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Best toys for 3 year olds: gifts preschoolers will love

Shopping for toys for the three-year-old in your life? Here's our guide to the best toys available in 2024, as recommended by real parents.

By Gemma Wilcock | Last updated Feb 23, 2024

If you have a three- or nearly 3-year-old, you'll know they're wonderful and challenging in equal measure. As kids grow from a toddler to a preschooler they're making significant physical, emotional and social steps forward. They're in the progress of developing their individual personality, which seems to involve limitless energy, curiosity, excitement and the occasional breakdown - all of which makes choosing the best toys for 3 year olds rather tricky.

Here at Mumsnet we know in the toddler years and beyond, playtime is about so much more than just having fun. Whether they're making tea for their best dolls, or finding new ways to enjoy the toys they loved best at two years old, playing is essential to your little one's emotional, mental and physical development.

So, when buying three-year-old toys they'll love, it is understandable that it can feel like a bit of a minefield trying to work out which ones will engage and delight them and which ones will be destined to gather dust in a corner. What you want is a toy that ticks lots of boxes. It needs to be engaging, inspiring and educational to boot. When a child is learning so much about life and their bodies daily, an ideal toy for three-year-olds should help develop essential skills, such as fine motor, problem-solving and social skills. However, with the cost of living crisis and rising energy costs tightening our budgets, we know that the toys you buy need to be affordable, too, or at the very least, a high-quality investment.

Children do the majority of their learning through play, even when it looks like they aren't - something to remember when you’re watching your little daredevil whizzing around on their scooter… Therefore having the right toys at the right time can have a significant impact. That's why our guide includes toys that will nurture your three-year-old creatively, physically, socially and cognitively at an appropriate level. Better yet, all of them are recommended by parents, trusted by experts and loved by children, guaranteeing our guide to the best toys for three-year-olds is honest, up-to-date and dependable.

These are the best toys for 3 year olds right now.

Best toys for 3 year olds - editor's pick

1
What we like
  • Highly recommended by Mumsnetters

  • Strong magnets

  • Excellent skill builders

  • Safe plastic

What we don't like
  • Mirror tiles scratch easily

  • Some previous customers recommended buying this pack in addition to the 100 pieces pack.

Key specs

Price: £30 | Dimensions: ‎3.8 x 40.64 x 30.48 cm | Weight: 1.23kg | Material: Plastic | Number of pieces: 15 | Assembly required: No | Batteries: No | Age: 3+ | Educational objectives: Creative, numeracy, cognitive and fine motor skills

What Mumsnet users say
Littlehouseinthebigcity · Tried & Tested
My three-year-old got them, and then I gave some to my niece. They're fab and can be very versatile and played with for years.
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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

2

Kinetic Sand Folding Sand Box

What we like
  • Highly recommended by Mumsnetters

  • Re-useable

  • Portable carry case

  • Easy storage and clean up

  • Sensory play

What we don't like
  • You may need to buy additional sand, as 2 lbs of sand does not cover half the box.

Key specs

Price: £15 | Dimensions: H12.07cm x W39.37cm x D29.21cm | Weight: 10kg | Material: Plastic and sand | Number of pieces: 1 | Assembly required: No | Batteries: No | Age: 5-7 | Educational objectives: Creative, cognitive and fine motor skills

What Mumsnet users say
Namechanger20183110 · Tried & Tested
Things my three-year-old DS loves - Kinetic Sand. It's not messy and keeps him entertained for ages.
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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

3
What we like
  • Re-useable

  • No mess

  • Part of a series

  • Portable for travelling

  • Colours are vibrant

What we don't like
  • Pen drips and can scratch the page

Key specs

Price; £7 | Dimensions: H14.2cm x W2.01cm x D26.49cm | Weight: 226.8g | Number of pieces: 2 | Assembly required: No | Batteries: No | Age: 3+ | Educational objectives: Creative, fine motor skills

What Mumsnet users say
BettyBoop82 · Recommended
Water painting books, particularly those by Galt, were a favourite birthday present!
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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

