Holiday gifts for 3-year-olds are pure magic. For parents, the festive season can also be a whirlwind of commitments and to-dos. So, if you’re looking for help to narrow down your gift list or need some inspiration for presents that encourage the little ones in your life to explore, stretch their imagination, and discover their own way to have fun, keep reading. From indoor tents to Paw Patrol cruisers, these gifts for 3-year-olds will keep things merry and bright. Wondering what to get the other kiddos in your life? Check out our guides for 2-year-olds, preschoolers, and grade school kids!
Fisher-Price Rockin’ Record Player
Introduce your tot to the many genres of music on their very own record player, complete with colorful records that play pop, hip hop, country, kids’ classics, and mindfulness. All they have to do is move the needle onto the disc and it’s party time!
Fisher-Price Rockin’ Record Player ($39.99)—Buy Here!
PAW Patrol: Rescue Wheels Super Loop Tower HQ Playset
Chase is ready for a ruff ruff rescue, complete with all the lights and sounds of Adventure Bay. Launch his police car-themed monster truck down the loop of the almost-4-foot tower to send him speeding to help whoever's in need. Pawesome!
PAW Patrol: Rescue Wheels Super Loop Tower HQ Playset ($99.99)—Buy Here!
Kikkerland Kidoki Can of Worms
Opening this can of worms is all good vibes! They offer lots of sensory stimulation for kids of all ages—and you might just want to grab them for a little stress relief when this painting thing gets tough.
Kikkerland Kidoki Can of Worms ($10)—Buy Here!
Noah's Ark Wood Set from Audrey's Museum Store
Little storytellers will have a blast playing out the tale of Noah and his ark with this wood set from Audrey’s Museum Store at the Skirball Cultural Center. It's got a removable roof and an entry platform perfect for walking nine pairs of colorful animals into the ark. So cute!
Noah's Ark Wood Set from Audrey's Museum Store ($135)—Buy Here!
MAGNA-TILES Space Set
Let your little’s imagination soar to outer space with this exciting new magnetic tile set, complete with a space shuttle that actually stores all the tiles (genius!). As always, the interstellar set is compatible with all your other MAGNA-TILES, so the possibilities are endless.
MAGNA-TILES Space Set ($34.99)—Buy Here!
Fisher-Price Jungle Gym Playset
Skip a trip to the park or the play space by transforming your basement or backyard into a fun-filled playground! The Fisher-Price Jungle Gym is super easy to assemble with the provided tool and gets kids moving, even when they're stuck at home. The squeaky steps that take them to the slide are sure to bring the giggles, while the bean bag toss game works that hand-eye coordination. Talk about endless fun!
Fisher-Price Jungle Gym Playset ($79.99)—Buy Here!
Melissa & Doug Sort, Stock, Select Wooden Vending Machine Play Set
I’d wager a guess that you’ll love playing with this little vending machine just as much as your toddler! Just press the buttons and watch your snack pop out the bottom. Fun twist: fill it with actual packaged snacks for kiddos to choose from when they’re peckish.
Melissa & Doug Sort, Stock, Select Wooden Vending Machine Play Set ($79.99)—Buy Here!
Lingokids Early Learning App
We're all over any gift that gets kids learning without even knowing it! Lingokids is the #1 early learning app with good reason, using award-winning digital adventures—think interactive games, videos, and experiences—to build essential educational and social-emotional skills. Your kid will be thrilled to spend some time with Lingokids when you need a few minutes to throw dinner together, finish up a work call, or just chill. It's a win-win!
Lingokids Early Learning App (One week free trial, then $14.99/month or $71.88/year)—Buy Here!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Go Fish Card Game
This toddler version of Go Fish is perfect for little minds, who can find matches based on the animals or the letters. We used to play open hand with our cards laid out on the floor and it was a fast favorite in our household!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Go Fish Card Game ($7.99)—Buy Here!
Jellycat Amuseables Rainbow Bag
Your tot is definitely the pot of gold at the end of this rainbow (purse)—and just as cute! It’s so cozy to wear, fits all their most cherished bits and bobs, and the colors are just so pretty.
Jellycat Amuseables Rainbow Bag ($39.50)—Buy Here!
Connetix Pastel Transport Pack
This set kicks magnetic tile play into high gear for all the vehicle-obsessed kiddos out there. They’ll engage in some serious STEAM learning while working with magnets, shapes, and colors to construct their dream machines to roll around on real rubber wheels.
Connetix Pastel Transport Pack ($85)—Buy Here!
Numberblock Five's Musical Superstar Stage
Set the stage for some serious fun! Numberblocks fans will love this cool stage, where they can choose different backgrounds, instruments, and characters to put on an unforgettable performance. Count and sing along while the lights sparkle and the stage spins.
Numberblock Five's Musical Superstar Stage ($49.99)—Buy Here!
