I don’t know about you, but it seems like lately I spend half my time searching Amazon for the perfect gift for my kids, or nieces and nephews, or my kids’ friends. It is enjoyable, but I have one major problem.
My problem is, I get sucked into hopping from one popular toy to another and looking at the reviews forever.
Suddenly two hours are gone from my day and I still don’t know what to buy.
So we at AFineParent.com decided to do the work for you!
Here is a list of the most popular gifts for your little ones, their friends, nieces, nephews, grandkids and more.
And the best part?
They are all from Amazon, they all have a 4+ rating from tons of reviews and most are available through Prime shipping, so even if you are shopping at the very last minute, you might still be able to get them in time!
Many of these I gave to my own children. A lot of them I specifically picked because we use them in the primary class of my Montessori preschool. Some of these are “classic” enough that you may have played with them when you were little!
Editor’s Note: Also check out our other guides
Alright, here we go –
Toys that Encourage Creativity
Pirate Ship
ARR, Matey! This pirate ship is sure to delight ye little swashbucklers! But seriously: no batteries needed, lots of fun buttons, dials and features that fire missiles and cannon balls or activate the shark-chompin’ action. One of the top-rated toys a few years running!
Reusable Sticker Pads with Backgrounds
We’ve had a lot of fun with these reusable sticker pads; from creating stories and fantasies with mom as a narrator to creative play on their own, my kids have enjoyed making up crazy scenes and skits from age three on!
Disney Bead Set
Choose your child’s favorite Disney character set, then let them enjoy lacing beads and creating necklaces for the family and friends. This is an excellent quiet time activity that develops great dexterity and motor function.
Moody Octopus
This little octopus plush is not only a great fidget to switch him back and forth, but it’s also a fun way to introduce emotions or feelings. It’s also wonderful to use as a third-wheel item when you’re discussing your child’s mood; nothing like a cranky octopus plushy to help get your young one through a rough moment!
Pet Vet Set
Fun for a day of pretend play! This set comes with a dog and cat stuffed animal and a whole kit full of vet equipment that provide hours of interactive and imaginative playtime.
1000 Stickers
For the child that loves to sticker, these sticker books are excellent to have for quiet creativity. With 40 pages of fun and different stickers, it’s a great way to create art, decorate a binder or posterboard, or design a story.
Bluey Mega Home
If you love Bluey, then this is a great toy for the kids. You get the whole Bluey family and some furniture — plenty enough to encourage creative play without having too many pieces roaming around the house!
Mama with Babies Plush
Each of the different plushies come with four babies, and my preschooler finds great joy in putting them in and taking them back out repeatedly. It’s also super soft and cuddly with many different options to choose from.
Kid’s HD Digital Camera
Get your kid a camera of their own! This one takes pictures, videos and selfies while also offering some fun extras including borders, hats and moustaches and a few games.
Squishmallow!
Have you experienced these wonderfully, squishy pillows yet? They are delightful and come in all kinds of different shapes and sizes! From dogs to unicorns, sushi to penguins, there’s a squishmallow for everyone. I have at least ten of these in my home and they all have become loveys, sleeping pillows or buddies for a tea party on a regular basis.
Ice Cream Shop Pretend Play
An amazing set for little hands, this ice cream setup stores neatly inside the wooden display case when you’re finished playing! It comes with a menu and a few play dollar bills so the kids can really feel like they’re running an ice cream shop.
Lego Duplo STEM Cargo Train
This is such a cool upgrade from the regular Lego Duplo sets! Now, with the “action” block, the train can do all kinds of different things as it runs over certain blocks: make sounds, turn on lights, stop–and there’s a bluetooth app if you want to use it to control the train (but you don’t have to!). It’s the newest and most interactive Duplo set!
Wobble Board
Have an active kid with a vivid imagination? Not only are these boards great for physical activity and getting out the wiggles, but they also can be used as bridges, seats, tunnels, car tracks or anything your kid can think up.
Paw Patrol Metal Cars
If you have a Paw Patrol fan, these metal cars are great for creative play! Since they’re made of metal they are hardier than their plastic counterparts. And these are just slightly bigger than Hot Wheels!
