Know a 3-year-old who has some ideas of their own? These are the toys to help their imagination grow.
The best gifts for 3-year-olds will include plenty of opportunities to explore as toddlers grow and develop more imaginative play.
Finally out of the "terrible twos," many are entering school for the first time and interacting with friends. They’re becoming increasingly verbal and able to answer questions and follow directions. (Or not: There’s a reason people call them “threenagers.”)
“Three-year-olds are getting to be more social and have ideas of their own,” said Tovah Klein, director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development and author of “How Toddlers Thrive.” “Open-ended toys such as blocks and building toys allow them to explore and discover and carry out their ideas."
They are deep in the “I’ll do it myself” phase, so they enjoy things that help them master the fine motor skills that might help them dress themselves, said Marie Conti, the head of The Wetherill School in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, and a board member of the American Montessori Society.
To quickly jump to the category you're looking for click on the links below or keep scrolling to see all 33.
- Bestselling Gifts for 3-year-olds
- Best toys for 3-year-old boys and girls
- Best book gifts for 3-year-olds
- Best play sets for 3-year-olds
When we release our 2020 gift guides, we make sure all prices are current. But prices change frequently, so there’s a chance the prices are now different than they were the day of publication.
Bestselling Gifts for 3-year-olds
1. Magna-Tiles Clear Colors 32-piece Set
These magnetic tiles allow kids to create their own masterpieces and will entrance them for years to come. “Kids will play with those for hours,” Conti said.
2. Kinetic Sand Sandcastle Set
“The sandbox is one of the most popular activities on our playground, for all ages,” Conti said. This magic sand is a perfect indoor version.
3. Learning Resources Building Toy Gear Set
Encourage early STEM development and fine motor skills with this interactive gear set that really works.
4. Colorforms Re-Stickable Play Set
“They can fit easily in your tote bag the same way an iPad could,” Conti said of this re-stickable set.
5. Melissa & Doug Star Diner Restaurant Play Set
Take kitchen play up a notch with this full restaurant set.
Best toys for 3-year-old boys and girls
1. Lovelane Superhero Cape
These are perfect for pretend play that’s not determined by a character from TV or books.
2. Etch-a-Sketch
The original mess-free way to draw is a perfect toy for travel or restaurant play.
3. BlaBla Bunny
These dolls are a little less girly than most. “I’m a big proponent of toys that aren’t so gender-specific,” said Conti.
4. JellyCat Bashful Unicorn
As they start school, toddlers may become more interested in cozy friends who give comfort. If unicorns aren't your thing, try a lion, bunny or fuzzy ostrich.
No comments:
Post a Comment