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If you’ve recently said things like “Please stop putting stickers on the dog,” “I can only talk to you once you take those underwear off of your face” or frantically Googled “Where does the moon go when we’re asleep,” you may be the parent of a 3-year-old. They’re inquisitive, curious, and totally hilarious (when they aren’t downright frustrating). With all their newfound knowledge and personality, choosing Christmas gifts for 3-year-olds can be almost too easy.

The name of the game is to be thoughtful and practical. But, let’s be honest, the challenge here lies in giving a gift to someone who has a new interest by the second. Pair that with your competing desires to get something fun, educational and also functional (we know you’re tired of seeing toys strewn around the house your kiddo deserted after 2.5 minutes) and the ensuing stress *might* make you wish you were dealing with a tantrum instead.

Related: 17 toys for active toddlers that will keep them from bouncing off the walls

OK, not really. But if you’re the parent of a threenager, the last thing you need is more drama in your life.

The best Christmas gifts for 3-year-olds provide them with fun and engaging ways to be active in both their body and imagination. Toys like balance boards and mini trampolines allow them to burn off energy no matter what the temps while things like dollhouses and dress-up clothes offer quiet time and creativity. We also love educational games that help them master their ABCs or more complex puzzles that test their problem-solving skills.

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of our holiday gift guides!

We hear you, mama. Here are picks that are sure to make any preschooler smile this holiday season as they develop their independence and growing personality—and staunch opinions.

Best Christmas gifts for 3-year-olds

Safari Photicular Book
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$23

Step aside, pop-up books. The Photicular series brings images to life with animals that leap off the page like a 3D movie. Safari is a true classic, featuring bounding cheetahs, ear-flapping African elephants, and trotting zebras (among others) along with fun facts that explore their stats, behaviors and habitats. The pages aren’t overly fragile which makes it ideal for toddlers but the truth is, they’ll be obsessed with this one for ages.

Melissa & Doug Stamp & Sort Wooden Mailbox
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$49.99

Role playing with a side of motor skills and creativity! Melissa and Doug’s new Stamp & Sort Wooden Mailbox is an instant hit with our kids. From dropping the wooden post cards into the slots to unlocking the box to start over, it has proved to be hours of imaginative entertainment. Along with the wooden postcards and mix-match wooden stamps, the set also comes with three blank paper postcards they can use as the real thing.

Step2 Extreme Thrill Coaster Ride On
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$349.99

Parents of daredevils and thrill-seekers, this one’s for you. (Well, them, obvs.) Step2’s Extreme Thrill Coaster Ride On is the kind of toy that (literally) launched a bazillion squeals of delight and likely as many sibling squabbles. The car and coaster combo is a whopping 14 feet long with a gentle but still hair-blowing descent they’ll want to ride again and again and again. It’s sturdy and easy to assemble and with enough space can be used both indoors and out. And yes, it’s spendy but trust us. The amount of use they’ll get out of it for years to come is totally worth it.

Scootaheadz Owl Scooter Seat
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$26.50

They’ve got wheels, now it’s time to give their ride an upgrade. Scootaheadz’ Owl Scooter Seat can attach to the handlebars of pretty much any bike or scooter to give their stuffies a place to ride along. Be sure they buckle up for safety!

Melissa & Doug Blockables Town Snap and Play
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$39.97

We can’t say enough great things about Melissa & Doug’s Blockables. The innovative holed blocks allow kids to build in multiple ways. The youngest kiddos can stack, sort and knock over like traditional blocks, but as they grow, can get more sophisticated. With the addition of the easy to manipulate connectors, they can build three dimensional vehicles and structures or get creative by mixing and matching. There’s even a collection of people for imaginary play. And as if that wasn’t enough, the box itself creates the perfect back drop and is roomy enough for them to put the pieces back themselves.

Hape Lock & Learn Board
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$34.99

With a variety of locks, levers and latches, Hape’s Lock & Learn Board keeps little hands busy at home or on-the-go. Each of the features is designed to challenge their dexterity as they work them open and closed. There’s even a working light switch to practice turning on and off!

Slumberkins Otter Snuggler
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$50

3-year-olds can have some big feelings in those little bodies! And while their vocabulary is growing by the minute, finding the right words to communicate those feelings can be tricky. More than just a silky soft lovie, Slumberkins are lovable tools that help parents and caregivers build resilient, confident and caring humans. Designed by a therapist and educator, each creature is part of a collection that focuses on helping little ones with their emotions. There’s Fox who can help guide little ones through big changes like a new sibling or big move. Hammerhead is the pal for kiddos who struggle to take a breath and stay calm when things get frustrating. Consider your child’s personal needs and find their new BFF!

