Best Toys And Gifts For 3 Year Old Boys In 2022

Your son has been toddling along for about a year or so now, and you’ll have noticed his physical and mental attributes developing at a startling pace. In regard to motor skills, he should have greater balance and should be able to climb stairs easily. This may spur on the little explorer in him as well.

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You’ll also notice that his language and listening skills have developed quite a lot. Your son can take instructions and tell stories, so consider any toys that spark his imagination. Furthermore, his social skills have developed to the point where he can share and he has started showing genuine compassion for his friends.

With the right toys, you can aid your son’s development of these key skills. Don’t forget the importance of continued mental and physical development, especially as he’s approaching school age.​

Product Image	Product Name	Feature	Price
	Paw Patrol Sea Patroller	Launching mechanism Lights for resuce situation Plastic accessories	Check Price
	Wonder Crew Superhero Dolls	Key developmental step for toddlers, Ddoll has a soft packing 15 inches tall	Check Price
	Fat Brain Toys Squigz Starter	Contains 24 pieces Every piece has its own suction cups Toy inspires creativity	Check Price
	WolVol Transport Car Carrier	Can store 28 small cars It doubles the storage solution Can create own roadside scenes	Check Price
	My First Flybar Foam Pogo Jumper	Carry weight of 250lbs Help for developing balance and muscle strength Strong foam grips	Check Price
	Melissa & Doug Deluxe Railway Train Set	130 wooden pieces Including trees and signs 100 track pieces	Check Price
	ETI Toys Little Engineer’s Set	101 large pieces STEM learning Set encourages creativity	Check Price
	VTech Little Apps Tablet	Learning opportunities Introduces basics concepts of computer Piano keys for small musical compositions	Check Price
	VTech KidiBeats Drum Set	Three plastic drums and a cymbal Four play modes Three AAA batteries	Check Price
	The Original PlasmaCar by PlaSmart	Has several safety certification Indoor play Develop leg muscles	Check Price

Choosing the Best Toys and Gifts

I’ve chatted with a few parents, which has given me an idea of which toys worked out best for their little boys. The following 20 toys will engage your son, developing his mental, physical, and social skills in the process.

1. Paw Patrol Sea Patroller

Any boys who enjoy Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol show will gravitate towards this toy. The main boat features a set of wheels on the bottom, which you can pull down and place on a solid surface whenever your son wants to play with it.

It also comes with some little plastic accessories, including an octopus toy, vehicle, Ryder figure, and some life preservers. The boat also has a launching mechanism that fires the life rings out to “sea”. There are also a few sounds and some flashing lights to add to the “rescue” situation.

The life preservers do present a choking hazard, so you may want to ensure your son understands not to put his toys in his mouth before buying this. It also needs three LR44 batteries, which come with the toy. However, you may have to visit a watch shop or order online to replace them if they run out.​

What’s Great About It: The toy combines a popular kids’ show with plenty of interactive elements. I like how it transforms into a land vehicle and that you could use it to teach basic water safety.

2. Wonder Crew Superhero Dolls

The desire to imitate others is a key developmental step for toddlers, and this superhero

doll offers just that. It comes with a Wonder Crew-branded cape and mask that mimics what the doll wears, so your son can team up with the doll to go on adventures.

The doll itself has a sturdy vinyl head, which makes it resistant to crushing and throwing. The rest of the doll has a soft packing, which makes it a great nighttime sleeping toy for restless boys. It’s 15 inches tall too, so there’s plenty for your son to grab onto.

There’s a doll for each member of the Wonder Crew, so your son can pick out his favorite. I will note that the head is hard enough to cause damage if your son swings the toy around, so he will have to be careful when he plays with it.​

What’s Great About It: I like the dressing up aspect of the toy, as it helps your son form a bond with the doll that holds his interest. It’s also a great soft toy for cuddling during bedtime and car rides.

3. Fat Brain Toys Squigz Starter

As your son’s motor skills develop, he’s going to enjoy pulling at things and trying

o put them back. The Squigz starter set caters for that, as it contains 24 pieces, each with their own suction cups. Your son can put them together and stick his creations onto the wall, window, or table.

I particularly like that this toy inspires creativity, as your son can put the pieces together however he wants. It also comes with a plastic storage cylinder, making the silicon pieces easy to pack away after use.

Having said that, the pieces are fairly small, which means they’re easy to lose. This shouldn’t present too much of an issue as there are plenty of pieces in the set.​

What’s Great About It: This toy is all about creativity, as your son can build whatever he can think of with the pieces. It has strong suction cups too, so you can also use them for bath time play.

​4. WolVol Transport Car Carrier

Any boys with an interest in cars will like this toy. In addition to being a large car toy in its own right, it contains enough slots for your son to store 28 other small car toys inside. As a result, it doubles as both a toy and a storage solution.

The set comes with six smaller cars to get you started, plus a set of cones and construction signs, which also fit into the storage compartments. Your son can create his own roadside scenes using the accessories.

​5. Little Tikes Gas ‘n Go Mower

I particularly like the handle on the top of the truck, as it makes it easier to carry from place to place. However, the plastic isn’t the best, so it may break if your son drops the toy onto a hard surface.​

What’s Great About It: This clever toy lets your son take his little cars with him wherever he goes, while offering you a nifty storage solution. The accessories let your son explore his creative side, and the truck even has a handle.

Your son’s probably watched you mow the lawn before, and this toy lets him imitate you without the dangers of chopping blades. The top of the mower carries a see-through compartment that contains beads that bounce as your son pushes it.

However, the little touches are my favorite thing about this toy. There’s a small key, which turns to “start” the mower, and a cord that makes an engine sound when pulled. As well as being fun, these features develop your son’s basic motor skills.