Maxx Action 3-N-1 Mega Crane
With lights, sounds, cargo to lift, and a boom that extends more than two feet, your construction-loving kid is going to be kept busy with this one. Work those motor skills by using the joystick controllers to move the boom and send the crane cruising with the touch of a button.
Maxx Action 3-N-1 Mega Crane ($49.99)—Buy Here!
Janod Small DIY Animals
Budding DIY enthusiasts will feel just like grownups with this building set. They can use the chunky tools to put together the cutest little animals—a cat, a dog, and a bunny—while flexing their motor skills and imaginations.
Janod Small DIY Animals ($29)—Buy Here!
Bluey Tea Party Set
Is this not the cutest? Bluey fans will go bananas for this wooden set, complete with a pot, sugar bowl, cups, tea bags, three kinds of biscuits in a box, and a notepad for taking orders. You’re sure to spark some serious imagination with this one.
Bluey Tea Party Set ($15.05)—Buy Here!
Liontouch Noble Knight Swords & Shields Set
Arise from your screens, Sir Lancelot, for fun is surely at hand! With these flexible foam swords and shields, they’ll be deep in a pretend battle in no time, fighting to protect the king and queen of the house.
Liontouch Noble Knight Swords & Shields Set ($59.99)—Buy Here!
Little Tikes 2-in-1 Pop 'n Pitch Trainer
No pitcher required at this baseball game! Kiddos love dropping the foam balls into the chute and watching it pop out a perfect pitch. The light plastic bat is easy for little hands to swing so they’ll be cracking their first home run in no time!
Little Tikes 2-in-1 Pop 'n Pitch Trainer ($39.97)—Buy Here!
Paw Patrol Rescue Wheels Chase’s Power Haulin’ Cruiser
Chase is on the case! Little ones will love joining one of their favorite pups in his tough truck—complete with lights, sounds, and a projectile launcher that shoots two green pieces across the room. Now they’re ready for a ruff ruff rescue.
Paw Patrol Rescue Wheels Chase’s Power Haulin’ Cruiser ($31.99)—Buy Here!
Learning Resources Sprouts Prep ‘n’ Store Kitchen
Baby’s first butcher’s block! Kids can whip up delectable pretend feasts on this rolling cart, with two levels of storage below for all their fake food, utensils, plates, bowls, baskets and more. The set includes six pieces of food, a colander and tongs. Bon appetite!
Learning Resources Sprouts Prep ‘n’ Store Kitchen ($64.99)—Buy Here!
Tender Leaf Monster Lock Box
Crafted from renewable rubber tree wood, this spooky box features all kinds of locks and latches perfect for little hands to explore while they work on their problem-solving and fine motor skills.
Tender Leaf Monster Lock Box ($79.99)—Buy Here!
Crocodile Creek Above + Below Things That Go Puzzle
Work together with your tot to build this puzzle with all the vehicles, some soaring through the skies above while others cruise on the streets below. We love the large pieces that are easy for toddlers to manipulate and the bold, beautiful design.
Crocodile Creek Above + Below Things That Go Puzzle ($24)—Buy Here!
B.toys Balance Beam
Bring those fun adventures balancing on the curb home with this modular balance beam that lets you arrange the pieces in so many different ways. You get 8 beam pieces and 5 sensory step stones that you can click together or keep separate to make a fun obstacle course.
B.toys Balance Beam ($54.85)—Buy Here!
Tender Leaf Car Transporter
Littles love the functionality of this fun car transporter, complete with four little cars to load and unload over and over…and over again. The transporter ramp straightens to create a ramp for the racers, which are fun all on their own, too. Also, get a load of that doggy in the window!
Tender Leaf Car Transporter ($44.99)—Buy Here!
Construction Site: Garbage Crew to the Rescue!
The new addition to the Construction Site series sees the gang teaming up to do a good deed, cleaning up a neighborhood that’s in need of some love. You’ll find the same sweet (and sometimes silly) rhymes you’ve come to love over the past decade.
Construction Site: Garbage Crew to the Rescue! ($15.99)—Buy Here!
Brio World Lift & Load Warehouse Set
It’s time for your kiddo’s first train set, and we love this interactive Brio option! It’s got a lift and load station, a four-level elevator, and a big ramp that means their trains pick up some speed on the way down. With so many assembly options this toy never gets old.
Brio World Lift & Load Warehouse Set ($99.99)—Buy Here!
Petit Collage Magnetic Dress-Up Superheroes
We love the design of these sturdy superheroes and their many costume pieces and your littles will love experimenting with all the different ways to dress them up. It’s also easy to throw in your bag for travel or something to do while you wait for your meals at a restaurant.
Petit Collage Magnetic Dress-Up Superheroes ($24)—Buy Here!
Little Tikes Creative Chefs Baker’s Kit
Pretend play meets sand play in this clever kit that lets budding bakers create sweet treats just like mom and dad. You’ll find a bag of moldable sandy “Make-It Mix” for the cake, tubs of icing, and two crackable eggs, plus a kiddie stand mixer, a recipe, and tools. What a treat!
