Birthday present 3 yr old

[Rainbowblume]

Our daughter will be 3 soon. She enjoys playing with Duplo. I was thinking of getting her some more but will she be too old for it soon? DH 40s loves it still

A dolls house - but she could build one with duplo
A bike/scooter - her grandparents want to get her one
She's asked for a paintbox, the round discs in a box you use with water - but inlaws think she's too small
Any other ideas? Her 'big' toys that she has already are a train set and a marble run. We really lack time together so I was thinking of getting her some small things magnetic letters? Stickers? A dressing up outfit? to unwrap then dedicate planned, concentrated time to her once a week for the year where we do something totally about her like

Baking, Making fairy wings, Going to the forest
Going swimming, Painting, a picnic, Playing duplo
Going to the library, Going to the park, A bike ride
Trying out a trampoline, playing with water, planting something, what else do 3 year olds like?

Does this sound like a an ok idea or is it a bit rubbish?

I would have thought Duplo will be good for a couple of years yet.

My DD1 turned 3 a couple of months ago. She got a dolls house which she loves as her main present. Her little sister turned 1 two weeks later and we got her the little tikes STEM water table really as a joint present (a bit mean as it's far too advanced for DD2 currently but she already has everything she needs from her sister and has yet to develop any different areas of special interest) which DD1 really enjoys playing with. They already have a play kitchen which has been used heavily from the day it was received and is still played with daily, so if you don't have one yet I'd really recommend them. She got a balance bike at Christmas and that is used a lot too. Otherwise I'd say you can never have too many books: always a firm favourite here!

The activities you mention are all the things DD1 enjoys doing, I think that's a lovely idea. DD1 loves baking but she also really loves helping to cook her own dinner too when we get the opportunity which might be a good option if you struggle to find time for activities? She's really into role-playing too I hate role-playing when life/DD2 lets us: doctors, restaurants, builders etc. The only thing I would say about 'making time' being a gift is if she'd understand that concept? Would it be too abstract a present? Is it going to be on the same day/time every week so she knows eg every Tuesday afternoon it's 'Mummy and Me' time?

Hi skanking thanks for your reply and ideas. DD does regularly participate in making dinner so I'm a bit reluctant to get the play kitchen due to lack of space. If we had 2 children I definitely would but I can usually find something she can safely chop peel or stir under supervision. It just takes more time.

With the time gift I briefly contemplated some laminated cards in a pretty box with a photo so she could choose her activity but like you said, she probably won't get it so I'm just going to put a regular slot in my diary with a note of ideas.

Back to present ideas - will go and look at more duplo then. Role playing - I guess we have that to come!

Balance bike is great for 3 year olds but make sure you get one small and light enough for her to be able to use. The Strider bikes are great but a bit £££.

Paint would be fine as long as she knows she can only use it when supervised by you. Do you have lots of craft bits already? If not you could buy those (pound shop and Wilko are excellent) and then you are also all set up for your 1-2-1 time with her too. Magic painting books are good if she likes painting but you don't like mess!

Play tea set if you don't want a full kitchen? Or picnic set? Asda do some lovely wooden food toy bits that are great for make believe play.

And yes, always some books too!

Oh feeding the ducks could be one for your activities list? And autumn walks through the leaves are coming around in the next few months too, along with jumping in puddles in wellies and all in ones!

Duplo will be good for a few years and the more you have the more you can build!
We got block circle paints from Asda which were big blocks rather than a small set which work well for 3yo
What about happy land? You can often pick up preloved sets at good value too

Oh and your time ideas sound lovely too

Don't you do things like going to the library or the park anyway? I don't understand about lacking time but being able to make time & give it as a gift

Another vote for a play kitchen. Ours is the IKEA one and my.2.5 year ol and his friends love it.

Thanks so much for ideas and tips and encouragement!

Duck feeding and leaves and puddles sound great.

When you say happyland is that early learning centre. Im googling - forgot to mention I was not in UK. But have people that are coming over so they can bring things or I can order.

Yes happy land is free he early learning centre range. As above I found they played with the figures most of all so lots of figures rather than a huge playset would be good and certainly help put of people are bringing it to you!! I can imagine carrying the big boot on a plane to be a real pain in the bum!

The vets is on offer www.elc.co.uk/imaginative-play/happyland-village-vet/134255.html#q=happyland%3A&srule=Price+%5BLow+-+High%5D&sz=24&start=19

Heroes
www.elc.co.uk/imaginative-play/happyland-happy-heroes/134273.html#q=happyland%3A&srule=Price+%5BLow+-+High%5D&sz=24&start=9

There are Fairies, pets, school children, family etc
My sil has named her dcs happyland figured and does things like hides them in the garden or they have baths or swims in tuppaware and lots of fun. She's doesn't have lots of the big sets.