Best toys for 3 year olds: Christmas gifts preschoolers will love

Our verdict

Young children love to build and create and, with the Magna-Tiles Clear Colours 32-Piece Set, they’ll be able to combine creativity with learning about maths and science. Mumsnetters highly recommend this brand across the forums for its strong magnets and versatility compared to competitors. This set is an excellent tester pack for determining your child's interests, although it is a little pricey. So, if you're sure you're three-year-old will love it, some customers recommend going straight for the large 100-piece set instead.

The 3D magnetic triangles and squares come in different colours with a glitter and mirror effect that adds an extra dimension to their builds. They also glow in the dark! These tiles are made from safe toxic-free plastic and use a spoke design and strong encapsulated magnets for building and stacking. The set offers opportunities for sensory play and aids fine motor skills. However, it is marketed primarily as a STEM toy that encourages curiosity and introduces children to magnets, gravity, fluorescents and shape.

While this type of play will appeal to young children, it will keep older ones busy too, so it’s a great value STEM toy that should last years.

Related: The best books for 3 year olds, according to Mumsnetters

Our verdict

Sand is a great sensory play experience to aid a child’s physical development and inspire creativity. However, if your child loves sand but you don’t like the mess that comes with an outdoor sand table, nobody’s judging you. Those tiny grains get everywhere, don’t they?

Thankfully, Kinetic Sand offers the perfect solution and is highly recommended by Mumsnetters on the forums as a suitable toy for three-ykineticear-olds. As the sand is stickier and more malleable than regular sand, it can be scooped up, shaped and moulded by little hands. It’s suitable for indoor play and is infinitely easier to clean up once playtime is over. Also, as Kinetic Sand never dries out, they’ll have hours of fun making different shapes, including kings, queens and castles, with the seven different moulds and tools.

This portable box opens out as a play space and stores all the sand and tools away at the end of the day, so you get all the fun of sand with minimal mess. You can also buy different tools and sand colours to provide plenty of mixing and moulding fun.

Read next: The best stairgates for a safe, toddler-friendly home

Our verdict

Simple but effective, ‘magic’ water colouring will delight creative pre-schoolers and parents on a budget. Containing six reusable pictures in a compact book, the Galt Toys Water Magic also comes with a special refillable water pen to provide mess-free fun both at home and on the go.

Dinosaur fans will love making the pictures magically appear with just a touch of the water pen. There is also a range of other books, including vehicles and animals, to suit different interests. Unlike an ordinary colouring book, once the page dries out, the colours disappear so children can use it again and again. Though some previous customers report that the pen drips a little too quickly and can scratch the pages, these are outweighed by those who claim to love the product.

If you need something to entertain your little one on the go, it’s ideal. It’s also a great substitute for painting if you’re not in the mood to clear up endless splatters and paint posts. Like Kinetic Sand Folding Sandbox, it’s another mess-busting toy that makes parents’ lives easier - amen to that.

Read next: The best toys for 4 year olds, tried and tested by Mumsnetters

Our verdict

While role play toys are great fun for little ones, sometimes it’s amazing to be able to give them real tools made for little hands. This Tiny Traditions trowel and fork set from Spear and Jackson are miniature versions of real garden tools, and preschoolers will love helping out in the garden and feeling grown up. 

The tools are made from stainless steel and weatherproofed hardwood, the tools will last longer than toy garden tools, and can be used for playing in the sand or helping out with planting and weeding.

Related: Our pick of the best toys for 5 year olds

Our verdict

Squidgy, colourful and tactile, who doesn’t love a bit of Play-Doh? This hair salon set makes Play-Doh even more fun, with a pump that makes colourful hair grow, and lots of hairdressing tools for kids to style the hair as they please. 

As we know all too well, Play-Doh can get messy, so this is definitely a kitchen-table activity to save your carpets. Play-Doh is a real classic, whether you make yours at home or buy the little pots. This playset makes a fantastic gift that they’ll love to play with for years.

Read next: The best toys for 6 year olds, handpicked from real recommendations

Our verdict

A special place for them to create paintings, drawings and collages, this easel is a brilliant gift for a 3 year old that will last for years to come. It’s height adjustable so it grows with your child, and has two sides - a chalk board and magnetic white board. There’s a paper roll holder with a child-safe paper cutter, 4 easy-grip clips and 2 plastic trays to store their art materials in. 

