
FAQs about three-year-old toys
Do I need to replace my child's old toys?
There's no need to throw out your child's toys or buy completely new ones if they still play with them. Instead, you can buy a few suited to their play needs now.
If you want to be more organised, you could try rotating your child's toys, keeping some stored away with these toy storage ideas, so that you haven't got toys everywhere.
What is the best toy for a three year old?
When it comes to toys, the best ones are those that are fun, but also have an educational element to them. This may be that they help develop your child's motor skills, fine motor skills and cognitive development. When choosing a toy for your three-year-old, before purchasing think — A) will they enjoy using it and B) will they benefit from it in anyway — if you answer yes to both of these, then they're probably a good buy. Don't forget, toys first and foremost are meant to be fun for your child, but if they can get additional benefits out of them to, then this is even better.