3-year-old boys may be considered as young individuals but these little people somehow already know what they want especially when it comes to gifts and toys! In fact, the toys they play affect their behaviors.[1] You would actually ask them: “What do you want for Christmas?” What do you want for your birthday?” Yet, you still can decide what to buy for them! If you are looking for a great gift for a 3-year-old boy, reading this article will surely help you find one.
How to Choose the Best Gift for a 3-Year-Old Boy
Personally, when I buy a gift for my toddler, I look into certain considerations here are some points which might help you in choosing a gift for a 3-year-old boy:
Consider the age
When buying a gift, always consider the age. You can actually look into the packaging and see if the gift you are buying for a 3-year-old is in the age group.[2] Considering the age allows you to help a 3-year-old boy develop his skills according to his average development.
Think about safety
Always remember safety. Every toy is supposed to be made in consideration with safety.[3] Go for those products with sustainable materials and avoid those that were made with toxic chemicals. Additionally, avoid buying gifts that can choke curious 3-year-old boys.
Complexity
Consider buying a gift that is multifunctional. Take into consideration the features of a certain product and always choose the one with lots of features. Additionally, choose those gifts that can be used in variety of ways.
Do not stereotype
Gender-typing is has a lot of consequences. It makes the little boys feel that they are not permitted to play pink toys.[4] Avoid stereotyping when buying gifts. Not all 3-year-old boys are fans of cars. Think of the personality of the child and defer the gender norms.
Sharable Gifts
Personally, I buy gifts that can be shared by my child to other children. There are many days when my child has to play with his cousins and I have noticed that kids always want other kids’ toys. So, for this reason, I always choose gifts that can be played by many people as this can foster a healthy and fun relationship.
Think about the parents
If you are buying a gift for other child, think of the parents of that boy. Will their parents allow them to play it? Will their parents object? Although you might think that it is improper to think this, this way might actually help you make the most out of your money.
Durable
Always choose the durable ones – those that can be passed to other kids. Choosing durability over low price is always my choice. Even if the product pricey, as long as it is durable and useful, I go for it.
Best Gifts for 3-Year-Old Boys for Learning and Exploration
1. Pet Vet Play Set by Melissa & Doug
Melissa and Doug toys are really one of my favorite because they are made to make children learn and be inspired. This pet vet play set is a great option for those aspiring doctors and also for those who are scared of medical check-ups. As a medical professional, I recommend this as this gift teaches 3-year-old boys about the importance of medical care for humans and for animals.
Pros:
Comes with a complete set
Helps children develop empathy
Cons:
Not for kids who like to chew on things
2. Wooden Magnetic Fishing Game by Coogam
This product actually teaches 3-year-old boys how to concentrate and stay focused. Personally, I find this product a great training tool especially for kids who are easily distracted. This toy might actually help those distracted 3-year-old boys in controlling their bodies and mind by learning how to be focused on a certain matter.
Pros:
Teaches children how to focus
Enhances motor skills
Teaches alphabets and colors
Cons:
Not for kids who like to chew on things
3. Wooden Scale by Small Foot Toys
I like this product because of its durability and it allows little kids to learn. It is an accurate weighing scale toy which can be used for kids to learn about numbers and cause and effect. Additionally, this toy is perfect for play-pretend supermarket!
Pros:
Made from high-quality materials
Durable
Very Educational
Cons:
No cons as of the moment
4. Math Monster Scale by Hape
If you want to go for a non-wooden toy, this one is a great option for you! It is a plastic scale that can also teach your 3-year-old boys about numbers. Additionally, this one is a great tool in enhancing your child’s motor skills.
Pros:
Child-friendly weighing scale
Teaches addition and subtraction
Comes with cute characters instead of numbers
Cons:
Not as durable as the wooden one
5. Building Set by BRIO
This product does not come with any instruction that is why your child is free to do whatever he can imagine! Additionally, this product can help in boosting your 3-year-old boy’s motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and even imagination!
Pros:
No instructions – your child can play freely
Enhances imagination and creativity
Cons:
It is not suitable for kids who like to put stuff on their mouth
6. Cubebot by Areaware
This one is a literal robot-like puzzle block that can enhance your child’s motor and problem solving skills. It is a very simple gift but it gives a lot of opportunity for the child to learn!
