Tag: Holiday Gift Guide

70+ Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Christmas in 2024

If you have found yourself wanting to steer away from toys this year then you have come to the right place! I love gifts that fall into the category of consumable, wearable, experience etc… because they will actually get used and will not just get forgotten about or thrown in a bin (or on the floor).

Now, I do think that there are some toys that are DEFINITELY worth while. So check out my other gift guides if you’re looking for something on the more traditional toy route. There I have tried and true items that have lasted and been hits with all 3 (going on 4) of my kids.

My Non-Toy Christmas Gift Ideas 2024

To start my list I’ll mention the things that I can’t really link to – the things like:

  • memberships (think the zoo, museum, aquarium, play place nearby)
  • activities/classes (music, soccer, gymnastics etc…),
  • a simple gift card to somewhere they love (like the ice cream parlor)

You could also go the route of clothing – a new dress, sweater, pair of pants, belt, robe, slippers etc…
If you choose the pajama route, I suggest Little Sleepies. They are our absolute favorite pajamas! Treat yourself to some too while you’re at it – I apologize in advance for any obsessions that come about from this post.

Replenishing your hair supplies and arts & crafts bin (think pom-poms, google eyes, markers etc…) is another great idea, and they make great stocking stuffers.

Now, on to specifics!!! (Some of these links are affiliate and I may make a small commission on your purchase at no charge to you. I very much appreciate your support!)

Mini Backpack

Kids looove to carry things around and pack their own pack with their special items. It can be great for travel too. These backpacks often serve as our kiddos carryon entertainment for plane rides or a toy bag that goes easily from the car to the hotel room on road-trips or a night out to dinner.

Kinetic Sand

Sand is one of my kids all time favorite sensory bin items. We have some of the sand sets too like this ice cream one that we keep separated with puzzle bags. You could also go for other sensory bin fillers like colored rice too.

Transferring Pitchers

These are really good for transferring practice, sensory bins, and pretend play.

Wobble Board

These are great to help kids with balance and core strength and encourage active play while improving coordination and gross motor skills. Plus it can be used in imaginative play for things like a troll bridge.

Digital Camera

Foster your child’s imagination with a digital camera designed just for them! They’ll capture the world from their unique perspective, enhancing creativity and storytelling skills. Best of all, they will stop wanting to take your phone! For younger kiddos, this camera might be a better option.

Walkie Talkies

Foster communication and imaginative play with these kid-friendly walkie talkies! They’ll encourage teamwork and exploration, making outdoor adventures even more exciting. My girls love to play hide and seek with them.

Homer Learning App

This is the one paid learning app I have gotten for my kiddos. This interactive platform engages kids through stories and activities, and I love that it can be used offline. When traveling, this is what we use instead of shows/movies for screen time.

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Mini Flashlight

Tell stories at night, play chase the light, use it on a camping trip or have it handy if a storm comes and the power goes out. This is not only great for imaginative play, but also for practical use.

Watering Can

A colorful watering can is perfect for nurturing plants, developing responsibility AND for just plain old fun sensory time. I prefer this one over plastic models, especially for kids.

Kitchen Helper Set

It’s never too early to let kids help in the kitchen, talk about life skills!! But to do so safely, you need to have the right tools. I like this set because it not only has the basic items that you need, but also some cute food picks that make lunch time more fun.

Spray Bottle & Squeegee

My kids love helping me clean around the house, especially when they get fun tools to use. Spray bottles actually really help with hand strength which is needed for writing, as well as coordination. Of course it’s fun for them too!

Utensils

Stainless silverware that actually fits kids hands to let them practice life skills like cutting food. This is a basic that is really nice to have on hand in the house.

YOTO Story Player

To be honest, we do not have this, but our neighbors do, and my kids talk about it all the time. I’ve done a lot of research on this and other players, and this is the one that I would choose. It’s screen free entertainment and helps with auditory skills, and imagination.

ZINGO!

This is one of my kids all time favorite games. It’s a mix between bingo and early literacy skills. It’s a fantastic game for family game nights, encouraging cooperation and excitement while learning together

Leap Frog Reading System

This turns reading into an interactive experience. It makes learning phonics and words entertaining, boosting confidence and literacy skills. I actually used this as a kid (it’s been around a long time), and I still remember loving using the stylus on the pages.

Bike/Scooter/Skateboard Ramp

Add some excitement into the typical ride! It enhances balance and agility, inspiring kids to push their limits while having a blast.

Guess Who

Talk about a classic game. This is perfect for helping kids with problem solving, direction following, critical thinking, deduction and social skills. It’s harder than it used to be too because the characters have been more diversified

Lava Lamp

These are mesmerizing, especially to kids, and add a cool factor to the bedroom. My kiddos think theirs is relaxing and love to turn the lights out to watch it for a bit.

