The best toys for 3 year olds in the UK 2024 (2024)

From Play-Doh to balance bikes, we’ve been on the hunt for some of the best gifts out there for your little girl or boy.

We’ve asked friends, family and members of the BabyCentre Community for their recommendations, and scoured the internet to see what parents are loving right now. Here’s our shortlist of the best toys for 3-year-olds.

Amazon

If your little one has some budding green fingers, this colourful garden of assorted flowers could be the ideal gift. With interchangeable parts that encourage your child to design their own blossoming bouquet, this creative playset also teaches children how to plant and water flowers.

With a whopping 130 pieces, this garden building set will let your child create endless different variations, for hours of fun. It’s great for outdoor play, and the pieces are easily washable with water.

Amazon

All aboard! Let your child be the station master of their very own railway with this sustainable wooden toy. Made up of railway tracks, a signal box, a truck, crane and more, this wooden playset has all the components needed for hours of imaginative play.

The best bit? It’s also designed to fit other train sets, meaning your 3 year old can easily expand their railway scene for years to come!

Amazon

Toddlers learn through imitation, and this interactive toy washing machine is the perfect playset for them to role play the household laundry duties.

Amazon

Don’t be fooled by its size – the small, colourful Toniebox can play countless stories and songs. Designed to bring your toddler’s favourite tales to life, it’s screen-free fun that’s perfect for little hands to manage.

They simply place a Tonie character on top of the box to start. And with a variety of characters to choose from, your 3 year old will love deciding which Tonie character will join them on their next audio adventure. You or a family member can even record up to 90 minutes of stories yourself, adding some comfort and familiarity to story time.

One BabyCentre parent said: "My boys love their Toniebox, it's on everyday.. multiple times!"

Available from AmazonOpens a new window

Argos

Watch your toddler ride in style with this trendy EVO mini cruiser scooter. Equipped with two 120mm wheels at the front for maximum safety and speed, this scooter is sure to provide a sturdy and exciting ride.

Designed with your child’s development in mind, this scooter also features an adjustable handlebar that will grow with your little one.

One BabyCentre parent said: "I decided to go for the Evo scooter, my friend’s son has one and really likes it."

Amazon

Take the fun of Play-Doh to a whole new level with this Peppa Pig dress-up game. Is Peppa going to be a mermaid today, a princess or maybe even a unicorn? The choice is up to your child, as they can use Play-Doh cutters, stamps and moulds to recreate some of their most-loved Peppa Pig story moments.

Amazon

Let your child’s imagination run wild with this mini wooden doll's house, featuring wooden play figurines, furniture and working doors. It will encourage your little one to become an accomplished storyteller as they act out different scenarios, helping them to make sense of the world around them.

Thanks to its foldable design, this doll's house can also open and close fully, meaning it can be easily taken on the go. It includes 11 pieces of furniture and 2 play figures for endless adventures.

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Kinderkraft

Now that your little one’s spatial awareness and balance is improving, this balance bike is the perfect toy to strengthen their developing gross motor skills. Weighing in at only 3.8kg, the ultra-lightweight frame will allow your child to gain some real speed.

Its lack of weight also means you can easily carry it if the need arises. This stylish balance bike also features large air-filled wheels and extra cushioning, ensuring only the smoothest of rides for your toddler.

Available from KinderkraftOpens a new window

Kidly

This parent-tested and approved magnetic dress-up game is a firm favourite amongst 3 year olds. Open the small tin to reveal a wide variety of characters, props and costumes, all of which can be used to depict endless scenes and stories imagined by your toddler.

Even better, the compact and magnetic design of this game means it’s the perfect entertainment for long car rides. No more cries of “are we there yet?!”. There’s also a space-themed version for would-be astronauts.

Available from KidlyOpens a new window

Jaques London

Give your little one a sweet treat without the sugar rush with this colourful ice cream play set. Featuring magnetic and hook and loop fastenings, little hands will love pulling apart and putting together these fun ice cream shapes.

With bright patterns and different textures, watch your little one serve up a game of imaginative play that will last for hours.

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