Toys & Gifts Kids & Teens The 38 Best Gifts for 3-Year-Old Girls of 2023 Foster imagination and discovery with toy kitchens, dress-up clothes, and more By Maya Polton Maya Polton LinkedIn Maya has more than 15 years of experience in digital media and communications and specializes in writing about family, food, and lifestyles. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 10, 2022 Fact checked by Emily Swaim Fact checked by Emily Swaim LinkedIn Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell / Sabrina Jiang Finding the right gift for a three-year-old is a delightful task. Full of discovery and blossoming independence, three-year-olds learn about their world through play, often reimagining their experiences, such as playing doctor after a visit to their pediatrician or pretending to be a firefighter. They are also developing cognitively, and by age three, many children can complete simple puzzles or build towers from blocks. That means the world of early toys and games is open to them, and there are many gifts that will make their day. 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. In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Family Melissa & Doug Cutting Fruit Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart The Melissa & Doug Cutting Fruit Set is our top pick, because it offers endless opportunities for imaginative play, both independently and with others. This beautifully crafted wooden fruit set features 17 painted fruit pieces and a wooden knife. Kids can slice apart each piece of fruit with the wooden knife for a satisfying crunch sound. The pretend food, which reattaches with self-stick tabs, is well-made and long-lasting. 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 KidKraft Alexa-Enabled 2-in-1 Wooden Kitchen Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Bring imaginative play to the next level with this splurge-worthy gift. Two-sided, one side features a kitchen, and the other a market check-out counter. Alexa-enabled, the kitchen can also make sounds, play games, and prompt activities for kids to keep busy. Price at time of publication: $300 Bluey Family Home Playset View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Thetoyshop.com Fans of Bluey will love this kid-sized playhouse that features four rooms, a spacious patio, removable and moveable furniture, and a cute Bluey figure. Perfect for imaginative play, this house is a great intro to dollhouses. Price at time of publication: $45 The Elephant Project Kiki The Elephant Project View On Theelephantproject.com Help save elephants through The Elephant Project organization. Your kiddo will love to cuddle Kiki, and you’ll love that 100% of net proceeds go to various organizations that help elephants. Price at time of publication: $39 Hasbro Baby Alive Doll Stroller Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Jcpenney.com Your mini-me will be instantly obsessed with pushing around with her very own doll stroller. Sized for dolls up to 24 inches, the stroller features a foldable canopy, undercarriage basket, and harness, and it folds for easy storage. Price at time of publication: $28 Kiko & GG Sushi Party Set Kiko GG View On Kikoandgg.com Expand your little one's familiarity with worldwide cuisine with an all-wooden sushi set. Velcro seaweed and magnetic sushi make it fun to play and create, all while building fine motor skills. The set includes 11 pieces, a bamboo mat, a serving tray, and more. Price at time of publication: $45 Micro Kickboard Mini Deluxe Scooter Maisonette View On Amazon View On Maisonette.com Get rolling on a scooter that’s made for kids from two to five years old. The three-wheel design provides a stable and supportive ride so small kiddos can master balance and coordination. Strong and lightweight, the handlebar is adjustable, so it grows as your child does. Price at time of publication: $95 The Best Scooters for Kids Who Are Ready to Zoom Off on Their Own Tender Leaf Toys Baby Barn Set Maisonette View On Walmart Portable and easy to pack away, this sweet barn set is perfect to play with alone or with a buddy. Made entirely of wood, the set features animals, tractors, farmers, trees, and a big red barn. Price at time of publication: $70 My First Book of Girl Power Amazon View On Amazon Introduce your little lady to a wide range of role models that all promote “girl power.” The board book format is durable and easy to read over and over and over again!Price at time of publication: $11 These Are the Best Children’s Books to Encourage Their Love of Reading Pottery Barn Kids Cash Register and Play Money Pottery Barn Kids View On Potterybarnkids.com Fun for years to come, this play cash register and money set is inspiring for any young entrepreneur. Both the cash and coins are made slightly bigger than real money, so they are sized just right for kids, and they help young minds practice counting and coin recognition.Price at time of publication: Starting at $16 Green Toys Tea Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Potterybarnkids.com Fun for role playing, water play, bath time, or anytime, this colorful set is made in the USA out of 100 perfect recycled milk containers. Included are cups, saucers, a teapot, spoons, and more. Pinkies up! Price at time of publication: $30 Eric Carle Board Book Box Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Barnesandnoble.com You’ll love reading these six board books over and over again to your three-year old. The simple, engaging text and colorful collage pictures are well-loved favorites for good reason. Price at time