How To Draw Book

Inspire creativity and self-expression with a how-to-draw book! Kids will develop fine motor skills while exploring their artistic talents and building confidence in their abilities. Mine started really liking these books around age 4.

Reading Light

Of course this is great for nighttime reading, fostering a love for books and creating a calming bedtime routine, but my kiddos love it just to play with too. This one is amber to block the blue light for an easier transition to sleeping too.

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Mancala

Work on strategy, counting and critical thinking with this game. This was one of my favorites as a kid, and I was excited to introduce it to my own kids. It is now a favorite of ours to pull out for rainy days and game nights.

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Tracing Pad

If you have an art lover, they will love this! Not only will they be able to trace and color whatever they want, but it will help them work on hand-eye coordination and creativity. Don’t forget to grab a pack of tracing paper to go with it!

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Bubble Machine

What kid doesn’t smile when the bubble machine comes out. This one is heavy duty and lasts. Of course we use ours outside in the summer, but it’s a special treat when I bring it out inside too during the winter!

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Comfy Chair

Create a cozy reading nook, relax, and create a comfortable, personal space. We pull ours out for movie nights, and my kiddos sit on the floor with theirs to play with their toys too.

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Leotard

My kids are SUPER into gymnastics, so I’m linking to a leotard, but this suggestion could be for an accessory of whatever sport that your kiddo is interested in. Sleeve holders, sweat bands, shin guards etc..

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Binoculars

While these are great in the summer for outdoor adventures, we like to use our binoculars in the winter to search for wildlife in the winter as well.

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Apron

Kids love to help in the kitchen, and it’s more fun when you can get dressed up! They can also use it just to play pretend or when doing painting if you don’t have a smock.

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Collapsible Buckets

Whether they’re collecting water, dirt, sand, twigs, figurines or snow, kids love buckets. I love these collapsible ones that are easy to store away when not in use..

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Stepping Stones

 We love to use our stepping stones for obstacle courses. They are great to help with balance and coordination and a fun way to change up indoor play in the winter.

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Hammock Pod

Create a cozy retreat for reading, napping or just hanging out. I think it’s so cute when my kiddos snuggle up in theirs. We hang it from a tree in the summer, and from a beam in the ceiling of our basement in the winter.

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Piggy Bank

…or I guess in this case an ATM! In all seriousness, every kid needs a place to put their money. We always had just traditional piggy banks until I got my daughter this for her 6th birthday. Now, all of my kiddos want one.

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Quality Shoes

The ones pictured here are the traditional Keens sandals which are some of my favorite most versatile kids shoes ever!! If you are looking for something more winter, you could try the sneaker version. Or for an alternative, I also really like Natives as well.

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Upgraded Markers

If you have a kiddo that loves to draw or color, consider upgrading to some ‘big kid’ markers. I like these dual tipped ones that come with a case. For something really fun, consider these color changing markers too!

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Hair Chalk

My girls looove this stuff, but let me tell you, it’s not just for girls, my nephews love to dye their hair with it too! The best part for me is that it washes right out.

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Thermos

We have his in about 4 different variations, it is awesome. So good for school lunches, bringing to winter lights or skiing, and just having on hand. I like this one because it is a great serving size for kids, they are able to open it by themselves, and it keeps things hot for a decent period.

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Sensory Bin Tools

If your little ones are in to sensory bins, consider investing in some quality bin tools that can help keep them playing for hours

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Bean Bags

We love using bean bags in our learning to help practice counting, colors and even letters. They’re also great for working on hand-eye coordination, balance, and of course the regular throwing at a target type games.

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Star Projector

Who doesn’t like looking at the night sky? With this, you can create a magical bedtime atmosphere to foster imagination.

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Poke A Dot Books

From about 8 months to 5 years, my kiddos have LOVED these books. We keep them out for more day time interaction and sensory play. They are great for fine motor play at the baby age.

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Incline Mat

We originally got this because I have a gymnast at home, but I can’t believe how much use my other kids have gotten out of this wedge. It’s great for playing and gross motor activities, but it’s also amazing to help babies with rolling practice, toddlers with summersaults, and as they grow even harder skills like back walkovers. It’s great to be able to pull out in the winter time when you get stir crazy in the house too.

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Zipline

I love getting big outdoor gifts for Christmas. My kids (and all of our neighbors and friends) love this thing. Anything that gets my kids wanting to go outside is a keeper in my book.

