This Preschool Toys and Activity Guide for three-year-olds is a must-have reference and starting point for selecting developmentally appropriate toys (DAP) and activities for children 36 through 47 months. The key to choosing preschool toys is understanding their basic abilities and preferences as they grow. These abilities and preferences are important in attracting and motivating preschoolers and three-year-olds to engage with toys because true learning and retention only come through engagement.
So, how do we pick the right preschool toys for three-year-olds? This is where we need to look at age as a GUIDELINE to selecting toys. The U.S. Product & Safety Commission (CPSC) and international ASTM are the organizations that oversee toy regulations and keep products safe for our kids. They have developed these regulations by categorizing toys by the child’s age. However, the age was determined by the abilities and preferences of typically developing children, and it is well known that children develop abilities at different rates. So, as you select toys for your child, please look at age as a guide and abilities and preferences as a better indicator.
From the moment they are born, infants start acquiring information from their physical senses, learning from what they see, hear, touch, taste, and smell. Ideal child development is based on feeling safe, secure, and loved, which is true for three-year-olds. This preschool Toys and Activities Guide will take parents through toys and activities for their children from thirty-six through forty-seven months, going through physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional development. It is based on early childhood whole-child education, which allows children to learn in many different areas simultaneously. Play is important in helping a three-year-old achieve important developmental milestones. So, what exactly does play look like for a preschooler thirty-six through forty-seven months old?
Table of contents
What Play Means for Preschoolers and Three-Year-Olds:
Pretend play is well-established for preschoolers and three-year-olds. Role-playing becomes a bigger part of their social play, and their pretend play becomes more elaborate as they use a variety of objects to carry out longer episodes. They become interested in color variations and using simple art materials. They understand the purpose of numbers in counting objects. The preschooler shows a greater interest in structured games and can now take turns. Their fine motor skills can take on the challenge of more complex building play, combining smaller pieces, and engaging in various art activities. Their gross motor activity increases, and they enjoy tip-toeing, balancing on one foot, hopping, kicking, or catching a large ball.
Preschool Toys
Preschoolers and three-year-olds are working on running, jumping, climbing, and balancing. They are becoming familiar with common shapes and primary colors. They are interested in simple number activities, alphabet play, copying letters, and matching and sorting.
Preschool Activities
At this age, three-year-olds and preschoolers are learning about sharing and taking turns as they begin understanding the concept of fair play. They are not yet ready for competitive play because they dislike losing. They enjoy looking at books and listening to stories.
Toy Categories for Preschoolers and Three-Year-Olds
This website has categories set up for children of all ages. Preschool toys and activities should be chosen according to the child’s abilities rather than their age. Research has shown that abilities develop at different rates and are difficult to distinguish into defined play categories. Your child may excel in one play area and seem to be delayed in another play area. This is typical development. It’s good to try plenty of different play activities with your child. This gives your preschooler many ways to learn about their world.
Educational Play
Books:
Preschoolers and three-year-olds enjoy stories about familiar events. They like to hear stories multiple times and in the same way each time. They ask “why,” want to answer questions, share comments, and make up their own stories. Preschoolers tend to mark in books, so this is a good time to teach them about the care of books. They are beginning to like fantasy stories, jokes, tall tales, animals that act like humans, adventures, and information. They are also silly and like wild, silly, humorous, and nonsense stories.
The books designed for preschoolers should be easy to hold, measuring 4-8 inches in size, with no more than 6-8 inches in any direction, and containing no more than 10-15 pages. The number of pages can be increased based on the child’s literacy abilities and preferences. Since binocular vision is still developing and children are generally farsighted at this age, a larger print is more suitable. Preschoolers prefer complex illustrations with rich detail and have a growing preference for true, reality-based stories over fantasy.
- Nursery rhymes
- Simple ABC and number books
- Interactive books
- Books with rhymes, rhythm, and repetition
- Simple picture books with vocabulary and picture book storybooks
- Predictable books
- Hidden picture books
- Fantasy, jokes, adventures, tall tales, animals that act like humans, the here and now, information, and places.
