Recent updates
This guide to the best toys for three year olds has been updated with additional insight into the best types of toys for this age group. We've also checked that all of the products are still in stock, and updated prices where necessary.
The best toys for three-year-olds help them develop key skills and encourage learning, as most kids this age are just a year or two away from starting school.
At this age, many of this year's top toys may be too grown up, but your child might be developing a keen interest in the best dinosaur toys, or if they're showing signs of being an animal lover, interactive pets instead. The best toys for three-year-olds help your child to develop their gross and fine motor skills, and can aid with language and social development too.
Founder of the Good Play Guide and child development expert Dr Amanda Gummer says: "Play is essential for the overall development of our little ones and there are a host of different benefits for three-year-olds. Puzzles, building blocks, picture books and musical instrument toys are all great suggestions as gifts for a three-year-old. Even a simple soft toy is lovely for empathy development and the encouragement of social interaction."
So, whether you are purchasing a present, updating your own little learner's collection, or looking for a toy for Christmas, you'll find the perfect option in our best toys for three-year-olds round up of tried and tested toys, no matter your budget.
Best toys for 3 year olds in 2024
Why you can trust GoodtoKnow. Our experienced Consumer Editor & parent reviewers spend hours testing products to help you make the best choice. Find out how we test and review products.
Role play toys
Imaginative play is a key part of a child's development, and this includes role play, and three-year-olds love nothing more than a game of play-pretend. Whether it's a simple costume or more extensive playset, your little one will love reenacting scenarios they have experienced in real life, or seen in books or on their favourite TV shows.
And the more realistic the role play toys, the better. Studies also show that children of this age love toys that are realistic and detailed. According to the research, toys like this 'have a special value for play because they help the child to create lifelike play situations and explore the world through them.'
Batteries required: None
With an impressive 34 accessories, there really is no limit to the fun a three-year-old can have with this set when they're playing doctor. Engaging in this kind of play with others can help boost social skills and empathy, and can also help prepare children for what to expect when visiting the doctor themselves. When it comes to storage, all of the accessories fit into the canvas doctor's bag so you can keep them all together.
Batteries required: None
If your three-year-old loves animals, then they'll love this vet-themed playset. The set includes two adorable plush pets and all the accessories a vet needs to keep them healthy, including a stethoscope, thermometer, bandages, pretend treatments and even a lampshade cone to prevent the plushies from licking their wounds. Again, this set comes with a convenient bag for easy storage.
Batteries required: None
With this costume duo, your three-year-old can either take their pick depending on their fancy, or be ready for some pretend-play with a friend. The costumes are instantly recognisable, and each comes with fun accessories to really level up the role playing - wherever their imagination takes them. Each costume is designed to fit a child aged three to seven.
Mini household toys
At the age of three, children love to mimic what they see adults do - it's key to nurturing their creativity and narrative skills, and can give their empathy and abstract thinking a boost at the same time. So if you notice they want to take part in activities you view as a chore, this might be an opportunity for a household themed toy.
Batteries required: Yes
Children of this age love to copy the adults around them – and that includes mimicking the chores they see you do around the house. When we reviewed the Casdon Dyson vacuum cleaner,it was definitely a hit with our little tester. It's an accurate replica of the real thing (without the suction) and features spinning beads and realistic sounds that kids will love. It won't help you clean the house, but it'll entertain your three-year-old while you do.
Batteries required: None
This toy lawn mower is a staple when it comes to toys for 3 year olds. A great outdoor toy, it also improves gross motor skills like balance and coordination. 'I love the way this toy encourages kids to get green fingered and take pride in the garden,' says Lindsay, mum to Arlo. 'This toy is a great way to occupy him while I get to the hard work of pulling up weeds!'
Batteries required: None
This smart wooden kitchen is a great way to spark a child’s imagination and encourage creative play between kids. This wooden toy kitchen comes with a clock, sink, oven dials and an opening oven door. You also get pots, pans and a set of utensils for the full mini-kitchen experience. We think it's a tasteful design that won't look out of place in your living room scheme. Plus, it can be personalised.
