Black Friday is just a little over a week away! How crazy is that?! Whether you’ve begun Christmas shopping or not there’s no denying the holidays are upon us! Isn’t it wonderful?! I love this time of year. I’m not sure the world could ever have enough twinkle lights. 🙂  If you’re feeling bogged down with to-do lists or wish lists I’m here to help make your life a little bit easier. Today I’m sharing our favorite gifts for 3 year olds. 6 different ideas to inspire your littles to be creative, imagine new things, exercise skills, and grow their minds. 

First up is a classic game- Memory! There isn’t anything specifically special about this one it’s just the one we have and my littles have enjoyed. Memory is an early introduction for your little to logic, deduction, and memorization. This particular game boasts a more sturdy construction with cards made from heavier cardboard. The images are bright, colorful, and engaging. Cost: $9 [but I have seen it for less at TJ Maxx and Home Goods too]

Memory Game

Imaginations are really starting to spark for 3 year olds and dress ups are a great way to play pretend. Dress ups aren’t just for girls. One of my favorite children’s product lines is Melissa and Doug. They have awesome dress ups for little girls and little boys alike- everything from airline pilot to princess to veterinarian and construction worker. Dress ups are pretty easy to find right now too. After Halloween most consignment shops drop prices on dress ups and you’ll see more coming in. Not to mention you can always find a slew of dress ups on Amazon. Cost: $18-$25

Dress Up Clothes

If you’ve followed along with our preschool fun this year you already know how much we love a good set of Do – A – Dot markers. 🙂  They’re bright and fun and most importantly washable! They’re a marker and a paint all in one. They’re great for developing hand-eye coordination and color recognition skills. As a mama I love how quickly the ink/paint dries.  [Shameless plug: We have weekly Do – A – Dot letter activities in my newsletter.] 

Do – A – Dot Markers

So the catch with this one is that it’s from IKEA (read: not available on PRIME) but it’s worth the deal if you live near one. It’s less than half the cost of other art easels, reasonably close in quality of construction, and perfect for little creative minds. It’s double sided with a chalkboard and whiteboard. It folds flat for easy storage and has a helpful shelf to hold markers, chalk or other accessories. This one is a steal at $20.

MALA Easel

This is easily one of my favorite toys. It’s just so cool! The take apart truck completely disassembles, comes with oversized parts and fasteners, and comes with a battery operated drill to fit all the pieces back together again. The Take Apart Truck is sure to be a hit for the little builder/problem solver in your family. This toy is great for developing hand-eye coordination, visualization, matching skills, and logical thinking. The price tag isn’t too bad either at around $20. Added bonus, the maker guarantees your little one will love it or it’s free! 

Take Apart Truck

I know Play-Doh isn’t for everyone so this one may be a hit or miss for different families. If you can tolerate the mess and mixing of colors this set will definitely keep your littles happy, engaged, and creative for a good period of time. I’m a big fan of Play-Doh for it’s endless possibilities, it’s open ended nature, and it’s encouragement of fine motor skills. Almost all of our Play-Doh is mixed together but that doesn’t seem to matter to the girls. Every now and then I’ll swap out the old mixed up doh for a new container because they’re less that $1 at Walmart. This whole set; six containers of Play-Doh, various tools and a press cost around $10.

Play-Doh

Hopefully these ideas have inspired and encouraged you. I’d love to hear your favorite gifts for 3 year olds! Any ideas you’d love to share? Comment below with what your 3 year old is loving lately! Merry Christmas, friends!