Pros:
Very interactive
Educational toy
Cons:
Getting it wet may destroy or damage it
7. Animal Upon Animal Wooden Slacking game
This product is a stacking game like Jenga but this one is perfect for 3-year-olds. Instead of wooden blocks, 3-year-old boys use animals. This product enhances a child’s and-eye coordination, motor skills, and even focus and concentration! It is also a sharable product so you wouldn’t have to worry about your kids playing with other kids!
Pros:
Fun to play with
Very interactive
Perfect sharable toy
Cons:
I can’t find one!
8. LCD Rainbow Doodler by Fat Brain Toys
If your 3-year-old boy loves to write, this one is the best writing pad and pen for them. It has a colorful effect whenever your child writes something and personally, I find this better because you get an assurance that there would be no messy ink all around your house walls and on your kid’s body. Additionally, this product can enhance your child’s imagination so why not consider it?
Pros:
A child can use it unlimited
It is safer than using an actual pen
Made from safe materials
Cons:
I really can’t find one!
9. What Time Is It? Glow-in-the-Dark Clock Puzzle by Fat Brain Toys
As a parent, I really like gifts like these because they are very educational. This product is perfect for 3-year-old boys (and girls) and I find it very practical to buy. This gift allows children to explore not just about time but also about colors and shapes. One great thing: It glows in the dark!
Pros:
Glow-in-the-dark
Very educational
Allows exploration
Cons:
Other pieces may get lost if not kept properly
10. Brain Food
This product is great for your 3-year-old boy’s brain! It is made to nourish your little one’s mind and as a parent, I would really appreciate gifts like these. They are very practical! It allows your child to learn how to focus and it also enhances your child’s senses.
Pros:
Enhances creativity and sensory skills
Easy to play
Comes with a container
Cons:
Not for kids who like to put stuff on their mouth
11. Kids First Level 1 – Automobile Engineer
This product teaches the basic concept of engineering. So, if you see that your child has a potential on this profession, you might want to consider this as a gift for your 3-year-old boys.
Pros:
Comes with a manual
Comes with a storage
Very interactive gift
Cons:
Not for little kids who like to put stuff on their mouth
12. Paleontology Adventure: Stegosaurus Parasaurolophus Seismosaurus
This product allows your 3-year-old boys to dig and find some awesome skeletons and artifact. Surely, your child will be fascinated by it. Additionally, their interest in science will grow stronger!
Pros:
Educational
Can enhance curiosity
Increases love for science
Cons:
I can’t find one!
13. Take Apart Toy Racing Car Kit by Think Gizmos
3-year-old is the critical age for a person to find his interest in life. For this reason, this product allows your child to explore and be more curious in life. Additionally, this product enhances a child’s hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and memory.
Pros:
Enhances curiosity
Batteries are included
Realistic sound and lights
Durable
Manual included with different language
Cons:
On/Off switch for the sound can only be toggled when the car is apart so you can only do this when your child is done playing
14. Toy Truck Transport Car Carrier
This product is perfect in teaching your child on how to be organized. This one has a cab and you can actually put smaller cars inside it. Also, this toy allows your child to enhance his control or maneuver skills.
Pros:
It has a carrying handle
Comes with a complete set
Front cab is detachable
Easy to use
Cons:
Not for kids who like to put small things on their mouth
Best Realistic Gifts for 3-Year-Old Boys
15. Mini Chef Home Kitchen by Tender Leaf Toys
My husband is a chef and whenever he cooks food, our little boy always watches and imitates him. So, my husband has decided to get a chef toy for our son. Eventually, our little boy enjoyed playing this play-pretend chef game! I personally think that this toy is a great realistic toy as it allows little boys (and even girls) to be inspired and determine their passion.
Pros:
Gender neutral design
Made with high-quality safe materials
Very educational
Cons:
I don’t think it has one!
16. Blues Harmonica by Hape
This product is perfect as a gift for 3-year-old boys who are music lovers! It is a realistic harmonica that comes with notes which can be used by beginners.
Pros:
Easy to learn
Safe to play with
Comes with variety of colors
Cons:
No cons as of the moment
17. Junior Little Kick Scooter by Razor
When you take a look of scooters, danger is what might actually enter your mind. However, this product will remove that worry on your mind! This scooter is very durable, stable, and safe to use as it has extra wheels for support. This product actually teaches your child about balance and motor skills.
Pros:
Very stable and safe to use
Foldable
Quick and easy to assemble
Cons:
Can carry up to 45 lbs only
18. Children’s Wood Building Blocks Set
This product is very similar with Lego but this one is perfect for little hands because they are very interlocking. A child can freely build a house, car, and rocket.
