Some of the best options for a child at age 3 are ones that allow for free play, according to Colleen Mason, a kindergarten teacher with her Master’s in Early Childhood Education. “Open-ended toys that allow for many different uses or encourage children to tell stories and narrate their play are best at this age,” she tells The Spruce We tested and researched the best options considering the recommended ages, complexity, and educational value. Based on our findings, our favorites include a personalized “Where Are You?” book from Librio, the most comprehensive block set we’ve ever seen from Lovevery, and a grocery set so realistic, we would totally spot it in our nearest Whole Foods. Here are the best, most engaging toys and gifts for 3-year-old girls. Price at time of publish: $44 Price at time of publish: $40 Price at time of publish: $29 Price at time of publish: $60 Price at time of publish: $30 Price at time of publish: $45 “Toys that are active versus passive make for some of the best educational toys,” Colleen Mason, a K0/K1 Inclusion Teacher, shares with The Spruce. “While the toys with the lights and sounds and buttons can be very entertaining, children aren’t doing the heavy lifting in making that toy fun, they’re just receiving information. Kids learn best from toys that require them to use brain power!” Price at time of publish: $230 Price at time of publish: $25 Price at time of publish: $20 Price at time of publish: $70 Price at time of publish: $80 Price at time of publish: $56 Our tester loved that the pieces felt sturdy and fit perfectly in little hands. Matching the colors and popping the buttons into place fosters toddlers’ sorting and fine motor skills and keeps them engaged. And it teaches independence; our tester’s daughter loved that she could complete it all by herself. If you’re wondering where you’re going to keep all of those colorful little buttons, don’t worry—there’s a storage tray included, which makes clean-up a breeze. Our tester noted that there are no instructions included, but the toy was intuitive enough for her toddler to figure out on her own. Price at time of publish: $23 Price at time of publish: $25 Price at time of publish: $28 Price at time of publish: $56 Price at time of publish: $16 Price at time of publish: $20 Price at time of publish: $90 Price at time of publish: $70 Price at time of publish: $120 Price at time of publish: $28 Price at time of publish: $35 Price at time of publish: $25 Price at time of publish: $53 Price at time of publish: $25 Price at time of publish: $21 Price at time of publish: $13 Price at time of publish: $25 Price at time of publish: $50 Price at time of publish: $29 Price at time of publish: $28 Price at time of publish: $43 Price at time of publish: $10 Price at time of publish: $18 The oven is loaded with over 30 songs and phrases, so your child will be absorbing new vocabulary all while baking pretend pizza, pie, and cupcakes. Price at time of publish: $25 Price at time of publish: $17 Price at time of publish: $80 Price at time of publish: $60 Price at time of publish: $19 Price at time of publish: $22 Price at time of publish: $32 Price at time of publish: $145 Price at time of publish: $30 Price at time of publish: $43 Price at time of publish: $80 Price at time of publish: $32 Price at time of publish: $33 Price at time of publish: $20 Price at time of publish: $20 Price at time of publish: $12 Price at time of publish: $80
Complexity
Toys labeled 3+ may contain small parts that pose a choking hazard, Goldman notes. Although your child may technically meet this age requirement, use your best judgment based on their level of maturity. If your toddler still mouths many of their toys, they may not be ready for these types of toys. Remember manufacturer suggestions are just that—an estimate based on expected maturity and motor skills—a good guideline but not an absolute.
Complexity
Sometimes simple toys are tons of fun, but toys with more than one function tend to hold kids’ attention longer. As your toddler grows, look for toys that light up, move, make noise, or have some interactive features. Toys with more than one function are also great.
Educational Value
Toys don’t have to be learning-based to have educational value. There are plenty of traditional toys: pretend play sets, scooters, puzzles, building set, memory games, and more—that help your toddler develop important physical, language, and cognitive skills, suggests Dr. Natasha Burgert, a pediatrician in Overland Park, Kansas.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Julie Evans, a writer who has been researching home products for The Spruce since 2017. She has extensive experience covering products for children, including toys and gifts. For this article, Julie considered budget, safety, and age appropriateness. Additional research was done by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays, and Mia Ingui, an editor at The Spruce.