I also like the little gas can, which your son can use to pour “gas” into the mower. Unfortunately, the handle is a touch lower than I like, so your son may outgrow the mower over the course of a year.​

What’s Great About It: The interactive elements mimic real-life lawnmowers well. I was particularly impressed with how Little Tikes uses the pull cord and key to help your son’s developing motor skills.

​6. My First Flybar Foam Pogo Jumper

You may feel wary about introducing your three-year old to pogoing, but I think it’s good for developing balance and muscle strength. Flybar ensures your son’s safety with a bulky foam base and strong foam grips on the handle. You won’t have to worry about the stick slipping from under your son’s feet.

The jumper squeaks with each bounce, which you can use to develop your son’s math skills. Have him count upwards with each squeak to create a challenge that also familiarizes him with numbers.

It’s sturdy too, and can carry a maximum weight of 250lbs. However, the foam on the base may deteriorate over time, as might the squeaking mechanism.​

What’s Great About It: The jumper offers a safe way to challenge your son’s developing motor skills, balance, and coordination. It can carry a lot of weight, and the use of foam makes it safer than traditional pogo sticks.

7. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Railway Train Set

This set comes with 130 wooden pieces. You receive 100 track pieces, which you can assemble into four configurations, alongside 30 other accessories. These include three trains, which range in size from three pieces to six, and several decorations, including trees and signs.

I like the packaged instructions, which show you how to build each track configuration. Your son will enjoy a sense of achievement when he follows them correctly; with the accessories allow him to get creative. There’s also a crane piece with a small magnet that can pick up the little freight containers.

This toy can seem intimidating at first due to the number of pieces. As a result, I recommend helping your son build it, then sitting back as he plays. As he gets older, he’ll be able to follow the instructions by himself in greater detail.​

What’s Great About It: The sturdy wooden track pieces ensure the longevity of the set and they slot together snugly. I also like how your son can build several tracks, and the rewarding element of being able to play with it after building.

​8. ETI Toys Little Engineer’s Set

Getting your son involved in STEM learning early will give him a head start in science and math subjects when he starts school. This set features 101 large pieces, which your son can use to create little vehicles and other objects.

While the set encourages creativity, I was a little concerned that it may be beyond the grasp of a three-year-old. However, it comes with an eBook that contains instructions for building 12 models. This presents the opportunity for cooperative play with your child, allowing them to build something they recognize so they stay engaged.

It also comes with a carry case and uses non-toxic components. ETI used third-party testing to ensure there’s no Bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, or lead in the pieces.​

What’s Great About It: Any toy that uses certified non-toxic pieces gets plus points from me, and I like how it offers an early start with STEM education. The eBook is a smart touch, as it keeps your son engaged with the set.

​9. VTech Little Apps Tablet

There’s no getting away from the fact that your child will start using mobile devices at an early age. This tablet introduces your son to the basic concepts of tablet computers, while offering plenty of learning opportunities.

The small screen hosts 12 activities, each of which introduces your son to basic concepts in numeracy, language, and other subjects. There’s also a piano, and a full keyboard that you can use to teach the alphabet to your son.

It requires a couple of AA batteries, but you get a set with the toy. I also like the auto-shutoff feature, as this conserves battery life. Volume controls are a plus too, as they mean your son can play with the toy without disturbing others.​

What’s Great About It: The toy introduces your son to tablet computers and several important early learning topics. He’ll also learn basic typing skills, and he can use the piano to create small musical compositions.

​10. VTech KidiBeats Drum Set

This drum kit features three plastic drums and a cymbal, which each plays their own sounds when struck with the included plastic drumsticks. There are also four play modes, which have educational features to them.

The play modes include following along with letters, numbers, and one of the nine songs that the set plays. There’s also a free-play mode for when your son wants to get creative.

The set comes with three AAA batteries, but you should replace these with fresh batteries as soon as possible. Naturally, it creates a lot of noise so it isn’t suitable for nighttime play.​

What’s Great About It: The set takes your son’s penchant for hitting things and turns it into a learning opportunity. The four play modes keep him engaged and teach him about basic letters, numbers, and musical compositions.

​11. The Original PlasmaCar by PlaSmart

The PlasmaCar keeps things simple, requiring no pedals or batteries to get it moving. Instead, it’s all about your son’s legs. He’ll develop his leg muscles as he rides, with the steering wheel also

him to develop his upper body and arm strength.

It has a comfortable seat with a small backrest, and two foot pads for use when your son gets the car rolling. It also has several safety certifications, including meeting the ISO, ASTM, and CCPSA standards.

The only downside is that it doesn’t roll well on carpet and rough surfaces. You’ll need a flat surface, such as linoleum or a wooden floor for indoor play.​

What’s Great About It: There’s practically no learning curve with this toy, as your son can just hop on and get moving. I appreciate any toy manufacturers that make the effort to obtain safety certification, plus it’s great for developing muscles.

12. MegaToyBrand Workbench

Another toy that offers your son the opportunity to copy what he sees; this workbench impresses with its sheer range of accessories. It comes with 12 tools, including a hammer, saw, and drill. There are also plenty of nuts, bolts, and other accessories for a total of 64 parts.

I’m a fan of portability in kid’s toys, so I like how the workbench folds up into a carry case. You can pack all of the tools inside and take it wherever you go, or store it for later use.

It’s made using sturdy plastics, and the drill accessory emits a real-life sound, though it does need batteries. There are little gaps built into the workbench that your son may catch his fingers in, so I recommend supervised play until you’re sure he can play on his own safely.​

What’s Great About It: You get a lot of accessories in the package, and the workbench is a perfect height for most toddlers. It also folds into a carry case in which you can store the assorted tools and bolts.

​13. Fisher-Price Little People Sit ‘n Stand Skyway

An impressive sight when you’ve got it assembled, the Skyway includes a bending road that your son will enjoy driving cars down. Most impressive of all is the fact that it converts from a seated s

kyway into a standing one. This offers more variety, and means your son can carry on playing eve

n if his legs get tired.

