30 Best Toys for 3-Year-Old Boys
Updated 02 April 2021
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Author
Daniel is our primary content producer here at TheToyZone. He is a big kid at heart and a self confessed geek. His mission is to find toys that kids will treasure, researching and writing about toys he wants to play with himself.
Being a 3-year-old boy is amazing. You’ve learned to walk, you’re getting the hang of talking and the whole world is a fun adventure for you to throw yourself at. So it’s no wonder you also get the best toys at this age. Play sand, playdough, building blocks, blasters, it’s all right there for you to reach out and grab!
The very best toys for 3-year-old boys are the ones that let them be creative and messy at the same time - in other words building something awesome and then SMASHING IT TO PIECES before building something else that’s awesome.
From DUPLO and marble runs to Mickey Mouse and Forky, we’ve picked out the 30 best toys for 3 year-old boys. We’ve also filtered out all the fake reviews to make sure that they’re tough enough to withstand whatever their new owners will throw at them.
1Llama Llama Red Pajama: Gift Edition
This story was written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney as a soothing but fun bedtime story for children to practice and learn how to read. She uses short sentences and phrases to tell a story that is easy for beginners to follow but still engaging. An entertaining tale about Llama as he prepares for bedtime with his mother. This version comes with a beautifully illustrated slip-case cover over the hardcover binding, and it even includes a CD audio recording of Anna reading the story for those nights when kids just want to fall asleep to the sound of their favorite story. As a bonus feature, the audio CD also includes 6 other Llama Llama stories that children can enjoy at different times of the day, teaching them all sorts of things.
What we love
- It has fun and engaging characters
- The book uses a font that is easy to read for younger readers
What We Don't Like That Much
- This book doesn't come with a paperback format
2eeBoo Life on Earth Memory and Matching Game
Matching games are a classic game that helps children improve their memory and problem-solving skills. With this game kids can pair beautiful pieces featuring different animals depicted in the wild. It can be used solo as a memory exercise or it can be played by up to 6 children at once, making it excellent for socializing while still providing for a fun and entertaining atmosphere.
What we love
- The game comes with 24 different pairs to match
- It will help to sharpen recognition skills
What We Don't Like That Much
- The pieces are a bit small
3Drawing Stencils Set for Kids (54-Piece) - Arts and Crafts for Girls & Boys with Over 300 Shapes - Ideal Kids Gifts & Home Activities - Perfect Creativity Kit & Travel Activity
Drawing is an excellent way for kids to relieve frustrations and improve their creative-thinking and fine motor skills. Some children might not be that good at free-hand drawing, but this set of stencils will allow the younger kids who are still learning, to draw without much worry or difficulty. This set includes a total of 16 different large stencils for a variety of items, including over 300 shapes and an alphabet sheet. Each of the stencils is made from durable plastic material that will allow kids to use different types of artistic utensils to draw and color with, from markers to pencils and crayons, depending on their preference. Children can combine the use of different stencil sheets to create an entire world of figures and objects.
What we love
- The plastic used is a safe BPA-free, non-toxic material
- It comes with a sturdy carrying case for storage and travel
What We Don't Like That Much
- The included pencil sharpener could be of better quality
4Disguise Disney Mickey Mouse Roadster Racer Toddler Boys' Costume M (3T-4T)
Mickey Mouse is one of the most iconic Disney characters which children have loved for generations. He was the main attraction in several movies and cartoons, and with this costume boys can finally become one of their favorite Mickey Mouse personas, Roadster Race. The costume is made from high-quality 100% polyester material that is soft to the touch. The costume includes a full-body roadster racing jumpsuit and a spendable headpiece with Mickey Mouse's ears. It can be worn to any sort of costume party or even just as a playsuit to run around the house and enjoy being their favorite cartoon character. It was designed to be durable, which means it can be worn several times allowing kids to get full use of the outfit rather than just a one-time thrill.
