Reviewed by Amalia Smith
| 8 Mar 2024
BabyCentre selects products based on the research of our editors and the wisdom of parents in the BabyCentre Community. All prices and details are accurate at the time of publication. We may earn a commission from shopping links.
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iStock.com / Rawpixel
Best toys for 3-year-olds
- CENOVE flower garden building toy
- Hape sustainable wooden toy train
- Little Tikes first washer-dryer
- Toniebox starter set
- EVO mini cruiser scooter
- Play-Doh Peppa Pig stylin' Set
- Kinderkraft GoSwift balance bike
- Petit Collage Shine Bright magnetic dress up
- Jaques kids ice cream counter
Is your little one’s birthday fast approaching? Are you on the search for high-quality gift ideas for your soon-to-be 3-year-old? Whether you’re looking for educational toys, toys to encourage imaginative play or toys to boost their fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities, we’ve got you covered.
From Play-Doh to balance bikes, we’ve been on the hunt for some of the best gifts out there for your little girl or boy.
We’ve asked friends, family and members of the BabyCentre Community for their recommendations, and scoured the internet to see what parents are loving right now. Here’s our shortlist of the best toys for 3-year-olds.
The best toys for 3-year-olds in the UK – at a glance
- Best creative toy for 3-year-olds: Cenove flower garden building toy
- Best toy train for 3-year-olds: Hape sustainable wooden toy train
- Best role-play toy for 3-year-olds: Little Tikes first washer-dryer
- Best unusual toy for 3-year-olds: Toniebox starter set
- Best active toy for 3-year-olds: Evo mini cruiser scooter
- Best budget toy for 3-year-olds: Play-Doh Peppa Pig stylin’ set
- Best dollhouse for 3-year-olds:
- Best ride on toy for 3-year-olds: Kinderkraft GoSwift balance bike
- Best travel toy for 3-year-olds: Petit Collage Shine Bright magnetic dress up
- Best wooden toy for 3-year-olds: Jaques kids' ice cream counter
Find out more about why we love these toys for 3-year-olds below.
Safety tips when buying toys for 3-year-olds
Now your little boy or girl is 3 years old, they can enjoy many more kinds of different toys, as they’re starting to understand a little more about how they work and how to play with them safely. Nonetheless, it’s still worth bearing in mind a few general safety tips when choosing toys, especially if you’re buying second-hand.
- Check the age range. Although 3 year olds can enjoy a much wider range of toys than under 3s, there are still some toys that are better suited to older kids, so always check the manufacturer’s recommended age range to make sure that it’s suitable for your little one.
- Look for a CE mark. Seeing a CE mark on a toy’s packaging or label means you can rest assured that is conforms to safety standards.
- Check the toy is sturdy. Make sure there are no loose parts that could easily break off, or any sharp edges that could hurt your toddler. Check your toys every month or so, and repair or throw away any that look like they could be harmful.
- Supervise your child when necessary. Although 3 year olds can engage in some solo play, you know your little one best. For example, if you think they’re liable to try taking a bite out of that tasty-looking playdough sandwich if you leave the room, keep a close eye on them while they’re playing with it.
Our picks of the best toys for 3-year-olds in the UK 2024
Why trust us?
BabyCenter's reviews are created based on parents' real-life experiences using products - experiences of editors and writers who are parents themselves, and also of the millions of parents and pregnant women who make up the BabyCenter Community. Our editorial team uses these insights, as well as feedback from the doctors and other experts on our Medical Advisory Board, to give you accurate and fact-based information, including the pros and cons of different products. That way, you can decide what's best for you and your family.
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CENOVE flower garden building toy
Photo credit:
Amazon
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If your little one has some budding green fingers, this colourful garden of assorted flowers could be the ideal gift. With interchangeable parts that encourage your child to design their own blossoming bouquet, this creative playset also teaches children how to plant and water flowers.
With a whopping 130 pieces, this garden building set will let your child create endless different variations, for hours of fun. It’s great for outdoor play, and the pieces are easily washable with water.