The toy comes with a couple of Fisher-Price vehicles, and you can buy vehicles separately to add to it. There’s also a switch, which your son can flip to send the car down a different road. All told, the tower has three exits at the bottom, with one leading to a small jump.

I will note that it takes some time to assemble and pack away, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a quick and easy toy.​

What’s Great About It: The multiple routes, which your son activates with a switch, teach him about cause and effect. The fact that it converts offers variety and longevity.

​14. VTech 3-in-1 Race and Learn

This may be the perfect toy for little car enthusiasts, as it features a steering wheel and several dashboard accessories. These include a lever and twisty knob, which your son can use to simulate starting a vehicle and changing gears. The toy also teaches basic math and language skills, in addition to having a vibrating wheel to improve immersion.

It also has three settings: jet, motorcycle, and car. Your son can switch between them at will, and the small screen above the wheel displays race courses that correspond with the vehicle selection. There are nine courses in total.

It does need three AAA batteries, and the ones that come with it don’t last very long. However, it has an auto-shutoff feature that preserves battery life. I also like the volume controls, which allow your son to play without disturbing others.

What’s Great About It: The Race and Learn lets your son simulate the driving that he’s likely seen you do in the past. I like the variation between the courses and how you can switch between vehicles. It’s also a good teaching tool.

​15. Learning Resources Fishing Set

This set comes with 11 pieces, which include a rod, fishing jacket, and three fish for your son to catch. You also get a net and three pieces of bait, in addition to a carry case for the set. This set imitates the style of a bait box for added authenticity.

The rod’s line has a small magnet at the end, which latches onto a small metal patch on each fish to catch them. I like how you can use the set to teach basic math skills, showing your son how to count to three.

​The set improves motor skills, but it also lets your son exercise his imagination and copy you if you’re an angler. I should note that right-handed children will find the rod easier to use than left-handed kids.

What’s Great About It: Apart from developing motor skills and coordination, this toy lets your son’s imagination run riot. There’s also a dedication to authenticity and realism thanks to the jacket and bait box/carry case.

​16. Idoot Magnetic Blocks Building Set

Another great toy for STEM education, this building set comes with 56 pieces, which split into 24 triangles and 32 squares. Each is magnetic, so your son can slot them together to create any structu

res that come to mind. They’re equally adept at handling 3D structures as they are flat shapes.

The set develops your son’s fine motor skills, and Idoot uses non-toxic plastics throughout. I also like the rounded corners and smooth edges, which ensure that your little one doesn’t suffer any unfortunate cuts.

It also comes with a storage bag and instructional booklet. Unfortunately, the pieces don’t have the strongest construction, and may break if dropped onto a hard surface.​

What’s Great About It: A great early STEM educational tool, this set features enough pieces to build all sorts of objects. I like the use of non-toxic plastics, and the storage bag lowers the possibility of losing the pieces.

​17. Fisher-Price Grow-to-Pro 2-in-1 T-Ball

T-Ball is a great way to develop your son’s interest in baseball, alongside his coordination and balance, before he’s ready for the real thing. This set comes with a plastic ball and bat, plus the stand doubles as a storage unit when it’s not in use.

The stand adjusts in height as your child grows, so he’ll play with it for several years. The low weight of the bat and ball impressed me too, as this lowers the risk of the ball causing damage. The set also comes with an instructional booklet that demonstrates proper batting technique.

I did discover that the base doesn’t use sand to keep it stable, so a hard enough whack could tip it over. It’s light though, so propping it back up isn’t a problem.​

What’s Great About It: T-Ball develops your son’s physical attributes and enhances his balance and coordination. The instructional booklet is a nice touch, and I like how the base doubles as a storage unit.

​18. Lewo Magnetic Easel

This toy provides a range of creative opportunities for your son, combining chalk and marker drawing with magnetic pieces. The two-way board features a blackboard and a whiteboard, and the set contains an eraser for the former. The marker pen for the whiteboard rubs away when wiped with a cloth.

The set comes with 100 magnetic pieces, which your son can stick to the whiteboard however he wants. They also stick to the fridge door if you want a bigger play surface. When playtime finishes, just pop the board over the top of the set to keep everything contained within.

​It also comes with ASTM certification, plus you get three pieces of chalk for the blackboard. Unfortunately, the whiteboard doesn’t lock onto the top of the box, so be careful when carrying it around.

What’s Great About It: This may be a great toy for inspiring your son’s creative side, as it gets him drawing and making strange creatures with the magnets. It packs away into a self-contained box too.

​19. LeapFrog Scribble and Write

This may be one of the better toys for teaching your son to write and count. It displays big letters and numbers on the center screen, which your son traces using a stylus pen. There’s a cord that attaches this pen to the pad.

The pad runs through the entire alphabet, and counts from one to 10. I really like the feedback system too, as it tidies up your son’s handwriting while helping him develop his fine motor skills. There’s a small speaker in the top-left corner that describes each letter and number’s sound as your son writes.

Unfortunately, LeapFrog hasn’t taken left-handed children into account as well as they sh

ould have. The stylus cord stretches only just about far enough for left-handed kids, which makes things more difficult than they need to be.​

What’s Great About It: I like how the toy teaches basic counting and letters, while incorporating a challenge for your son to overcome. There’s no risk of losing the stylus pen, and it develops your son’s motor skills.

​20. Balance Bike for Kids

This two-wheel bike offers a nice middle-ground between trikes and real bicycles. There aren’t any pedals, so your son uses his feet to propel himself along. This isn’t a bad thing, as three-year-olds may not have the balance required to use pedals and stay stable on a two-wheel bike.

The adjustable saddle drops to a minimum height of 12.2 inches, so it’s okay for smaller toddlers. The use of foam for the tires impressed me, as this means you don’t have to inflate them or worry about punctures.

