Toys For 3 Years Olds
At 3 years of age the world of children’s toys really enters another level as children begin exploring independently, socialising, initiating conversations and letting you know what their interests are. At this age children are beginning to learn things like their basic shapes, numbers and colours and starting to engage in more in-depth pretend and imaginative play.
With this in mind when shopping for the best toys and gifts for 3-year-old, any open ended toy that fosters pretend and imaginative play is sure to be a hit. But it’s a good idea to look out for educational toys that will start getting them ready for preschool, especially if they help practice numbers, letters and shapes. Of course, 3-year-olds still have the attention spans of toddlers, so you’ll also have to find something that’s fun and engaging first and foremost.
To help, Ruth (primary school teacher, toy expert and mother to 2 young boys) has picked out her top toy gift ideas for 3 year olds that are sure to be a hit.
Connetix Magnetic Tiles
Connetix Magnetic Tiles: The Ultimate Christmas Gift for Three-Year-Olds!
Get ready to unleash your child's creativity with Connetix Magnetic Tiles—the perfect gift that turns playtime into a world of endless possibilities! These vibrant, easy-to-use tiles allow little builders to create everything from whimsical castles to funky shapes, all while having a blast!
With their fun magnetic connections, kids will love snapping the tiles together, developing fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities without even realising it. Plus, they’re durable and safe, so parents can relax while their little ones explore and create.
Make this Christmas unforgettable with a gift that keeps on giving. Grab a set of Connetix Magnetic Tiles today, and let the creative play begin!
Buy Connetix Magnetic Tiles NowMelissa & Doug Wooden Ice Cream Counter
Have fun scooping up some cool treats for your friends and family with this adorable Wooden Ice Cream Counter. The sturdy all-inclusive, 28-piece tabletop counter holds eight wooden scoops of different-flavoured ice cream, six assorted toppings, two cones, a plastic cup, an ice cream scooper, tongs, and a wooden spoon. The scooper fits into a hole on top of the scoops to lift, stack, and release. Take orders on the reusable menu card, pay with play money, and serve up delicious fun!
Buy Wooden Ice Cream Counter NowThe Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game
This easy-to-learn game is ideal for 3-year-olds because it involves no reading and no dice with numbers to count — instead, there’s a spinner to flick on a coloured wheel and matching acorns to pick up — yet it still fosters learning in a quick-paced setup, teaching about colours and improving fine motor control. Games like this also teach the skills of sharing, turn-taking, and handling frustration when losing.
Buy The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game NowImagination Patterns
A Magical Christmas Gift for Little Creatives age 3+!
Ignite your child's creativity this Christmas with Imagination Patterns! This enchanting set invites little ones to explore the world of shapes, colours, and patterns while having endless fun. With a variety of pieces that can be arranged and rearranged, children can create their own unique designs and unleash their artistic flair.
As they play, kids will develop essential skills like pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and fine motor skills—all while enjoying hours of imaginative play. The vibrant colours and engaging shapes captivate young minds, turning each play session into an exciting adventure!
Perfect for solo play or group activities, Imagination Patterns is a fantastic way for kids to bond with friends and family while learning through play. Make this Christmas memorable with a gift that sparks joy and creativity. Grab a set of Imagination Patterns today and watch your child's imagination soar!
Buy Imagination Patterns NowHurlóg
The Hurlóg is the perfect gift for your 3 year old budding hurlers / camogie players. Made of a light, soft foam it is safer for younger children to use. A soft foam ball is also included. The Hurlóg is soft, light, safe and great fun to use both indoors and outdoors. The Hurlóg has been hugely popular at Cogs since we started stocking it in late 2022.
A junior hockey version is also available here.
Buy Hurlóg NowStomp Rocket Jr Glow
The Stomp Rocket Jr Glow provides active outdoor entertainment, day or night.
The Jr Glow version is suitable for younger children (Age 3 +).
Part of the Stomp Rocket range, it is guaranteed to provide all ages with endless hours of fun.
An excellent STEM toy which encourages learning through play and will keep the kids playing outdoors for hours.