4

Spear & Jackson Tiny Traditions Trowel and Fork Set

What we like
  • Gets kids outdoors

  • Direct copy of adult tools

  • Plastic free

  • Sturdy and well made

  • Teach real skills

What we don't like
  • Heavier than other kids' garden tools

Key specs

Price: £12 | Dimensions: 25 x 9 x 6cm | Weight: 276g | Number of pieces: 2 | Assembly required: No | Batteries: No | Age: 3+ | Educational objectives: Collaborative, fine motor skills

What Mumsnet users say
thefirsttime · Tried & Tested
We’ve got the Spear and Jackson tiny traditions fork and trowel which are good and mini versions of the adult tools. The only problem is that my ‘helper’ wants to use my tools rather than his so I end up having to use his!
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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

Mumsnetter-approved maths toys for 3-year-olds

5
What we like
  • Great for solo or playing together

  • Comes with 8 pots of Play-Doh

  • Lots of tools to play with

What we don't like
  • Play-Doh can be messy

Key specs

Price: £13 | Dimensions: 7 x 28 x 22cm | Weight: 957g | Material: Plastic | Number of pieces: 21 | Assembly required: Minimal | Batteries: 1 A battery required | Age: 3 years+ | Educational objectives: Imaginative, sensory

What Mumsnet users say
IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · Tried & Tested
One of our best loved, most played with toys.
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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

6

Melissa and Doug Wooden Easel with Accessories

What we like
  • Trusted and highly recommended brand by Mumsnetters

  • Height adjustable

  • Comes with lots of accessories

  • Fun and useful for a range of ages

What we don't like
  • Pricey

Key specs

Price: £85 | Dimensions: 69 x 120 x 66cm | Weight: 870g | Material: Wood and plastic | Number of pieces: 1 | Assembly required: No | Batteries: No | Age: 3 years+ | Educational objectives: Creativity

What Mumsnet users say
Kungfoopanda · Tried & Tested
We have the Melissa and Doug one, really sturdy and good quality. My 3 year old adores it and every child that comes to the house goes for it so would recommend as a longer term toy.
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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

7

Tomy Pop Up Pirate

What we like
  • Classic game

  • Fun and unpredictable

  • Encourages turn taking

What we don't like
  • Could make kids jump

Key specs

Price: £10 | Dimensions: 27 x 21 x 15cm | Weight: 20g | Material: Plastic | Number of pieces: 26 | Assembly required: No | Batteries: No | Age: 3 years+ | Educational objectives: Taking turns, fine motor skills

What Mumsnet users say
NameChange30 · Recommended
Pop up pirate; it's a classic!
See Post
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

8

Baby Annabell Little Sophia Doll

What we like
  • Highly recommended brand by Mumsnetters

  • Long hair that can be styled

  • Easy-fit outfits

  • Soft body

  • Sleeping eyes

  • Can buy additional accessories and dolls

What we don't like
  • Pricier than other competitors

  • Does not have accessories included

Key specs

Price: £30 | Dimensions: H17.4cm x W20.4cm x D33cm | Weight: 810g | Material: Plastic | Number of pieces: 3 | Assembly required: No | Batteries: No | Age: 1 years+ | Educational objectives: Imaginative, social and emotional skills

What Mumsnet users say
sleepismysuperpower1 · Tried & Tested
We got baby Annabell dolls last year which were a hit, and meant relatives could buy things like clothes, a pram etc for that.
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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. The Baby Annabell Little Sophia Doll 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.

9

John Lewis Baby Doll Combi Pram

What we like
  • Realistic pram

  • Compact

  • Portable

  • Sturdy design (including rain hood)

  • Shopping basket and changing bag included

What we don't like
  • Pricier than other doll's prams

Key specs

Price: £40 | Dimensions: H67cm x W67cm x D41cm | Material: Plastic | Number of pieces: 1 | Assembly required: Yes | Batteries: No | Age: 3 years+ | Educational objectives: Personal, social and emotional, communication and gross motor skills

What Mumsnet users say
isthistoonosy · Recommended
A baby doll and pram were popular with mine and are still used 4 yrs later.
See Post
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.