The handlebars offer plenty of grip, and the bike is surprisingly sturdy given its low weight. Your son may outgrow it once he reaches the age of four though, so I wouldn’t expect much longevity out of this bike.​

What’s Great About It: The bike serves as a good training tool for the real thing, and it’s quite sturdy. The saddle adjusts and the handlebars are easily graspable for small hands.

It can be overwhelming picking out the best toys for 3-year-old boys. There are plenty of options—from action figures and puzzles to R/C cars and building sets, there are many toys that will keep your little one busy. The trick is finding ones that will hold their interest.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best toys for toddler boys. They’ll encourage fine motor development, inspire creative play, and entertain your child. You’ll also find a handy guide for choosing toddler toys at the end of the article. Let’s get started.

21. Brickyard Building Blocks 163-Piece STEM Building Set

The Brickyard Building Blocks 163-Piece STEM Building Set comes with blocks, movable wheels, plates, nuts, and bolts to help kids build anything they can think of. One of the nice things about this toy is that it grows with your child since they can build more advanced designs as they grow. It is recommended for kids ages 3 up to 7+ years. 

This fun toddler toy is perfect for helping your child learn through play. It teaches fine motor skills, boosts problem-solving, and encourages creativity. With 163 pieces, its easy to play with others. This encourages social skills, teamwork, and collaboration.

There are also several tools included which make it easy for siblings, classmates, or friends to play together. Some of the tools (like the screwdriver) can be a little hard for a younger kit to maneuver but they’ll learn with practice. Having your child screw the bolts in with their fingers first can also help.

Some of the things your little one can build with this kit include wheeled vehicles like a crane and different types of cars, a helicopter, dinosaurs, animals, and more. The guide is in full-color and has 42 different designs. Finally, when you’re ready for cleanup, the toys can all be stored in the included storage container.

• Comes with enough pieces for several kids to play together
• Teaches problem solving and fine motor skills
• Comes with a full-color guide with easy, moderate, and difficult designs
• Storage container holds all the pieces when you’re done

• Can be a little difficult for some three-year-olds to use the screwdriver

22. The Original PlasmaCar by PlaSmart

The Original PlasmaCar by PlaSmart travels at speeds up to six miles an hour. It‘s approved for use from ages 3 up to 220 pounds, so its fun for adults too.

The PlasmaCar features a unique wheel design with three swiveling wheels in the front and two in the back. Your child props their feet up on the top of the PlasmaCar and moves the steering wheel from side-to-side. The side-to-side movements propel the car forward.

PlasmaCar is available in several colors including lime, blue, pink/purple, purple, red, and aqua blue/lime. It should be used on flat, smooth surfaces and can be used indoors or outdoors (if you have a safe, roomy area where your child can pick up speed without getting hurt inside).

Even with the PlasmaCar being easy to operate, it helps your child develop motor skills, balance, and coordination. Though it works best on linoleum and other flat surfaces, it also rolls easily over concrete. Many users swapped out the plastic wheels with inline skate wheels, which really lets the car pick up speed. This might be a good idea once your little one is a little older, especially since they’ll be able to use this as an adult.

• Uses side-to-side movements to move forward
• Can be used on most flat, smooth surfaces
• Comes in several color options

• Can be used indoors or outdoors
• Option to upgrade wheels yourself for higher speeds
• Works from 3 years to adult (220 pounds)

• Plastic wheels aren’t as fast as the metal wheels on the original

23. WolVol Set of 3 Friction-Powered Push and Go Car Toys

The WolVol Set of 3 Friction-Powered Push and Go Car Toys are perfect for toddler boys. It comes with a street sweeper truck, harvester toy truck, and cement mixer truck made with brightly-colored, high-quality plastic.

The friction-power behind these vehicles means that your child can push them along without any batteries—they roll forward by gripping to the ground. They are also durable which is important for toddler boys that may be rough on their toys.

In addition to moving forward when pushed, each truck has its own automatic function. The cement mixer has a spinning barrel, the street sweeper has spinning brushes, and the harvester has wheat that spins inside the ‘blades’.

• Made of brightly-colored smooth plastic
• Moves forward with friction (doesn’t need batteries)
• Comes with three medium-sized vehicle

• Durable enough for use by toddlers
• Each vehicle has automatic functions

• We couldn’t find any!

​24. OMWay Kids Digital Video Camera

The OMWay Kids Digital Video Camera is perfect for kids ages 3-8, especially those interested in photography. Many kids delight in taking silly pictures or photographing the things that they love from their family and friends to their pets, toys, and anything else they find interesting.

This is a real working video camera that is designed especially durable for use by kids. It has chunky, easy-to-use buttons and basic features that let children take photos and videos. It supports 8MP photography and 1080 video. The camera also has features like flash, 10x timed shooting, and auto smile shooting.

A 32G SD card is included for storing photos and images. The camera also comes with a USB cable which makes it easy to upload to a computer or laptop. A shockproof silicone shell keeps the hardware of the camera protected, even if your toddler drops it. It is a little on the small size, but it is easy enough to figure out.

• Gives you a chance to see the world through your child’s eyes
• Extra features 10x timed shooting and auto smile shooting
• Takes photos and videos

• 32G card is included
• Easy-to-use
• Has a shockproof outer shell

• Camera is a little small

​25. Aoeksi Walking Realistic LED Dinosaur with Dinosaur Eggs

The Aoeksi Walking Realistic LED Dinosaur with Dinosaur Eggs is perfect for the dinosaur enthusiast in your life. The Dimetrodon dinosaur has sharp teeth, an LED spine, and a ferocious roar that will keep your toddler fascinated.

With textured purple and black skin, the ability to walk, and a big dinosaur roar, this toy is perfect for encouraging pretend play. The spine, eyes, and tongue of the dinosaur also light up as it walks around on all surfaces, including carpet. It also comes with two eggs that can be put into water. Once the eggs break, your child will also have two mini dinosaurs to play with.

