The best presents for toddlers
Three years old is an incredible age. Three-year-olds are able to articulate likes and dislikes, work with toys that have moving parts, climb, run and do so much more than they could at age two. There are so many fun and exciting gifts for three-year-olds, whether you’re looking for something that will strengthen their minds and bodies, something to wear or just something for fun.
Best gifts for three-year-olds
Best interactive book
LeapFrog Scout and Violet 100 Words Book: available at Amazon
Our take: Work on their vocabulary with this interactive book with over 100 words.
What we like: Scout and Violet will take your toddler on a journey through pets, animals, food, mealtime, colors and much more. Sound effects, fun facts and songs fill the pages of this learning book. You can also easily turn the dial from English to Spanish.
What we dislike: The included batteries might not last very long.
Best doctor kit
Melissa & Doug Get-Well Doctor’s Kit Play Set: available at Amazon
Our take: The doctor is in with this fun doctor’s kit by Melissa & Doug.
What we like: This 25-piece set comes with real doctor’s instruments like a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, thermometer, reflex hammer and so much more. They can pretend to administer shots, check your heartbeat or wrap you in a bandage. Once your toddler is done checking you over, simply pack everything up in the convenient carry tote.
What we dislike: No doctor’s coat included.
Best Play-Doh play table
Play-Doh Play ‘N Store Kids’ Play Table: available at Amazon
Our take: Multi-faceted kids play table with two storage compartments.
What we like: This handy activity table comes with eight tubs of Play-Doh and more than 25 Play-Doh tools perfect for creating anything your toddler can dream of. Use the cutters to make shapes, or employ the press to make play noodles or ice cream. The two side compartments feature all of the storage space that you need to keep your environment neat and clean.
What we dislike: A few users had issues closing the side compartment lid.
Best ice cream cart
Leapfrog Scoop and Learn Ice Cream Cart: available at Amazon
Our take: What 3-year-old wouldn’t want their very own ice cream cart?
What we like: Practice memory skills with this scoop-and-learn cart with six recipe cards and work on counting skills with the cash register. Use the magnetic scooper to pick up ice cream and finish it off with some pretend syrup, or select an ice pop treat with a fun colored coating. The cart also plays music when pushed around.
What we dislike: You can’t order any pieces separately if you lose them.
Best playhouse
Little Tikes Cape Cottage Playhouse: available at Amazon
Our take: Your toddler will love to play house in this amazing cottage with working doors and windows.
What we like: This easy-to-assemble house also features a built-in mail slot and a flag holder. Assembled, it measures just over 42 inches by 25 inches by 49 inches and can be easily moved around. The house can be used indoors or outdoors for hours of imaginative play.
What we dislike: The playhouse does not include a floor.
Best trampoline
Little Tikes 3-Foot Trampoline: available at Amazon
Our take: Let them work off all that energy with this toddler-sized trampoline.
What we like: Your child will enjoy hours and hours of bouncing fun with this sturdy 3-foot indoor trampoline. A large padded handlebar adds stability so they can safely jump higher and higher.
What we dislike: This trampoline does not include a net.
Best kinetic sand set
Kinetic Sand Folding Sand Box: available at Amazon
Our take: Have the fun of a sandbox without the space and grime with this portable kinetic sand kit.
What we like: This set comes with two pounds of moldable kinetic sand, tools like scoopers and stampers, and a hard-sided carrying case. The sand is nontoxic, hypoallergenic and never dries out. When you’re done playing, just close the case and your sand will be waiting for the next fun time.
What we dislike: Some reviewers felt that more sand was needed to fill the case.
Best outfit
Disney Mickey Mouse Short-Sleeve T-Shirt and Mesh Shorts Set: available at Amazon
Our take: They’ll love wearing this adorable two-piece outfit in your choice of 15 designs.
What we like: This cute Disney set features a Mickey Mouse shirt made with 100% cotton and shorts made with 100% polyester. Available in sizes 12 months to 12 years, you’ll be sure to find the perfect fit. This set is also machine-washable.
What we dislike: A few users felt the shirt faded too quickly.
Best toddler cup
SteggyandRex Personalized Color Changing Cups: available at Etsy
Our take: These exciting personalized cups change color with cold liquids.
What we like: These fantastic cups come in your choice of five colors and over 25 design choices including dinosaurs, diggers and unicorns. Personalize your cup with a name or initials and watch it change colors when you add in cold liquid. These BPA-free cups come with a lid and a straw.
What we dislike: The cups are not spill-proof.
Best board game
Hasbro Candy Land Kingdom of Sweet Adventures Board Game: available at Amazon
Our take: A great beginner board game for ages three and up that doesn’t require reading.
What we like: This classic game features cards with colored squares to indicate how far down the path you may go. Drawing one of the special cards might land you near the end or send you all the way back to the beginning. Have fun trying to make your way to the castle to win it all.
What we dislike: The game can only accommodate four players at once.
Stefanie Hammond is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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