Pros:
Made from BPA-free materials
Smooth surface
Perfectly suited for the hands of 3-year-olds
Cons:
Getting them wet may damage them
19. Dust! Sweep! Mop! Set by Melissa and Doug
I always include this product on my articles as I really find this very helpful in disciplining my child. This product comes with a complete set of cleaning utensils which your 3-year-old boys can use whenever he feels like he wants to help you in cleaning your house. Additionally, this one is a great product to opt out stereotype.
Pros:
Realistic cleaning toy
Builds skill and confidence
Safe to use
Cons:
I really do not think it has one!
20. Compact Nordic Workbench by Small Foot Toys
If you see that your little boys are in-love with tools, this product is perfect for them. This one is perfectly sized for 3-year-olds so you would not want to miss this product!
Pros:
Very sturdy
Non-toxic
Easy to assemble
Cons:
No cons as of the moment
21. Symphony Croc Music Band Set by Haba
If you see that your child loves music, then, this product is perfect for any occasion! It comes with a drum, xylophone, bell, and mallets. Surely, your child will be able to experience real music while enjoying!
Pros:
Fosters brain development
Made from BPA-free materials
Cons:
The xylophone really makes a loud noise so it is not fit for parents who love to have a quiet environment
22. Leaf Blower Pretend Play Toy
I find this product as a very realistic one because it has a true-to-life feature. It allows your child to play pretend like he is cleaning and cutting the grass. This is perfect for kids who love to be around their parents while cleaning their backyards.
Pros:
Realistic toy
Made from premium materials
Battery-operated
Lightweight
Cons:
It is not rechargeable
23. Design and Drill Take-Along Toolkit
This is a very easy-to-use, kid-friendly gift for every 3-year-old boys (and girls). Little ones will have to tighten the available bolts into the holes and when your child is able to do it, he will surely feel a sense of accomplishment.
Pros:
Enhances imagination and creativity
Allows a realistic usage of drilling tools
Battery-operated
Cons:
Batteries are not included
24. Vtech KidiZoom Smart Watch
Of course, at 3 years old, you would never buy an apple watch for a child. So, this product is a great alternative for that. It is a very functional product because it tells time, capture photos and record videos, and etc. Having this is like buying a smart watch that is design specifically for a 3-year-old.
Pros:
Fully functional
Rechargeable batteries
Content are secured
Many colors available
Cons:
Not waterproof
Chargeable
25. Walkie-Talkie for Kids
Getting a 3-year-old boy a walkie-talkie will never lead you wrong. Having toys like this is an investment for kids who are fascinated with smart phones especially now that our society is techy. This toy is very easy to use and it is more fun to play with when the whole family has it.
Pros:
Durable
3km range
Other colors are available
Clear sound
Has an intelligent alarm system
Comes with built-in flashlights
Cons:
May be complex for other 3-year-old boys
Best Gifts for 3-Year-Old Boys That Can Encourage Active Play
26. Monster Plush Bowling Game by Melissa and Doug
This gift is not only perfect for sharing but it is also perfect for encouraging your 3-year-old boys to play actively. It allows enhancement of motor skills and it is a great one for mind exercise as well.
Pros:
Comes with a carrying case
Easy to store
Cons:
Takes a little time for them to stand steadily
27. Happy Trails Rocking Haley Horse Ride On
My toddler has one like this but what we have is more solid and sturdy that even I use it sometimes! I bought that toy from a garage sale and I cannot find one online so this is the alternative that I can share with you. This one is very fun to play with and you can put it inside your home or at your backyard!
Pros:
Sturdy
Perfect for indoors/outdoors
Cons:
There is always a need to supervise the child
28. Meal Maker Dough Set by Green Toys
My toddler loves to play-pretend so I bought this one for him. Surprisingly, he is always active whenever we play this together! It’s like ordering kind of game and he really enjoys playing it during the afternoon! I find this toy very great because it is made from safe materials and they are not toxic for kids. Also, I find this toy as a stepping stone for a child to learn about food processing or food preparation.
Pros:
Made from recycled plastic
The dough are organic
Cons:
The dough can be dried and cracked after some time
29. Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper
This one is a very durable toy that your child can play actively. It is adjustable so you do not have to worry about your child’s height if you want to buy this as a gift. Additionally, this one is not just safe for your little ones but also safe inside your home as it do not allow damages to occur.