While the sound function is fun, the loud roaring can become annoying. There is no high/low volume switch. To power the dinosaur, you’ll need 3 AAA batteries. The first set is included.

• Realistic dinosaur roar
• Textured, purple and black skin is realistic and fun
• LED lights in the spine, eyes, and tongue

• Walks by itself (even on carpet)
• Two mini dinosaurs included inside hatching dinosaur eggs
• Batteries included

• No way to turn off dinosaur roar
• No volume control

​26. Liberty Imports My First Cartoon R/C Race Car

The Liberty Imports My First Cartoon R/C Race Car is the perfect first RC car for children. It features a durable, smooth design and a simple controller that has just two buttons, which is perfect for kids who are learning how to control a car for the first time.

The Liberty Imports R/C car has bright colors that attract a young child’s eye. It also comes with three figurines that can be put in the driver’s seat or played with separately. Each part of this is smooth and safe for little fingers from the wheels to the antennae. It’s recommended for use by ages 18 months and up.

The controller has two buttons; one going forward and the other a reverse left. This lets the car easily navigate over many surfaces. It does not work well on grass or especially plush carpet.

There is also a button on top of the car that can be pressed to make it play music. The music plays continuously, however, you can turn it off and still use the kids RC vehicle if you’d like.

• Controller has two buttons and is easy to use
• Car comes with three drivers
• Durable enough to withstand abuse from toddlers

• Plays music but music can be shut off
• Smooth edges are safe for little fingers

• Doesn’t roll over all surfaces

27. Li’l Gen Dinosaur Toys 12 Dinosaur Figures with Dinosaur Sound Book

The Li’l Gen Dinosuar Toys 12 Dinosaur Figures with Dinosaur Sound Book is perfect for encouraging kids to use their imagination while learning more about dinosaurs. Additionally, the book makes dino sounds that your child will want to listen to over and over again.

Your child is going to be reading for the rest of their school career, from the earlier days of learning to read to doing book reports and researching different topics in high school and college. When you get your child interested in reading early, it helps with phonics, reading comprehension, and learning to read.

Each of the brightly-colored, detailed dinosaurs stands around 7” tall. Your child can learn more about the sound that each dinosaur makes in the book, which comes with batteries installed. Something to note, however, is that a few of the dinosaurs do not have realistic colors so it might be difficult for your child to match them up with the dinos in the book.

The main character of the book is a dragonfly, which narrates the book. It covers the Jurassic and Cretaceous period, explaining the habitats, traits, and landscapes of the included dinosaurs. When your child is done reading, they can use the dinosaurs for realistic playing experience.

• 7” dinosaurs are realistically textured and perfectly sized for toddler hands
• Book talks about dinosaur habits and lifestyles
• Book comes with batteries to listen to dinosaur sounds

• Early reading improves language development
• Fun for reading and playing

• All the dinosaurs are not realistic colors

​28. VTech Little Apps Tablet

The VTech Little Apps Tablet is recommended for kids ages 2-5 years. It is a learning tablet that has a piano keyboard, a color–changing screen, and letter buttons.

On the tablet, there are 12 different learning activities. These progress from easier to more difficult as your child learns new things. Cody the Smart Cub comes along for activities. Some features of this tablet are a piano, pretend camera, calendar, and more.

Some of the skills your child will learn are those related to music, basic math, letters, and words. The tablet also encourages creativity and language development. Something to note is that some of the activities are a little advanced for a three-year-old, however, they’ll grow into them.

Parents will also appreciate some of the extra features of this app. It takes 2 AA batteries (which are included) and has an automatic shutoff when it is not being used to conserve battery life. It also has volume control which lets the tablet entertain toddlers without the sounds annoying their parents.

• Has piano keyboard and letter buttons
• Color-changing screen is fun to watch
• 12 learning activities with Cody the Smart Cub

• Learn letters, language, basic math, and music
• Has volume control

• Some activities too advanced for a three-year-old

​29. Lego Duplo Town Truck & Tracked Excavator

The Lego Duplo Town Truck & Tracked Excavator is a fun building block set that is perfect for children ages 2-5. It comes with parts to build two vehicles, as well as two construction workers and a few extra blocks for scooping.

Once assembled, the dump truck has a tipping function. The excavator also works, having a rotating cabin and a posable arm. Both trucks have seats for the workers to sit down inside which encourages role play.

These are Duplo legos, which is the mid-sized version of legos. They are perfect for developing fine motor skills and encouraging creativity. Additionally, your little one will need to follow directions to build the trucks, which encourages listening and problem–solving.

• Mid-size Duplo legos are perfect for toddler fingers
• Workers can sit inside of the trucks
• Building the trucks encourages creative problem solving

• Dump truck tips and excavator rotates
• Develops fine motor skills

• We couldn’t find any!

​30. Toyk Aqua Magic Mat

The Toyk Aqua Magic Mat lets your little one draw with water. Within 3-10 minutes, their drawing disappears and they can start the fun all over again.

This aqua mat features a sea theme with pictures of the sea including water, sand, and colorful sea animals around the outside. It comes with two water brushes, two thin-line water markers, and two thick-line water markers. You fill them by unscrewing the ends and adding water as needed.

In addition to the drawing tools and mat, this also comes with several templates that let your little write shapes, letters, and numbers. A ‘stamp’ pad is also included to add water and use with included sponges.

The fabric of the mat is durable. It‘s perfect for sharing with friends, siblings, or parents and encourages creativity. As an added benefit, this can easily be folded to take with you anywhere.

One downside is that many of the mats were manufactured with an incorrect alphabet template underneath (which may not be a big deal). Instead of the letter ‘x’, the letter ‘s’ is repeated.