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Bentgo Box

I admit, getting a lunchbox for Christmas might not make a kid jump for joy, but it is practical and will be used often. I like these ones that have a built in chill pack.

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Telescope

If you are going to spend money on a telescope, make sure that it is a decent quality one that will allow you to actually see the things you are looking for in the sky. This will inspire a love for science, exploration and the sky

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Guitar & Lessons

A guitar is an exciting gift. Make sure you get one that will actually stay in tune that your child can learn on. I like this Fender. Make sure to get lessons too so that the guitar doesn’t just sit around!

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Cute Plate/Bowl Set

My kids love having their own plate/bowl that they can grab when home for lunch or dinner. They prefer a separated situation like these.

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Convertible Scooter

This is my favorite scooter from about 9 months until 5 years. It can be used as a push bike when younger, to a traditional cool light up scooter as they age. This is the only brand that I recommend, I don’t think the others are worth it. If it’s unavailable, just wait. For an older kiddo, you can’t go wrong with the traditional razor.

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Tablet

We don’t do too much tablet time, but I still think it’s worth having because they are so helpful when traveling and going on road trips. My kiddos like to color on theirs, and we have a few learning apps like Homer and Starfall

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Headphones

I like to get over the ear headphones for kids without any sort of bluetooth feature. These are great and fit with the tablet and into in-flight entertainment which are the 2 main things we would use headphones for.

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Water Bottle

This is my all-time favorite kids water bottle and the one all of my kids have in different patterns. It’s stainless steel, durable, and affordable. I love the nip spout, but I’d order some extra because kids can be gross. For an older kiddo, the smaller version of the Simple Modern Tumbler is a great option.

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Rollerblades

My roller blading days are such a fond memory. They’re so good for balance, coordination, and a great way to get some energy out and have some fun.

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Pull Wagon

Basically every preschooler should have this. It’s very durable and can be used inside and outside. Perfect for toting around stuffed animals, toys, twigs, or whatever else they may find.

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Bicycle

My roller blading days are such a fond memory. They’re so good for balance, coordination, and a great way to get some energy out and have some fun. Make sure to grab a helmet too!

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Spring/Summer Items

These types of things I would probably put more in an Easter basket since they are mostly used outside, but I’m adding these ideas here because I know that some people only do candy baskets instead of items.

Water Table

Picnic Table

Kids Umbrella

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2 Year Old Christmas Gift Guide

2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Toddlers

They call them the terrible 2’s, but if you follow this gift guide, you will have all the tools you need to support your child’s explosion of imagination, increasing coordination, and maybe even avoid those “terribles” that people always talk about.

The toys on this list have been used and tested with all 3 of my children and my older ones have grown past 2 with them and still love them. Enjoy the list and don’t forget to send to family and friends if they need ideas too.

Best Gifts for 2 Year Old Toddler

(This list contains affiliate links for your convenience. This means at no cost to you, if you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn a commission).

You can find my complete Amazon 2 Year Old Gift Guide here.

Mini Backpack

Kinetic Sand

Doll Stroller

Play Sink

Watering Can

Ice Cream Set

Nesting Dolls

Mini Trampoline

Shape & Color Sorting Toy

Kids Kitchen Helper Set

Animal Figurines

Balance Bike

Tea Set

Stepping Stones

Transferring Practice Pitchers

Train Set

Jumbo Tweezers

Wobble Board

Spray Bottle & Squeegee

Tool Kit

Hoola Hoops

Play Kitchen

Play Cutting Food

Shopping Cart

Toddler Utensils

Scooter

Buckle Toy

Duplo

Skoolys

Picasso Tiles

Doll Accessories

Christmas Gift Guide for HER!

Looking for a gift for the wife, mother, woman in your life? You’ve come to the right place. Everything on this list has been either tested and loved by me (a woman, wife & mother) OR it is something that I myself am asking for this year. I hope you get some good ideas for the loved one in your life, or some ideas to add to you own list!! I’ve added some links to make things a bit easier, some of them are affiliates.