of publication: $49 Melissa & Doug Astronaut Role Play Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Macy's Head to outer space in this well-made, machine-washable astronaut costume that’s sized for younger kids. The velcro closures make it easy for kids to take on and off on their own. Add this to a dress-up collection for fun that’s outta this world. Price at time of publication: $38 10 Halloween Crafts Your Kids Will Love WeeFarers Polarized WeeFarers Children's Sunglasses Amazon View On Amazon Protect little eyes with these super stylish sunglasses that’ll have your mini-me looking just like mom or dad. Made with kids in mind, the glasses come with a carrying pouch and an easily adjustable strap. Price at time of publication: $35 The 11 Best Sunglasses for Kids of 2023 Land's End Kids Hooded Bath Towel Land's End View On Landsend.com Made of 100% cotton, this adorable hooded towel is designed for your kiddo to be able to wrap herself up after taking a dip in the bath, shower, pool, or beach, or anywhere else. For an added touch, add a monogram or name to the towel. Price at time of publication: $53 Hasbro Don’t Break the Ice Game Amazon View On Amazon This is a fun, fast-paced game that doesn’t require any reading. Players are challenged to use their mallets to tap out the ice blocks, one by one. To win, keep Philip the Penguin on top of the ice. Fun for two to four players, this is a great introduction to board games. Price at time of publication: $17 Nutcase Little Nutty MIPS Helmet 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Nutcasehelmets.com View On REI Durable and safe, this stylish helmet comes in two sizes and is made just for kids ages three years old and up. Use the size chart to find the right fit, and pick from eight cool designs for a helmet your kiddo will love to wear. Price at time of publication: $70 The Best Scooters for Kids Who Are Ready to Zoom Off on Their Own Melissa & Doug Wooden Scoop and Serve Ice Cream Counter Amazon View On Amazon Order up! Replicate the entire ice cream counter experience with this 28-piece wooden set that includes everything kids need to serve the very best treats. A fun toy that promotes imaginative play and hand-eye coordination, it all fits back in the stand for easy storage. Price at time of publication: $65 Melissa & Doug Water Wow! Reusable Coloring Pads Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart An amazing option for travel, life on the go, or just some much-needed quiet time, these genius coloring pads are powered by water. Simply fill up the included brush/pen, color the pages, and watch how they change. Once they dry, they’re ready to use again. The best part is that they're mess-free! Price at time of publication: $8 Lalo Play Kit Lalo View On Maisonette.com View On Meetlalo.com A splurge-worthy gift, this attractive table and chair set creates an instant play zone. Sized for young kids, choose from five different colors for the chairs. Stylish and practical, the set is easy to clean and comfortable. Price at time of publication: $330 Calico Critters Kangaroo Family Amazon View On Amazon Perfect alone or with other figures, Calico Critters are flocked figures that include clothing and accessories that can all be removed, jointed arms and legs, and rotating heads. Gift your kid a set, and watch how much fun she'll have playing with her animals. Price at time of publication: $25 Super Smalls Opening Night Play Shoes View On Maisonette.com These are perhaps the most stylish play shoes your child could dream up! They feature elevated accents, such as a tulle and a gem-filled heel. It is no surprise they are so chic, as the founder is a former fashion magazine director and mom of three daughters. Price at time of publication: $35 State Kane Kids Backpack Day and Night Sequins Maisonotte View On Bloomingdales View On Maisonette.com Whether you're packing for daycare, school, or camp, your toddler will love rocking this colorful backpack filled with oversize sequins. The interior is just as amazing, thanks to easy-to-clean lining and multiple pockets, including one for water bottles. Price at time of publication: $95 Tara Toys Disney Princess Necklace Activity Set Amazon View On Amazon Your rainy-day activity is solved! This jewelry-making kit includes five princess character charms, 150 beads, and four silicone necklaces for your little one to design with. Price at time of publication: $13 Meri Meri Superhero Dress Up Kit Maisonotte View On Maisonette.com Dress your toddler up in this fabulous tulle cape and leatherette glitter mask. And then help her discover her "super powers," such as sharing, listening, and being a supportive sibling. Price at time of publication: $68 Peppa Pig Little Library Amazon View On Amazon Treat your Peppa Pig fan to this six-book series that's as educational and engaging as the TV show. Price at time of publication: $11 Waterbabies Bathtime Fun Baby Doll Target View On Walmart View On Target Your toddler can bring this waterproof, water-filled baby everywhere from her bath to her swim class, as the doll can float! She can also accessorize the doll with the mini floaty, lotion bottle, and towel. Price at time of publication: $19 LeapFrog Scoop and Learn Ice Cream Cart Deluxe Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart This ice cream cart is lightweight and easy to set up, and it has the potential to entertain your kid for hours. It allows her to flex her creativity by cocktailing different ice cream and popsicle treats with various toppings. There is also play money for people to "buy" ice