Finger Puppets
Some Peppa Pig is always fun for playtime (and there are other sets too)! These little puppets are great for creative play, on-the-go, in the bath, with a friend or however your child wants. Easy to clean, these would make a great and compact addition to the toy box!
Dino Racetrack
These are a variation on your typical cars and race tracks; the track on this is completely bendable and can be made into any shape and can be completely taken apart and rebuilt. The cars are fast and light up (they look great in the dark!) and the bridge is a great exercise for a child’s dexterity.
No-Mess Art
Now you can have art without the worry! The markers only work on these papers, not your walls, floors or siblings. They come in fun designs with a pack of special markers to delight any budding artist.
Play Doh
Play Doh is one of those classic toys that will probably be around forever! It comes in so many colors that it makes it easy for kids to unlock their creativity. And Doh is fun for little hands to squish and mold.
- Builds muscles for fine motor control
- Allows for right-brained creative development
Kinetic Sand
- Development of fine motor control
- Creative development
- Tactile stimulation
Costumes
- Builds self-esteem
- Develops problem solving techniques
Water Color Paints
- Develops creativity
- Builds fine motor control muscles
- Builds self-esteem
Wooden Building Blocks
- Develops fine motor control
- Develops problem solving skills
Dinosaur Toys
- Creative play
- Manipulative aid in learning bigger concepts
Musical Instruments and Drum Set
- Develops gross motor skills
- Develops pattern recognition and creation
Safari Animals
- Builds their self-esteem
- Develops problem solving techniques
VTech Little Apps Tablet
- Develop fine motor control
- Develop pattern recognition
Lincoln Logs
- Promotes focus
- Develops fine motor skills
- Builds problem solving skills
Lego Duplo Blocks
- Develops fine motor skills
- Allows creativity to flow
- Starts a love of engineering
Washable Dot Markers
- Develops fine motor skills
- Empowers creativity
Little People House
- Develops self-esteem
- Develops a wider sense of the world
Toy Cars
- Develops self-esteem
- Empowers creativity
Hand Puppets and Puppet Theater
- Teaches story building
- Allows for creative expression of their world view
- Builds self-esteem
Grocery Store
- Builds self-esteem
- Develops a sense of how the world works
Pretend and Play School Set
- Build self-esteem
- Develops a sense of how the world works
Reusable Water-Reveal Activity Pads
- Develops fine motor skills
- Engages creative activities for learning
Toys that Encourage Learning
Osmo: Little Genius
Zingo! For Pre-Readers
GeoSafari Talking Microscope
This is a fun way to play and learn! With Bindi Irwin’s voice talking, your child can view images through their microscope (like a viewfinder) and listen to facts or get quized on the slide’s 60 different animals and plants.
ABC & 123 Interactive Wall Chart
Matching Game
Pattern Blocks Puzzle
- Develops problem solving skills
- Builds pattern recognition skills
- Introduces children to rudimentary math concepts
Magnetic STEM Blocks
This is a staple in my living room and the kids play with them almost every day. These two-dimensional plates magnetically attach together to create three dimensional objects. Kids can make anything they can dream up and more!
- Develops fine motor skills
- Develops problem solving skills
- Develops critical thinking skills
Gear Set
- Develops critical thinking skills
- Builds problem solving skills
- Develops fine motor skills
Abacus
- Develops fine motor skills
- Develops rudimentary mathematical concepts
US Map Puzzle
- Develops problem solving skills
- Develops pattern recognition skills
- Develops fine motor skills
- Introduces geography
STEM Building Blocks Kit
- Develops fine motor skills
- Develops STEM ideas
- Builds problem solving strategies
Jumbo Floor Puzzles
- Builds problem solving strategies
- Develops pattern recognition skills
Puzzles with Storage Box
- Builds problem solving strategies
- Develops pattern recognition skills
Lacing Beads
- Develops fine motor skills
- Develops pattern recognition
Mathlink Cubes
- Develops sequencing knowledge
- Introduces basic math concepts
Counting Bears with Matching Sorting Cups
Part of math is learning how to group like with like and recognize the differences between groups. This toy is a bright and colorful and cute way to learn these concepts. Children can make patterns, sort by color, or make a game of it.
