Best Gift Ideas For Three Year Olds

Budget: $0 - $30

Top Pick: Chunkies Paint Sticks (set of 12) ($24.99)

Why did we choose this?

Chunkies Paint Sticks are an absolute favourite art supply in our homes and they’ve been very popular at the shop too. This set includes 12 different colours for a young artist to explore.  They are perfect for small hands and are mess-free. They don’t require any water, they don’t smudge, and they dry quickly! Plus, they’re really fun on windows.

What are the benefits of Chunkies Paint Sticks?

• Help to develop creativity and personal expression 
• Stimulates the visual sense 
• Helps to develop and refine fine motor skills
• Exploration of colours and colour mixing. 
• High quality art material, designed to withstand a young child’s exploration 

Honourable Mentions:

• Stanley Jr. Take Apart Truck ($29.99)
• Go Fish Card Game ($12.99) 
• Plus Plus Tubes BIG ($15.99)
• Beleduc Hand Puppets ($16.99)
• Crayola Spill Proof Washable Paint Set ($16.99)
• Helping Hands Fine Motor Tool Set ($19.99)
• Big View Binoculars ($27.99)
• Snug as a Bug in a Rug Game ($29.99)
• Enchanted Playsilks ($29.99) 
• Do-a-Dot Art Markers ($26.99)
• Dough Parlour Play Dough ($26.99) 

Budget: $30 - $50

Top Pick: Sensory Bin Kits ($32.99)

Why did we choose this?

We love sensory play but don’t always have the time to create sensory bins. These kits come with EVERYTHING you need for a fun and interesting sensory bin.  With different themes to choose from, there’s something that will interest every child. Each set includes sensory sand, a variety of loose parts and a bin with a lid. These sensory bins are the perfect gift for a child interested in sensory and/or imaginative play. 

What are the benefits of Sensory Bin Kits?

• Invites sensory exploration. Young children learn with their senses and these kits provide them with a rich sensory experience.
• Helps to develop fine motor skills as the child explores the sand and loose parts
• Helps to develop focus and concentration. These kits are excellent for independent play.
• Can be a calming activity and help with self-regulation.
• Helps to develop creativity and imagination.

Honourable Mentions: 

• Squigz Starter Set ($37.99) 
• Plus Plus BIG Travel Case (15 pcs) (30.99)
• Crocodile Creek Forest Friends Puzzle ($34.99)
• Wooden Play Dough Tool Kit ($44.99)
• Sweet Cocoon Dominos ($46.99)
• Wooden Musical Instrument Set ($49.99)
• Toddler Wooden Doctor Set ($49.99)
• Dentist Set ($49.99)

Budget: $50 - $100

Top Pick: Squigz Deluxe Set ($69.99)

Why did we choose this?

Squigz are one of our most popular toys. Their simplicity is what makes them so much fun - for children and adults! They are an amazing toy for developing and strengthening fine motor skills too. Stick them together to build rockets, vehicles, a doll bed, jewelry or anything your child can think of. They’re designed for hours of fun. 

What we love most about them is that they’re easy to take with you on the go. They stick to any non-porous surface, including the windows, a table top or the bathtub. Best of all, they leave no residue or marks on any surface. 

What are the benefits of the Squigz Deluxe Set?

• Helps to strengthen fine motor skills
• Promotes creativity and imaginative play
• Invite the child to experiment and explore with the different shapes
• Stimulates the senses
• A great toy for independent play!

Honourable Mentions: 

• Les Rosalies Tea Set ($54.99)
• Wooden Tool Box ($54.99)
• Magna Tiles Animal Sets (Safari, Arctic, Jungle) ($67.99)
• Magnetic Mix or Match Vehicles ($69.99)
• Giant Playsilks by Sarah’s Silks ($78.99)
• Plan Toys Water Blocks ($87.99)

Budget: $100 - $200

Top Pick: Yoto Player ($139.99)

Why did we choose this?

We love that the Yoto Player can be used independently by the child. It gives children the freedom and confidence to explore music and books that are of interest to them.  The Yoto Player is so easy to use and it’s completely private - no microphone or camera! It comes with a bunch of cool features like a visual display so a child who can’t yet read knows what song/book is playing and an OK-to-wake nightlight and clock.  Check out our selection of books and albums (sold separately). 

 What are the benefits of the Yoto Player?

• Multi-Use: Can be used as an audio player, night light, alarm clock and sleep aid
• A helpful tool for families looking to reduce screen time, establish wake-up routines, or ease separation anxiety (family members can record their voices on blank cards or make music playlists to share with your child).   
• It’s fun and easy for a child to use on their own. There are only two knobs used to operate it!
• Helps to develop language skills and encourages movement as the child sings and dances along to their favourite song.  
• The Yoto Player and cards are very sturdy. They were designed “to survive the trials of family life.”

Honourable Mentions: 

• Magna Tiles 48 Piece Set ($104.99)
• Magna Tiles Dino World ($119.99)
• Little Scientist Kit ($109.99)
• Kinderfeets Balance Board ($144.99)

Budget: $200 +

Top Pick: Multifold Climber (starting at $429.99)

Why did we choose this?

Our Multifold Climber is one of our best-selling Large Active Toys. This versatile climber will grow with your child and can be configured into six recommended shapes - 3 lower setups for new climbers and 3 more advanced setups for older children. Our Multifolds are made in Canada with solid maple rungs that can hold up to 100 lbs. It comes fully assembled so you can use it right away!  

What are the benefits of the Multifold? 

• Helps to develop and strengthen gross motor skills.  
• Helps to develop balance and coordination 
• It helps children understand their own physical boundaries so that they can better judge other physical obstacles independently.  Helps to develop problem-solving skills and builds confidence.  
• Increases spatial awareness and promotes proprioception, which is the awareness of the body’s position and movement
• As the child grows the multifold will be used for imaginative, open-ended play
• It’s easy to collapse so you can move it around the house, indoors or outdoors (just don’t leave it outside!)  Its unique design also makes it easy to store as it folds up or can be stored flat. 

Honourable Mentions:

• Grimm’s Large Stepped Pyramid ($274.99)
• 3 Year Old Montessori Box ($294.99)