Winner of Creative Child Magazine’s 2014 Preferred Choice Award. Multiple Award Winner , Preferred Choice Award, iParenting Media Award for Best Product
Buy Stomp Rocket Jr Glow NowRailway Bucket Builder Set Hape
Load up the train, chuff-chuff the cargo round the winding track, but look out for changing signals and workmen on the tracks!
Kids will adore this railway set, which has all the props they need for hours of play and storytelling.
Quick to tidy, and easy to store: all 50 pieces of the set fit easily into the bucket. Both the bucket and its lid are cleverly designed as part of the railway and scenery.
Enlarge the scene with other Hape toy train sets - such as the Hape Busy City Rail Set. Then watch the kids’ pretend-play stories get bigger and even more imaginative. It’s even compatible with other companies’ train sets, so you can add it to what you already have.
The smart bucket design makes the whole railway set easy to transport and store, ideal for busy bedrooms or taking on holiday.
Age: 3+ Years
Buy The Railway Bucket Builder Set NowMelissa & Doug Super Smile Dentist Kit Play Set
Smile, the dentist will see you now! This Melissa and Doug Super Smile Dentist Kit Play Set features an over-sized set of pretend teeth so young dentists-in-training can give cleanings, treat cavities, and even fit retainers and braces! Mark the pretend teeth with cavity stickers, then use the vibrating tool with interchangeable polishing and drill heads, and the toothbrush to clean.
The set includes realistic instruments like a pick, mirror, floss, a dental rinse bottle and cup, 2 gauze pads, 2 tooth polish cups, and an instrument tray to keep organised. A mask, reusable ID tag on a lanyard, and a double-sided reusable activity card round out the dentists office experience. The play set is a fun and engaging way to teach good dental health practices, and to ease kids fears or feelings of stress associated with a visit to the dentist. Spark a childs creativity and imagination and inspire young dentists for years to come.
Melissa & Doug Super Smile Dentist Kit Play SetDesign & Drill T-Rex
Searching for a Christmas gift for a three-year-old that sparks creativity and learning? The Take Apart T-Rex is an excellent choice! This interactive toy lets little builders assemble and disassemble their very own dinosaur, encouraging imaginative play and developing fine motor skills.
With chunky, easy-to-grasp pieces, toddlers can construct their T-Rex while exploring concepts like shapes and engineering. The vibrant colours and friendly design make it a standout addition to any playroom.
Recommended for children aged 3 and up, the Take Apart T-Rex is one of the top gifts for three-year-olds this Christmas!
Buy Design & Drill T-Rex Take Apart Dinosaur Toy NowAll in One Easel Hape
All in One Easel by Hape: The Perfect Christmas Gift for Budding Artists!
Let your child’s creativity shine this Christmas with the All in One Easel by Hape! Ideal for kids aged 3 and up, this versatile easel offers endless opportunities for artistic expression. One side is a chalkboard, the other a magnetic whiteboard—perfect for doodles, letters, and more. Plus, the paper roll lets them create masterpieces using paints, crayons, or markers.
As little artists explore their imagination, they’ll also develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and a love for art. Adjustable in height, this durable, eco-friendly easel grows with your child, providing years of creative play.
Buy All in One Easel NowSquigz 22 Piece Set
One of Cogs The Brain Shops all time best seller, Squigz are fun little suckers! Construction with suction! Apply pressure to two Squigz. Air rushes out and the fun rushes in! Named Best in Play by Parenting Magazine, these fun, flexible little suckers come in eight different shapes and stick to each other and any flat, non-porous surface without leaving a mark. Just break out your creativity and fine motor skills to make anything your pliable little mind can dream up. Build a tree, a rocket ship, an octopus.
Buy Squigz 22 Piece Set NowAll Season Doll House Fully Furnished Hape
There are as many ways to play with this house as there families in the world. Six rooms, moveable stairs, and a reversible winter/summer-themed, solar-paneled roof inspire year-round activities. Includes four room sets: Master Bedroom, Family Bathroom, Media Room and Kitchen.
The house has unique home furnishings and household appliances that are easy to move and can be arranged as you like.
Recipient of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Seal Award.
Age: 3+ Years.
Buy All Season Doll House