- Wildly silly stories, humorous stories, and nonsense rhymes
- Coloring books with large, simple outlines
- Self-created story books
Educational Toys
Preschoolers and three-year-olds have the cognitive and physical ability to interact with simple learning products and educational toys. Preschoolers at this stage ask many “why” questions, use 5 to 6-word sentences and name familiar objects, pictures, shapes, and colors. They are learning to match items, understand numbers and counting, and concepts such as “same” and “different.”
- Simple electronic-teacher toys
- Learning products that teach colors, shapes, picture/object names, animals, letters and sounds, and numbers and counting
- Matching games
Educational Technology
Preschoolers are often captivated by electronic toys that are lively and packed with sensory features such as music, moving characters, flashing lights, and speech. They may show a preference for items featuring media characters over plain, undecorated items. Software that prompts simple responses from the child is ideal. Preschoolers will begin to recognize letters and numbers, and they also enjoy repeating experiences.
- Simple, smart toys
- Sing-along software
- Electronics that teach picture/object names, colors, shapes, letters & sounds, and numbers & counting.
- Matching games
- Story-line software
- Electronics that are related to transportation, animal, and place themes
- Connecting with family and friends over video calls.
Building Play
Blocks:
Preschoolers are ready to play with wooden blocks. They start to visualize and analyze the parts of what they want to build. They work through problems of size, volume, space, and weight. The basic block unit is 3 1/2 inches square and 1 1/2 inches thick. Other blocks in the set are usually multiples or fractions of the basic unit. The shapes of blocks include the unit size, double and quadruple the unit, and wedges, triangles, cylinders, and half rounds. Some sets have simple geometric forms. Each block set should have about 60-80 pieces.
- Wooden blocks in hard or soft wood without color or varnish
- Number and Letter blocks
- Table blocks
- Hollow blocks
- Problem-solving blocks
- Nesting toys
Interlocking Building Blocks
Preschoolers will begin to manipulate objects and join interlocking pieces. They can work on simple interlocking designs such as snapping, screwing, pressing together, rod and spool connectors, notched logs, suction cups, and nesting. Materials can be plastic or wood and come in various shapes, such as wheels, textures, miniature people, and model trees. During their creations preschoolers want their creations to look more realistic. The blocks should be 2-3 inches, and the set should include 30-50 pieces. Preschool children are beginning to develop simple screwing action, but NOT other types of coordination, such as fitting a bolt in a flat piece of wood or attaching a nut.
- Lego Sets
- Snap-lock beads
- Interlocking bricks/blocks
- Brick blocks
- Notched logs
- Waffle blocks
- Interlocking foam puzzle mats
- Sets using rods/dowels and spool-like connector pieces
- Work bench screws
Arts and Crafts Play
Preschoolers can scribble and copy simple shapes. They are using blunt-ended scissors and can cut, paste, and make collages. Working with clay and dough to make sculptures is a favorite activity. Writing tools should be rounded without sharp corners, and large, easy-to-grip crayons, markers, brushes, and paper should be in various sizes and colors. There should be enough in each set of crayons or markers, to provide a choice of materials and colors. Materials should be lightweight and sturdy.
- Large crayons, markers, brushes
- Paper in various sizes, colors, and types
- Easels for young toddlers who can stand well
- Finger and Tempra Paints
- Non-toxic glue
- Blunt-end scissors
- soft modeling clay or dough with molds
- Pre-gummed paper and stickers
- Glitter, yarn, pom-poms
- Coloring books with large, simple outlines.
- Pop-beads
- Large beads and shoestrings for lacing
- Boards with magnetic shavings
Music Play
Musical Instruments:
Preschoolers are naturally drawn to music and are especially interested in multi-sensory elements. Music plays a critical role in language development and communication skills. Three-year-olds are refining their fine motor skills, and their fingers can move independently at this age. They learn through movement and can shake and tap instruments. Three-year-olds can sing simple songs and enjoy repeating them.