Little Tikes Creative Chefs Baker’s Kit ($24.86)—Buy Here!
USA Toyz Dinosaur Dash Track
It’s a dino lover’s dream! This prehistoric set includes a wild 225 pieces, some with glow-in-the-dark features. The track snaps together so it couldn’t be easier to assemble, and cool features include a dino head cave, a bridge, and a cage for catching rare dinosaurs.
USA Toyz Dinosaur Dash Track ($36.99)—Buy Here!
Pets Alive Mama Duck Surprise
Meet mama duck and open her four eggs for a big surprise: 2, 3, or 4 baby ducklings (one of which might be gold!). Press the heart on her tail to hear real duck sounds and attach the little ducklings to their mama so they follow behind while she waddles around.
Pets Alive Mama Duck Surprise ($38.62)—Buy Here!
LEGO Duplo Peppa Pig Supermarket
Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, Peppa, and George need some groceries. Build them a supermarket, complete with a shopping cart, their favorite foods, and their red convertible, and see what kind of shenanigans Daddy gets into. Peppa fans will go wild for this one!
LEGO Duplo Peppa Pig Supermarket ($69.99)—Buy Here!
Vilac Activity Pot
This pot is filled with learning fun! Three different discs create fun challenges for kiddos—one shape sorter with different types of protein, another that fits different veggies, and a third where children can plant colorful carrots. Perfect for developing those fine motor skills.
Vilac Activity Pot ($42)—Buy Here!
eeBoo Trucks and a Bus Memory & Matching Game
Work their memory skills with a dozen sets of matching vehicle cards to set up face down and flip over to try to find pairs. It’s a really fun way to ditch the screens and connect with your kiddo.
eeBoo Trucks and a Bus Memory & Matching Game ($10.99)—Buy Here!
John Deere Build-A-Johnny Tractor
Sure, a tractor to wheel around is an awesome toy, but this one also flexes those STEAM muscles by coming apart so kiddos can put it back together, using their special multi-head battery-powered drill. Translation: hours of entertainment!
John Deere Build-A-Johnny Tractor ($24.99)—Buy Here!
Don’t Rock the Croc Game
This game is easy for toddlers to understand and fun for everyone to play. Roll the dice to choose a color and then stack any sized cylinder in that hue on the croc. As they build up, it gets harder and harder not to topple them all and builds those fine motor skills in the process.
Don’t Rock the Croc Game ($14.99)—Buy Here!
Melissa & Doug Get Well Doctor’s Kit
We never thought we’d say a wooden puzzle was full of life, but just look at this guy! The punchy colors, the cute illustrations, and the chunky pieces perfect for little hands. Bonus: they’ll learn about numbers, counting, and matching.
Melissa & Doug Jumbo Numbers Wooden Puzzle ($24.99)—Buy Here!
LeapFrog Mr. Pencil’s Scribble & Write
Did Mr. Pencil teach my preschooler how to write? At the very least he had a hand in it. My son was obsessed with this clever toy, writing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and shapes, plus playing spelling games and drawing. Plus, toss Mr. Pencil in the car for long rides.
LeapFrog Mr. Pencil’s Scribble & Write ($24.99)—Buy Here!
EduJoy Dinosaur Puzzle
Puzzle, meet Peekaboo! This wooden toy is sure to delight with its colorful eggs and friendly little dinosaurs hiding beneath. Practice color matching and motor skills while learning about different kinds of dinos—or try putting the eggs in first to create some imaginative play fun.
EduJoy Dinosaur Puzzle ($13.99)—Buy Here!
5-Minute Mickey Mouse Stories
We love a 5-minute stories collection and this one’s an all-around crowd pleaser. Join Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and the rest of the gang on 12 adventures, from a talent show to a rafting trip—each the perfect length for a bedtime story (or a cuddly weekend binge on the couch!).
5-Minute Mickey Mouse Stories ($14.99)—Buy Now!
Crelloci 3-in-1 Color Dough Kitchen Creations Set
This set has everything your kiddo could ever want for pretend kitchen play—the fun spaghetti maker with al different shapes, a soft-serve ice cream press, food molds, and all the accessories that let them serve up a gourmet meal to whoever’s around.
Crelloci 3-in-1 Color Dough Kitchen Creations Set ($31.99)—Buy Here!
Yoobe Rocket Ship Play Tent
Zoom, zoom, zoom, they’re going to the moon! This cute rocket ship tent is the perfect hideaway for your little one, whether they’re pretending to be on a space mission with friends or bringing in a flashlight to use it as a reading nook.
Yoobe Rocket Ship Play Tent ($32.99)—Buy Here!
Cubicfun Race Track
This interactive race track lets your tot decide where their vehicles go using buttons and levers to avoid obstacles on the track. They’ll have a mini ambulance, fire truck, and police car in their care while working on their critical thinking, motor skills, and problem-solving skills.
Cubicfun Race Track ($49.99)—Buy Here!
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