What we love
- It has its own custom sizing chart to ensure it fits properly
- It is designed to be warm
What We Don't Like That Much
- The shoes for the costume have to be purchased separately
5Lewo Large Wooden Blocks Construction Building Toys Set Stacking Bricks Board Games 32 Pieces
One thing that needs to be considered when purchasing toys for 3-year-olds is that many kids of this age still have a problem with putting things in their mouth. This can pose an issue with some toys, but this building block set is made from high-quality wood and colored with a non-toxic paint, making it ideal for children who still chew on their toys. This set includes a total of 32 block pieces that can be stacked in different positions for all kinds of structures. Not all of the blocks are colored, but this is designed to help provide a contrast between the different blocks. Each block is large enough to make it easier for smaller hands to grasp onto and play with. This block set provides children with several types of stacking game options or can simply be used to build a multitude of structures.
What we love
- Comes with a carry bag that makes it easy to clean up and store
- They can help kids develop their hand-eye coordination and shape recognition skills
What We Don't Like That Much
- They used some out of the box color choices
6Playlearn Foam Brick Building Blocks for Kids - 25 Pack - Actual Brick Size - Builders Set for Construction and Stacking
These building blocks are designed to look like actual bricks in style and color, and they are the same size as actual red bricks that are used to build houses and structures. These blocks can be stacked to create real walls that make for imaginative play scenarios, and since they are made from a soft foam material they can be easily broken through or knocked over in a myriad of role-play situations. They were designed as a childhood developmental and STEM toy because they allow children to work on their problem-solving skills when it comes to both their methodical and spatial thinking. These blocks don't come with a list of instructions that kids have to follow. Children can even sketch their own ideas before building to create even more complex and creative structures.
What we love
- This set of blocks can be used inside and outside
- The pack includes a total of 25 bricks and a plastic storage case
What We Don't Like That Much
- This set is on the expensive side
7BEST LEARNING Book Reader Animal Kingdom - Educational Talking Sound Toy to Learn About Animals with Quiz Games for Kids Ages 3 to 8 Years Old
Learning to read can be difficult for some children. They simply don't have any interest at times and will often need something engaging to hold their enthusiasm high and keep reading. With this book kids can read about some of their favorite wild animals in their natural habitat and learn about each one of them using the interactive buttons. This book is designed to provide a challenging educational experience with a quiz mode that provides children with different true or false questions, testing what they would have learned about the animals in the book. It only needs 3 AAA batteries which are easy to replace when required.
What we love
- Helps to develop skills like concentration, motor functions and problem-solving
- Comes with a satisfaction peace of mind guarantee
What We Don't Like That Much
- The amount of information is limited
8Homfu 3 in 1 Pop up Tunnel Tent for Kids Play Indoor Outdoor for Children Toddler Boys Girls (Purple-Ball bit)
This pop-up playset is designed in three different parts, which will provide children with different playing options that they can enjoy together or as separate sections. The tent section has mesh sides that will allow kids to look outside and parents to keep an eye on them. The tunnel section can connect all of the tent to the ball pit, and the ball pit is designed to be open with a small hoop to play different games inside of it.
What we love
- The set is made from a durable 190T polyester
- It does have a 100% moneyback guarantee
What We Don't Like That Much
- It doesn't include a set of balls for the ball pit
9Super Mario 70843-4L Nintendo Super Mario Deluxe Mushroom Kingdom Castle Playset with 5 2.5" Articulated Action Figures & 4 Accessories (Includes Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser)
For generations kids have dreamed of storming the castle with Mario and Luigi to rescue Princess Peach from the legendary enemy Bowser, who has taken her hostage in an attempt to rule the kingdom as his own. This playset will allow children to react to some of their favorite iconic scenes from their favorite Nintendo game without having to constantly sit in front of the television. It includes a full version of Princess Peach's castle and five play figures that will help them to reenact the story or create their own plots. Will they kick out Bowser, rescue the princess and save the kingdom or will Bowser have a change of heart and the unexpected happens instead? With this playset any of these scenarios and countless others are possible, and can broaden a child's imagination to countless possibilities.