Dedicated to high-quality materials and screen-free fun, Melissa and Doug is a brand well-loved among Mumsnetters. This easel is well made, a great size and folds flat for easy storage.

Related: The best toy storage for a clutter-free home

Our verdict

If you can stand the tension, Pop-Up Pirate is a fab game for 3-year-olds. Hold your breath as each player carefully withdraws one sword from the barrel, until the pirate dramatically pops out of the top. 

Encouraging turn-taking and developing their fine motor skills, Pop-Up Pirate will challenge 3-year-olds just enough while still being great fun for them.

Read next: The best child safety locks to babyproof your home

Our verdict

Baby Annabell is widely considered one of the best doll brands on the market and is highly recommended on Mumsnet forums for their high-quality, engaging range and accompanying accessories. On this list, we've decided to include Little Sophia, Annabell's older sister, as an alternative for three-year-olds. Part of the same range, Little Sophia is a toy that's perfect for toddlers as they get a little bit older.

First things first, there’s no denying that there are much cheaper baby dolls on the market. If you’re looking for a doll to be dragged to the playground and back by your pre-schooler, this might be too much of a budget stretch. But if your little one will treasure and take care of their doll, it’s well worth the money. Little Sophia has long, styleable hair and sleepy eyes and arrives dressed in a cute easy-fit outfit. Although she does not come with additional accessories, a whole range can be purchased and make for easy gift-giving ideas for other family members.

Little Sophia is an excellent choice for three-year-olds because her soft body is perfect for cuddles and can resemble themselves and other children. Playing with her can inspire their imaginations whilst building their personal, social and emotional skills and developing their understanding of empathy and responsibility.

Our verdict

Dolls prams are a child's toy staple, loved by children of all ages. They can help develop children's gross motor skills, like balance and coordination and inspire social, emotional and personal skills as they learn to care for a doll and themselves.  On Mumsnet forums, parents recommend a pram as a versatile toy for a three-year-old that will be played with for years to come.

That's why we think this Combi Pram from John Lewis is the best doll's pram for 3-year-olds. Although it is a little pricier than other products, previous customers rate it for its sturdy and robust design that can be used indoors and outdoors. Small, compact and easy to fold away for storage, this Combi pram is designed to be realistic and is ideal for carrying Baby Annabell or Little Sophia. Don't worry about the weather either; this pram has a rain hood making it ideal for a walk in the park. Included in the price are an undercarriage shopping basket and changing bag perfect for storing accessories and encouraging real-life role-play.

Our verdict

Fans of Bluey will love this simple board game that encourages co-operation. Players must work together to find 12 tokens, and the first to collect enough tokens is the winner. 

Taking turns and following rules can be challenging for lots of preschoolers and toddlers, and this easy to play game is a lovely, gentle way to get them comfortable with collaboration and a smidge of competition.

Our verdict

You can't beat a good jigsaw on rainy days and weekends for keeping little ones entertained. Orchard Toys makes a range of brilliant floor puzzles, including dinosaurs and numbers, with large pieces that make learning fun. The Giant Road Floor Puzzle is even more special because children can enjoy building it and playing with it afterwards.

The 20-piece puzzle can be built into a different layout each time so kids can create their own world, adding their toy cars to it as they please. The pieces feature illustrated characters and a fun but educational road safety theme.

A puzzle like this encourages a child to be imaginative and is a toy they can share with others or enjoy independently. You can buy more packs for even bigger creations, although you’ll need some extra floor space, of course.

Our verdict

You can’t beat Hot Wheels for their classic toy car design. These nifty little creations are the ideal size for little hands so your mini racing driver can zip them around to their heart's content. Compact and streamlined, they stash easily in a pocket or rucksack too. Constructed from durable metal with a myriad of different designs and colours, Hot Wheels are a collector’s dream, and each of these packs contains a different set of cars.

This assortment pack containing 9 cars makes a great starter set. There are plenty of accessories and single cars available from Hot Wheels, so your little one’s collection can be added to infinitely. Our top tip: get an assortment pack and use the individual cars for rewards and stocking fillers.

