We researched and tested the best toys on the market to find our top picks, evaluating educational value, engagement level, and durability. Our favorite is the Fat Brain Toys Squigz Starter Set, a colorful collection of stackable plastic shapes that provide a sensory experience for eyes, ears, and little hands. Here are the best toys for three-year-olds. Our tester loved that her little ones instinctively practiced categorizing the Squigz by color as they played and noted that they were endlessly entertained by the satisfying pop each piece made when pulled off a wall or window. The set comes packaged in a reusable plastic case, which keeps all the pieces in one place when you’re on the go. Made from BPA- and latex-free silicone, they won’t leave residue or marks on your surfaces and are the perfect toy for some bathtub fun. According to Colleen Mason, a K0/K1 Inclusion Teacher with a Masters in Early Childhood Education, “STEM toys help children develop in so many different ways—logical thinking, creativity, problem solving and perseverance. They’re a worthwhile investment and the basics—Legos, blocks, magnetic tiles—will last well beyond the 3-year-old age!” Price at time of publish: $32 Price at time of publish: $27 Price at time of publish: $36 Price at time of publish: $37 Price at time of publish: $23 Price at time of publish: $16 Price at time of publish: $45 Price at time of publish: $39 Price at time of publish: $76 Price at time of publish: $15 Price at time of publish: $94 Price at time of publish: $65 Price at time of publish: $22 Price at time of publish: $19 The audio box is available in six colors and is made of a material that’s soft enough to hold, but durable enough to withstand any rough play. The set, which includes a charging station, features a collection of popular children’s tunes, from Wheels on the Bust to Baby Shark and beyond, that’ll be a treat for the whole family. Price at time of publish: $100 Price at time of publish: $30 Price at time of publish: $70 Price at time of publish: $39 Price at time of publish: $19 Price at time of publish: $141 Price at time of publish: $14 Price at time of publish: $24 Price at time of publish: $27 Price at time of publish: $36 Price at time of publish: $114 Price at time of publish: $70 Price at time of publish: $22 Price at time of publish: $16 Price at time of publish: $24 Price at time of publish: $54 Price at time of publish: $50 Price at time of publish: $76 Price at time of publish: $33 Price at time of publish: $20 Price at time of publish: $20 Price at time of publish: $34 Price at time of publish: $53 Price at time of publish: $14 Price at time of publish: $22 Price at time of publish: $16 Price at time of publish: $15 Price at time of publish: $25 Price at time of publish: $17 Price at time of publish: $34 Price at time of publish: $37 Price at time of publish: $34 Price at time of publish: $29 Price at time of publish: $27 Price at time of publish: $29 Price at time of publish: $14
Engagement
The best toys for three-year-olds are ones that keep them engaged. If they figure out a puzzle too quickly or blaze through all the features of a toy, they may get bored. Consider how engaging a toy will be when you’re shopping—is there more than one way to play? Will it encourage them to be creative? Will it get old quickly? Asking yourself these questions as you shop will help you determine the value and longevity of the toy (in terms of whether you can see the toy growing with your child or not).
Educational Value
Many toys for children this age encourage them to learn new things while having fun. Consider educational value when shopping for toys–think building toys, crafting kits, musical instruments—these let your child have fun without having to sacrifice entertainment along the way.
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This article was written by Julie Evans, a writer and editor who has worked with a host of diverse companies including Microsoft, USA Today, Realtor.com, Brit + Co, CafeMom, and SheKnows among others. She started writing for The Spruce in August 2017. Kate McKenna is a senior editor at The Spruce with over 10 years of writing and editing experience.