What we love
- Comes with several accessories to add to the play scenarios
- The entire set includes 24 pieces that can be interchanged
What We Don't Like That Much
- This set does include some smaller pieces
10iPlay, iLearn Kids Wooden Peg Puzzles Play Set, Alphabet, ABC, Numbers 123, Knob Jigsaw Board, Magnetic Letters, Counting Learning Toy Gift for 3 4 5 Year Olds, Infants Toddlers Baby Girl Boy (Yellow)
These puzzles are designed to allow kids to learn and practice their numbers and letters. Each of the pieces has small pegs connected to it, making them easy to grasp with small hands without constantly dropping them. The boards and pieces are made from thick hardwood, providing durability to the set.
What we love
- It will assist in developing kids hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills
- The pieces and boards are cute and colorful
What We Don't Like That Much
- The magnet stickers for the alphabet pieces could be better
11LEGO DUPLO Steam Train 10874 Remote-Control Building Blocks Set Helps Toddlers Learn, Great Educational Birthday Gift (59 Pieces)
The LEGO DUPLO Steam Train set is designed to help build a toddler's imagination, and it will be able to help promote different developmental aspects, like their fine motor skills and critical thinking skills. Once the train track is built the train will readily speed ahead with a gentle push, which can be equally effective both from behind or from the front of the train. This set comes with a total of five action bricks that can be added to the train tracks, and each of these bricks will cause the train to do different things. They can make the train's horn go off, lights turn on and off, and even change the direction that the train is heading in. The train set also has a free optional app that will provide kids with even more play possibilities that would otherwise not be possible.
What we love
- This building set comes with a total of 59 pieces
- This LEGO Duplo set is easy for smaller hands to grip and work with
What We Don't Like That Much
- The sound effects could be louder
12amdohai Interactive Puppy - Smart Pet, Electronic Robot Dog Toys for Age 3 4 5 6 7 8 Year Old Girls, Gifts Idea for Kids ● Voice Control＆Intelligent Talking (White)
For kids that want a dog, many parents worry that they will not be eager to help take care of one. This interactive puppy will provide kids with their own K-9 companion, which is not only entertaining but also an educational tool. This robot pet can perform a wide range of actions and has different touch responses that are triggered by a variety of motions. It can be purchased in different colors and will act as a companion for kids, talking to them.
What we love
- It has a voice control feature
- It has vivid movements to add to its realism factor
What We Don't Like That Much
- The battery housing can be difficult to handle
13Disney and Pixar's Toy Story 4 True Talkers Forky Figure, 7.2 in, Posable, Talking Character Figure with Authentic Movie-Inspired Look and 15+ Phrases, Gift for Kids 3 Years and Older
Toy Story 4 is an entertaining movie that was released by Disney and Pixar, and it includes several types of toys that come to life in their own toy world. This toy is designed to look like the True Talkers Forky figure from Toy Story, who was a funny side character adding a lot of truth and fun comments throughout the movie. With this figure kids can bring one of their favorite characters to life in their own home. He can be joined by other figures from the movie to recreate the whole gang from Toy Story, but each figure is sold separately. Forky is capable of speaking over 15 different phrases that he said throughout the movie, making him as lively as he was in Toy Story.
What we love
- Forky has moving facial expressions
- His body is poseable, which means that he doesn't just have to sit there
What We Don't Like That Much
- The battery housing can be difficult to open to replace batteries
14Super Mario 400204 Nintendo Bowser's Castle Super Mario Deluxe Bowser's Castle Playset with 2.5" Exclusive Articulated Bowser Action Figure, Interactive Play Set with Authentic In-Game Sounds
The time has come to take the fight to Bowser at his iconic and large castle. Mario, Luigi, and the toadstools can storm the castle to rescue the princess or they can set up an ambush on the outside to capture Bowser as he tries to escape the siege. There are countless play scenarios that can be used with this playset, and the Bowser action figure is articulated to provide realistic movements throughout the entire play.
