We know how difficult it can be to find the best toys for 3-year-olds; that’s why, at Mother&Baby, we dedicate time all year round to testing toys that your little one will actually want to play with. Think of us as Santa’s little helpers (minus the hats and pointy ears). By age three, your tiny human has their own personality, established interests, and (let’s be honest) some very specific preferences. So, while finding the perfect children's toy has never been more exciting, it’s also a bit of a tightrope because we all know toddlers don’t hold back when you get it wrong.
At three, your little one is probably chatting away and walking with purpose. They may have even started naming colours, playing creatively, following simple instructions, and even starting to grasp counting or sorting. It’s the perfect age to bring in educational toys. With their skills developing at lightning speed, whether it’s problem-solving, coordination, or imagination, the right toys can spark their curiosity, support their growth, and keep them happily entertained.
Best toys for 3 year olds:
From puzzles that challenge their problem-solving skills to building blocks that inspire creativity, the best toys for 3-year-olds play a key role in your child's development. This is also the age where pretend play takes centre stage, so toys like play kitchens, toolkits, or dollhouses can help nurture their social skills and imagination. And let’s not forget active play - trikes, toddler bikes, and outdoor toys are perfect for burning off all that toddler energy while simultaneously boosting coordination and motor skills. Whatever their interest, we are confident we have a toy ready to support their growth and shape them into the adults they will later become.
Best toys for three-year-olds 2025:
Paw Patrol is paws-down, one of the biggest hits in the toddler universe, and with another movie on the horizon for 2026 and spin-off shows like Rubble & Crew taking off, these crime-fighting pups are here to stay.
The Paw Patrol Air Rescue is an impressive playset, standing over 30cm tall and packed with multiple play areas to spark endless adventures. We love all the moving parts, which make pretend play even more exciting. Hooking Mayor Humdinger onto the crane and spinning him around? Absolutely hilarious (and satisfying)!
While we wish the set included all the pups, it does come with Chase, who is arguably the fan favourite, and he’s more than ready to lead the mission. Little ones can by the other pups separately. This toy is a total winner for little Paw Patrol fans who are ready to save the day.
Pros
- Moving parts that can easily be operated by toddlers
- Brightly coloured
- Multiple areas of play including a petrol station, car wash and vehicle launcher.
Cons
- Only comes with Mayor Humdinger and Chase figures
This adorable Pip and Posy Talking Plush Pip is a must-have for little fans of the much-loved books and TV series. This soft toy is equally snuggly and interactive, featuring Pip, the lovable rabbit, clutching his trusty toy Piggy.
When testing this with her three-year-old, Senior Digital Writer, Hannah Carroll said he absolutely loved the talking feature. "Just pressing the button gets Pip chatting, much to the delight of my three-year-old, who instantly recognised him. While it’s advertised to say ten phrases, we only caught about five, but honestly, the little ones didn’t seem to notice or care," she said.
We loved the size, making it easy for small hands to carry Pip on adventures, and the premium quality is a big plus. Overall, this plush is a fantastic companion for imaginative play and cosy cuddles.
Pros
- Premium quality, from the design to the audio sound
- Easy for toddlers to operate
- Comes with batteries included - Three months of testing and batteries still going strong
Cons
- We didn't hear 10 phrases as advertised but this did not take away from the product.
Designed for kids aged three to six, this electric ride-on offers a premium driving experience, perfect for outdoor adventures or playtime in the garden. Modeled after the iconic McLaren, it features eye-catching butterfly doors, sleek racing stripes, and a sporty design that’s sure to impress any little car enthusiast.
Senior digital writer Hannah Carroll said, “As a mother of three boys, this electric ride-on is hands-down the most popular toy in our house. The moment the sun comes out, my kids can spend hours playing with it. I love watching them role-play, whether they’re pretending to be mechanics, zooming through a drive-thru, or racing like pros. The possibilities are endless! The only downside is that it takes up quite a bit of storage space, and I had to buy a cover separately to keep it dry during the winter months.”