10

Bluey Scavenger Hunt Board Game

What we like
  • Encourages teamwork

  • Kids love Bluey and her friends

  • Easy to follow rules

What we don't like
  • Games with rules don't come naturally to all 3-year-olds

Key specs

Price: £15 | Dimensions: 27 x 40 x 4cm | Material: Cardboard | Number of pieces: 70 | Assembly required: No | Batteries: No | Age: 3 years+ | Educational objectives: Collaboration and social skills

What Mumsnet users say
pasbeaucoupdegendarme · Tried & Tested
There are two board games based on Bluey - one called Scavenger Hunt and one called Shadowlands. They’re really lovely 'first board games'.
See Post
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.

11

Orchard Toys Giant Road Floor Puzzle

What we like
  • Mumsnetters highly recommend this brand

  • Reasonably-priced

  • Interchangeable pieces

  • Can be used as a play mat for toy cars

What we don't like
  • The puzzle pieces can come apart when you drive a toy car over them

Key specs

Price: £12 | Dimensions: H30.5cm x W9cm x D26cm | Material: Cardboard | Number of pieces: 20 | Assembly required: No | Batteries: No | Age: 3 years+ | Educational objectives: Cognitive and fine motor skills

What Mumsnet users say
Tonkerbea · Tried & Tested
Orchard Toys does a lovely road puzzle. We have two sets as it's a big hit with our three-year-old.
See Post
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.

12

Hot Wheels 9-Pack

What we like
  • Mumsnetter recommended brand

  • Portable size

  • Different cars in each pack

What we don't like
  • Kids can never have enough Hot Wheels

Key specs

Price: £12 | Dimensions: H12.7cm x W12.7cm x D12.7cm | Weight: 138g | Material: Metal and Plastic | Number of pieces: 9 | Assembly required: No | Batteries: No | Age: 3-8 years | Educational objectives: Communication, language and fine motor skills

What Mumsnet users say
CoodleMoodle · Tried & Tested
My DS is 3.5 and has been obsessed with Hot Wheels for a couple of years. We've got loads of cars and some playsets, including the Ultimate Garage. We had Toot Toot cars/track when he was younger but he's always preferred HW.
See Post
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

13

The Rug House Play Village Mat

What we like
  • Easy clean

  • Multi-use

  • Foldable

  • Extra Strong

  • Good-quality

What we don't like
  • Might need to purchase a carpet gripper for the use of the rug on hardwood floors

  • Smaller than some expected

  • Base can go crumbly if machine washed

Key specs

Price: £23 | Dimensions: W100cm x L165cm | Weight: 1.72kg | Number of pieces: 1 | Assembly required: No | Batteries: No | Age: All ages | Educational objectives: Cognitive, communication, language and fine motor skills

What Mumsnet users say
AmyDudley · Tried & Tested
At that age mine loved playing with a play mat - it had roads, fields, ponds etc painted on it (I made it actually but you can buy them) and I bought a selection of plastic farm/wild animals, little cars, dinosaurs, and people (police officer, firefighter, lollipop person etc) and they used to make up all sorts of games using the mat as a base. They also liked the sandpit - I had one that had a lid that was like a terrain with hills and craters etc on it - they used all the animals cars etc on that too.
See Post
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.

14
What we like
  • Easy to use

  • Soft enough to cuddle

  • Seven hours of listening time

  • Automatic turn off

  • Parental controls

What we don't like
  • The cost of Tonies characters can add up

Key specs

Price: £80 | Dimensions: H12cm x W12cm x D12cm | Material: Fabric and Plastic | Number of pieces: 2 | Assembly required: No | Batteries: Rechargeable batteries included | Age: 3 years+ | Educational objectives: Listening, music and language skills

What Mumsnet users say
Purplebatbear · Tried & Tested
I can vouch for the Toniebox. DD has had one for ages and it's great. She loves it, it's sturdy and I've been very impressed.
See Post
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.

