The difference between 2- and 3-year-old boys is huge, and we often never even see it coming. Sometimes it’s not until we’ve had a full-fledged conversation with our preschoolers or participate in a particularly imaginative game of make-believe that we realize just how big they’ve gotten — and how suddenly it happened. So now that they’re more able to engage with the world around them, what toys do they want to play with? We have you covered, with a solid list of the best toys for 3-year-old boys your little one is sure to love.
From coordination (hello, fine motor skills: we’ve been waiting for you!) to the imagination, to the sudden burst of language, three is a pretty awesome time for parents and caregivers. (It can also be challenging, what with their whole newfound sense of purpose and independence, but we’re not here to scare you — you’ll learn all that on your own.)
In spite of all these new possibilities for play, it can be hard to know where to begin when it comes time to shop. What do 3-year-olds actually like? What can they do? This list runs the gamut, from STEM toys and books to toys that nurture their sense of wonder and make-believe.
Your kiddo will know you’ve spared no expense in this awesome dinosaur park! Complete with nine different dinosaurs, a detailed play mat, and its own carry-case, this toy will provide hours of imaginative fun, perfect for sharing on playdates.
Does your kid like building things? Do they like dinosaurs? Do they enjoy building things but also using their imagination to play with toys? Then you’re in luck with this dinosaur toy set. These dinosaurs are super sturdy and fun to play with, and also easy to put together and take apart with nothing but a small plastic screwdriver.
Whether in rage, excitement, or glee, 3-year-olds are big into stomping their feet. Put that instinct to fun use with the Stomp Rocket. Just put the foam “rockets” on the launcher, countdown, stomp, and watch them sail up to 200 feet in the air. (Not going to lie: It’s fun for adults sometimes, too.)
Remote control cars are undeniably awesome, but sometimes the ones meant for bigger kids can be challenging for preschoolers to figure out. This leads to frustration which leads to a bad time for everyone involved. These cool cars are perfect for smaller hands. Best of all, this set comes with two cars, making them ideal for sharing.
Prepare for liftoff! Some toys are just fun to play with for reasons we can’t quite articulate, and, undoubtedly, toy rockets are at the top of that list. They’re just so much fun to swoosh around — and your little guy will have loads of fun playing it.
Your tiny architect’s imagination will be unleashed as he uses the clear, colorful magnetic tiles to build three-dimensional castles, animals, patterns, shapes, and more.
And because the possibilities are endless, he’ll enjoy Picasso Tiles for years to come as his ideas and designs grow with him.
Dilemma: you want to get your child his first Lego set, but his little fingers, age-appropriate-but-nevertheless-limiting coordination, and short attention span keep getting in the way. Enter Duplo! These preschool-friendly building blocks are made by the Lego company just for smaller kids, and, as with Lego, he’ll love finding so many different ways to play.
Play-Doh is a fantastic gift for 3-year-old boys — and so is the gift of grilling. Thanks to this set, there’s no need to wait until he’s a middle-aged dad to give your boy his first taste of the joys of grilling. This Play-Doh barbecue gives him everything he needs to put together a fine (albeit clay) meal.
Fun fact: The Play-Doh is technically edible, but we don’t recommend it …
There’s something genuinely hypnotic about watching cars go down a ramp, especially a 3-foot spiral ramp when you’re barely 3 feet tall yourself! This musical tower comes with “Rocky the Race Car” and is compatible with other vehicles and playsets in the Go! Go! Smart wheels line (sold separately).
Awaken your child’s inner musician with this set of six percussion instruments to help him learn all about rhythm and beat. At first, he’ll probably just like making noises with the cymbals, triangle, and maracas, but, you know, everyone starts somewhere.
As they say, the journey of a thousand songs begins with a single tambourine.
There are some toys that are just classics, and a simple wooden train set is one of them. Made of solid wood, the tracks and bridges can be arranged however your child wants. Magnetically connected trains move smoothly along the tracks among the signs, trees, and piers for locomotive fun.
Your 3-year-old can be anything he wants to be. A police officer, a chef, a construction worker, or, heck, why not a pirate? With these cool costumes, he can try out any one of his future careers or at least have fun pretending.
Great for indoor or outdoor play, this pole tent is the perfect get-away for adventure, imagination, or for those times when life is getting hectic, and you need some quiet time with a board book and a stuffed animal. (Because we’ve all had days like that, amiright?)
