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The Best Toys for 3-Year-Olds

Toys aren't only for playing--the right toys can help your child meet essential milestones, such as developing fine and gross motor skills, cognitive functions and socialization. Children tends to gravitate toward a certain types of toy; active children prefer toys and games that allow them to run around, while others prefer quiet activities that encourage creativity. The best toys for 3-year-olds are those that focus on the skills they to meet developmental milestones and fit their personalities at the same time.

Bicycles and Tricycles
- Three-year-olds are developing their large motor skills and bicycles or tricycles can make this happen. Younger children will need a tricycle because they may still be too small even for a toddler-size bicycle. As your child approaches 4, he may enjoy a "big boy" bicycle--with training wheels. Put the training wheels an inch off the ground to encourage him to learn the balance necessary for riding without themm.
Balls
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that some of the most important gross motor skill milestones for 3-year-olds involve balls--kicking, throwing and catching them. A regular large bouncy ball will work well, but if your child enjoys a particular sport, you may want to get that ball. Consider playing outdoor games that include a velcro ball with a felt catcher.
Language Learning Toys
- At age 3, the window of language-learning opportunity is open. It's much easier for a child to learn a second--or third--foreign language than it is for an adult. Look for toys that promote foreign-language learning. For example, you can find electronic toys with a language switch that allows kids to play with the toy in English or Spanish. You can also opt for electronic workbooks that teach foreign languages.
Craft Kits
- Craft kits allow children to focus on their fine motor skills. Look for ones that will give your child the opportunity to use scissors--mastering scissors is an important milestone for 3-year-olds. Kids also can paint pottery, build things with clay or paint pictures to develop these skills.
Board Games
- Learning colors, counting, basic phonics and vocabulary are some of the intellectual skills that 3-year-olds need to master. Simple board games can make this happen. Candy Land, for example, teaches colors, while concentration games can teach the alphabet or opposites.
Imaginative Toys
- Youngsters learn to develop social and emotional skills through imaginative play and story telling, according to the AAP. Seek toys that encourage this, such as dress-up clothes, dolls and puppets.

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