Pros:
Can be played indoors or outdoors
Can carry up to 250 pounds
Durable
Easy to use
Cons:
The squeaking sound may be annoying after some time
30. RoyalBaby BMX Freestyle Kid’s Bike
Honestly, I bought this gift for my child when he was 1 year old and 6 months but he was only able to use it when he turned 2 years old and 9 months. This bike may be too big to consider it as a gift but it really is worth it to buy! It is very durable and you can clean it easily. It has a supportive wheel and it is adjustable.
Pros:
Durable
Have extra accessories (water bottle holder, training wheels, and bell)
You can choose from variety of colors
Comes with assembly tools
Easy to install
Cons:
Handbrakes may be too hard for 3-year-olds
31. Liberty Imports Cartoon R/C Race Car Radio Control
This RC car is perfect for toddlers and personally, my child really enjoys this toy. He got one when he turned 2 years old but up until now, he still plays it. This one is very simple and easy to use. So, if your child wants to play actively while being techy, this one is a great choice.
Pros:
Lights up
Plays music
Easy to use
Durable
Comes with a doll driver
Cons:
It is battery operated so that may cost much money whenever the batteries are drained
32. Little Tikes Easy Score Soccer Set
This product is a very great one in encouraging your child to go and enjoy outdoor games. This is a portable soccer set that you can bring anywhere you go! It does not only encourage your child to stay active but it also enhances their social skills as they play with you or with other kids.
Pros:
Comes with a complete set
Enhances social and motor skills
Adjustable and portable
Heavy duty metal
Cons:
No cons as of the moment just be careful not to bump your head on the metal!
33. Little Tikes Inflatable Jump ‘n Slide Bounce House with Heavy duty Blower
This large bounce house is puncture-resistant and is very safe to use by little kids. So, if you have planned a weekend activity, surprising your 3-year-old boys with this product will make the time more fun!
Pros:
Puncture-resistant
Comes with a built-in blower
Comes with a repair patch
Comes with a container/storage bag
Cons:
Needs parental supervision
34. Radio Flyer Deluxe Big Flyer
The one is a very classic gift that will surely encourage your child to be active. It is an adjustable and safe to use bike and it can also be used by kids up to 7 years old. It is easy to assemble and it is a great training tool for kids before they start to use bigger bikes.
Pros:
Adjustable seat
Safe to use
Cons:
Made of plastic
35. Kids Paint Set
This product is perfect for 3-year-old boys who love to play outdoors! This product comes with a variety of brushes that allows your child to become expressive and creative even when they are outdoors.
Pros:
Allows a child to become creative
Comes with a complete set
Cons:
Not for children who like to put stuff on their mouth or who like to eat or chew stuff
Best Simple Gifts for 3-Year-Old Boys
36. Bunmo Pop It
I first saw this toy just recently (3 days ago) when my nephew visited my 2-year-old son. This product is like a fidget toy and it really can relieve stress! When you start to poke it, you really cannot stop anymore!
Pros:
Durable
Simple to use
Made from toxic-free materials
Cons:
No cons as of the moment
37. Buggy Light by Fat Brain Toys
This one is a very simple gift and it is like magnifying glass but version 2. It is a color-changing light that allows your child to see lady bugs and even butterflies. So, if your 3-year-old boy loves animals, this is a great gift for them.
Pros:
Inspires outdoor discovery
Educational
Cons:
Battery is not chargeable
38. Spider Web Tree Swing
This one is a very great simple sharable gift that your whole family can enjoy! It is very safe for 3-year-olds because its seat and rope are very sturdy. This one also has a smaller size but if you are giving it to a 3-year-old, I still prefer if you go with the larger size for you to be able to watch and be with your child as he plays with it.
Pros:
Easy to assemble
Durable
Weather-resistant
Cons:
You must always supervise your kids!
39. Wooden Ramp Racer
If you see that your 3-year-old boy is a fan of cars, then, this gift might be their type! It is a movable cart where they can watch the flappable cars race down the track. Although this toy is very simple, I still find it very enjoyable to use.
Pros:
Educational toy
Environment-friendly
Made from toxic-free materials
Compact and sturdy
Cons:
Not for kids who like to put things on their mouth
40. Magic Motion Mobile
This product is another simple one for 3-year-olds boys who love cars. Your child can switch it to follow mode where the car will chase the white ball which your child will be holding and you can also switch it the other way around.