Water & sand play
As three-year-olds grow, they can still benefit from sensory play to help them better understand the world around them and their impact upon it. This kind of play can also help them develop their language skills as they try to articulate what's happening. And toys and games involving water and sand fit the bill perfectly. Beyond sensory play, this can be another opportunity for pretend play too.
Batteries required: None
Finding a toy with multiple purposes and functions can feel like winning the lottery. Not only does this wooden picnic table give kids somewhere to conduct more sedate outdoor activities like painting, colouring and eating, but it also doubles up as a sand and water play table. Remove the table top and you've got two plastic trays that can be used for water, sand, slime and mud - then simply rinse them clean.
Batteries required: None
This three-in-one table is a water and sand pit (with fun accessories) and when you pop the lid on, it converts into a flat top desk for drawing and painting fun. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, it's the perfect size for up to three children to play with at once. It's easy to assemble, and the fact that it's plastic means that it's easy to rinse clean with a hosepipe.
Batteries required: None
This bestselling toy comes with a lock, lock gates, crane, a marina ramp, an amphibious truck and a transport boat with containers all included. Emily, mum to Bethany and William, says: 'A toy like this is so versatile as when it's not filled with boats or cars, it can also be used as a base for washing little dolls or filling with bubbles and maybe even a little bit of food colouring to make the water play even more satisfying.'
Plush toys
Tactile, squishy and colourful soft toys, with cute characterful faces are really appealing to three-year-olds. Not only do toys like this offer a fun sensory experience, they can also help boost your child's empathy and nurturing skills, while also offering some comfort during quiet time or before bed.
Batteries required: No
While a three year old might not have seen Disney's Lilo and Stitch, they'll still be curious about this adorable little blue alien plush. Lottie, mum to three-year-old Summer, says: "This Stitch toy is one of the softest toys I've ever felt, and Summer loves snuggling with him. She also loves rubbing the velvety texture in the ears and on the big feet."
Batteries required: No
Hug-A-Lumps are slightly weighted soft toys, that can have a calming affect on whoever cuddles them (adults included!). Hug-A-Lump's are 60 centimetres long and weigh 1.5 kilograms, which makes them super-satisfying to cuddle. My nephew, who has just turned four, loves the Rocky the Crocky Hug-A-Lump and loves holding him and playing with his spikes during story time.
Batteries required: No
If you know a three-year-old who is developing a keen interest in dinosaurs, then this brontosaurus plush toy from IKEA makes a great gift. Kids will love exploring it's long neck and swishy tail, and it's cute face will get their imaginations flowing. There's good news too if the dino ends up a bit grubby after being in the garden - it's machine washable (max 40°C on a gentle cycle) and can go in the tumble dryer (max 60°C).
Outdoor games
Getting outdoors is essential for children. Not only does it expose them to new and exciting things to explore, it can also reduce anxiety, strengthen their immune system thanks to a dose of vitamin D, and promote physical activity which can help them sleep better at night.
Batteries required: None
A mud kitchen makes messy, imaginative play easy and this one comes with a robust splash tub, refillable water butt and a real working tap. You also get a starter set of mini stainless-steel pots and pans so your little garden chefs can get going right away. Keeping messy play contained, the mud kitchen can also be used with sand and other 'garden' ingredients such as flowers, grass, and perhaps the odd wiggly worm or two!
Batteries required: None
Encourage little learners to practice their hand-eye coordination with this Melissa & Doug target action game. The idea? To throw the bean bags and hit the sticky Velcro target. Whoever has the highest numbers at the end of the round, wins. Playing with family or friends will also teach a three-year-old about turn-taking and being a gracious winner or good loser.
Batteries required: None
This might be a simple one, but you absolutely can't go wrong with a ball when you're looking to keep kids entertained outside. Playing independently, they can work on their hand-eye (and foot-eye) coordination by bouncing and kicking the ball around. With others, they can practice their throwing and catching, and chase after the ball. Plus, it's glittery and has dinosaurs on it. Perfect!