• Easy to fold up and take on the go
• Color without making a mess
• Encourages creativity and fine motor skill development

• Can be used with friends, siblings, or parents
• Plenty of fun tools included for coloring

• Manufacturer error with alphabet

​31. Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper Pogo Stick

The Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper Pogo Stick is designed for kids ages 3 and up, all the way to 250 pounds. The Pogo Jumper can be used indoors or outdoors because it uses a large foam block as the base instead of following the style of a traditional pogo stick.

The foam block used as the base offers a much sturdier surface that is easier to balance on than a traditional pogo stick. Additionally, the durable foam won’t scratch or damage the floors if your child uses it in the house. When they bounce on the pogo stick, it makes a fun squeaky sound. An adjustable cord lets you set this to the perfect height for your child and grow with them.

There is a wide range of designs offered so you can customize your little one’s pogo stick, from solid colors to fun animals. There’s even blue and red LED pogos.

In addition to encouraging healthy physical activity, this improves balance and hand-eye coordination. It will take a little while for your child to get the hang of it, especially at the age of three. Once they do however, they’ll play with it for hours.

• Works from age 3 up to 250 pounds
• Durable foam bottom for indoor or outdoor use
• Makes a fun squeaking noise

• Comes in a wide variety of colors
• Great for encouraging physical activity
• Improves balance and hand-eye coordination

• Learning curve for a three-year-old

32. Think Gizmos Take Apart Toy Racing Car

The Think Gizmos Take Apart Toy Racing Car is a fun STEM toy that your little one can take apart, put together, and then play with. It has realistic car sounds and lights, as well as moving wheels that make it fun to play with.

Even though this toy is recommended for ages 3-7, it does have smaller parts that you’ll want to keep a close eye on with a toddler (especially one that likes to put things in their mouth). You’ll find everything your little one needs to build the racecar in the box, including the batteries for the drill and car engine.

Inside the box, a detailed manual with pictures also makes it easier for your little one to build their racecar. In addition to improving their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, this helps them with following directions and problem–solving.

One thing to note is that it is a little difficult to take the car apart sometimes because the drill does not easily switch to reverse mode. It switches between clockwise and counterclockwise movements using a button on the front of the drill that might be difficult for kids to use.

• STEM toy encourages learning
• Develops hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills
• Encourages problem–solving

• Can take car apart, put it together, and play with it
• Realistic sounds and lights

• Can be hard to switch from clockwise to counterclockwise drilling

​33. ETI Toys Lil’ Engineers Building Blocks Set

The ETI Toys Lil’ Engineers Building Blocks Set is ideal for exercising those STEM skills that can be os beneficial to your toddler later in life. One of the major benefits of this toy is that it grows with your child, making it easy for them to try out more advanced designs as they learn more.

This set comes with 101 pieces in a large, plastic storage bin. The pieces are a little larger than others on the market. In addition to various plates, screws and bolts, movable wheels, and tools. They are brightly colored and made of a high-quality, durable plastic that has smooth edges.

This also comes with an e-book that you can download with 12 different designs. Some of these designs are simpler and some are more complicated. Since your child can make more complex designs as they age, this is a great toy to grow with them. It also encourages logical thinking, problem–solving, and creativity. Working with small pieces improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Even though this has over 100 pieces, it only has four core pieces that other parts can be screwed into. This limits the number of kids that can play together.

• Helps build critical STEM cells
• Grows with your child as designs become more complicated
• Made of high-quality, durable plastic

• E-book included with 12 different designs
• Improves fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination

• Better for solo play instead of playing with friends

​34. Lincoln Logs 111-Piece Set

The Lincoln Logs 111-Piece Set is a classic toy that even kids today can enjoy playing with. The interlocking wooden pieces are perfect for building cabins, buildings, fences, and other structures.

This set is designed especially for building ‘The Meeting House’, however, your child can easily build other things as well. The log blocks are made of high-quality wood that has been stained. The logs are brown, the face of the roof is red, and the rest of the rooftop is green.

The included carrying tin is perfect for keeping all the Lincoln Logs together once your little one is done playing. Additionally, the box comes with several building ideas pictures to give your little one an idea of how to play. This builds several STEM skills and boosts hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and problem-solving.

• Comes with enough pieces to build one large structure or several small structures
• Tin doubles as a storage area for the Lincoln Logs
• Made of high-quality stained wood

• Builds critical STEM skills
• Encourages fine motor development and hand-eye coordination

• We couldn’t find any!

​35. John Deere Monster Treads Lightning Wheels Tractor

The John Deere Monster Trends Lightning Wheels Tractor features motion-activated lights and large, durable tires. It‘s perfect for rolling over terrains of any kind and can easily be used for indoor or outdoor play.

The lights on the wheel flash any time the tractor is moved forward or backward. While the tractor itself is the classic John Deere design, the large wheels are perfect for tackling all types of terrain. The tractor also stands an impressive 9” tall.

The outside and middle of the wheels flash bright green when the tractor moves. This is battery powered, however, batteries are included. The truck itself is not battery powered at all, however, it does still roll forward and backward easily while your child is pushing it.

• Neon green lights on the wheels when he tractor is moving
• Very tall
• Extra-large wheels roll over a lot of surfaces

• Good for indoor or outdoor playing
• Batteries are included

• Doesn’t move at all on its own

​36. Toy Choi’s Kids Size Construction Yard Toy Pack

Toy Choi’s Kids Size Construction Yard Toy Pack comes with a toy chainsaw designed after a real model, complete with a starting engine sound and pull cord sound effects. The set also comes with a handsaw, safety goggles and a dust mask, and a tape measure.

This does take 3 AA batteries that are not included with purchase. The chainsaw itself moves around at a fast speed. A built-in mechanical spring keeps the chain moving smoothly and prevents it from getting stuck. It does automatically stop if it hits something.

The realistic features of this kit make it fun for children to role-play. They can wear the goggles and dust mask and the tape measure has real increments on it. This type of play is perfect for social and emotional development, creative problem solving, and more.