Pros
- Children wanted to play with it for hours
- Easy to charge
- Works on grass and pavement
- Safety features including a adjustable seatbelt and shock-absorbing suspension system.
- Rechargable battery
Cons
- Storing the electric car requires quite a bit of room.
The Orchard Toys Giant Road Floor Puzzle is a brilliant choice for little ones who love imaginative play. This versatile puzzle lets kids create their very own road layout, perfect for zooming cars around or building a bustling town.
Our Senior Writer, Hannah Carroll, mum to three boys, says, "I can vouch for how much fun this puzzle brings. My kids love piecing it together, creating different road layouts, and then driving their cars up and down the puzzle streets for hours of play."
The puzzle is super simple to assemble, with easy-to-follow instructions. It offers multiple ways to lay it out, so it feels fresh every time. It’s not just engaging but also fantastic value for money—durable, creative, and endlessly fun for little builders.
Pros
- With multiple ways to lay out the puzzle, kids can create new road designs every time, keeping playtime fresh and exciting.
- Great for imaginative adventures.
- Simple instructions and sturdy large pieces.
- Durable - after multiple years of play this toy is still going strong.
Cons
- hile fun, the puzzle could feel a bit small for multiple kids playing together unless you purchase additional sets to expand the layout.
The WOW Toys Robin's Medical Rescue is a fantastic playset for kids who enjoy imaginative, hands-on adventures. This friction-powered ambulance has all the essentials for exciting rescue missions and is built to last. We love its vibrant colours and durable design, made from high-quality, BPA-free materials that can withstand even the most enthusiastic play—no small, breakable parts in sight!
Our favourite feature is that the set includes a stretcher and removable wheelchair, along with two diverse figures, a paramedic and a patient, perfect for role-playing all kinds of rescue scenarios. Plus, it’s completely battery-free, making it a hassle-free and eco-friendly choice for hours of fun!
Pros
- Fanastic quality that is well built and perfect for toddler play.
- Brightly coloured and engaging design
- Diverse play figures
Cons
- No interactive features
This fantastic kit from The Den Kit Company has everything you need to create a pirate-themed den in your garden. Inside, you’ll find a sturdy canvas satchel packed with pirate bunting, a 100% cotton calico tarpaulin, a groundsheet, a wooden mallet, and other essentials for building the perfect den.
Mum tester Sophie Knight, mum to Eli (3), says: "I was given this kit for my little boy, and it’s just wonderful. It has really sparked his imagination, and he enjoys setting up the den just as much as he does playing in it. I've walked the plank countless times since we got it. The quality is excellent, and I know it’ll last long after he's outgrown his pirate phase—perfect for when he just wants his own space to escape to in the garden."
Pros
- Offering every child an outdoor experience whatever the weather
- Designed to capture creative imaginations.
Cons
- Not suitabe for babies.
The Connetix Rainbow Rectangle Pack is a fantastic way for kids to get creative and build intricate structures, offering hours of fun and entertainment. Senior writer Hannah Carroll says, "My sons can easily lose themselves in designing everything from towers to bridges, and it's a great way to take a break from screen time. The pieces click together effortlessly, making the builds fairly stable—though, as any parent of younger siblings knows, the occasional knock-down from little brother is always possible! "
But even with a few tumbles, the fun continues as they rebuild and create all over again. It's the perfect toy to spark their imagination and encourage hands-on play. We also like that you can continue adding many different Connetix sets to your collection, including marble runs and vehicle-making packs.
Pros
- Premium quality - Non toxic ABS plastics
- Educational - Great for fine motor skills, imagination play, STEM, Construction and more.
- Compatiable with other Connetix packs
- Multiple ways to play
Cons
- Storing the titles can be tricky, so we recommend taking a picture before removing them to help ensure they go back neatly in the box.
The tonies Toniebox Starter Set is a fantastic way to introduce young kids to the world of audio storytelling and music. This soft, durable speaker system is designed for little hands, with simple controls that let them easily play their favourite stories and songs independently. The set includes the Toniebox itself and one Tonie figure (which unlocks audio content when placed on top of the box).
