Three-year-olds are curious creatures. From taking things apart to wanting to know “why,” there’s no end to their discoveries. It can be tricky to find holiday gifts that’ll match their energy level and thirst for knowledge, and our guide is up to the challenge. From musical instruments to the new must-have PAW Patrol toy, scroll down to see our editor’s top picks for gift ideas for a three-year-old.
PAW Patrol Dino Patroller
The first motorized Paw Patrol vehicle to hit the scene, this Hot Toy of 2020 includes oversized wheels for tough terrain, a T-Rex dino, a Chase figurine, a projectile launcher and room for all six pups!
Get yours here, $59.
Sounds of Fun Puzzle and Game Play Pack
From family-owned Little Likes Kids comes a game pack that's filled with bright colors and features diverse characters that all kids can relate to. You'll get a puzzle, a Go Fish set of cards and a memory game perfect for curious kids.
Order it here, $45.
Mio Reggio Natural Cork Block Set
Made from 100% natural cork in various shapes and sizes, this 20-piece open-ended set of blocks gives kids the chance to develop spatial knowledge and strengthen their problem-solving skills. You can even paint the blocks for a one-of-a-kind set!
Buy the set here, $45.
KiwiCo Window Garden
This simple garden set is perfect for the littlest green thumbs. Suction cup the planters to the window, and watch the seeds bloom right before your very eyes.
Buy it here, $14.95.
2020 Ambulance & Rescue from Hess Toy Truck
Wow your kid while paying tribute to first responders with this set of cool vehicles, new for this year. The ambulance features 70 lights, along with realistic siren sounds. The rescue truck is an on/off roader with a pull-back motor that can be revved up and released to pop a wheelie; it has 26 lights. Batteries are included, so the action can start as soon as you open the box.
Available at hesstoytruck.com, $36.99.
KidKraft Apple Pie Kit
Perfect for pretend playtime, budding pastry chefs will have fun "baking" with this 12-piece set. Kids can chop apples, add spices, slice the pie, and top it with ice cream!
Get it here, $19.99.
A Kids Book About Subscription
Each box includes books written by authors from different backgrounds and experiences. Presented in a straight-forward manner, book topics include important subjects like racism, money, failure and more.
Get a subscription here, $16.95 & up.
Blippi Recycling Truck
Fans of the Blippi show will love this recycling truck. There are seven sounds and phrases, moving parts, and even a Blippi figurine!
Buy it here, $22.99.
Magna Tiles Metropolis Set
The classic magnet toys got an upgrade with this 110-piece set. It also comes with new shapes like a spinner, windows and quarter circles.
Buy it here, $129.99.
Tea Collection Marketplace Avocado T-Shirt
Inspired by the country of Peru, where avocados are one of the biggest crops, this adorable t-shirt will keep your kiddo warm this winter.
Buy it here, $28.
Crayola Scribble Scrubbies Pets Grooming Truck
This adorable grooming truck is one of the latest in Crayola's popular Scribble Scrubbie™ line. Combining art with water play, kids will have fun decorating and then washing off their little pet friends.
Find it here, $19.99.
Strider Balance Bike
Three is the perfect age to get your kiddo started on their way to riding a bike. We love this balance bike that comes in four different colors.
Get one here, $154.53
KidKraft Adventure Tracks™ Dino World T-Rex Tremor Cave
Trains are always a best-bet holiday gift, and this adorable set from KidKraft is no exception. It's got a cave and 15 other accessories for hours of pretend play fun.
Buy it here, $29.99.
Uncommon Goods Drum Set
This durable drum set comes with two drumsticks, drums, a cymbal, and a guiro. The only thing missing are earplugs for the parents!
Buy it here, $60.
Skip Hop What's for Lunch Matching Game
A fun matching game that has 25 colorful, easy-to-grab pieces. There are four ways to play, and all of them encourage matching and memory skills.
Order it here, $20.
Lakeshore Learning Real Working ATM
Kids can learn all about money with this ATM that really works! It features an ATM card with a programmable pin, a bill feeder, a coin counter and even a locking vault door.
Buy it here, $49.99.
Barbie Color Reveal Slumber Party Fun
This brand-new Barbie Color Reveal set includes over 50 surprises, including two dolls, three pets and 36 accessories.
Buy it here, $39.88.
HABA Little Friends Camper
Your little one can "go camping" in this year's hottest vacation trend. The set comes with two chairs, a Little Friend and a cute blue car to pull it along.
Buy it here, $54.99.
Brusheez Electric Toothbrush
Buddy the Bear has a sand timer that will help your budding brusher see how long they should be brushing, and the rinse cup will get everything squeaky clean once their time is up. There's also Sparkle the Unicorn, Pepper the Dino and Prancy the Pony!
Buy it here, $15.99.
KiwiCo Pop-up Felt Play Mat
This new felt play mat from KiwiCo has pop-up trees, houses and stop signs, and kids can use the included wooden cars and boats to create their own pretend city. When playtime is over, simply fold it up and carry it away.
Buy it here, $49.95.
Geosafari Junior Ladybug Garden
The GeoSafari Jr. Ladybug Garden is the perfect way to bring nature to your young explorers, letting them be up close and personal with the life cycle of a ladybug. The garden comes with a mail-in certificate for ladybugs, and it lets kids watch the creatures grow from larvae to adults, all the while inspiring an appreciation for nature.
Available on amazon.com, $21.99.
Sponsored by: LEGO® DUPLO®Alphabet Truck
Available here for $24.99
Sponsored by: tonies® Starter Set
Available here for $99.99
—Gabby Cullen
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All images courtesy of retailers.
Editor’s Note: Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