  1. Stanley Cup – A water bottle that holds 40oz but also fits into your cup holder! AND it has a straw. I’m in heaven. If you already have a nice water bottle and don’t want to spend the money on another but you can’t fit it in your cup holder, then you can look into getting an adapter instead – I have this one.
  2. Puzzle Bags – Calling all organizers! These bags are great – I use them not only for puzzles but also for lego sets, calico critters, other figurines & sets that I want to keep together as well as manuals, cords and such.
  3. Charging Station – this was such a game changer in organizing all the electronics and cords in my house. They are all now neatly hidden, the kids know where to put their tablets when their done, and it comes with cords so that you don’t have to buy extra.
  4. Dry Shampoo – A must have – no explanation needed. I like this brand bc it’s more natural. This one has a tint for brunettes.
  5. Nail Dip Kit – These days I would prefer to spend my money on my kids, but I would still love to have my nails looking nice. This dip kit comes with everything you need to pamper yourself a little.
  6. Heated Mug – Any mom can relate to the fact that sometimes it takes ALL day to get to the point where you can actually sit and enjoy your coffee. This mug keeps it nice and cozy.
  7. Kitchen Aid Mixer Lid – Sometimes I just want to put the cookie dough in the fridge for a few hours before I’m ready to bake, or I might need to store some shredded chicken before I have time to make chicken salad. Whatever the reason, sometimes I just need a lid! And this is great because it also doubles as a splash guard for when you’re mixing something messy like four or liquids. This is the one for the tilt mixers and this is the one for the lift mixers.
  8. All Clad Pots & Pans – I really like the All Clad D5 line. This is my favorite pot that we have in my house – it’s just fantastic.
  9. A Good Sports Bra – If you want one with awesome support, try this (it runs small so size up!). If you’re looking for something a bit more stylish but still has a decent amount of support, then this one is your pick.
  10. Leggings – No matter how many she has, she could probably still use another pair, LOL! I really like this brand for everyday and these for more winter thermal. I used to like KolorfulKoala but honestly I can’t recommend that brand anymore – I returned my last pair.
  11. Cheese Board – I love entertaining, and a good cheeseboard/snack tray is essential. I like slate so that you can do chalk labeling, and personally I like the ones with handles so that they are easily moved.
  12. Cord Free Portable Charger – It’s convenient, eliminates and cord & is small enough to fit in a small purse.
  13. Glass Tupperware – I LOOOVE glass tupperware. It’s so much better for you health wise, easier to clean, and just nice. I like this set because it has a variety of shapes (both round and rectangle) as well as different sizes.
  14. Cleaning Service – Seriously, if I could only get one thing, I think this would be it. If you’re in Cincinnati, I’d recommend the Mindful Maid Cleaning Company, if not, then I would suggest going on your local Facebook moms group for some recommendations.
  15. Qeepsake monthly subscription and book – this makes it so easy to actually do something with all the pictures that you take as well as keep special memories that you don’t want to forget!
  16. Claw clips – definitely the ‘in’ hair item right now – I have several and love them
  17. Sono Speaker(s) – this is a splurge, but I’ll tell you what, it’s worth every penny. I love that they can connect throughout the house if you want, or you could just do one. I use mine when I’m cleaning the house, doing dishes and of course for dance parties with the kids.
  18. Belt Bag – AKA a fanny pack – This one from Lululemon is great, I’ve had mine for about 2 years now and it has held up great. You can use it cross body or at the waist.
  19. Comfy sneaker – You can’t go wrong with a classic white sneaker. These ones are so comfy!
  20. Laminator & Laminating Sheets – I use this all the time for preschool with my kiddos – if you follow me chances are you like to do preschool or activities with your kiddos too. If you already have the laminator, then just a pack of the sheets would be perfect!
  21. Truffle Oil – If you like truffle, then this is a game changer to have in your kitchen. If not as a main gift, a small truffle salt would make a great stocking stuffer.

I have more gift ideas for her HERE!!

5 Year Old Christmas Gift Guide

2022 Holiday Gift Guide for 5 Year Old’s

It’s crazy the amount of growing up that a 5 year old does. A combination of starting school, brain development, emotional awareness and much more. But it’s important to remember that 5 year old’s are still kids and they need to have some hands on imaginary play. Let them have that playful attitude for as long as you can! I currently have a 5 year old, and this list includes things that she has continued to love throughout her 5th year as well as things she is getting this year for Christmas.

Kindergarten Gift Guide – Best Toys for 5 Year Old‘s

(This list contains affiliate links for your convenience. This means at no cost to you, if you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn a commission). You can find my other Amazon Gift Guides here.

Digital Camera

Our Generation Doll – Click the title link not the picture for a better price

Doll Outfits & Accessories – Click title link for a better price (instead of the picture)

Dentist Playdo

Lego Friends Kit

Homer Learning Membership

YOTO Story Player

Roller Blades

Calico Critters

Zingo

Leapfrog Reading System

Walkie Talkies

Cash Register

Little Passports Subscription – My favorite is the Early Explorers! The World edition is good too

Click the link instead of the picture for a much better price.