Woom Go 2 bike 1 - Motherly
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$459

Time to graduate from the balance bike? Without a doubt, Woom is the gold standard of first pedal bikes. Not only are they the lightest on the market, but the kid-specific geometry makes learning to ride with pedals as easy a possible. The BMX-style handlebars are nice and wide, offering confident control while low entry, low sitting position and a long wheelbase help them master balance. They also feature a detachable rubber ring steering limiter which can prevent accidents due to overcorrection and a chain guard to protect against cuts and pinches. And since learning how to stop is as important as learning how to go, Woom bikes feature a sophisticated freewheel pedal system (which allows them to pedal backward to balance) & kid-sized double hand brakes instead of coaster brakes which can send them sailing just as they get the hang of it. (Note that the 14” woom 2 bikes does ship with coaster brakes installed as it is a requirement of USCPSC regulations. Swapping for the hand brake system is an easy at-home fix.) Prices start at $459 for pedal bikes.

Piccalio Mini Surfer Balance Board
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$129

Balance boards are one of the most simple toys with an endless amount of use. They can help your child develop their equilibrium while making for a fun exercise routine, then flip it over and it becomes a ramp for cars or even a small slide. It can even become a prop for imaginative play. This balance board is made of curved plywood and can support up to 200 pounds.

https://www.amazon.com/Mudpuppy-Woodland-Wonder-Magnetic-Playhouse/dp/0735390096?th=1
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$24.59

Perfect for travel or playing on-the-go, this colorful magnet set lets little ones get creative as they decorate the sweetest woodland cottage with over 100 magnetic accessories. The tidy tin serves as the cottage itself with seven rooms to outfit as they play.

Brio World Space Station Set
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$139.99

Train sets are a classic holiday gift–and this one takes the fun sky high! The 40-piece astro themed set from Brio allows them to construct an epic adventure to a faraway space station complete with a rover, shuttle wagon, monorail wagon, astronaut and glow-in-the-dark alien that’s easy and fun to set up. And because the track is your standard beechwood design, it’s compatible with a variety of other sets.

Magna-Tiles Coral Reef Set
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$27.99 $39.99

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. Magnatiles are one of the greatest toys of all time. For the littles, we love this new coral reef set, complete with slides and adorable sea creatures, which is great on its own but also makes a fun addition to a growing collection.

Petit Collage Floor Puzzle
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$17.99

Made from colorful, thick and sturdy pieces, this is a great puzzle for toddlers who have graduated from the simple wooden puzzles of babyhood. Name the equipment and animals as the scene comes together and work on vocabulary as well as patience, problem-solving and hand-eye coordination. (There are also other themes to choose from!)

Laurence King Publishing Find My Behind Dino
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$16.99

When you’re three, butts are the height of comedy. In fact, “Knock, knock?” “Who’s there?” “BUTTS!” was a legit joke told in my household for a solid month or two. Harness the power of butts for good with this hilarious (and educational) memory game. It’s fun to play the traditional way but can also be used to create some brand new creatures that are sure to get a laugh. (Even more than that killer knock knock joke, I hope.)

Mindful & Co. Yoga Flash Cards
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$39.99

Mindfulness, movement and emotional learning come together with the sweet Yoga Flash Cards from Mindful & Co. Each deck includes 26 beautifully illustrated cards that depict a yoga pose along with an explanation of how to get into it along with the benefits it brings the body and mind. And don’t worry–the oversize format and durable construction ensures the can withstand being handled by eager little ones.

FIggy Play Couch
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$448

Yes, it’s a splurge, but every parent we know who’s taken the plunge will tell you a play couch is worth every penny. Not only do they save your grown up couch from being ripped apart on the daily, they also make your toddler’s imagination run wild as they figure out different ways to build a house, fort, or castle, or just some random mish-mash. They’re a place to read, snuggle and a watch a show. There are a lot of styles to choose from, but we’re partial to Figgy. The design is more customizable than other brands with four separate base cushions and two rectangles included with options to add on a variety of cushion shapes and even waterproof liners.

Special Supplies 15 Stepping Stones for Kids Indoor and Outdoor Balance Blocks
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$89.99

Simple, open-ended toys are always on the top of our list. These colorful stepping stones are an engaging addition to indoor play, challenging kiddos to jump from one to the next. The non-slip rubber edge helps them stay put on pretty much any surface, but we especially love them for obstacle courses!