Puzzles and Games
Three-year-olds love simple puzzles and games that foster their cognitive, focus and memory skills. Whether they play independently, or with others, their self confidence will get a boost when they have completed it, and toys of this nature can help improve their dexterity and handling skills to boot. Games like this are also an opportunity for your child work on key social skills, including turn taking and being a gracious winner. Child development expert, Dr Amanda Gummer adds: "Any game which encourages taking turns and sharing is also really important to enable a three year old to develop skills as empathy and co-operation."
Batteries required: No
Numerblocks fans will love getting to grips with these playing cards that are suitable for kids age three and older. Mum-of-one Grace says: "These playing cards are larger than a standard adult deck, so they are perfect for little hands. My three-year old loves to match the pictures and play Snap right now, but I'm looking forward to when we can use them for maths games as his numeracy skills grow."
Batteries required: No
'What a beautifully diverse range of faces,' Kate, mum to 3-year-old Elliot, said of this game. 'Different ethnicities, cultures, races, hair colour, and clothing are all explored and captured through this game, so it is not only a simple matching game but a cultural education for the child. As my son grows he is seeing diversity around him. This game gives me an opportunity to talk and discuss all types of cultures and races.'
Batteries required: None
Great for developing dexterity and focus in children, they can play on their own or in small groups, learning to take turns. Mum and our consumer shopping expert Heidi Scrimgeour says: 'I was surprised by how much my children loved these fishing games when they were smaller. Such good value for literally hours of fun! My top tip is to pop away a spare set for when the fishing rods inevitably get lost.'
Tractors & Diggers
If you have a little Tractor Ted fan at home, then they'll love having their own tractor toy or digger to play with. They're great for boosting imagination and creativity, can help with dexterity too.
With wheels that move, bright colours and realistic sounds, toys like this hold particular appeal with this age group as they use all of their senses to understand the world in which they live. Plus, kids are likely to have seen large vehicles like this while out and about, in books or on their favourite TV programmes, which only adds to their fascination.
Batteries required: 2 AA batteries (included)
As well as being a free rolling tractor, this is also a building toy that can be taken apart and put back together again. I bought it for my nephew for his second birthday and two years later, he still loves it. It's great for building on his hand eye coordination as he uses the little drill to remove the wheels, bonnet and roof and put them back on again.
Batteries required: 3 AA batteries
With lights, music and realistic movements, this excavator toy is loads of fun for little ones. It's sturdy enough to withstand curious hands, and provides an opportunity for them to improve their hand-eye coordination and dexterity as they play with the moving parts. Just wait for their excitement when they see a real life version of their favourite toy when they're out and about!
Batteries required: 3 X 1.5V AG13 batteries
With realistic lights and sounds, this tractor and trailer duo will really get little imaginations running wild as they push it around, and he detachable trailer will give their dexterity a work out, too. They'll also love to fill the trailer with whatever cargo they can find. My nephew has this toy and loved to fill the trailer with his collection of farm animals or stuff from the garden.
Construction Toys
Building and construction sets are great for three-year-olds as they help to encourage spatial reasoning and hand-eye coordination. At this age, children are unlikely to be ready for LEGO sets with small pieces, but there are plenty of construction sets with larger pieces for them to enjoy.
Batteries required: None
Magnetic tiles that stick together to form various structures, the tiles come in various shapes, sizes and colours which can help foster colour and shape recognition, while boosting creativity and problem solving. Mum-of-one Lucy says: "My little boy loves these tiles, he can play with them for ages, and he loves showing his younger cousin how to use them too."
Batteries required: None
A brilliant precursor to LEGO, these large building blocks help little hands get used to building. Plus the container back has a large opening that makes it easy to tip the blocks out, and easy to pack them away again. My nephew loves making tall towers (and knocking them down again), as well as using the blocks to recreate his favourite dinosaurs and vehicles.
Batteries required: AA batteries (not included)
Digger fans will love this construction set that involves them building their own track. The track pieces are durable and easy to assemble, fostering hand-eye coordination and dexterity, while their creativity, problem solving and spatial reasoning can come to the fore as they plan their track route.
Ride on Toys
Ride on toys are great for three-year-olds as they really help to enhance their gross motor skills and help strengthen their muscles. They're really good and boosting balance and spatial awareness, as well as encouraging problem solving and using their imagination too.
