As you’re waving goodbye to the terrible twos, you start a new chapter with a threenager; an age when their little personalities start to shine as they advance to pre-school age.
A crucial period before they enter the world of “big school”, parents want to honour these precious infantile years where their offspring may still spend a large amount of time at home. This undoubtedly applies extra pressure when it comes to choosing an appropriate gift.
At the age of three-years-old, thoughts start to take real shape and their energy seems relentless, which means some serious consideration is needed for present purchasing. From outdoor activities, to games which require concentration (we can but dream, hey), these gifts have a lot to live up to.
Past the 36-month mark, children’s imaginations go into overdrive, so toys that encourage role play are vital. Therefore, we looked for gifts that harness in on their growing imaginations as well as those that help develop skills too. We also wanted to showcase presents that will see them beyond the big unwrapping, offering longevity and capturing their attention.
While screen time can be a child’s and parent’s best friend, we sought after gifts that’ll allow their own creativity to take centre stage – with classic thought-provoking toys proving to still appease Generation Alpha. But most of all, we hunted down gifts that’ll provide plenty of fun, while also not costing the earth financially or in the way they’re made.
How we tested
Our three-year-old tester happily obliged to trying out a whole range of gifts over the course of two weeks. Together we scrutinized the quality, how durable each gift was and whether it could withstand the pressures of “passionate” preschool play. We’ve considered different budgets, from purse-friendly presents to wow-factor gifts that are seen as more of an investment. These are the ones that come out on top.
The best gifts for three-year-olds for 2022 are:
- Best overall – Le Toy Van le grand garage: £89.95, Letoyvan.co.uk
- Best energy burner – EDX Education whizzy dizzy: £109.99, Shopedx.co.uk
- Best screen-free gift – Tonies starter set: £79.95, Tonies.com
- Best wooden toy – Little Dutch Toys kitchen in mint: £107, Scandiborn.co.uk
- Best for stylish kids – Polarn O. Pyret number print top: £16.80, Polarnopyret.co.uk
- Best STEM toy – Smart Games roboflex: £24.99, Smarttoysandgames.co.uk
- Best for creativity – Djeco play dough hairdressing workshop: £10.35, Birdkids.co.uk
- Best classic toy – Liewood Sebastian fishing game: £22.79, Liewood.com
- Best for look lovers – Ten Minutes to Bed: ‘Where’s Little Unicorn, a magical lift-the-flap book’: £6.99, Waterstones.com
- Best battery powered toy – Bluey dance and play plush toy: £37.50, Argos.co.uk
- Best practical gift – Stych pointelle pink smile pyjamas gift bag: £40, Stychaccessories.com
- Best for role play – Lilliputiens little doctor Alice bag: £41.99, Johnlewis.com