Pros:
Educational toy
Allows for imaginative play
Very easy to play
Cons:
No cons as of the moment
41. Wiggle Stix –Penguin
Another simple toy, this one will surely capture your 3-year-old boy’s attention. It is also simple to use that is why your little boy will surely enjoy it. All he has to do is to flip it over and watch it wiggle as it goes down. Lastly, I personally find this product as a very durable one!
Pros:
Impossible to resist
Fun to use
Simple packaging
Educational
Cons:
No cons as of the moment
42. Playviators
If your 3-year-old boy is a fan of planes, this gift is perfect for them! This product may be simple but it offers a great adventure for your little ones.
Pros:
Entertaining toy
Easy and simple to use
Cons:
Sometimes, moving parts get stucked
43. Night Light for Kids Rotating Star Projector
This simple gift is perfect for 3-year-old boys (and girls) who have their own room. They will surely be mesmerized with the beauty of the night while looking at this projector. Additionally, this product will help your child to remove his fear of the dark. This product allows you to choose between batteries or plug switch. This means that if you ran out of battery, you can plug it in and you still do not have to worry about the dangers of the cord.
Pros:
Runs with a battery
Runs with low DC supply
Durable
Shutoff timer
Cons:
Make a very low humming sound effect
Battery drains fast
44. Visibo Dinosaur Backpack
Every little boy loves dinosaurs and this bag is a perfect gift for them! This bag may be simple but for me, it is very functional. This bag is made from soft, chemical-free materials and it is easy to clean. It is also adjustable that is why it is perfect for any height!
Pros:
Easy to wear
Adjustable
Functional
Large capacity
Lightweight
Cons:
Straps can be slippery
45. Compact Mini Binoculars for Kids
If you always worry about your child dropping their stuff, having this one will remove that fear. This product is made of rubber material so no matter how many times it drops, it will never be damaged. Additionally, this product is made to fit those little hands and eyes.
Pros:
Durable
Shock-proof
Protects the eyes
Ergonomically designed
Water-proof
Cons:
No cons as of the moment
Best Book Gifts for 3-Year-Old Boys
46. Oh Say Can You Say Di-no-saur?: All About Dinosaurs
This gift is perfect for those little ones who are in-love with dinosaurs. This is a rhyming book that will allow your child to engage with you easily as you read it unto them. Also, this book comes with a glossary at the end of the page so you can easily explain things to your 3-year-old. It is a very colorful book that your child will surely enjoy!
Pros:
Rhyming book
Colorful
Cons:
No cons as of the moment
47. How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Birthday?
This book is a perfect gift especially during birthdays. It teaches the child about the concept and meaning of birthdays and it is perfect for bedtime reading! Surely, this one will be your child’s favorite!
Pros:
Engaging
Colorful
Sturdy
Cons:
No cons as of the moment
The Takeaway
Picking a gift is kind of hard even if you already have a lot of choices. If you haven’t able to choose one yet, here are my top four picks: Coogam Wooden Magnetic Fishing Game, Melissa & Doug Dust, Sweep, Mop, Little Tikes Jump 'n Slide Bouncer, and Wooden Ramp Racer.
FAQs
What do 3-year-olds like to play with?
Pretend-play toys and costumes are very common for 3-year-olds. Although some kids are fan of these, some are not. Some 3-year-old boys love to play motorbikes and tikes as these toys can help them become more confident.
What toys will keep a 3-year-old busy?
Fidget toys or cube toys are great tools to keep 3-year-old boys busy. If you are on the road, you can consider creative toys such as mini cars, trucks, and planes.
What is the best toy for a 3-year-old boy?
If you cannot decide on what to give for a 3-year-old boy, you can always go with a toy car.
[1] Rubin, Kenneth H., and Nina Howe. “Toys and play behaviors: An overview.” Topics in Early Childhood Special Education 5.3 (1985): 1-9.
[2] Richards, Melissa N., Diane L. Putnick, and Marc H. Bornstein. “Toy buying today: Considerations, information seeking, and thoughts about manufacturer suggested age.” Journal of applied developmental psychology 68 (2020): 101134.
[3] Kulak, Shuli, and Ruth EK Stein. “Toy age-labeling: an overview for pediatricians of how toys receive their age safety and developmental designations.” Pediatrics 138.1 (2016).
[4] Dinella, Lisa M., and Erica S. Weisgram. “Gender-typing of children’s toys: Causes, consequences, and correlates.” Sex Roles 79.5 (2018): 253-259.