- Builds sequencing skills
- Develops basic math knowledge
- Teaches color groupings
Kids First Automobile Engineer Kit
- Develops problem solving skills
- Builds fine motor control
Toys that Encourage Reading
Sandpaper Letters
- Stimulates the sense of touch
- Develops the ear to hear letter sounds
- Develops fine motor skills
Phonetic Reading Blocks
- Develops fine motor skills
- Develops the ear to hear letter sounds
- Builds self-confidence
Alphabet Magnets
- Develops fine motor skills
- Builds self-confidence
- Supports curiosity
Word Puzzle
- Develops fine motor skills
- Builds problem solving skills
Self-Correcting Spelling Puzzles
- Develops pattern recognition skills
- Develops problem solving skills
- Develops fine motor skills
Bob Books Set 1: Beginning Readers
- Builds confidence
- Develops pattern recognition skills
- Develops letter sound recognition
Moveable Alphabet
- Builds confidence
- Develops fine motor skills
- Develops tactile recognition of letter sounds
Alphabet Slapjack
- Teaches capitalization
- Develops fine motor skills
Meet the Sight Words – Level 1
- Builds self-esteem and self confidence
- Develops reading proficiency
Swat a Sight Word Game
- Builds reading confidence
- Develops reading proficiency
- Builds self-esteem
AlphaTales Box Set
- Develops reading proficiency
- Builds connection between the parent and child
- Develops fine motors skills (if you have them turn the pages)
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.
- Develops fine motor control (if you have them turn the pages)
- Develops a love of reading
Nate the Great – A series by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
- Develops fine motor control (if you have them turn the pages)
- Develops a love of reading
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
- Develops fine motor control (if you have them turn the pages)
- Develops a love of reading
Toys that Encourage Independent Play
Smart Watch (No Internet Needed)
This isnt’ just a watch — it has a little camera for videos and selfies with some filters, a calculator, a monster-catching AR game, a pedometer and a host of other games and things that you can download from VTech. And you don’t have to connect to Wifi or another device. Fun for kids…and even some adults enjoy it! 😉
Flybar Jumper
HABA Town Maze Magnetic Game
- Develops fine motor control
- Builds attention span and focus
Magnetic Drawing Board
- Develops fine motor control
- Allows creative expression
Doodle Board
- Develops fine motor control
- Allows for creative expression
Spirograph Jr.
- Develops pattern recognition
- Develops fine motor control
- Allows for creative expression
Trains
- Develops pattern recognition
- Introduces kids to rudimentary scientific concepts
- Develops fine motor skills
Baby Doll
- Develops empathy
- Builds self-esteem
- Develops fine motors skills
Mr. Potato Head
- Develops fine motor skills
- Teaches about facial anatomy
- Teaches about facial social cues
Sit and Spin
- Develops gross motor skills
- Allows for energy release when running or going outside isn’t an option
Stamps
- Develops fine motor skills
- Allows for creative expression
- Builds self-esteem
Creative Kid Flakes
- Develops fine motor skills
- Allows for creative expression
- Introduces engineering concepts
- Develops problem solving skills
Button Art
- Allows for creative expression
- Develops fine motor skills
- Develops pattern and matching recognition
Doll House
- Builds self-esteem
- Allows for creative expression
Lite-Brite
- Allows for creative expression
- Develops fine motor skills
- Exposes to basic scientific concepts
Toys that Develop Practical Life Skills
Learn to Dress
- Develops fine motor skills
- Develops coordination
- Builds self-confidence
Cleaning Set
- Builds self-worth
- Develops gross motor skills
- Develops fine motor skills
Scissors Skills Activity Book
- Develops fine motors skills
- Develops specialized coordination
- Builds confidence
Play Dishes
- Builds confidence
- Develops a sense of place in the family
Gardening Tool Set – Big Tools
- Builds confidence and self-esteem
- Develops gross motor skills
- Develops a sense of contribution to the family