One thing to note is that this chainsaw is a little on the small size. It is the perfect size for the hands of the average three-year-old, however, it would be small for a child that is around ages 5-6.

• Comes with wearable pieces for authentic play
• Chainsaw makes realistic noises and moves around
• Chainsaw doesn’t get stuck because of mechanical spring

• Encourages role playing
• Chainsaw stops to prevent damage when it’s touched

• A little on the small size

​37. Kidtastic STEM Learning Take Apart Dinosaur Toys

The Kidtastic STEM Learning Take Apart Dinosaur Toys comes with three dinosaur figurines and three screwdrivers so kids can play alone or together. It comes with 106 pieces that come fully assembled, so your little one can start playing right out of the box.

Taking toys apart and putting them back together teaches problem–solving. As your child plays with these dinosaurs, they’ll also be practicing critical STEM skills that will benefit them later in life. It also improves fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Once your little one is tired of building, they can easily play pretend with these dinosaurs. They are made of thick, durable plastic and stand between 4-7-inches tall. As an added benefit, a free downloadable coloring book is included with this set.

Something to note is that you may want to be nearby the first few times your child plays with this. The dinosaurs do come fully assembled but they do not come with instructions on how to put them back together.

• Encourages STEM learning
• Fun to play with once the dinosaurs are put back together too
• Teaches hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and problem–solving

• Made of durable, brightly-colored plastic
• Comes with three tools so siblings or friends can play too

• Does not come with instructions of any kind

​38. Toy Story Disney Woody & Bullseye Adventure Pack

Toy Story fans will love this Toy Story Disney Woody & Bullseye Adventure Pack. The movie-size dolls are posable and have authentic designs that your young Toy Story fan will appreciate.

Each of these tolls has a durable design that will withstand years of play. Woody can ride along on Bullseye and your child will appreciate the posable parts that make interactive play and storytelling easy.

Toys like these encourage your child to tell a story. When they do that, they are practicing their language skills, learning about cause-and-effect, and processing sequences of events. These toys also make it easy for kids to play with other toys they may have lying around the house, just like in the movie.

• Figures are posable
• Woody can ride on top of Bullseye
• Encourages storytelling

• Storytelling boosts language skills
• Realistic, movie-sized figures

• We couldn’t find any!

​39. TEMI Dinosaur Toy Figures with Activity Play Mat

The TEMI Dinosaur Toy Figures with Activity Play Mat comes with nine realistic–looking dinosaurs and a playmat made of woven fabric. It also comes with a storage box that makes it easy for your child to bring their dinosaurs along anywhere.

The nine dinosaurs in this set include therizinosaurs, gigantosaurus, tyrannosaurus rex, stegosaurus, triceratops, dimetrodon, tyrannosaurus, velociraptor, and brachiosaurus. The dinosaurs are made with realistic colors including reds, greens, browns, and grays, They are also hand-painted and there is great attention to detail. Each dinosaur stands between 4- and 7-inches high.

The playmat included in this set is made of a soft, durable fabric. It depicts a fun dinosaur park complete with rides, slides, and more. Five trees are also included in the playset, however, they do not stand up as easily on their own and they’re not realistic compared to the size of the dinosaurs.

• Comes with nine realistic–looking dinosaurs
• Each dinosaur is hand-painted
• Dinosaurs are 4-7-inches tall

• Included mat is made of a durable, woven fabric
• Makes it easy to play pretend

• Trees fall over easily and are not to scale

​40. Outdoor Explorer Kit & Bug Catcher Kit

The Outdoor Explorer Kit & Bug Catcher Kit is perfect for summer fun and encouraging your little one to explore the world around them. It comes with plenty of pieces including to catch and study bugs, as well as fun outdoor things like a hat, whistle, binoculars, hand-charged flashlight, and compass.

The bug cage included with this has a mesh net that lets bugs breathe while your child watches them. Then, they can easily be released. This also has bug catching tools, tweezers, a net, magnifying glass, specimen jars, and more.

The kit has everything your toddler needs to start off outdoor exploration the right way. It can help them reduce their fear of bugs. They can also study plants and rocks using the magnifying glass as they navigate the outdoors. This kit also comes with several pretend insects that can help your little one figure out what to do with the different parts before they capture their first bug.

The magnifying glass has 4x magnification. Something to note is that it is made of plastic, so it will scratch easily if your child is rough with it.

• Comes with a hat and other outdoor tools
• Plenty of tools for catching bugs
• Can help your child understand bugs instead of being scared of them

• Magnifying glass lets them study bugs, plants, rocks, and more
• Everything comes in a convenient carrying bag

• Magnifying glass can become scratched over time

Buying Guide: How to Choose Toys for Toddler Boys

The average toddler can be amused by anything—even a cardboard box. It‘s important as you choose toys that you pick something that will engage your 3-year-old boy while encouraging the development of skills they can use later in life. Here are a few things to consider when buying toys for toddler boys.

Age Appropriateness

Choosing age–appropriate toys helps your child stay interested in what they are focused on. Toys that are too advanced can be frustrating to play with while those that are designed for younger kids can cause 3-year-olds to lose interest. As we considered age appropriateness, we also considered how easily toys could be played with. For example, some Legos and building sets are easier to play with than others because of the way they are shaped and how easily the pieces attach to each other.

Durability

Toddler boys may be rough on their toys. You want to choose something durable to get the most out of your money. It’s also important for preventing small parts from breaking off the toy and becoming choking hazards. Choosing brand names that have a good reputation (like Melissa & Doug or Fisher–Price) makes it easier to feel confident in durability when shopping online. You can also look over reviews and see what other parents have to say about the durability of an item.

How Long Toys Can Be Used

Some toys are only going to hold your child’s attention for so long. If you buy rattles for a toddler, they might be interested for a while but will eventually become bored. Think about toys that will last for years. Something like animals, dinosaurs, or action figures make a good choice because they can be used to make up stories as your child grows. Building toys are nice because your toddler can try to make new structures as they get older and their skills advance.