15

John Lewis Wooden Workbench

What we like
  • Includes accessories

  • Years of use

  • High-quality material

What we don't like
  • Expensive in comparison to some competitors

Key specs

Price: £60 | Material: Wood | Assembly required: Yes | Batteries: No | Age: 3 years+ | Educational objectives: Communication, social and gross and fine motor skills

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.

16
What we like
  • Lightweight

  • Robust

  • Adjustable design

  • LED wheels

What we don't like
  • Expensive in comparison to other competitors

Key specs

Price: £86 | Dimensions: H26.5cm x W55cm x D14.2cm | Weight: 2kg | Material: Plastic and aluminium | Number of pieces: 1 | Assembly required: Yes | Batteries: No | Age: 2-5 years | Educational objectives: Gross motor skills

What Mumsnet users say
NannyR · Tried & Tested
I think the Mini Micro scooters are worth paying extra for. They are really robust and smoother riding and steering than cheaper alternatives.
See Post
Hadenough21 · Recommended
The micro ones are really good, mine use them loads. It seems a lot when you first buy it but when you consider he’ll use it for about 4 years and probably use it quite a lot when he’s a bit bigger it’s less then £20 a year for something they use a lot.
See Post
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.

17

Plum Junior Bouncer Trampoline

What we like
  • Burns lots of energy

  • Can be used indoors or outdoors

  • Soft grip handle for stability and confidence

What we don't like
  • Instructions could be clearer

  • Doesn't fold

Key specs

Price: £50 | Dimensions: 85 x 81 x 81cm | Weight: 5kg | Material: Metal | Number of pieces: 1 | Assembly required: Yes | Batteries: No | Age: 18 months+ | Educational objectives: Gross motor skills, physical exercise

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

18

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe

What we like
  • Fun ride-along toy

  • Available in a choice of designs

  • Removable base plate as your child grows in confidence

What we don't like
  • Initial assembly can be challenging

  • Can discolour slightly if left outside

Key specs

Price: £70 | Dimensions: 74.3 x 42.21 x 38.1 cm | Weight: 8.05kg | Material: Plastic | Number of pieces: 1 | Assembly required: No | Batteries: No | Age: 18 months+ | Educational objectives: Gross motor skills, physical exercise

What Mumsnet users say
AriettyHomily · Tried & Tested
The best value ever. They still try to fit in now at age 9.
See Post
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.

19
What we like
  • Portable screen-free fun

  • Ideal for travel, car journeys and flights

  • Wide range of child-friendly Yoto cards with stories, songs and meditations

What we don't like
  • Yoto cards are generally more expensive than audiobooks but come with a physical card

Key specs

Price: £60 | Dimensions: H7 x W7 x D4cm | Weight: 160g | Material: Plastic | Number of pieces: 1 | Assembly required: No | Batteries: Rechargeable | Age: 3 years+ | Educational objectives: Vocabulary and literacy

What Mumsnet users say
ByTheSeaCatsAndAll · Recommended
It’s much smaller than the original which is better for travelling. We got it for the car.
See Post
bumpquestion · Tried & Tested
Yoto (the new, mini version) no doubt. My 2.5 year old loves their Yoto.
See Post
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

20

Brio World Railway Starter Train Set

What we like
  • A figure of eight track with tunnel and bridge

  • Includes two engines, one carriage and three characters

  • Made from high-quality FSC-approved wood

What we don't like
Key specs

Price: £34 | Dimensions: 110 x 44cm (when assembled) | Weight: 1.24kg | Material: Wood | Number of pieces: 26 | Assembly required: No | Batteries: 2x AAA (not included) | Age: 3 years+ | Educational objectives: Problem solving, fine motor skills

What Mumsnet users say
SeasonFinale · Tried & Tested
I would buy the Brio starter set and add to it with cheaper sets. Let family members know you are buying the set and maybe they could buy bridges, level crossings and tunnels etc as their presents giving them the option to go Brio or Brio compatible depending on their budgets.
See Post
rrhuth · Recommended
In my opinion Brio is worth the price, we had lots, got loads of use out of it and then it has resale value when finished.
See Post
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