Jump Rope

Bike & Helmet

Bike/Scooter Ramp

Guess Who

Lava Lamp

Sand Art Kit

How To Draw Book

Reading Light

Mancala

Guitar & Lessons (or another instrument that they may be interested in)

Trampoline

Tablet & Headphones

Tracing Light Pad & Tracing Paper

Barbie

Gymnastics Leotard – or an accessory for whatever activity/sport they are into

Big Kid Markers

Swivel Ride On Toy

Bento Box & Thermos

1 Year Old Christmas Gift Guide

2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Babies/Toddlers

At one year, your toddler can do a lot more than he/she could just a couple of months ago. Each day they are learning something new, and constantly entering a new stage. They change so much from age 1-2. Toys can be tricky since they can outgrow them each time they move to a new stage of development, so I put this list together to provide a list that my kids have loved throughout their whole first year. (and even beyond!). Make sure you send the list to your family and friends too!

Best Gifts for 1 Year Old Baby/Toddler

(This list contains affiliate links for your convenience. This means at no cost to you, if you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn a commission).

You can find my complete Amazon 1 Year Old Gift Guide here.

Duplo Set

Bubble Machine

Ball Pit

Slide

Poke A Dot Book

Toddler Drinking Cups

Toddler Utensils

Sit & Stand Scooter

Barn & Animals Set

Sensory Bin Tools

Water Table

Comfy Toddler Chair

3 Drawer Object Permanence Box

Push Wagon

Play Sink

Mini Flashlight

4-in-1 Trike

Shopping Cart

Pounding Toy

Pretend Wallet

Walking Sneakers

Animal Figurines

Skoolys

Lock Practice Puzzle

Large Lacing Beads

Horizontal Dowel

Egg Matching

Cutting Play Food

Pop Up Toy

Car Ramp Racer

Carrot Size Sorting

Stacking Boxes

Shaker Eggs

Fine Knob Puzzles

Pull Toy

Best Gifts for 4 Year Old

2022 Holiday Gift Guide for 4 Year Olds

4 year olds are curious, opinionated, full of energy and are likely starting to become OBSESSED with something. It might be Lego, Barbie, Starwars, L.O.L or another IT brand out there. My guess is, that if they are obsessed with that something then you have a few good items you’re already thinking about for them. So, in this list, I am focusing on the gifts and toys that aren’t necessarily a brand specific item but toys and items that are great for helping them develop their imaginations, fine motor skills and gross motor skills.

I am a mom of 3, and I am sharing things that my current 5 year old gravitated towards when she was 4 – and of course items that she did not lose interest in after a couple of weeks. These are toys that keep getting used over and over again.

Best Toys for 4 Year Olds

(This list contains affiliate links for your convenience. This means at no cost to you, if you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn a commission).

You can find my complete Amazon 4 Year Old Gift Guide here.

Digital Camera

Incline/Wedge Mat

Stacking Rocks

Hair Coloring Chalk (This is NOT just for girls!! My nephew loves using these!)

Geo Board

YOTO Story Player

Roller Skates

Calico Critters

Tangram Set

Marble Run

Walkie Talkies

Cash Register

Light Up Drawing Board

Metallic Markers

Mailbox Activity Set

Piggy Bank

Telescope

Sand Art Kit

How To Draw Book

Reading Light

Star Projector

Guitar & Lessons (or another instrument that they may be interested in)

Trampoline

Tablet

Best Gifts for 3 Year Old Preschooler

2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Preschoolers

At 3 years old, your child’s imagination is running wild, their language is rapidly developing and they are starting to become their own little person. Toys that are more open ended are great for this age. 3 is an amazing age, and as a mom of 3 (one of which is 3 right now) I have been able to watch my kids play and explore and see which toys they continue to gravitate towards day after day, and year after year.

Feel free to send this 3 year old gift guide on to your family members, friends and whoever else might need some good ideas for gift giving.

Best Toys for 3 Year Old Preschooler

(This list contains affiliate links for your convenience. This means at no cost to you, if you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn a commission).

You can find my complete Amazon Preschool Gift Guide here.

Stepping Stones

Yoto Story Player

Stamp Set

Playdo Set

Garden Building

Cash Register

Wallet & Play Money

Gym Mat

Nursery Play Set

Baby Doll Carrier

Baby Doll Accessories

Floor Puzzle

Hammock Pod

Wobble Board

Doorbell Dollhouse

Rainbow Stackers

Fine Motor Tool Box

Scissor Skills Activity Book

Magnetic Dress Up Dolls

Duplo Town

Scooter

Spirograph Jr

Dress up Outfit – Whatever you think they’d enjoy best!

Mini Home Cleaning Set

Bean Bags

Stacking Rocks

Wagon

Kids Umbrella

Play Kitchen

Play Food

Kitchen Helper Set

Picasso Tiles

Skoolys

Tablet