Level of Interest

By age three, your child is likely showing a lot of their personality and you should have an idea of what things they are interested in. Think about the types of toys that they would like and buy accordingly. Something else you can do to keep your child interested in toys is to rotate them out once or twice a month.

Social and Emotional Development

Many toys encourage social and emotional development. Doing something like pretending to be a doctor teaches your child empathy and how to care for others. Toys that encourage them to play with others also encourage social and emotional development. When children play games, it encourages taking turns and builds other critical social skills.

Toddler Toy FAQs

Is it important to follow manufacturer recommendations on age?

Even at the age of three, many kids are still exploring the world using their mouths. Often, the manufacturer recommendations for kids three and younger are set based on the durability of toys and the size of the included parts. Of course, parents can do their part by monitoring their child when playing with toys like Legos that are smaller.

Another reason for manufacturer recommendations on age is the maturity of the toys and the skills needed to play with them. The best toys for 3-year-old boys will be perfect for their small fingers. Its important that you choose something age-appropriate choosing toys because toys beyond your child’s comprehension or skill level will leave them feeling frustrated instead of having fun.

What types of toys should I buy my toddler?

When you’re shopping for your toddler, you’ll want to buy a variety of toys. Toys like STEM building kits, Legos, and puzzles encourage fine motor development and creativity. Playing with something like fingerpaint or the water mat mentioned above encourages fine motor skills.

Something else to consider is toys that give your child a chance to role–play. Things like doctor’s kits, toolboxes, and grocery store playsets are great for imaginative play. The benefits of pretend play range from encouraging thinking skills to benefiting social and emotional development.

Finally, consider toys that are going to help your child learn something. Learning through play makes education fun. Things like the electronic tablet mentioned above or anything that gets your child working on their colors, letters, shapes, or numbers reinforce some of the key ideas that your child will be addressing in their early school years.

Are STEM toys important for toddlers?

STEM toys are those that focus on critical skills in science, technology, engineering, and math. They focus on teaching logical thought, problem–solving, building, creative thinking, gross and fine motor skills, and more. STEM areas are popular in career fields today, so its important that your little one grasps them from a young age. Several of the toys on this list are STEM toys for toddlers.

How many toys do kids need?

It can be easy for your kids’ playroom to become cluttered as they grow, especially as they accumulate more toys on birthdays, holidays, and just because. Even though it might seem like having more options is better, kids actually become overwhelmed when they have too many choices. Pay attention to your toddler’s interests and their favorites. You can also make it more likely that your child will play with something by putting it on display. For example, you might group all of their plastic food with a cash register on the shelf to encourage them to pretend they are running a grocery store. You can learn more tips on choosing toys and organizing your child’s playroom here.

Wrap Up

Three-year-old boys have plenty of interests, which makes them easy to shop for. As you consider the best toys for 3-year-old boys, these should definitely be on the list. They reinforce STEM skills, encourage creativity and problem solving, and teach your child more about the world around them.

What You Must Consider When Buying Toys for Three-Year Olds

Since he started walking at approximately two years old, your son’s balance and coordination will have improved. As a result, he may lose interest in any toys that don’t challenge his newfound mobility.

He’s also developing into an independent person with his own interests and desires. Your three-year-old may not instantly enjoy every toy you put in front of him anymore, so you have to consider his interests. For example, if he latches onto car toys, use that as the basis for your search for new toys.

Ideally, a toy for three-year-olds will fall into one of the following categories:

Mimicry

Your three-year old watches everything that you do, so any toys that let him play along with you go over well. He’ll also like having plenty of accessories to explore, so don’t be afraid of buying an entire pretend tool set, or something similar. In fact, such toys offer greater longevity.

These types of toys offer you the chance to play with your son. You can teach him how to do certain things, and then watch with pride as he copies you.​

Building and Creativity

As your son develops his mental skills, he’ll want to figure out how things work. Stacking toys aren’t complex enough for him anymore, so you can move on to toys that require some more building.

Both multiple-piece race tracks and block-based toys quench your son’s thirst for building things. They also fuel his creativity, and reward him with something to play with after he completes the bui

lding process.​

Physical Development

With greater balance and coordination comes a desire to test his skills. Your son may latch onto any toys that present a physical challenge, though you must stay aware of age restrictions. Pushing your son too far physically could cause injury.

Sports-based toys help him develop basic motor skills, while trikes and balance bikes aid with his balance. Remember that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that your son engages in an hour of age-appropriate exercise and physical play every day.

Educational

Your three-year-old isn’t far away from starting school, so consider any toys that offer an educational jumpstart. I find that toys which focus on the alphabet and basic counting are age-appropriate. You may find that some toys mix education in with other aspects of play, such as keeping score with your son.

The Social Question

While your three-year old may still struggle to grasp the concept of team play, he should now have more empathy for other children. You can teach him about sharing, and he’ll understand what belongs to him and what belongs to others.

You may want to encourage group play with the toys on this list. However, be aware that your son may experience some wobbles along the way, especially if somebody’s playing with a toy that he wants.

The Final Word

I hope that my list serves as a launching pad for you to find a great toy for your three-year-old son. All 20 of these toys may make a great choice.

However, always remember to keep your son’s personality and needs in mind. His toys should challenge him, either physically or mentally, while helping him to further develop the skills he’s already picked up.​

Our Selection of the Best Toys & Gifts for Boys and Girls of Other Ages:

More Unique Gift Ideas for Toddler Boy

❉ 1 Year Old Boys

❉ 2 Year Old Boy

❉ 4 Year Old Boys

❉ 5 Year Old Boys

More Gift Ideas for Toddler Girl

❉ 2 Year Old Girls

❉ 3 Year Old Girls

❉ 4 Year Old Girls

❉ 5 Year Old Girls

❉ 1 Year Old Girls