21

TP Toys Muddy Madness Deluxe Wooden Mud Kitchen

What we like
  • Big enough for siblings to share

  • High-quality sustainable wood

  • One year guarantee

What we don't like
  • Long assembly time (but worth the wait)

Key specs

Price: £119 | Dimensions: H96 x W96 x D40cm | Weight: 18.36kg | Material: FSC-certified wood | Number of pieces: Not stated | Assembly required: Yes | Batteries: No | Age: 3 years+ | Educational objectives: Role play, social skills

What Mumsnet users say
Debbiewest0 · Tried & Tested
We have the TP Muddy Madness one. It has an oven, a hob, a mini water butt and a sink. Bugger to build but looks great and my daughter loves it. Very sturdy and has taken a beating but still looks great.
See Post
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.

22

TEMI Dinosaur Toys for Kids with Activity Play Mat

What we like
  • Great value

  • Storage box/playmat included

  • A toy with real longevity

What we don't like
  • Some reviewers say the dinosaur figures vary from the image

Key specs

Price: £16 | Dimensions: 25 x  19  x  12cm | Weight: 780g | Material: Plastic | Number of pieces: 9 | Assembly required: No | Batteries: No | Age: 3 years+ | Educational objectives: Imaginative play

What Mumsnet users say
Figmentofimagination · Tried & Tested
They come with some dinosaurs, and keeps things tidy. My son loves it.
See Post
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.

23
What we like
  • Great mix of pieces

  • Comes with storage tub

  • Comes with simple guide for ideas and inspiration

What we don't like
  • Would be better with a few more blocks

Key specs

Price: £36 | Dimensions: 18 x 37 x 26.2 cm | Weight: 1.38kg | Material: Plastic | Number of pieces: 85 | Assembly required: No | Batteries: No | Age: 18 months+ | Educational objectives: Fine motor skills, creativity

What Mumsnet users say
PerditaNitt · Tried & Tested
We have about six sets of DUPLO. The items my four- and two-year-olds play with the most are the cars, windows and doors, animal figures and people.
See Post
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.

24
What we like
  • Screen free fun

  • Easy for little ones to operate independently

  • Nightlight, alarm clock and OK-to-wake function

What we don't like
  • Buying Yoto cards can be pricey

Key specs

Price: £80 | Dimensions: 18.5 x 13.9 x 13.5 cm | Weight: 1.1kg | Material: Plastic | Number of pieces: 1 | Assembly required: No | Batteries: No | Age: 3 years+ | Educational objectives: Vocabulary and literacy

What Mumsnet users say
girlmumma23 · Tried & Tested
It was a huge hit, she's now 3.5 and uses it every day, we got the original Yoto.
See Post
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.

25

Tidlo Wooden Country Play Kitchen

What we like
  • Durable

  • A taller work surface that will last years

  • Realistic features

  • Includes accessories

  • High-quality materials

What we don't like
  • Expensive

  • Assembly is tricky

Key specs

Price: £150 | Dimensions: 36 x 77 x 92cm | Weight: 17kg | Material: Wood and plastic | Number of pieces: 1 | Assembly required: Yes | Batteries: No | Age: 3 years+ | Educational objectives: Creativity and role play

What Mumsnet users say
Loyaultemelie · Tried & Tested
We have the Tidlo Country Kitchen and love it. It has a sink oven cupboard and wooden washing up liquid and utensils.
See Post
ThedementedPenguin · Recommended
I got the tidlo country kitchen for my boy aged 2 and it's still going strong over 2 years later and lots of abuse.
See Post
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.

a 3 year old drawing with felt tips

What skills are 3-year-old preschoolers developing?

  • Communication and language

  • Physical (fine and gross motor skills)

  • Personal, social and emotional

  • Literacy

  • Numeracy

  • Cognitive (critical thinking, problem-solving)

What kind of toys should a 3-year-old have?

When choosing a toy for a 3-year-old, consider the skills you’re looking to develop. These vital skills include:

  1. Role play includes dressing up, toy kitchens, doll houses, pretend food and tea sets which encourage imaginative play and are a fun way for children to learn. Children can develop their language and social skills and build confidence and creativity by copying Mum and Dad or acting out their dream jobs, such as a firefighter or a builder.

