The Best Gifts For 3-Year-Olds: Toy & Book Presents!

Looking for the best gifts for 3-year-olds? We’ve got you covered with these book and toy present pairings. Pick just the toy or just the book and any 3-year-old will be delighted.

There is something magical about 3-year-old children. They are imaginative and inquisitive…and they need to be safely occupied for hours on end!

I’m not a big believer in plastic toys with all the bells and whistles (my poor ears can’t handle it!) So instead, below you’ll find items that will foster a new love of imagination and learning in unique ways.

Of course, we had to throw in some books too! Below are my favorite books and gifts for 3-year-old boys and girls.

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Gifts for 3-year-olds

1. CityBlock and Blockitecture Blocks

I’ve been obsessed with this block book series. I had the alphabet, counting, and dino versions before I purchased CityBlock for my family. Its chunky pages are perfect for a toddler’s hands and the illustrations will keep any little one engaged.

Pair it with a block set that is gorgeous enough to leave out even when you have company over. We linked the set pictured below, but they have many options including this NYC set!

2. Scaredy Squirrel and The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game!

Scaredy Squirrel is one anxious critter, but his antics will charm everyone in your family. Just be warned – my toddlers became OBSESSED with squirrels after reading this story.

It pairs perfectly with The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game which is designed to teach your children their colors. It’s a wonderful first game and it’s so much better than Slides and Ladders or Hi Ho Cheerio!

3. Secret Pizza Party and Wooden Pizza Set

This hysterical story is about a raccoon who loves pizza but is thwarted from getting a slice at every turn. It pairs wonderfully with a pizza set! Play pizza parlor and act out the scenes in the story.

4. The Day the Crayons Quit and Bathtub Crayons

In this story, Duncan’s crayons have had enough of his ways. They each air their grievances and explain why they are going on strike. The first in a charming series of stories featuring the same characters, this one would go so well with bathtub crayons! Such a fun (and mess-free) way to encourage fine motor skills.

5. Mother Bruce and Calico Critters

Mother Bruce is a funny story about a grumpy bear who reluctant starts taking care of baby geese. It’s the first in a series that my boys adored! At 3 years old, your little one can really start to play pretend. Grab some calico critters to let them act out their own scenes with forest friends.

Presents for 3-year-olds

6. The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Butterfly Wings

The Very Hungry Caterpillar needs no introduction. It’s a classic for a reason. Each time the caterpillar emerges from his coccoon, my kids would always pretend to be a butterfly dancing around the room.

These butterfly wings are a wonderful gift for a 3-year-old. Give them and watch your toddler emerge as a butterfly again and again.

7. Mix It Up and Toddler Paint Set

This interactive book is the perfect gift for a 3-year-old. It’s all about colors and mixing them together. Let your child have some tactile fun by giving them a paint set to go along with the story. They can recreate all they learned in the book.

8. Giraffes Can’t Dance and Mini Band Set

Giraffes Can’t Dance is a fantastic story about being yourself and dancing to your own beat. It’s a story often taught in preschool for its positive message. If you don’t mind a little noise, these instruments make wonderful presents for 3-year-olds too.

9. Ellie and Elefun

I adore this sweet story about a painting elephant who is trying to save her zoo from closing. It’s such a sweet story and the first in a series. After reading it, play elefun, the classic elephant butterfly-catching game! It’s the perfect way to run out some energy on a rainy day.

10. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates and Dino Magnatiles

We feature this hysterical book in our list of books for the first day of school. It’s all about a dinosaur learning how to behave in the classroom. He has to learn not to eat his classmates in addition to other things.

Turn it into a great gift for a 3-year-old by pairing it with this dinosaur magnatiles set. It’s something your growing kid will love for years to come.

Did we help you with gifts for a 3-year-old? Let us know if you get anything for your loved one!