Batteries required: None
An absolute icon that withstands the test of time, it's the Cozy Coupe Car from Little Tikes. Suitable from 18 months, where you might want to leave the floorboard in place, but from three years, you can take the floorboard out and unleash the foot power, Flintstones-style. With a real working horn and fun petrol cap to mimic grown up actions, it's ideal for physical and role play.
Batteries required: None
The bestselling rocking horse on Amazon, this plastic number is available in blue or pink. It's low saddle and wide base prevents tipping, while the rim provides a safe place for feet during motion to avoid any squished toes. As well as getting little ones active, they can use they imagination to create wonderful scenarios about where they are riding off to.
Batteries required: None
For something less plastic but equally as fun, this wooden Peppa Pig ride on scooter is perfect for fans of the plucky piglet. Suitable from 12 months up to six years, it'll help boost balance and motor skills, while also getting their imaginations going as they make up adventures with their favourite characters from the TV show.
Tonies
From the age of three, you could consider a Toniebox, a screen-free audio device, for your little one. Tonieboxes are designed to be used by little hands, and so they're robust, foam covered and have no sharp edges. If you're considering buying one, make sure you read our Toniebox review first.
Stories are loaded via audio characters called Tonies that magnetically attach to the top of the player. There are loads to choose from, including these most popular Tonies, plus a whole range aimed at pre-schoolers.
Batteries required: None
With a running time of 17 minutes, this Gruffalo audio character is the perfect length for younger children with shorter attention spans. As kiddos can operate the player by themselves, it's great for encouraging independent play and learning, and can help with language development too.
Batteries required: None
This Igglepiggle Tonie is perfect for the bedtime routine, especially if you want to limit screen time before your little one goes to sleep. Kids will love joining their favourite characters from In the Night Garden, including Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka, on their adventures. With a running time of 47 minutes, made up of charming songs and stories, it's the perfect length to lull your little one into a restful night's kip each and every night
Batteries required: None
Kickstart a three-year-old's Tonies collection this with starter set. which comes with the Toniebox player and the bestselling On the Road with Peppa Pig Tonie. We gave it four our of five stars when we tested it, and loved how tumble-proof it was (perfect for little hands) and that is was visually engaging, despite not having a screen. It also got a big thumbs up from our little tester too.
Wooden Toys
If you really aren't a fan of garish plastic toys, and your child hasn't yet developed a thirst for them, then there are some lovely wooden toys out there that are perfect for role play, and will keep a three-year-old entertained for just as long as the plastic counterparts.
However, when speaking to experts in our guide to whether wooden toys are better than plastic, it's beneficial to have both plastic and wooden toys in your child's toy box to give them a range of play experiences to aid their development.
Batteries required: None
A scenario and role play toy encourages creative imagination, social and language development, this wooden doctor's kit ticks a lot of boxes. Kids can play independently, or with family or friends, taking turns on playing doctor and patient. Mum-of-one Grace says: "My little girl loves playing doctor, offering me medicine for any malady I can think of. She finds it hilarious when the ailments get more extreme."
Batteries required: None
This wooden ice cream parlour is not only brilliant for role play, storytelling and boosting language skills, but can also help hand-eye coordination too. It's also perfect for playing with their friends or siblings so they can practice their turn-taking, sharing and social skills at the same time. It's also solid and sturdy enough to endure even the busiest shopping periods in your home.
Batteries required: None
With more than 3,500 five star reviews on Amazon, we had to include this wooden car transporter on our list. The set include four multicoloured (and numbered) cars with magnets on the top. You can then use the magnetic arm on the truck to load them on to the trailer to transport them somewhere else. This wooden option easily holds its own against plastic alternatives.
Slime, dough and putty
Incorporate some sensory fun into play time to help your three-year-old discover the world around them. Some kids will love the messy gooey texture of slime, but if you want something less, well, slimy, then putties and doughs can offer a similar tactile experience without the residue.