Shopping for younger kids too? We've got you covered - here's Mumsnetters' pick of the best toys for 18-month-olds

Our verdict

A playmat with roads is an excellent addition to any child's toy collection, as it offers hours of versatile fun for children of all ages. That's why Rug House has designed their playmat with children and parents in mind. It is easy enough to fold away or slip under the sofa for easy storage when not in use and is made from an easy-to-clean and durable material, guaranteeing that this mat will last you years.

The rug features a town with roads, roundabouts, car parks and buildings, perfect for whizzing Hot Wheels cars. This ideal play area is small but is the right size for a toddler. The only recommendation we'd make is to buy some carpet grippers for under the rug on hardwood floors, as this could be a potential trip or slip hazard for you and your child.

Our verdict

Forget Alexa! Children can dance, sing and listen to stories on their own Toniebox - a cuddly, portable speaker that gives your child access to hours of audiobooks and music. It’s an investment buy but one that your child is sure to use for years to come.

The Toniebox Starter Set comes with a Tonie character included. Still, children can customise it further using their favourites from The Gruffalo, Peter Rabbit, Paw Patrol and In The Night Garden. Simply place the character on the cube, and it starts to play the stories, stopping when the character is removed or the audio finishes. Child-friendly controls make it easy to use, even for three-year-olds, and with up to seven hours of listening, your child can use it on the go, at bedtime and around the house.  For parental control, download the Tonies app to monitor your child's access and record your own stories for them to listen to at bedtime or when you’re not around.

Want to know more? Read our in-depth Toniebox review.

Our verdict

Is your child a chip off the old block? Then, why not encourage DIY talent and passion in your three-year-old with John Lewis' Wooden Workbench?

Made from high-quality FSC-certified wood, this charming wooden toy arrives complete with a peg board, tool storage, clamp and mini saw that'll result in exciting, realistic role-play that'll entertain your child for hours. You don't have to spend any extra on additional tools either, as there is a hammer, a spanner, a screwdriver and several nuts, bolts, and connecting planks all included in the price. Charming, appropriately sized and made to John Lewis' high standard, this is an investment purchase with plenty of staying power.

Our verdict

While bikes are great, they can be bulky and impractical on days out and not at all fun if you’re the one left hauling them around when your kids decide to dismount. Scooters are an excellent alternative for young kids who can happily whizz around on the Mini Micro Deluxe Scooter. Available in bright, fun colours, this modern design classic is lightweight and has three wheels to support their balance and steering.

Suitable for ages two to five, this scooter has a handlebar which can be easily adjusted to grow with your child. It’s robust to protect against wear and tear and has a gripped footplate to ensure that your little one can safely pick up speed. There are no two ways around it; this scooter is pricier than other similar scooters. However, parents on our talk boards rate it for design and durability, making it a sound investment buy. Also, don’t fret if anything breaks because every part can be replaced.

Our verdict

For full-of-beans three-year-olds, a trampoline is a great energy burner. With most regular trampolines only suitable for 6 and up, toddler trampolines like this one from Plum are a godsend.

While reviewers say the instructions are tricky to follow, once it’s up this trampoline will keep your little one busy in the garden or in the living room on a rainy day. It weighs 5kg so is easy to pick up and move to wherever’s convenient.

Tested by MNHQ: Read our full Plum Junior Bouncer review

Our verdict

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe is a ride-on classic. It’s been whizzing around back gardens and playgroups for 30 years and is available in several styles now, as well as the classic little red car. Reviews suggest it’s a bit of a pain to put together but once it’s set up, it’s really tough and robust and will be good for years. It’s also hardy enough to be left out in the garden in all weathers.

It has lots to appeal to toddlers including a working horn, an ignition that moves and clicks, a fuel cap to open to add petrol and even cup holders! The door opens to get in easily and there’s a storage area in the back to pop your teddy in, too. The front wheels rotate 360 degrees and there’s a removable floor so the car can be pushed along by the parent or propelled by your toddler’s own feet on the floor. That’s what gives this ride-on real longevity - kids can start using it long before they’re capable of pushing it themselves. As well as being a great ride-on toy, we think it's one of the best toys for 2-year-olds.