What we love
- The castle is designed with different traps on the inside to protect it
- It has its own cage at the top to hold the princess
What We Don't Like That Much
- The castle could use a backing for moving and storage purposes
15KiddosLand Dino Play Sand for Kids,3lbs Magic Sand,38pcs Sand Toys Include Sandbox,12 Dinosaur Figures,11 Dino Molds,Cleaning Set and Numerous Sand Tools,Dinosaur Toys Gift for Girls Boys Ages 3+
KiddosLand Dino Play Sand will provide kids with an excellent source of creative fun. It can be set up in various areas for them to enjoy. Unlike most sand activities, this one can easily be set up inside the house on a flat surface or else outside. The set comes with several types of tools that will allow kids to create different pieces, and other tools that are designed to clean up the mess after any play session. Using the sand kids can build their own dinosaur island or sand castle, or they can create unique and fun drawings in it. This kit comes with a foldable Oxford cloth sandbox that allows kids to play with the sand without having to worry about any odor or dealing with inflating the sandbox. Included, there are not only small dinosaur toys and tropical accessories, but also a variety of dinosaur molds.
What we love
- It can promote positive parent and child activities
- All of the materials used in this kit are non-toxic
What We Don't Like That Much
- It can be difficult to find sand replacement deals for this set
16TEMI Diecast Racing Cars Toy Set w/ Activity Play Mat, Truck Carrier, Alloy Metal Race Model Car & Assorted Vehicle Play Set for Kids, Boys & Girls
All boys love their cars and trucks, and this is the ultimate set that will allow them to pick up and put down a thriving roadway anywhere they go. This book not only includes 6 cars and a big-rig truck, but it also comes with a beautifully illustrated street map for them to drive the cars on. It features different places which can add to imaginative play scenarios, including going to the mall, traveling to the beach and visiting the county fair.
What we love
- The rug is made of soft non-woven fabrics instead of thin PVC
- It is large enough for 2-4 kids to play on
What We Don't Like That Much
- The different locations on the rug could be a little bigger
17Modeling Clay Kit - 24 Colors Air Dry Ultra Light Magic Clay, Soft & Stretchy DIY Molding Clay with Tools, Animal Accessories, Easy Storage Box Kids Art Crafts Gift for Boys & Girls Age 3-12 year olds
For kids that love art this modeling clay kit can help them bring some of their favorite creations to 3D, which is a unique feature that many other sets do not possess. The modeling clay that is included in this set is made from non-toxic material, which means that it is perfect for younger children like 3-year-olds who may still have a tendency to put things in their mouth. For finer details, such as eyes, arms, smiles, noses and legs, this kit comes with several options that children can add to their modeling clay creations, giving them a more realistic vibe. The modeling clay kit is accompanied by an easy-to-follow instruction manual that provides several suggestions for what children can mold their clay into.
What we love
- The set includes 24 colors of air dry magic clay
- It comes with molding tools to facilitate the creation process
What We Don't Like That Much
- Once the clay dries new modeling clay will have to be purchased
18Costzon Crawl and Climb Foam Play Set, Colorful Fun Toddler Nugget, 5 Piece Lightweight Foam Shape for Climbing, Crawling & Sliding, Safe Soft Foam Block for Preschoolers, Baby, Kids (Multicolor)
3-year-olds are known for their curiosity and for restlessly running about. This can often also be a source of preoccupation for parents, thinking their children might fall and hurt themselves. With these blocks parents can create a fun and safe play area where kids can run around without worrying they will hit any hard corners. They can be placed in different positions for various balancing exercises, and they are made from an anti-skid PU cover that is non-stick and comfortable.
What we love
- It uses soft EPE filler making it hard to deform
- It can help to improve social interaction
What We Don't Like That Much
- It could include a couple more pieces
19Little Tikes Mighty Blasters - Boom Blaster Toy Blaster with 3 Soft Power Pods for Boys and Kids
Little Tikes is known for creating all kinds of interesting toys for kids, and the Might Blaster is one of their top blaster models that will allow kids to enjoy shooting fights with their friends and family without the risk or worry of injury. The blaster is made from high-quality material and has a 12-foot range, which makes it excellent for playing in smaller areas such as in a bedroom or playroom. Unlike more advanced blasters, this one comes with a simplistic design that makes it easy for 3-year-olds to load, prime and shoot at their target. This blaster uses soft power pods as ammo, designed for impact without causing harm when making contact, regardless of how close the target is. This also makes this blaster an excellent option for inside and outside play.If this toy sounds interesting for your 3 year old boy then be sure to check out our full review of the Little Tikes Mighty Blaster.