  2. Problem-solving – children develop their problem-solving skills through trial and error, which is an integral part of their development. Toys that can help with this include board games, puzzles, memory games and sorting toys.

  3. Building/construction – from LEGO Duplo sets to magnetic tiles, construction toys encourage skills like fine motor, logical thinking and creativity. Building structures and knocking them down again is great fun and can help children learn about STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths).

  4. Creative – crafting such as drawing, painting, and modelling are lots of fun and encourage creativity in children. Look for paints, chalk, pens and easels that inspire them to make something or create their own masterpiece. Toys like play sand and playdough are also great for sensory play.

  5. Musical – toys that play music and sounds aid sensory development and can help a child to learn. They’ll enjoy dancing, singing, playing and listening with toys such as music boxes, interactive toys, and musical instruments, which can also aid fine and gross motor skills.

  6. Physical – kids love to be active at this age, so ride-on toys or toys they can climb will get plenty of use. Physical play helps strengthen their muscles, build confidence, and develop hand-eye coordination. Toys you can buy include scooters, bikes, slides, climbing frames and balls.

What do 3-year-olds like to play?

While three-year-olds often engage in parallel play - playing separately without interacting much - they may also start with associative play - still playing separately but interacting with their peers through conversation and cooperation. For instance, they may chat about the colour of their toy cars or the shape of the building they are constructing with magnetic pieces. They may also enjoy imaginative play together, such as role-playing with a baby doll and buggy.

What are the best toys for 3 year olds?

We’ve picked Magnatiles as our best toy for 3-year-olds 2024. They’re versatile, portable and kids just love to get absorbed in arranging them and building all sorts of masterpieces. 

The Kinetic Sand Folding Sand Box is also a brilliant and much-recommended toy for three-year-olds. The sand can be shaped and moulded for children to make their own creations using the included accessories, and it never dries out, so they can play with it repeatedly. It’s stored and played with in a folding box, providing plenty of sensory and creative play without making too much mess.

About the author

Gemma Wilcock is a freelance writer and copywriter. She grew up in the North-East of England but has lived in and around London for almost 20 years now. At Mumsnet, she creates content providing useful parenting advice, information and top products to make life easier – as a mother of two children herself, Gemma knows how important it is to get the right advice.

After attending university in Sunderland to study journalism, Gemma moved to London and spent a year doing internships on women’s monthly magazines before securing her first job on Bella magazine, in 2005. She then moved on to work at Woman’s Own, commissioning, writing and interviewing people for the magazine’s real-life content, as well as compiling news-led features.

When she fell pregnant with her first child in 2014, Gemma turned to freelance writing to fit around family life, and since then has compiled content for a range of online and print publications, charities and small businesses. She loves writing about subjects that will be helpful to the reader – and herself! - from recommending top products that help parents in their day-to-day life to financial advice and activities that the whole family will enjoy.

When Gemma’s not writing or spending time with her two children, she can be found in the gym, where she also works as a personal trainer. She loves that she can help people through her writing and also inspire them on their fitness journey - even better if she can combine the two!

How we chose our recommendations

All Swears-by articles at Mumsnet are created using a three-step verification process that ensures all our listed products, information and guidance are current, unbiased and truthful.

Mumsnetter recommendations

Our top 15 recommended toys for three-year-olds came from Mumsnet users themselves. Searching the talk forums, we collected reviews and feedback on toys highly rated by real parents and their children. In particular, we searched for toys considered best for educating and entertaining.

Expert opinion

Once we had established our long list, we began scouring product comparison sites and considering the opinion of print media and online blogs to help us decide which ones were approved by experts. We cross-referenced our list, looking for those who received awards, excellent safety ratings and positive press.

Verified customer reviews

Finally, we used verified customer reviews to finalise our top 15. We evaluated and analysed a range of responses, weighing the pros and cons of each one and looking for consistency across the board.

Celebrated toys

The toys included in our guide have been thoughtfully curated, recommended by parents, rated by the experts, praised by previous customers, and, most importantly, loved by children.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.