Our verdict

If your 3-year-old is a bit of a screen addict, it can be difficult to find toys that help them chill out and keep them entertained when you're travelling or just want a bit of downtime for yourself. The Yoto Mini is a portable, screen-free audio player designed with young children in mind.

With an audio port for headphones, children can select from a range of Yoto cards (sold separately) and choose from a selection of stories, music, activities and even meditations to help keep them calm and comfortable during travel without relying on tablets.

The Yoto mini is small, lightweight and easy to carry, whilst providing educational and entertaining audio to listen to on the go.

Tested by MNHQ: Read our full Yoto Mini review

Our verdict

Brio train sets come highly praised amongst Mumsnet users thanks to their traditional designs, chunky pieces and high-quality FSC-certified wood.

This 26-piece Brio Railway Starter Set is great for beginners, featuring a classic figure-of-eight track layout with a mountain tunnel and bridge. Naturally, it fits with all other BRIO world sets and trains, meaning you can expand and grow the set as much as you like.

The push-along magnetic train set includes two engines and one carriage, three characters and a sign that can be switched between green and red for go and stop. Children will love playing with the driver and passengers, opening up the carriage and popping the little luggage case inside.

Looking for more train sets? Here's our guide to the best train sets for kids

Our verdict

The TP Muddy Madness Mud Kitchen is a thoughtfully designed garden toy that encourages lots of creative play, from preparing ‘veg’ on the removable countertop to washing up in the large sink underneath. There’s plenty of room and a variety of activities, so up to three children can easily play together.

This fantastic mud kitchen has a working tap, two large chalkboards, a realistic four-ring hob and ample storage space. It also comes with great quality stainless steel accessories that are fun to use and can be hung from hooks.

Crafted from FSC-certified wood and built to last, this mud kitchen doesn’t come cheap, but we think it’s well worth the money. Easy to assemble, thanks to clear and concise instructions, your child’s new toy will be up and ready to play with within just a couple of hours.

Our verdict

If you're looking for an interactive dinosaur set that will keep fidgety kids still and happy for a while, then look no further than this realistic dinosaur set from TEMI. It comes with nine hand-painted walking dinosaur figures, including a Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Giganotosaurus, a Therizinosaurus and a Stegosaurus (although some reviewers say you may end up with a slightly different selection), five trees, a fun dino mat and a handy storage box, which should help keep things tidy.

It's recommended for toddlers but kids will likely play with this long after they start school. It's such great value and will help teach younger children how to share and enjoy imaginative play together.

Our verdict

This deluxe brick box is a brilliant introduction to LEGO DUPLO and would also make a perfect addition to an existing collection. With 85 bricks in a rainbow of vibrant and pastel shades the set offers loads of scope for creativity and because it has no set theme your child is free to build almost anything they can think of. The blocks can be combined with other DUPLO sets as well for endless play possibilities.

With accessories including a car, window, slide, swing, and flowers, and even a pair of people and an adorable dog, your little one can enjoy creative, role playing games once they’ve finished building. And best of all, when they’ve finished playing with their colourful creations the bricks can be easily tidied away into the sturdy storage box.

Our verdict

The free daily mini-podcast and Yoto radio make a lovely soundtrack to kids' day. This clever player - the larger version of the Yoto Mini - has a handful of brilliant extra features that make it a bedtime hero.

As well as playing audiobooks via Yoto cards, it also has a nightlight, alarm clock and OK-to-wake function, plus it plays white noise and sleep sounds. The cards are super simple to use - designed with little hands in mind, so even 2-year-olds can put on their favourite story.

Our verdict

Made from responsibly sourced materials, this gorgeous and timeless country-style play kitchen features a realistic hob, oven and in-built Belfast sink that we'd personally love for our own kitchen. Available in pink or blue, depending on your child's personal preference.

Tidlo's toy kitchen has clicking dials, storage cupboards and a clock with moveable hands perfect for learning to tell the time, not forgetting that it comes with accessories, including three kitchen utensils, a plastic sink bowl, salt and pepper and washing up liquid! Designed with a taller work surface than other play kitchens, your child can get years of play out of it, and it’s big enough for them to play with a sibling or a friend. This product combines style and fun to make a fantastic all-round play kitchen that we think parents and children will love.