What we love
- This blaster includes 3 different-colored power pods
- Comes with a cut out monster target for practice
What We Don't Like That Much
- The monster target could be made from thicker material
20LEGO DUPLO Classic Heart Box 10909 First Building Playset and Learning Toy for Toddlers, Great Preschooler’s Developmental Toy (80 Pieces)
The Classic Heart Box from LEGO DUPLO is an excellent way for toddlers and preschoolers to practice their building skills. With these blocks, kids can create various types of structures and creatures. Some of the blocks have images on them that act like eyes or other specific features, like a figure in a window that can be used in several of the different possible structures. These blocks are some of the best ways for 3-year-old boys to enhance their creativity and learn how to construct different objects which they can use in various types of role-playing and imaginative play scenarios. The set comes with instructions on how to build 15 different models, but they also provide plenty of opportunities for free-building models.
What we love
- The DUPLO blocks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors
- The set includes a total of 80 pieces
What We Don't Like That Much
- Some of the building models included can be a little too advanced
21Jasonwell 65 PCS Magnetic Tiles Building Blocks Set for Boys Girls Preschool Educational Construction Kit Magnet Stacking Toys for Kids Toddlers Children 3 4 5 6 7 8 Year Old
With building blocks, many children get discouraged when their pieces tumble over after having put so much work into their little projects. However, with these magnetic tiles, this will no longer be an issue. Each block has different magnets built into the blocks, allowing them to snap in random places and positions with other blocks, creating large and beautiful structures very easily. The set comes with different colors and shapes of blocks that will allow children to create some unique pieces, and it even has a block that will enable them to make a rolling piece. The blocks have bright colors and when light flows through them they will create gorgeous colored patterns as a shadow.
What we love
- It includes an idea book to provide suggestions on possible creations
- Children can create 2D and 3D figures
What We Don't Like That Much
- It only comes with one rolling piece
22FUN LITTLE TOYS Baby Bath Toys, 7 PCs Toy Boats Include One Big Wind Up Bath Boat and 6 Bath Squirters Toy Boats, Birthday Gifts for Boys & Girls
For 3-year-olds that tend to throw a tantrum at bath time, these toys were designed to help get them enthusiastic about getting in the water. The set comes with 7 different pieces, and it includes 6 bath squirters that allow the child to shoot water at the toys, making him enjoy taking a bath.
What we love
- The larger boat has fun features that make it different from the squirters
- There are enough squirters to share
What We Don't Like That Much
- The squirters could be a bit bigger
23Pony Toy Play Color Dough Kitchen Creations Breakfast Burger and Pasta & Pizza Inspired Cookout Creations Play Food Barbecue Toy Grill'n Stamp Playset Ages 3 + with 5 Non-Toxic Compound Colors
All kids love food, and going to restaurants can be a fun and exciting occasion for the entire family to spend time with each other. With this Playdough Kitchen creation set, kids can bring all of their love of restaurants to the house and create all of their favorite foods for various pretend play scenarios. They can imagine they are a famous chef or just having a fun meal with their best friend, family member or even an imaginary friend. This set comes with everything that kids will need to create their favorite meals with Playdough. It has a main machine that will allow them to create things like string noodles for spaghetti and patties for hamburgers, but other various molds can be used to create the toppings of a delicious pizza or ingredients for their sandwiches. It comes with all the most popular cooking utensils, such as a spatula, cake cutter, knives and even pokers for kabobs!
What we love
- Comes with 5 different containers of Playdough in a variety of colors
- Comes with plates and cups for 2 people
What We Don't Like That Much
- Would benefit from some larger molds
24PJ Masks Owlette and Owl Glider, 2-Piece Articulated Action Figure and Vehicle Set, Red, by Just Play
PJ Masks is a popular toy for kids that love superheroes. This set includes the popular Owlette and her new owl glider to zoom around in the snow. It is part of a collectors’ set, but all of the other PJ Masks have to be purchased separately. They are made from high-quality plastic material and Owlette can also fit inside the glider.