Just looking at this toy might conjure up memories you have pedaling one of these down the sidewalk in your neighborhood or the blacktop of your preschool. Rest assured, they’re just as fun now. Your 3-year-old will be king of the road (or your driveway) on this cool Harley-Davidson model!
This fun playset includes a cash register, scanner, checkout counter, shopping basket, shelves, play food and play money. They’ll have a blast pretending to shop or nurturing their entrepreneurial side and pretending to be a small business owner all before kindergarten! Great for collaborative play with friends and siblings.
Encourage an early love of books and build your preschoolers’ library with a monthly subscription box of new books. Each book is hand-selected based on your child’s age and interests. And, for every new order, Kids Reveal Book Box will donate a book to a child in need.
You might find your child’s ability to create adventures for dolls and action figures has reached new heights at the age of 3, which makes this simple but charming handcrafted dollhouse a perfect addition to any kids’ playtime. Complete with a toy family and furniture, the open-sided design makes collaborative play easy.
Help your preschooler fine-tune their ever-expanding knowledge, skills, and development with this cool monthly box of more than 16 activities, crafts, and games. With an emphasis on phonics skills, counting, shapes, colors, and writing, getting ready for kindergarten was never more fun. Each box comes with a parent guide to help guide you and have fun with your wee scholar.
This game of memorizing and matching just goes to show you can’t do much to improve upon a classic. Adorable Skip Hop animal friends are featured on 48 durable cardboard cards. Use all the cards for a challenge, or just a few until your kiddo gets the hang of it.
For the young man who knows his future lies on the sprawling fields of an elite country club (or the small child who likes whacking balls around), this set of golf clubs for preschoolers is the perfect toy to get him in the swing of things. (Pun intended; we’re not sorry.)
It’s not all wheels and sports for little dudes. Boys can be just as nurturing and compassionate as anyone — so what better way to let him cultivate those feelings (and just have make-believe fun) than with his own baby? This doll’s eyes open and close, and he comes with his own pacifier.
For a gift that’s fun and practical, you can’t go wrong with these cool color-in pajamas. He’ll have fun coloring in the plethora of sloths (both because coloring is fun and coloring on clothes is novel) and wearing his new creation to bed. Colors set with heat (24 hours of sunlight or ironing) and won’t run in the wash.
Subtly hinting you think medical school is a great idea just got a lot more fun with this super-cool doctor’s kit with all the bells and whistles. It can transform into a handbag, trolley case, medical table, or bench quickly and easily.
It includes 40 pieces, from stethoscope to thermometer, complete with sound effects — making it the perfect gift for 3-year-old boys who also happen to be doctors in training (hey, you never know!)
This personalized book helps your child learn how to navigate emotions through a journey through Monster Town, where your child will help monsters find ways to cope with anger, frustration, and sadness. They just might learn a thing or two themselves!
Tired of demuring every time your kid asks for a puppy? This might just buy you some more time. Pull your cuddly Peppy Pet along on her leash, and their legs will skitter along and look like they’re really walking. No batteries required — it’s 100% kid-powered.
Scene: you need just 10 minutes of quiet time, but feel guilty about resorting to screens. Enter this no-mess doodle pad. Using a stylus, your kid will have fun creating drawings and designs. Plus, the long battery life and waterproof surface ensure it will be enjoyed for a long time.
Making and serving a good cup of coffee is a life skill that everyone should know by the time they reach adulthood — start your kiddo off right with this cute “coffee maker.” They’ll have fun playing barista or pretending to be an overworked caregiver as they say, “Ugh. I can’t do this today without coffee.” Either way, it’ll be adorable.
Your kid might not be 4, but he can start training for the Final 4 with this basketball hoop. The large backboard and wide rim make it easy to score a point, and it even comes with a basketball perfect for small hands. Plus, the hoop is adjustable, so it will grow right along with him.
Old McDonald has nothing on your toddler who knows all the animal noises, and frequently uses them instead of words. Put that knowledge to good use with this Melissa and Doug Fold and Go barn set!
Your kid can "moo moo" and "baa baa" and more, with the seven animals included in the set, and when they're done playing, everything can be stored right in the barn.
Jamie KenneyJamie Kenney is a freelance writer for BestProducts.com; Her other work has appeared on Bustle, Parents, Playboy, McSweeny's Internet Tendency, the Takeout, and Romper, where she covers parenting, news, entertainment, and likes to help readers see the ridiculous (and hilarious) side of motherhood.
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