The Toniebox features a fun, kid-friendly design with no buttons; just touch and go. Kids can listen to stories, sing along to songs, or even create their own sound adventures. It’s a great alternative to screens for quiet time while offering a hands-on, engaging way to enjoy audio content. The Toniebox is easy to use and encourages imaginative listening, making it a perfect gift for young children. Senior writer Hannah Carroll's three-year-old refuses to go to bed without at least one tonie story each night.
We also think that the tonies figures make a fantastic practical gift for when you're struggling to get your little one on special occasions like birthdays and Christmas.
Pros
- Great for bedtime stories or as a kids' music box.
- No complicated assembly and no over-stimulating flashing screens that are so common on kids toys today.
- Easy for three year olds to use independently
- Huge library of tonies that appeals to pre-schoolers
Cons
- The Toniebox requires the purchase of additional Tonie figures to access more stories and songs, which can become costly over time if your child wants to expand their collection.
FAQs about three-year-old toys
Do I need to replace my child's old toys?
If your child still plays with their toys, there's no need to throw them out or buy completely new ones. Instead, you can buy a few suited to their play needs now.
If you want to be more organised, you could try rotating your child's toys and keeping some stored away with these toy storage ideas so that you don't have toys everywhere.
What is the best toy for a three-year-old?
When it comes to toys, the best ones are those that are fun, but also have an educational element to them. This may be that they help develop your child's motor skills, fine motor skills and cognitive development. When choosing a toy for your three-year-old, before purchasing, think — A) will they enjoy using it and B) will they benefit from it in any way — if you answer yes to both of these, then they're probably a good buy. Don't forget, toys, first and foremost, are meant to be fun for your child, but if they can get additional benefits out of them, too, then this is even better.
What are the best types of toys for a three-year-old?
Problem-solving toys: Problem-solving skills are important and start being developed at around two-years-old. Examples: puzzles (12-20+ pieces), board games, memory games, flashcards and sorting toys.
Building and construction toys: Building structures and creating things are important at this stage. These toys promote an interest in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths). Examples: sand and water play toys, building bricks, colourful blocks, construction sets, magnets and gears.
Role-play/Imaginative toys: Role-play is an important way for them to learn language and imaginative skills. Examples: tea sets, food toys, child-sized kitchens, shop sets, pretend money, mini furniture, dress-up clothes and puppets.
Literacy: As your child's language and reading skills begin to develop they will be able to enjoy books with more words.
Creative toys: It is a good idea to start early and is a fun way to occupy their time (you might even get a crafty present at the end of it!). Examples: crayons, markers, paint/paint brushes, finger paints, coloured paper, chalk and chalkboards, modelling clay and playdough.
Musical and visual toys: Listening to different sounds and noises can be beneficial to your child's development and communication. Examples: Mini instruments, toys with lights and sounds, CDs and DVDs with music and videos.
Things to encourage physical skills: Your child is ready to get outside to explore more physical and outdoor play. Physical play helps them develop their muscles and hand-eye coordination. Examples: scooters, tricycles, balls for catching/throwing/kicking, plastic bats, bowling pins, targets and kids' workbench tools.
Interactive toys: It is never too early to introduce your kids to computers and software. Often technology is salvation for parents who need a quick and easy way to entertain their tots. Examples: tablets, mini-computers, basic coding kits and play mobile telephones.
How we test and choose recommended products
Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice and product, and we also listen to what you say.
Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe consistently provides great insights into which products mums like best and why, helping us highlight the products that will meet your needs.
For essential products, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested. Full reviews from our mum testers can be found on our product pages. The winners and runners-up for each category will also appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.
Hannah Carroll is our Senior Digital Writer. In her capacity, she curates top-notch listicles, crafts insightful how-to guides, and delivers expert product reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah draws upon her comprehensive understanding of all facets of family life to bring true insight into all the products that make running a home easier.