Kids Gardening Tool Set
- Encourages healthy eating habits
- Develops their self-confidence
Work Tools for Kids
- Develops fine motor control
- Inspires creativity
- Builds self-confidence
Cash Register
- Teaches how to count money
- Encourages collaborative play
Toys that Encourage Cooperative Play
Tea Set
- Builds connection
- Builds self-esteem
Bean Bag Game
- Introduces social norms
- Develops gross motor skills
Alphabet Bingo
- Develops fine motor skills
- Introduces social norms
- Builds connection
Candyland Game
- Teaches matching and pattern recognition
- Introduces social norms
- Builds connection
Chutes and Ladders
- Teaches counting
- Builds connection
- Develops grit
Richard Scarry’s Busytown
- Builds connection
- Introduces teamwork concepts
- Develops attention to detail
First Orchard
- Builds connection
- Introduces teamwork concepts
- Teaches colors and counting
The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game
- Builds connection
- Introduces teamwork concepts
- Teaches counting
Hoot Owl Hoot
- Builds connection
- Introduces teamwork concepts
- Teaches color matching
Pancake Pile-Up! Relay Game
- Develops memory skills
- Develops sequencing skills
- Develops gross motor skills
Sum Swamp
- Builds connection
- Develops basic math skills
- Builds self-esteem
Toys that Encourage Healthy Eating
Kitchen Step Stool
- Builds self-confidence
- Encourages trying new foods
- Builds connection
Kid’s Kitchen
- Encourages imagination
- Allows playful interaction with social norms
Pretend Food
- Encourages imagination
- Teaches about healthy eating
Kid’s Kitchen Pots
- Teaches about health eating
- Encourages imagination
Slice & Toss Salad Play Food Set
- Teaches about healthy eating
- Develops fine motor skills
Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes: A Cookbook for Preschoolers on Up
- Builds self-esteem
- Builds connection
- Encourages healthy eating
Mom and Me Cookbook
- Encourages healthy eating
- Builds self-esteem
Mama and Me Apron Set
- Builds self-esteem
- Builds connection
- Encourages healthy eating
Toys that Encourage Outdoor Play
Basketball Set
- Develops gross motor skills
- Builds grit
Dome Climber
- Develops gross motor skills
- Builds grit
- Develops connections
Water Table
- Encourages scientific exploration
- Develops fine motor skills
Balance Obstacles
- Develops gross motor skills
- Builds self-confidence
Stomp Rocket
- Exposure to basic physics
- Develops gross motor skills
Large Dump Truck
- Encourages imaginative play
- Develops gross motor skills
- Develops fine motor skills
Playground Balls
- Develops gross motor skills
- Develops hand-eye coordination
- Develops balance
Tricycle
- Develops hand-eye coordination
- Builds confidence
- Builds self-esteem
Balance Bike
- Develops gross motor skills
- Develops balance
Kid’s Golf Set
- Builds connection
- Develops gross motor skills
- Develops grit
T-ball Set
- Develops hand-eye coordination
- Develops grit
Swing
- Develops body coordination
- Develops gross motor skills
Nature Exploration Kit
- Exposure to basic science
- Develops an appreciation of nature
Sand Table
- Exposure to tactile stimulation
- Develops fine motor skills
- Develops problem solving tactics
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
- Develops powers of observation
- Introduces adjectives
Bubbles
- Introduces basic scientific concepts
- Builds connection
Self-Sealing Water Balloons
- Builds self-confidence
- Develops gross motor skills
- Develops fine motor skills
That’s a great list of toys. 3 year old boys learn quickly and everyday they are much more interested in exploration and discovery. This when he will actually start to play with other children and learn about socializing. So the best toys for 3 year olds should be such that it helps them in developing social and problem solving skills, learn how to share and work as a team. The choice of toys should not only stimulate their minds, but also exercise their muscles.
Great work. If someone comes here and looks for gifts there’s no way he will go anywhere else to look for gifts. There are just so many cool ideas to take a look at.