Tinkertar
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$24.99

This beginner’s guitar is not just for playtime—it can teach your child how to play an actual instrument. Featuring just one string, the Tinkertar was designed by Brian Calhoun (a longtime guitar maker and musician) and Dave Matthews (yes, that one) as a way to get kids playing guitar from the moment they pick it up. Using the color and numbered finger positions as a guide, they’ll not only pluck out recognizable songs–they’ll also build skills that translate to the real deal later on.

Kids Boiled Wool Slippers by Haflinger
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$64

If you’re looking for breathable slippers that keep little feet warm and comfy, Haflinger’s boiled wool slipper boots are worth a try. Parents rave about the knit cuff that makes them a breeze to get on and off and the whimsical creatures and characters make them a time-tested favorite for kids, too.

Fisher Price Mini Trampoline - Motherly
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$89.99

Now that winter is around the corner, this Fisher Price trampoline is ideal for colder climates or if you have limited outdoor space. The sturdy construction and padded handle ensures they’re secure as they bounce their way to exhaustion. (Well, that’s the goal, anyway.)

The Ultimate Construction Site Book
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$18.91

Your little one talks of nothing but diggers, skid steers and bulldozers—and is sure to adore this lift-a-flap book that goes into meticulous detail on building bridges, crafting roller coasters and digging subway tunnels.

Hape Doctor On Call Set - Motherly
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$24.99

Three-year-olds are primed for pretend play at this age, and this adorable doctor kit helps them get creative in the medical field. With tools made from durable wood, kids can take up a residency and test out their expertise on their stuffed animals or willing siblings.

Tiny Land Play Ktichen - Motherly
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$129

A play kitchen that’s pretty enough to leave out in the living room? Yes, please. While many play kitchens require separate purchases to get them stocked, this one comes with everything they’ll need to get cooking. The eco-friendly wood play kitchen includes a chef hat and apron, ice cubes, a cup, stockpot and skillet, a spoon and spatula, knife and plate and a few plastic veggies to chop. There are also a host of lights and sounds to keep them entertained, from a sizzling and popping stove top to whooshing water in the sink. Most conveniently, the legs can be adjusted to three different heights as they grow!

The Big Dig - Motherly
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$104

No sandbox, no problem with this ride-on excavator that can literally go anywhere. Kiddos will love digging up snow (or sand or dirt) and pretending the backyard is a big construction site.

Avenlur Flair 5 in 1 Indoor Playhouse
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$329

What’s better than a playhouse? A playhouse that’s also a creative learning station! The Avenlur Flair is basically a one-stop shop for all things play, learning, snuggling and hanging. The fabric draped playhouse features a cozy place to play with a cushion floor on one side and a tabletop surface and matching wooden chair on the other. Additional details like a chalkboard and abacus offer more imaginative ways to use the space. We also love how easy it is to put together and how durable the materials are!

MindWare Mushroom Playhouse Tent
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$189.95

Oh, hello cutest little playhouse ever! Delightfully designed, this mushroom playhouse is the kind you’ll gladly leave set up day in and day out. It’s made from a thick quality cotton and held together with a sturdy PVC frame which easily withstands toddler play.

Story Time Chess Game
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$39.99

Why not start them young? Chess has big benefits for young thinkers, but teaching the game can be tedious. Story Time Chess transforms game play into a children’s book, so little ones can see gamepieces as characters and follow along with the story.

Yoto Player 4th Gen - Motherly
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$149.99

While there are a lot of story-telling players on the market, Yoto is our top pick. It’s screen-free, with no microphone and no camera which somehow makes it all the more engaging. The clever (and delightfully minimalist) audio player allows kids to listen to a huge and ever-growing library of bestselling audiobooks, music and singalongs, educational activities and kids podcasts through super cool content cards they can insert themselves. And we have to say, their library of content is pretty much the best in the game. There’s little kid faves like Peppa Pig, Mo Willems, and even The Wiggles–but it’s the addition of things like Bowie and Wicked that make it a standout.  It even comes with a record your own card that’s perfect for personalized books they can’t get enough of. And if that’s not enough, it also functions as a night light, room thermometer, clock and sleep trainer. You can purchase the player solo, or choose from one of their bundles to save a few bucks.

Little Tikes Adventure Rocket
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$134

Gift tiny astronauts their very own mini rocket ship as they blast off into pretend play. With a design inspired by actual space shuttles, this 4 foot tall play space is loaded with engaging features like a crawl through escape hatch, a moveable star viewer and an outside maintenance panel along with lights and realistic sounds. And because outer space can be a bit lonesome, there’s room enough for two to play!

A version of this story was published October 27, 2021. It has been updated.