Image: MomJunction Design Team
Toys are the constant companions for children of all ages. When children reach the age of three, they are less likely to be captivated by simple toys and games. The best toys for three-year-olds will have to be a little more challenging and complex to keep them engaged. A three-year-old can play with more complex toys, such as those having levers, buttons, and other moving pieces (1).
Here are some of the best toys you can bring home for kids belonging to the 3-year-old age group.
Top Picks
20 Best Toys For 3 Year Old Boys In 2021
1. Best Functional Toy Gift:John Deere Monster Treads Lightning Wheels Tractor
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 10,368 good reviews on Amazon.
This tractor features innovative light-up wheels that are automatically activated when the tractor is in motion. The attractive and functional toy for boys aged three years and above is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. For more details, check out this product review cum testing video.
Pros
- Features motion-activated lights
- Has oversized, durable tires, making it suitable for all terrains
- Simple to use owing to its simple to-and-fro mechanism
- Comes with three AAA batteries
Cons
- Battery might lose connection
- May not make tractor sounds
2. Best Illustration Gifts:Li’l Gen Realistic Looking Dinosaur Toys
This set of 12 realistic-looking dinosaurs is ideal for educational fun. The high-quality dinosaur pieces and illustrated dinosaur sound book make this animal figure set an exciting birthday gift for three-year-old boys.
Pros
- Dinosaur sound book teaches the rumbling sounds, habitats, and colors of the dinosaurs
- Made of phthalate-free, non-toxic plastic
- Seven-inch realistic pieces
- Suitable for imaginative play
Cons
- Might have sharp edges
- May have pronunciation problems
3. Best Gift In Sound Toys:Cyiecw Piano Music Mat
Let your child jump all over this mat to produce sounds of different instruments. This music mat is one of those entertaining toys that can allow you to introduce your three-year-old to music in a fun and immersive way.
Pros
- Includes 19 piano keys and eight icon keys
- Made of high-quality, non-woven fabric that is soft and non-toxic
- Foldable and easy to carry
- Includes several modes to record, playback, and listen to songs
- Helps improve hand-feet coordination
Cons
- Might be small
- May not be non-skid
4. Best Gift In Outdoor Toys:Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Join the 26,396 satisfied buyers on Amazon who have said the product meets their needs and expectations.
If your three-year-old boy is more into the outdoors, then why not give him a trike? This rugged, durable, and stunning Harley Davidson style tricycle by the trusted brand Fisher Price allows little boys to explore and enjoy in an adventurous way. Here’s a video with a detailed review of the product to help you decide.
Pros
- Features large foot pedals, durable tires, and a stable wheelbase
- Helps develop gross motor skills, balance, and coordination
- Handlebars are easy-to-grip for little hands
- Has a comfy seat and a secret compartment underneath it
Cons
- May not be weather-proof
- May be slightly big for some children
5. Best Toddler-Friendly Gift:VTech Drill & Learn Toolbox
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 11,961 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
Here is one of the best creative toys for pretend play. It also helps hone fine motor skills. The fun, interactive, and enjoyable toy tool set with a toddler-friendly toolbox lets your child role-play as a mechanic.
Pros
- Has an electronic fix-it tray, a working toy drill, a hammer, a wrench, and nails and screws
- Ideal for introducing colors and numbers
- Comes with double-sided instruction cards
- Plays fun songs
Cons
- Might turn off quickly if inactive
- May be a tad flimsy
6. Best Role-Play Toy Set:Toy Choi’s Kids Construction Toy
If you want to give your child a toy that can keep him occupied for hours, then this construction toy set by Toy Choi’s is a suitable choice. This construction toy set is made of ABS plastic and is rigid. Some standout accessories of this best-selling role-play toy set are the realistic toy drill and the wearable products.
Pros
- Toy drill has been designed keeping safety in mind
- Non-flammable
- Can transform into a suitcase, a trolley case, or a workbench
- Helps enhance cognitive abilities
Cons
- Safety mask might fog up
- Table might be slightly wobbly
Quick tip7. Best Car Toy Set:Tuko Car Toys Die-Cast Carrier Truck Vehicle
If your boy is fond of cars, then this truck full of cars is quite likely to excite him. Packed with several cars and accessories, this toy car and truck set offers good value for money. The complete highway set consists of a carrier truck, six alloy cars, three number cars, three animal cars, and traffic sign accessories.
Pros
- Allows quick and easy organization
- Detachable front
- Sturdy carrying handle
- Offers hours of play
Cons
- May be smaller than you expect
- May not be long-lasting
8. Best Gift For Soccer Lovers:WisToyz Kids Toys Hover Soccer Ball Set
This soccer ball toy set from WisToyz keeps your boy occupied while letting him get physical exercise while indoors. The various packaged contents allow your kid to build a complete hockey or football set at home.