- Horns & whistles with buttons
- Electronic drum pads
- Tambourines
- Blocks for scaping and tapping
- Triangles
- Rhythm sticks
- Novelty musical instruments, including multistep horns and chunky whistles.
- Bells and chimes
- Small lightweight tambourines
- Rattles and shakers
- Finger play songs
- Drums
- Bongs
- Xylophones
- Simple music sets
Music Technology
Preschoolers engage with technology that stimulates their senses through features such as music, moving characters, blinking lights, and speech as they grow. Music plays a critical role in language development and communication skills. They can distinguish between different sentence tunes and imitate sounds and sound sequences. Preschoolers enjoy singing along to nursery rhymes and songs. They are inclined towards sounds within the range of human voice frequencies, finding low tones soothing and high tones agitating. By the age of three, they have developed their fine motor skills and can operate wind-up music boxes, digital music players, apps, and radios.
- Folk/cultural music
- Silly songs, word plays, finger plays, action songs
- Recorded stories
- Simple CD players and radios
- Microphones karaoke
- Wind up music boxes
- Audio that includes language that can be imitated
- Lullabies, simple songs, rhythms, nursery rhymes
- Gentle, predictable sounds played at low volumes.
- Music Boxes (wound by parent or caregiver)
- Interactive music toys and smart toys that are activated by button-pressing
Pretend Play
Dolls and Stuffed Toys:
Dolls and stuffed toys designed for preschoolers can be made of multiple moving arms, legs, etc. All edges should be thick and round, without hard corners or projecting parts. They should be made of soft, pliable, and washable material. Each doll set can have numerous accessories such as bottles, clothing, hair brush, etc.
The doll’s clothes for toddler toys should have large openings for easy dressing and undressing, with large buttons, hooks, and touch fasteners. The size should be 16-20 inches, lightweight, no more than twelve to eighteen ounces, for easy grasping and support in the air. The colors should be vibrant, with reds and yellows, and highly contrasting, such as black and white, with basic patterns. Older toddlers are interested in pastels and other colors. Preschoolers and three-year-olds enjoy moderately complex cause and effect functions like pushing produces a sound, lights, crying, talking, sucking and wetting.
- Dolls with doctor supplies
- Doll bottles with disappearing liquid
- Wooden and plastic peg dolls
- Simple action figures
- Combinations such as mother and baby (human or animal)
- Accessories for the doll such as bottle or blanket
- Toys activated by pressing a button
- Small dolls (baby, bean bag, rag dolls)
- Washable rubber baby dolls
- Small stuffed or plush animals
- Music dolls
- Stuffed Toys
Puppets
Puppets designed for preschoolers can be made of multiple moving arms, legs, etc. They should be made of soft, pliable, and washable material. The hand or finger opening should be large enough for easy hand access. The size should be 16-20 inches, lightweight, no more than twelve to eighteen ounces, for easy grasping and support in the air.
- Puppets with mouth and arm openings for simple thumb and finger manipulations
- Simple sock, mitten, hand, arm, or finger puppets
Play Scenes
Figurines and play scenes for preschoolers should be lightweight and weigh up to 4-8 ounces. The material should have soft textures and contrasting facial features, especially with the eyes. These figurines should be simple, realistic, and be familiar with characters or animals without many features. Toddlers of this age are not ready for cartoon or fantasy figures and play scenes.
- Simple doll houses and miniature playsets of familiar themes
- Small, simple, familiar, and realistic play scenes such as kitchens, farms, gas stations, airplanes
- Simple pop-up scenes like fire trucks
- Simple play sets like those that have vehicles with small figures.
- Little people
Dress Up
Preschoolers are imitative and demonstrate simple pretend and symbolic thinking. They value independent exploration but are starting to play together. Dress-up materials should have thick, round edges and a sleeveless, slip-on costume design. Jewelry should have non-elaborate shapes. These dress-up items should have rich, vibrant colors with soft textures.