Hape sustainable wooden toy train
Photo credit:
Amazon
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All aboard! Let your child be the station master of their very own railway with this sustainable wooden toy. Made up of railway tracks, a signal box, a truck, crane and more, this wooden playset has all the components needed for hours of imaginative play.
The best bit? It’s also designed to fit other train sets, meaning your 3 year old can easily expand their railway scene for years to come!
Little Tikes first washer-dryer
Photo credit:
Amazon
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Toddlers learn through imitation, and this interactive toy washing machine is the perfect playset for them to role play the household laundry duties.
With a dial, spinning drum, realistic sounds and the choice between different cycles, this toy is a great way for your little one to gain a sense of responsibility as they pretend to wash clothes. It might even encourage them to help out with real chores around the house!
Toniebox starter set
Photo credit:
Amazon
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Don’t be fooled by its size – the small, colourful Toniebox can play countless stories and songs. Designed to bring your toddler’s favourite tales to life, it’s screen-free fun that’s perfect for little hands to manage.
They simply place a Tonie character on top of the box to start. And with a variety of characters to choose from, your 3 year old will love deciding which Tonie character will join them on their next audio adventure. You or a family member can even record up to 90 minutes of stories yourself, adding some comfort and familiarity to story time.
One BabyCentre parent said: "My boys love their Toniebox, it's on everyday.. multiple times!"
EVO mini cruiser scooter
Photo credit:
Amazon
Watch your toddler ride in style with this trendy EVO mini cruiser scooter. Equipped with two 120mm wheels at the front for maximum safety and speed, this scooter is sure to provide a sturdy and exciting ride.
Designed with your child’s development in mind, this scooter also features an adjustable handlebar that will grow with your little one.
One BabyCentre parent said: "I decided to go for the Evo scooter, my friend’s son has one and really likes it."
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Play-Doh Peppa Pig stylin' Set
Photo credit:
Amazon
Take the fun of Play-Doh to a whole new level with this Peppa Pig dress-up game. Is Peppa going to be a mermaid today, a princess or maybe even a unicorn? The choice is up to your child, as they can use Play-Doh cutters, stamps and moulds to recreate some of their most-loved Peppa Pig story moments.
The perfect gift for a little one who loves arts and crafts, the wide range of Play-Doh colours and shapes means there is no limit to their creativity.
Melissa & Doug Fold and Go Dollhouse
Photo credit:
Amazon
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Let your child’s imagination run wild with this mini wooden doll's house, featuring wooden play figurines, furniture and working doors. It will encourage your little one to become an accomplished storyteller as they act out different scenarios, helping them to make sense of the world around them.
Thanks to its foldable design, this doll's house can also open and close fully, meaning it can be easily taken on the go. It includes 11 pieces of furniture and 2 play figures for endless adventures.
Kinderkraft GoSwift balance bike
Photo credit:
Amazon
Now that your little one’s spatial awareness and balance is improving, this balance bike is the perfect toy to strengthen their developing gross motor skills. Weighing in at only 3.8kg, the ultra-lightweight frame will allow your child to gain some real speed.
Its lack of weight also means you can easily carry it if the need arises. This stylish balance bike also features large air-filled wheels and extra cushioning, ensuring only the smoothest of rides for your toddler.
Petit Collage Shine Bright magnetic dress up
Photo credit:
Amazon
This parent-tested and approved magnetic dress-up game is a firm favourite amongst 3 year olds. Open the small tin to reveal a wide variety of characters, props and costumes, all of which can be used to depict endless scenes and stories imagined by your toddler.
Even better, the compact and magnetic design of this game means it’s the perfect entertainment for long car rides. No more cries of “are we there yet?!”. There’s also a space-themed version for would-be astronauts.
Jaques kids ice cream counter
Photo credit:
Amazon
Buying Options:
Give your little one a sweet treat without the sugar rush with this colourful ice cream play set. Featuring magnetic and hook and loop fastenings, little hands will love pulling apart and putting together these fun ice cream shapes.
With bright patterns and different textures, watch your little one serve up a game of imaginative play that will last for hours.
More on the best toys for toddlers:
- Best toys for 1-year-olds
- Best toys for 2-year-olds
- Product review: Amazon Basics toy kitchen
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