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This year (the 3 year olds), maybe more than any other, is when a child really ‘grows up’ in terms of so-many grown-up things. And thankfully, they tend to resist change less and they actually like to conform. So...picking gifts or toys for three year olds may be tough. Is it a toy for a 3 year old boy? Or a gift for a 3 year old girl? And really getting the best three-year-old-toys or gifts must be taken seriously. As toys for 3 year olds are so varied and specific to their developmental milestones. And the objective is finding the right toy or gift for the right development. Should they be for ‘make-believe’ or physical development? When can they really ride a hop fantasy or a scooter? Does a 3 ½ year old really understand how magnets work? As you look surf through ebeanstalk’s selection of unique toys for 3 year olds, here are basic guidelines to help you on your journey (if you want more detail on what toys and gifts are good for 3 year olds, please check out our developmental milestones for three year olds).

Toys for 3 year olds (and gifts): To a 3 year old, a 2 year old is 33% younger. That’s like a 21 year old to a 14 year old…the gap is HUGE! That’s how you have to think about these 3 year olds and the toys that make sense for them. These wonderful three year olds are getting better at playing games with their peers. Their artistic skills are really starting to hone in and arts and crafts in general play a vital role in their development. They have imaginary friends, can start to do symbolic play, and most are really loving puzzle-play. One of our favorite toys for this age are pretend play.

Toys and gifts for three-and-a-quarter year olds: No change from 3 year olds? Ha! 3 ¼ year olds are assigning roles to other children. They can think ahead and say, ‘what if…’. Their dexterity is becoming MUCH better – with buttons and cutting paper. They can even act out themes of observed events. It’s really fun to participate in this kind of play with your 3 year old. But be a little careful, and get ready, as 3 year olds are becoming curious about other children’s bodies.

Toys and gifs for three-and-a-half-year olds: Now our little three year old (who is now really three and a half) is taking major strides. They can build 3 dimensional objects and can really understand the concept of quantity (numbers). They copy and trace shapes. Become quite agile as they hop on one foot. And may even show some jealously towards the same-sex parent.

Toys and gifts for three and three-quarter year olds: You just can’t believe it. All of a sudden your three year old is almost four. And as they approach 4 years of age, they are becoming much more interested in board games. They are becoming much more inventive. And their language skills (letters) are taking a big jump – with the use of modals (may, can, would) and conjunctions (and, but, if). Conjunction junction, what’s your function? They can now site quietly for almost 5 full minutes to hear a story (books).

Can you believe this 3 year old is graduating to the 4’s? Didn’t you just make it out of the terrible 2 a year ago? Your three year old is EXTREMELY keyed into the right toys for their development. They are no longer a baby and recognized the ‘baby’ elements of baby toys. You have to stay ‘on top’ of the toys for the right stage of development.

Life is certainly more about just toys and gifts for 3 year olds. Many times we are welcoming new babies into the house around this time. If so, you may want to read up on this great article from our child psychologist, Dr. Andy Eig.