- Costumes with large buttons, buckles and hooks
- Simple costumes
- Handheld mirrors with a fantasy theme
- Simple wigs
- Necklaces, bracelets with large hooks or easy-to-separate fasteners
- Medium-size buttons, buckles and hooks
- Simple large snaps
- Hair accessories (scarves, clips)
- The string should be braided or plastic
- Wooden or plastic beads about 1/2 inch ( up to 20)
- Dresses, hats, gloves, shoes, snap-on ties
- Beads (up to 20)
- Lacing Cubes or Boards with thick blunt spindles
- Frames and cubes for buttoning, snapping, lacing, hooking and buckling
- Lacing cards
- Lacing shoes
Small Vehicle Toys
Preschoolers will imitate adults, older peers, or TV shows. They like toys with simple cause-and-effect actions, such as pushing a button that produces sound, light, or movement. The vehicles should be: smaller 1 to 8 inches long, and bigger 12-24 inches for pushing. The transportation toys should weigh no more than 6-8 ounces if designed to be picked up during use.
The toys must be safe, with no removable or loose parts, and have thick, round edges. They should be made of plastic, hard rubber, or light wood that can be washed or easily cleaned. The toys may have sensory elements, such as sound or lights, and should have simple, realistic details with recognizable devices. Preschoolers can use simple remote controls, simple multipe-turn winders with a large key, and devices using buttons or joysticks. They are also starting to fasten and detach simple coupling mechanisms that are magnetic or have a large hook. Preschoolers are starting to recognize familiar characters such as Disney, and their toy vehicles should have a low level of realistic detail.
- Miniature die-cast cars
- Transportation vehicles with one or two turn (or wind up) mechanisms with low tension so they can be easily moved.
- Tracks and launchers for large trains or cars, with simple hooking, snapping, or interlacing tracks with ample width for the vehicle.
- Boats
- Push cars, motorcycles, and trucks
- Trains with multiple cars
- Flying machines with simple wind up
- Remote-control vehicles
- Fantasy vehicles with simple wind-ups
Props for Pretend Play
Preschoolers learn through imaginative play. They will imitate adults, older peers, or TV shows. The toy props should weigh no more than 6 to 8 oz if designed to be picked up and used. They like preschool toys with simple cause-and-effect actions, such as pushing a button that produces sound, light, or movement or turning and pounding to produce a given result. Each toy set should be 2-10 pieces. The toys must be safe, with no removable or loose parts, and have thick, round edges. They should be made of plastic, hard rubber, or light wood that can be washed or easily cleaned. The toys may have sensory elements, such as sound or lights, and should have simple, realistic details with recognizable devices. Preschoolers and three-year-olds can use simple remote controls and devices controlled by buttons.
- Tools that easily fit into “work” holster
- Rakes, shovels, buckets, and trowels
- Small lawnmower
- Vacuum and other house-cleaning tools
- Kitchen cooking and tea sets
- Play Kitchen
- Cell phones and mobile devices modeled after those with traditional buttons as well as those with fake touchscreen ‘app’ buttons-introduce keyboards
- Play food
- Cash Registers & Money
- Medical Kits
- Construction Tools
- Wheelbarrows
- Wand
Exploratory Play
Manipulative Toys:
Manipulative preschool toys should be based on their fine motor abilities like controlled grasping and releasing, pushing, pulling, flapping, squeezing, patting, poking and shaking, twisting, turning, sliding and cranking. They can hold two objects simultaneously, begin to coordinate between them and move their fingers independently. Choose lightweight, washable, and brightly colored toys with many textures and easy-to-grasp parts. These preschool toys should include multi-sensory elements such as pictures of familiar objects, bouncing, vibrating, and lighting up. Preschoolers and three-year-olds can now select their toys and play socially with each other. They enjoy all colors, including pastels, but dull ones are less attractive.
- Bead mazes
- Handheld mirrors and larger ones are secured to the wall.
