The 19 Best Toys for 3-Year-Olds of 2021

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On the brink of being preschoolers, 3-year olds are really fun to shop for when it comes to finding the right gift. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or a just because celebration, most 3-year olds will have just as much fun unwrapping the gift as they will receiving it. Choose something that is age-appropriate, easy to play with, and fun!

Use this guide to find the right gift for your budget, lifestyle, and lucky 3-year old in your life.

Our Top Picks

Kindi Kids Fun Time Friends at Amazon

The sturdy doll is sized just right for younger kids and can withstand some rough and tumble play.

Bluey Plush Two-Pack at Amazon

The eight inch Bluey and Bingo dolls are soft and cozy, perfect for snuggles, story time, or playing.

Blockaroo Magnetic Foam Building Blocks at Amazon

These soft foam blocks contain magnets. Young builders will love the open-ended possibilities that these STEM toys provide.

Step2 Timeless Trends Play Kitchen at Amazon

Enough for a few kids to parallel play and plenty to do for solo fun as well, the set comes with 18 cool kitchen accessories.

John Deere Big Scoop Dump Truck at Amazon

Get rolling in the backyard, sandbox, or playroom with this oversized dump truck that’s sure to keep little kids very busy.

Kid Connection Baby Doll Stroller Set at Walmart

Perfect for soon-to-be older siblings or those that love to care for their dolls, this gift will encourage pretend play.

Fat Brain Toys Waddle Bobbers Bath Toy at Amazon

These weighted penguin toys spin, wobble, and float in the tub. The set comes with six penguins, a slide, and an iceberg.

Kido Magnatab at Amazon

Get a jump start on early writing and letter identification with this genius magnetic toy that features the upper case alphabet.

Point Games Googly Tower Stacking Game at Amazon

The stacking challenge helps young kids build hand-eye coordination along with the concept of game play and taking turns.

USA Toyz Pop Up Kidz Tent at Amazon

This easy-to-assemble pop up tent has a tie-back flap door, mesh widows, carrying case, and can fit up to three kids.

An oversized Fun Time Friend is just what your preschooler will love playing with. The sturdy doll is sized just right for younger kids and can withstand some rough and tumble play. Each doll comes with removable clothes and shoes, brushable hair, and accessories.

If your kiddo is obsessed with the little blue dog from the outback, it is a no-brainer that they will appreciate this set. Cuddly and soft, your Bluey fan will love their very own plush two-pack. The 8-inch Bluey and Bingo dolls are perfectly plush, ideal for snuggles, story time, or pretend play.

Just like magic, these soft foam blocks contain magnets, so they click together. Young builders will love the open-ended possibilities that these STEM toys provide. The foam is safe in the bath, so the fun can go anywhere your kiddo goes.

What Our Editors Say

"Some toys that are designed to be played in and out of water actually end up falling apart from being submerged. These blocks are made from a very lightweight foam-like material that dries quickly so they don't disintegrate over time. My son played with these in and out of the water and the magnetic pieces worked and the foam is still holding up" - Latifah Miles, Commerce Editor Verywell Family

A splurge-worthy gift that’ll get tons of use, this play kitchen has a neutral design and multiple kitchen stations. There’s room enough for a few kids to parallel play and plenty to do for solo fun as well. The set comes with decals for your kiddo to spruce up the design and 18 kitchen accessories to add to the pretend play.

Get rolling in the backyard, sandbox, or playroom with this oversized dump truck that’s sure to keep little kids very busy. Free rolling wheels and the fully functional dumping action are fun indoors or out. Parents praise the well-made truck as long-lasting and tons of fun.

Perfect for soon-to-be older siblings or those that love to care for their dolls, this gift will encourage pretend play. This kid-sized set comes with a baby doll, stroller, outfit, bottle, and more.

The 7 Best Big Sister Gifts of 2021

Penguin party in the tub! These weighted penguin toys spin, wobble, and float in the tub. The set comes with six penguins, a slide, and an iceberg. Fully sealed, water will never get inside the award-winning bath toys.