Features
- The indoor/outdoor sports set comes with a soccer disk that features a fan inside for easy gliding on smooth surfaces.
- The soccer disk features built-in multi-colored LED lights, making the whole play process entertaining.
- The set also includes two goal posts with nets, an inflatable ball, a pump, and an instruction manual.
- All the parts are made of durable and premium-quality materials.
Quick tip9. Best Indoor Toy:Little Tikes T-Ball Set
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 17,356 satisfied customers have left positive reviews about the product on Amazon.
Introduce your boy to baseball or softball by gifting him this T-ball set. This toy set comes with an oversized bat and oversized balls, making it easy for the child to hit those home runs and enjoy early success.
Pros
- Hang-on feature for easy storage
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Helps improve coordination and motor skills
Cons
- Might topple over
- May not be very adjustable
10. Best Gift For Action Lovers:Prextex Pack Of R/C Police Car And Race Car
If you want to introduce your child to radio-controlled (RC) toys, then this pack of car toys will make a good choice. These robust car pieces allow your child to drive them at full speed without worrying about any damage or defects. This RC car pack includes one police car and one racing car, with removable action figures to provide hours of fun.
Pros
- Police car features police siren sounds, flashlights, and honking sounds
- Vehicles can be used simultaneously
- Tested safe for children
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Batteries are not included
- Might be loud
11. Best Entertaining Toyset :CozyBomB Magnetic Fishing Toys Game
This fishing toy combo is ideal for providing your child with an exciting fishing experience at home. Easy to play with yet challenging; this is a good toy to keep your child entertained and focused. The classic game set comes with 30 types of toy fishes in more than ten colors.
Pros
- Helps improve hand-eye coordination
- Made of high-quality, waterproof PVC plastic
- Magnets are strong and resistant to corrosion
- Includes a storage bag to store the toy fishes
Cons
- Colors might fade
May not be suitable for rough play
12. Best For Improving Active Playtime:Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 43,421 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
If you are against a sit-and-play toy that keeps your child sitting on the floor for hours, then here is an ideal alternative. My First Foam Pogo Jumper is specially designed to help children lead an active lifestyle. The outdoor play equipment makes your child healthy and helps them improve their coordination and balance, making it a great gift for kids.
Pros
- Safe for all surface types
- Includes a built-in speaker
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Made of durable foam and features soft and comfortable grips
Cons
- Might squeak
- May not be durable
"The foam pogo jumper has kept my little ones thoroughly occupied this summer and held up well under rigorous use. Its squeaky sound can get slightly irritating, but it helps track kids. Although slightly nerve-wracking for the moms, the toy has been a delightful energy burner and an exciting gift for my kids."
13. Best Classic Spin Toy:Playskool Sit ‘n Spin Classic Spinning Activity Toy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 43,687 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
This evergreen spinning toy is one of the best active indoor play options for your child to enjoy hours of twirling fun.
Pros
- Adjustable speed
- Helps improve balance, coordination, and motor skills
- Easy to assemble
- Durable
Cons
- Might be small
- May not be ideal for use on hard floors
14. Best Toy Trucks :Matchbox Garbage Truck Large
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It's no wonder that this quality product has earned over 8,676 positive reviews on Amazon.
This hand-activated, realistic sounding truck allows your child to perform loading, dumping, and rolling operations. The push and pull mechanism makes it easy for them to play with the truck. The 15-inch truck is ideal for holding and gripping, making it the perfect gift for your little one.
Pros
- Features front lights
- Produces realistic truck sounds
- Performs interactive loading and unloading operations
- Child-friendly buttons
Cons
- Plastic may be thin
- Requires constant adult supervision
"My son loves this trash truck’s realistic sounds and interactive features, like the pick-up arm. While generally durable, the quality could have been better. However, it's been a solid choice for my son, who loves imitating the waste collection process."
15. Best Gifts For Kid Artists:VTech KidiBeats Drum Set
Unleash the drummer in your child with this drum set. Let your child drum freestyle for hours or play along with the pre-set melodies.
Pros
- Features three light-up drum pads and a cymbal
- Includes nine melodies
- Features four play modes
- Has automatic shut-off and volume control options
Cons
- Might be small
- Some might find the sounds annoying
16. Best Creative Gifts:Jasonwell Magnetic Tiles Building Blocks Set
This safety-tested magnetic tiles set is a building and engineering toy that engages your kids and lets them unleash their creativity.
Features
- This set includes 108 pieces of magnetic toys available in various colors, shapes, and patterns.
- This game helps kids learn different shapes, colors, and numbers.
- The magnetic blocks are made from BPA-free ABS plastic.
- It allows you to have interactive sessions with your kid.
17. Best Engaging Toyset Gifts:iPlay, iLearn Construction Site Vehicles Toy Set
This interactive construction site set is probably one of those toys that will make you feel like playing along with your child. The challenging set will surely exercise your child’s brain and make them have fun and learn at the same time. It consists of 52 pieces, including a truck digger/excavator, a crane, a cement truck, a dump truck, a fuel truck, a steamroller, and a tractor. These toy pieces are made of ABS plastic.
Pros
- Tested and approved by all CPSC-accepted third-party laboratories
- Includes safety cones, safety signs, and safety barriers
- Features various interchangeable tractor parts
- Storage box can be converted into a play mat
- Supports open-ended play
Cons
- Crane may not be sturdy
- Small pieces may pose a choking hazard
"My little ones are obsessed with this construction toy set. The realistic details and the sturdiness of the trucks are impressive, and the set has facilitated lots of imaginative play. Its crane mechanism poses occasional hiccups, but the overall experience has been satisfactory."
18. Best Gifts For Kid Techies:LeapFrog My Own Leaptop
Gifting a laptop to a child may not be a good idea. But you can always gift a toy laptop. This children’s laptop comes with a large screen that displays various animal animations.
Pros
- Features 26 animal animations to spell all the letters
- Child can send and receive pretend emails
- Includes 16 melodies
- Offers four modes, namely ABCs, Messages, Games, and Music
Cons
- Buttons may be a bit hard
- Screen may not be bright
19.Best Gifts For Dinosaur Lovers: Windy City Novelties Light Up And Walking Dinosaur
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 13,310 positive reviews on Amazon.
If your child likes dinosaurs, then this gift will surely stoke their interest further towards dinosaurs. This purple-black dinosaur is 12-inch long and six-inch tall.
Pros
- Dinosaur toy walks, lights up, and roars
- Features red, blue, and green LED lights
- Comes with three AA batteries
- Includes a quality speaker for the sounds
Cons
- Some may find it noisy
- May not walk on carpet
20. Best Colorful Gifts:VTech Spin And Learn Color Flashlight
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 25,645 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
This color flashlight allows your child to learn colors, numbers, and animal names. The ladybug button, when pressed, plays various sounds.
Pros
- Consists of five changing colors
- Includes an easy-to-grip handle
- Features 50 songs, melodies, and phrases
- Includes batteries
Cons
- Might be loud
- Light may not be very bright
How To Choose The Right Toys For 3-Year-Old Boys?
Consider the following points when choosing the right toys for your three-year-old boy.
- Recommended age: Check the kids’ age group recommended by the manufacturer to ensure the toy is suitable for your child. Age-appropriate toys help your child learn the necessary skills.
- Safety: Select toys without small, flimsy parts to prevent choking hazards. Ensure the toys are made of non-toxic, durable material and have safety certifications.
- Complexity: Choose toys with movement, sounds, lights, and other interactive features to help enhance your child’s cognitive skills. These toys should be challenging enough for your child to reach developmental milestones.
- Motor skill development: Look for toys that help your child develop their motor skills, such as tricycles or bikes, puzzles, train sets, STEM kits, etc. These toys encourage movement, hand-eye coordination, and skill learning.
- Ease of use: Choose toys with simple instructions so your child can understand easily and does not get bored.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is an experienced writer and reviewer of gifts and children’s toys. Her review process involves analyzing the features and specifications of several products to shortlist the best ones. In this article, she has listed the best toys for three-year-old boys that are engaging and offer a learning experience. She has also highlighted the features of each product to help readers choose the right toys for their little ones.
The Bottom Line
Although toys are essential to every child’s life, they rarely last longer than a few days as children tend to get bored and move on to the next thing that catches their fancy. If you are looking for the best toys for 3-year-old boys that can keep them engaged for hours, the options listed here are good picks. They include various educational and interesting options such as monster trucks, musical mats, the John Deere Monster Treads Lightning Wheels Tractor with light-up wheels, the Matchbox Garbage Truck Large with push and pull mechanism, and the Li’l Gen Realistic Looking Dinosaur Toys for imaginative play. Keep your little one’s interests and personality in mind when buying one so they enjoy playing with it daily.
Infographic: A Buying Guide On Selecting The Right Toy For 3-Year-Old Boys
The right toy can help your child by stimulating their creativity, strengthening their motor skills, building confidence, and boosting their problem-solving skills. However, choosing a suitable toy from countless options can be daunting. To make the job easier, here’s an infographic with tips to help you make the right choice. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
1. Important Milestones: Your Child By Three Years; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2. Benefits of being active
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