- Squeeze and squeak toys
- Interlocking plastic rings
- Teething toys – Rattles
- Lightweight balls (musical, chiming, grasping, special effects, or textured)
- Multi-textured toys
- Multi-sensory toys
- Manipulative Panels
- Activity Centers
- Bead mazes
- Cloth & plush toys
- Sorting and stacking toys
- pop-up toys
- Roly-poly toys
- Large beads on rings
- Plastic keys on rings
- Short tunnels (3.5 feet or less with viewing panels)
- Inflatable toys
- Sand and water toys
- Rocking toys
- Lacing & Stringing Toys
- Nesting Toys
- Gear Toys
Water & Sand:
Using water with preschoolers and three-year-olds can be done through supervised water play. Preschoolers at this age have a high risk of drowning. This activity provides them with sensory play and stimulation while also helping them become comfortable with water, which can prepare them for future bath time and swimming experiences.
- Pools
- Sprinklers
- Soft Vinyl toys
- Bright colors
- Soft floating toys (up to three at a time)
- Water Table
- Sandbox
Game Play
Puzzles
Preschoolers can start working with smaller puzzles that are about two inches. Their problem-solving skills are improving, but they may get frustrated with puzzles that do not easily fit together. The pieces should be clear and fit together easily. They are beginning to engage in simple sequential patterns involving two different aspects: alternating blue and red. These puzzles should have simple, large pieces with smooth edges that easily fit together and contain no more than 8-12 pieces. The pieces should be made of plastic or solid wood, and there should not be any interlocking pieces. Preschoolers and three-year-olds prefer puzzles with realistic detail. Games are also a great way to develop problem-solving skills.
- Patterning sequences such as red blue, red blue, red blue
- Magnetic puzzles with connection between a wand and a puzzle piece such as fishing with the magnetic pole
- Wooden Puzzles
- Peg-style shape sorters based on colors
- Knob puzzles with inset placement
- Electronic puzzles repeating the object’s name when the puzzle piece is in place.
- Shape sorters
- Chunky shape puzzles with distinctly shaped wells that fit the shape.
- Chunky figurine puzzles with distinctly shaped wells that fit the figures (pictures within the wells that match the figurine)
- Form Boards
Games:
Preschoolers can start to work with card, floor, board, and table games. These games teach simple concepts such as colors, shapes, and pictures. They have a small understanding of games and strategies but are unaware of other players. The best games are those played alone or with one other person. At this age, it is difficult to hold cards, and you can only use simple ABCs and numbers in games.
- Simple matching
- Lotto type games
- Giant picture dominos
- Simple action games
- Magnetic fishing games
- Games based completely on chance
- Active games that include physical movement, dance, or drawing
- Simple board games that use spinners, cards, or die.
Active Play
Ride-on Toys
Selecting ride-on toys for preschoolers should be based on their abilities, such as increasingly skilled walking and climbing. The ride-ons should not be too large for the child. It should be easy to mount with a wide seat and narrow enough not to hinder leg movement. They can pedal and steer. They can pull a wagon. The three-year-old must be able to touch the ground with BOTH feet when seated. The ride-on should have smooth edges and be made of plastic, solid wood, or metal. Sensory elements should include sounds when moved or pushed, containers to hold objects, beeping horns, and dials with clicking noises. They are loosing interest in ride-ons with compartments, and are more interested in realistic looking vehicles (fire engine, tractor, motorcycle)
- Tricycles with 12-13 inch wheels and pedals or low slung versions without pedals
- Slow moving 3 wheeled scooters with large standing platforms
- Ride-on without pedals
- Rocking horse
- Wagon
- Battery-operated vehicles that are slow moving
Sports Equipment
When selecting sports equipment for preschoolers and three-year-olds, consider their ability to throw and kick. They can throw a ball about 10 feet. Consider a ball size that is easy to grasp or large for holding with two hands. At this age, they do not grasp game rules or strategies and have little interest in organized activities. They prefer activities that allow free movement. Parents may start introducing classic or traditional sports focusing on fundamental aspects such as kicking the ball, catching the ball, running from base to base, or throwing a ball into a basketball hoop. It’s best to keep it simple and only focus on one simple action in each play session.