Get a jump start on early writing and letter identification with this genius magnetic toy that features the full upper case alphabet. The built-in stylus pen pulls up the magnetic beads as kids are encouraged to follow the arrows and trace the letters.

Fun and face-paced, this easy-to-learn game can be played with friends or alone. The stacking challenge helps young kids build hand-eye coordination along with the concept of gameplay and taking turns.

Give young kids their very own private play space, even in the middle of the house. This easy-to-assemble pop-up tent has a tie-back flap door, mesh widows, carrying case, and can fit up to three kids.

The included projector toy showcases themed images to complete the fun. Choose from space or other themes that fit your kiddo’s interests.

We all know how helpful doctors are, so it’s no wonder if your child wants to dress up like one. This kid-sized, well-made doctor costume comes with a jacket, mask, and essential doctor tools.

Your mini-me will love to get rolling on this super popular three-wheeled scooter. Perfect for little kids, the adjustable and lightweight scooter helps kids master balance and movement while making sure they're safe on a wide and stable base.

A lovely gift, especially for kids with unique names, this all-wood puzzle will help kids with letter recognition and hand-eye coordination. Choose from a wide variety of color and style options for a one-of-a-kind present.

Jumbo-sized for the preschool-aged crew, this DUPLO set includes 20+ pieces that’ll turn into an airport, plane, and characters. Use this toy to build excitement and ease worry for any first-time flyers.

Give a young kid their very own oversized kickball and watch how much fun they’ll have. Decorated with a cute frog, this ball is perfect to kick, bounce, throw, roll, and play with.

Wow your kiddo with their very own dune racer vehicle. With room for two (weight maximum is 130 pounds), the dune buggy drives forward at either 2.5 or 5 miles per hour (parent-controlled) and in reverse at 2.5 miles per hour.

First 100 Stickers: Animals: Over 500 Stickers

Kids will love learning about animals, building vocabulary, and focus on hand-eye coordination as they are challenged to find matching stickers and place them in the correct spot. With 100 animals and over 500 stickers, this book is sure to be well-loved.

Cozy up to Jellycat’s incredibly soft stuffed elephant. Machine washable, this stuffy is sure to be well-loved, but if elephants aren’t your thing, pick from Jellycat’s wide array of super soft stuffies.

Little Likes Kids Joyful Carousel Jumbo Puzzle

Not only is the artwork on this puzzle inspiring with its depiction of multicultural families, but the oversized pieces are sized just right for little hands. Fun alone or with a friend, a puzzle is a smart addition to the playroom.

Final Verdict

There are so many great toys out there for 3-year olds. For affordable options that are fun again and again, a Melissa & Doug Froggy Kickball (view at Amazon), Melissa & Doug Water Wow Book (view at Amazon), or Little Likes Kids puzzles (view at Amazon) are all great picks.

If you’re looking for a splurge that’ll get lots of use alone or with a friend, a Step2 Play Kitchen (view at Amazon) or Micro Kickboard Scooter (view at Amazon) is always fun.

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 10-year-old son, 6-year-old son, and 2-year-old daughter. In her house, a scooter and a personalized cape are an official sign of being 3 years old (and of course they must be used together).

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The 19 Best Toys for 3-Year-Olds of 2021

Find the right toys for older toddlers

Kindi Kids Fun Time Friends

Bluey Plush Two-Pack

Blockaroo Magnetic Foam Building Blocks

What Our Editors Say

Step2 Timeless Trends Play Kitchen

John Deere Big Scoop Dump Truck

Kid Connection Baby Doll Stroller Set

Fat Brain Toys Waddle Bobbers Bath Toy

Kido Magnatab

Point Games Googly Tower Stacking Game

USA Toyz Pop Up Kidz Tent

Melissa & Doug Doctor Role Play Costume

Micro Kickboard Mini Deluxe 3 Scooter

WoodilyToys Wooden Name Puzzle

LEGO DUPLO Town Airport Set

Melissa & Doug Froggy Kickball

Power Wheels Dune Racer

First 100 Stickers: Animals: Over 500 Stickers

Jellycat Fuddlewuddle Elephant Plush

Little Likes Kids Joyful Carousel Jumbo Puzzle