What we love
- It is part of a collectible set
- Easy to clean
What We Don't Like That Much
- The set could be a little bigger
25New Kinderfeets, Kids Tiny Tot Plus Balance Bike, Adjustable Seat, Puncture Proof Tires, Pedal-Free Training Bicycle for Children and Toddlers Ages 18 Months and up (Silver Sage)
Every child deserves their own tricycle, but it can be difficult to teach kids how to keep the balance and use pedals on their first tricycle. Luckily, this model is designed as a 2-in-1 balance bike and tricycle, which means that younger kids that are still learning can use this as a tricycle to help their balancing skills. However, once they get their balancing abilities improved, it can be turned into a bicycle with which to further enhance their balancing technique as they experiment with increased speed. The body and seat are made from durable wood, making this model an excellent option for children up to 4 years old. It is available in different color schemes so you can choose the best fit for your child. The seat is designed to be adjustable, allowing this bicycle-tricycle to be used for longer as the child grows.You should also check out our recommend toddler tricycles with push handle.
What we love
- The wheels are made from durable material for both inside and outside use
- The handlebars and seat are padded for safety and comfort
What We Don't Like That Much
- Requires adult assembly
26BIG Letter Tracing for Preschoolers and Toddlers ages 2-4: Homeschool Preschool Learning Activities for 3 year olds (Big ABC Books)
Learning how to read and write are two fundamental skills that every child needs, and the earlier they are exposed to numbers and the alphabet, the better they will be able to grasp concepts and learn early on. This book will help toddlers and preschoolers complete different activities that will help with their proficiency in writing. They are designed to make these lessons more entertaining than merely writing the same letter over and over again. After tracing the letters for accuracy, they can pull out their coloring books and go to town being as creative and artistic as they want to be, making the book their own. This book has 125 pages of letter tracing fun for kids to work through, and it comes in a paperback format that is flexible and easy to use anywhere, which makes it a fun activity book both for home and while traveling.
What we love
- It teaches children lower-case letters and capital letters
- The farther kids make it in the book, the more complex the activities become
What We Don't Like That Much
- The pages could be made from thicker material
27ROBUD Wooden Play Kitchen Set for Kids & Toddlers, Pretend Play Toy Gift for Girls & Boys, Aged 3 Years Old and Up
The ROBUD wooden play kitchen set is excellent for providing boys with an active play experience that will allow them to grow both creatively and socially. Unlike other kitchen sets, this one is large enough as a centralized play station for multiple children at the same time. The kitchen set is made from sturdy wooden material that will allow it to hold up against prolonged play, and it features a removable sink that makes clean-up easier. It also features cabinets at the bottom that have functional doors for realistic play scenarios.
What we love
- Comes with working knobs to provide for more realism
- It has an ample amount of storage space
What We Don't Like That Much
- It requires adult assembly prior to use
28Blippi My First Science: Sink or Float - Science Kit with Physics Experiments - Educational Science Lab for Kids - Mind-Blowing Toddler Preschool Science Experiment Toys Set for Boys and Girls Ages 3+
Science is an extremely fun subject but it can be difficult to grasp for younger children. With these science kits, 3-year-old boys can enjoy learning simple science concepts and perform a couple of experiments that are harmless but still fun to conduct. It has easy-to-follow instructions and experiment cards which teach children how to conduct the different experiments, what to expect and why.More? Check out the entire rang of the Blippi toys that we recommend.
What we love
- Made with 100% risk-free non-toxic materials
- They help to inspire creativity, develop fine motor skills and encourage imagination
What We Don't Like That Much
- Some of the experiments can be difficult to repeat without purchasing another kit
In Conclusion
If you were once a 3-year-old boy, you’ll remember the sheer joy of playing with toys like these and many of them may even have been in your pudgy hands. We all had fun with DUPLO and playdough, didn’t we? Of course, Blippi and PJ Masks might not have been around then, but the joy of these toys lies in their simplicity and that’s why they haven’t changed much since our day. Who wouldn’t want to recapture that feeling of being a kid? If reading these reviews has made you nostalgic why not buy yourself something to help you feel young again? Like this Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Boardwalk Arcade Mini Pinball. If bashing and smashing isn’t the thing for the boy you’re buying for, why not check out our 6 best dollhouses for boys for some other suggestions they might love?