- Balls of soft cloth, rubber, foam, or plastic and different textures
- Bowling sets
- Large balls about 10″ in diameter
- Soft bats or clubs
- Soft replica of sports equipment: basketball, soccer ball
- Tennis balls
- Targets, nets, or goals for throwing and kicking
- Basketball Hoop in a small size
- Balls that light up or make noise when bounced
- Hook and loop pad mittens and compatible balls
- Squishy yoyos
Movement Materials:
Selecting movement materials for older toddlers and two-year-olds should be based on their abilities, such as increasingly skilled walking and climbing. Older toddlers at this age have little fear of heights and are at risk of falling, so they should be supervised during play. They love dancing, imitating exercise movements, and rolling on the ground. Materials should be vinyl, plastic, or rubber.
- Low-movement roller skates (not inline skates)
- Inflatable bouncers
- Parachutes
- Sleds
- Long tunnels (9 feet or less)
Playground Equipment:
Selecting playground equipment for preschoolers and three-year-olds should be based on their abilities, such as increasingly skilled walking and climbing. Preschoolers at this age have little fear of heights and are at risk of falling, so they should be supervised during play.
- Swings
- Slides
- Low climbing structures with supervision
Toy Safety
This is a great time for parents to create a dedicated, safe place and play area for their child. Toy Safety is essential because small parts should not be around toddlers.
Conclusion
Preschoolers are curious and enjoy hearing the same silly stories and jokes repeatedly. Their cognitive abilities are rapidly developing, and they are eager to learn. Start teaching them the letters of the alphabet, beginning with those in their name. Preschoolers are fascinated with writing their names, and it’s common for them to mix up letters and even write their names backward. They are also beginning to understand sizes, so toys or games involving nesting are ideal. Learning to use scissors is an important skill for developing hand-eye coordination. Initially, they can practice by making short snips along a piece of paper and eventually progress to cutting straight or curved lines. Engage them in simple games involving letters and numbers, and gradually introduce more as they become familiar with the basics. It’s best to start with the letters in their name!
It’s important to understand that every baby is different, and their development may vary. Always follow your baby’s cues and adjust the activities according to their abilities and preferences. It is typical healthy development when a child excels in one skill and may seem lacking in another. Remember to be patient and consistent with these activities and always create a nurturing and supportive environment to allow your child to explore and learn at their own pace.
References
- Toy Safety Guidance for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
- Developmentally Appropriate Toys: What and Why are they Important?
- Whole child Education: What is the Approach to Teaching?
- Zero to Three
- Consumer Product and Safety Commission
I value your input and comments tremendously! Please let me know if there is anything else I should include in this blog post! Until my next post, Keep Everything Simple. Talk with you soon!
Barbie Ritzman
Sunday 12th of January 2025
You always have such great suggestions. You such a great resource for parents when it comes to toys
SONIA SEIVWRIGHT
Sunday 12th of January 2025
As a single parent, I was always on the look out for toys that were fun and developmental for my child. I love that you focus on educational value while still making playtime fun and engaging. It's great to see toys that cater to different interests and learning styles. Thanks for putting this together – it’s a great resource for parents and educators!
melissa
Saturday 11th of January 2025
These are all some wonderful toys for small children, all my kids are older now so I will keep these in mind for my nephew
Merideth
Friday 10th of January 2025
This is such a wonderful list, thank you for compiling this! Books are so important for kids this age, I added The Farmer in the Dell to my Amazon cart, along with the fleece puppet! She loves puppets so that will be fun to add to her collection! I'm going to send this list to my friends and family who want ideas for my daughter's birthday!
Michelle
Friday 10th of January 2025
This all brings back so many memories! I don't know if people realize how important play is for a developing child. My son was in speech therapy at age 2, and so I had lots of different toys for him, including puppets, huge soft blocks for building forts, and made a sand table into a "bean" table. Some of the toys are so hard to find now, so I'm glad I kept them! My teacher friend always swore by "books, balls, and blocks" as the best preschool toys...all of which are on this list! I hope every parent has a chance to read this!