Batteries required: 3 x AAA batteries (not included)
Three-year-olds will love getting their creative juices flowing and role play hats on as they play with this Play-Doh kitchen playset. With six different colours of Play-Doh, and five accessories, little hands can have a go at making make-believe muffins, Play-Doh cake, imaginary pie and silly cinnamon rolls in the light-up play oven. Much less messy than slime alternatives, but with the same creative and sensory fun.
Batteries required: None
Slime Baff is designed to turn bath water to slime, but trust us - use it in a bowl rather than in your bath, because it's super slimy. Make sure you have covered surfaces and have towels ready to wipe hands for easier clean up. I tried this with my three-year-old nephew and he was completely engrossed in the gloopy, gooey fun. Once the fun comes to an end, the slime is biodegradable, so you can dispose of it down the drain.
Batteries required: None
If your three-year-old is mad about dinosaurs, then this set could be right up their street. As well as including five different colours of dough, you also get a child-safe knife tool and six dinosaur moulds. Perfect for little hands to use, they'll adore creating their own doughy dinos; including a T-Rex, triceratops, stegasaurus, spinosaurus, ankylosaurus and parasaurolophus; over and over again.
What benefits does play offer for three-year-olds?
For three-year-olds, play is as much about fun as it is about learning, and play has numerous positive effects on a child's development. GoodtoKnow expert panellist Dr Amanda Gummer explains: "Running and climbing will encourage gross motor skill development as well and grabbing and stacking and using repeated movements will encourage fine motor skill development. Speech, language and cognitive development will all thrive with play. "Problem-solving, memory building, listening, speaking and engaging in imaginative and creative ways will all help develop an extensive vocabulary and communication skills."
As well as being a fan of toys, Dr Gummer is also an advocate of free play: "Things like hide and seek (supervised of course) and the simple building of a fort with chairs and a bed sheet will encourage role playing, scenario building and many ideas to inspire creativity."
When it comes to a three-year-olds development, children of this age will start to play more independently, and enjoy physical play, including running and climbing. Role play and playing pretend will also take centre stage. As their emotional intelligence grows, games which involve turn-taking and cooperative play can help to develop these skills further. Educational toys can also help them to build on their colour and shape recognition, as well as boosting their matching and memory skills too.
How we chose the best toys for three year olds
To compile this list of the best toys for three-year-olds, we delved deep into our extensive product knowledge and experience. We spoke to parents who owned these toys and had put them through their paces, and which received rave reviews from them and their kids.
We also turned to our expert panellist and child development guru Dr Amanda Gummer to make sure everything on the list was appropriate for this age group and to uncover the benefits of play for children of this age.
You can read more about how we test and review products but here's what we took into consideration when we shortlisted the best toys for three-year-olds.
- So that you can easily find the best playtime buys to suit your three-year-old, we have included sensory toys, toys to encourage physical development, and options that encourage role-play too.
- We also picked products with a range of different aesthetics, from wooden toys that will look fantastic on the nursery shelf, to colourful toys with light and musical features that your child won't tire of - and which won't drive you mad!
What to consider before buying a toy for a three-year-old
- Check toy safety regulations - Check that the item complies with toy safety regulations and safety standards such as the CE mark. You'll find this information on the packaging or on the website where you order the item from.
- Make sure it’s age appropriate - Make sure the item is suitable for use by three-year-olds and safe for use. Some toys are not approved for use by children of this age.
- Easy to clean - Children of this age are less likely to pop play items into their mouths compared to younger babies but it's important to check that the item can be wiped down with antibacterial spray or cleaned easily - especially if friends come round to play.
- Buy from reputable retailers - Buy from brands and retailers that you know and trust. It's always worth reading reviews before you buy a toy. We've tried and tested all the toys in this list so you can be assured that we consider them good quality and worth buying.
- Value for money - Everyone loves a bargain these days but cheap is not always good value - especially when it comes to toys. Consider the difference between a cheap plastic toy compared to an expensive wooden alternative - it will cost you more but save you money in the long run as it will last for generations and can be passed down to family members for years.
Mum of two Natasha, adds: "My biggest bug bear as a mum is a toy that feels impossible to clean, especially in a post-pandemic world. I want to be able to wipe them clean regularly, but when they have so many toys, it can be really time-consuming. I want to be able to do it quickly and effectively."
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