“Boys this age typically enjoy everything and anything hands-on—your typical trucks and cars are great, but there are so many more options nowadays, including dress-up costumes (fireman, police outfits, pirate, etc),” says etiquette expert Karen Thomas. We tested and researched the best available toy options, considering recommended age, complexity, and educational value. With this in mind, our favorites range from STEM skill-building Magna-Tiles to the Reeves International Big Dig Sandbox Digger Excavator Crane, a sand, dirt, and snow toy that fosters fine motor skills and keeps little ones engaged for hours. Here are the best toys for 3-year-old boys. This digger comes with a seat and crane that swivels 360 degrees and two handles that will help your little ones work on both their fine and gross motor skills as they dig away, according to our tester. “Our 3-year-old loved this toy, and we loved how much it engaged his muscles and imagination. If you are looking for a beach toy that will wow a construction-loving kid, this is the perfect gift,” they shared. Price at time of publish: $50 Price at time of publish: $54 Our tester loved that this toy encourages creative play while also teaching patience. “This toy was entertaining enough to hold the attention of our two toddlers for at least an hour every time,” they shared. It’s perfect for independent play or a bonding activity for the whole family since it appeals to so many ages. Price at time of publish: $119 Price at time of publish: $42 Our tester loved the opportunities for play, saying “This single set can be a great bath time toy, an activity while making dinner (our son loved sticking these to the fridge), or a fun way to improve fine motor skills during free play time.” Price at time of publish: $27 Price at time of publish: $8 Price at time of publish: $31 Price at time of publish: $120 Price at time of publish: $36 Price at time of publish: $36 Price at time of publish: $182 Price at time of publish: $30 Price at time of publish: $15 Price at time of publish: $25 Price at time of publish: $25 Price at time of publish: $18 Price at time of publish: $20 Price at time of publish: $16 Price at time of publish: $67 Price at time of publish: $45 Price at time of publish: $21 Price at time of publish: $88 Price at time of publish: $188 Price at time of publish: $36 Price at time of publish: $9 Price at time of publish: $9 Price at time of publish: $58 Price at time of publish: $50 Price at time of publish: $130 Price at time of publish: $149 Price at time of publish: $30 Price at time of publish: $50 Price at time of publish: $10 Price at time of publish: $79 Price at time of publish: $55 Price at time of publish: $18 Price at time of publish: $70 Price at time of publish: $40
Complexity
Books, wooden toys, and other single-function toys can be lots of fun. But also consider a gift with more than one function. Toys that light up, make noise, move, or have interactive features tend to hold a child’s attention for longer periods of time.
Educational Value
Toys don’t have to recite numbers and letters to be educational. There are plenty of traditional toys—pretend play sets, balance bikes, puzzles, building blocks, memory games, and more—that help your toddler develop all of the important physical, language, and cognitive skills they’re working on, says Dr. Natasha Burgert, a pediatrician in South Overland Park, Kansas. Any type of toy that requires children to use their hands can help encourage hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, says Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist in New York City. Toys commonly beloved by 3-year-olds, such as Legos or building blocks, also foster imagination by providing children with objects to construct structures of their choice and create imaginary worlds. Educational gifts may also include experiences or classes that expand their worldview. “Gift cards or certificates for experiences are also a great way to allow for a great experience for everyone in the family. Examples include outings to a zoo, local play place, etc.,” shares Thomas.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Julia Fields a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Before that, she covered similar topics including toy reviews, product round-ups, expert-focused articles, and more. Thomas also recommends books and toys that promote manners and social skills. “Enforcing kindness, civility and politeness are my favorite!” she reveals. Expert advice was provided by etiquette expert Karen Thomas.