cream from the portable shop. Price at time of publication: $55 CocoMelon CocoMelon Boo Boo JJ Deluxe Feature Plush Amazon View On Amazon We all love those Cocomelon episodes in which JJ experiences his first boo boo. Now your toddler can take care of her favorite TV character with this Cocomelon-themed doctor kit. It's super-interactive, as JJ's head, elbow, knee, or foot will light up when it "hurts." She can help him "feel better" by applying one of the three decorative band aids, as well as checking his temperature and heart or giving him a shot. JJ's even sings "The Boo Boo Song" when you press his tummy. Price at time of publication: $45 Play Doh Kitchen Creations Pizza Oven Playset Target View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target Pizza night just got a makeover! Allow your little one to help with the "cooking" by creating doughy pizzas for the whole family. The best parts are patting, cutting, and decorating the slices. Price at time of publication: $17 Step2 Fantasy Vanity Girls Pretend Vanity Play Set Walmart View On Walmart View On Hsn.com View On Kohls.com Your kid can pretend to be a YouTube star and "get ready" at this makeup station. It features a shatterproof mirror, drawers to store play cosmetics, and a stool to sit on. It also comes with a handbrush, comb, and handheld mirror. Price at time of publication: $95 Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Academy.com This junior-sized hoop is perfect for a little athlete. It adjusts to three different heights, so it'll grow right alongside your basketball star. It also comes with three balls. Pro tip: If you have a kid who likes to dunk, you can weight the bottom of the hoop with sand so it stays put. Price at time of publication: $36 Melissa & Doug Wooden Café Barista Coffee Shop Amazon View On Amazon If your little one is always begging for a drink when you hit up the coffee shop, she'll love this Melissa & Doug set! The counter has everything she'll need to make the perfect brew—a cup and mug, tea and coffee pods, whipped cream, and so much more. All the benefits of a cup of joe, and none of the downsides (namely, a toddler who is bouncing off the walls)! Price at time of publication: $120 Educational Insights Design & Drill Patterns & Shapes View On Walmart View On Hsn.com View On Kohls.com Help your child learn their shapes and patterns with this fun tool set. The set comes with 5 pattern cards that kids can "build" with their drill and different colored screws. Or, they can create designs straight from their imagination. It's a great way to introduce STEM concepts while fostering fine motor skills. Price at time of publication: $19 GUND Magic Draw and Glow Panda Amazon View On Amazon Some kids can't help themselves—they draw on whatever is in front of them. Luckily, this snuggly panda is meant to be drawn on! It comes with a LED pen that kids can use to draw patterns, write words, or make scribbles all over the panda's body. Their drawings will then glow in the dark! The best part? They fade after two minutes, no washing required. Price at time of publication: $40 Manhattan Toy Playdate Friends Harper Doll Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Nordstrom This adorable doll is machine-washable, so it can handle whatever your child throws at it (or on it). The outfits are removable, too, so there are endless options for playing dress-up! Besides Harper, you can get five other Manhattan friends to suit your kid's fancy. Price at time of publication: $29 LEGO Build Me Emotions DUPLO Set Amazon View On Amazon You're probably already helping your kid identify her emotions. Whether she's sad, scared, angry, or happy, this Duplo set can help her figure it out. The bricks have various facial expressions that can help her identify what she's feeling. They're Duplos, which means they're endlessly durable and can be stuck together in as many ways as your child can imagine. Price at time of publication: $90 Magna-Tiles 32-Piece Clear Colors Set Amazon View On Amazon These magnetic tiles are addicting to play with. Your child will be fascinated by how they stick together by "magic," though it's actually a brilliant opportunity to talk about scientific principles (in an age-appropriate way, of course). This set comes with 32 translucent shapes that your kid can fasion into any number of two- and three-dimensional projects. Price at time of publication: $50 What to Look for in Gifts for Three-Year-Old Girls Versatility Three-year-olds will often begin to play with their peers rather than playing alone near them (parallel play). This developmental step happens gradually, however. Young preschoolers don't fully grasp the concept of sharing yet, and it is best not to force them to share. Instead, choose toys that can be played with alone or with others. That way, caregivers can respect the child's needs by letting them decide to play by themselves when they want to, but also keep the door open for collaboration. 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 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 3 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Important milestones: Your child by three years. Brownell CA, Iesue SS, Nichols SR, Svetlova M. Mine or yours? Development of sharing in toddlers in relation to ownership understanding. Child Dev. 2013;84(3):906-920. doi:10.1111/cdev.12009 Brown CG. Improving fine motor skills in young children: an intervention study. Educ Psychol Pract. 2010;26(3):269-278. doi:10.1080/02667363.2010.495213 See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit