When children hit pre-school age, they really come into their own. At the age of three, playtime becomes a crucial part of their learning and physical development as well as their growing confidence. We cast an eye over the best toys to keep their inquisitive minds busy and nurture their fascination with the world.
At three years old, little ones are likely to be fiercely independent, asking lots of questions and learning more every day about the world around them. Pre-schoolers now, they’re constantly on the move and those unsteady toddling days are long behind them. It’s from this age they start playing with friends, rather than alongside them, as they learn to interact directly. If you’re buying for this milestone birthday, the best toys for three year olds facilitate imaginative, cooperative play and further develop their social skills. Here are our favourites:
Slammin’ Racers Turbo Tyre
For fast-paced action with all the sound effects to boot, Slammin’ Racers Turbo Tyre (£19.99) has it all. These speedy little vehicles race 15 feet every time they get a slam – put one in the all-terrain mega wheel and watch it tackle any surface with ease!
L.O.L Surprise! Chill Out Inflatable Chair
At three years old and beyond, children begin to develop their own interests and likes. If you’re buying for an L.O.L Surprise! fanatic, they’re bound to love this chill out chair for their bedroom. L.O.L Surprise! Chill Out Inflatable Chair (£19.99) is easy to inflate and has a flocked seat for even more comfortable relaxation.
Construct ‘n Learn Smart Workbench
Encourage playdates and watch as they learn to share, communicate and interact with friends. Most toys for three year old boys and girls are designed for imaginative play and to encourage those interactive skills. The Construct ‘n Learn Smart Workbench (£169.99) is the only build-your-own-vehicle workbench that comes with a free downloadable app that uses wireless technology. For hands-on fun that puts learning at the fore, this Smart Workbench is ideal.
Tasty Junior Bake ‘n Share Kitchen
Help spur on their imagination and encourage role play – a play kitchen makes a great present for a three-year-old girl or boy. Tasty Junior Bake ‘n Share Kitchen (£109.99) has adjustable height so it can grow with the mini chef, and it comes with 38 accessories and fun recipe cards to inspire their role play and mum and dad’s cooking too! And there’s a whole range of Tasty Junior accessories you can add to the kitchen, including fun emoji cookies.
Tornado Tower
Another offering from the STEM Jr. range, Tornado Tower (£29.99) is designed to develop children’s cognitive skills, introducing them to their first science experiments. They can use household products to create a lava lamp effect or use water to make a tornado in a bottle. Little ones will love experimenting and learning how and why things work.
