What kind of toys can parents select for their young child coming to age three? If you are looking for Christmas or birthdays gifts here is a list of gift ideas that would help a child to distinguish the real from the unreal world, to look for order in the world, and to understand categories and processes.
A three year-old child enjoys practical life activities and exploring in nature. Wouldn't you want to give your child the keys to discover the world? I have put thought into compiling this fun list! I hope you like it and find these ideas useful.
CD/Cassette Player. This is a good CD player. It is easy to use, and especially for a child. It can be used for example with a collection of CDs each with different composers.
Children's Dictionary
We use this often. It has nice short entries which make it pretty clear what the meaning of a word is.
Bristle Blocks. These blocks are fantastic as children can really do architectural magic with them. If your kids have a brio train set, don't buy any of those expensive add-ons, get these instead - and you can build your own bridges / tunnels / stations / cities with them.
Bruder . Fantastic realistically models of trucks. We want them all.
Clothes Airer
extend for first time washing activities. Chanel uses this often to hang her own clothes.
For exploring nature:
Wood Butterfly Net. Catch butterflies and more with 6-3/4-inch diameter net. Swing and reach easily with the wooden 15-inch handle. Learn about insects and other animal life outdoors while having fun
2 Way Insect Viewer
Chanel has been meadow sweeping, and put the tiniest insects and spiders inside this viewer. She was fascinated watching it, and we often spend time in the garden hunting for different types of creepy crawlies.
Butterfly Garden
We had this set at home. We had the opportunity to observe butterflies through every stage of their lifecycle. We observed five real caterpillars eat and grow to form their chrysalis and then emerge as Painted Lady butterflies. Chanel loved feeding the butterflies and then releasing them into the wild.
For discovery and exploration
AST Fastime 1 Stopwatch
Thermometer
Weather Station rain 
Walkie Talkie
Flashlight
Measuring tape 
To help your child to discover building and gardening.
Tool Belts and Kit 
Garden Tools
Watering Can 
Tap Tap Creative Art Set
Binoculars
Stethoscope
Science Kitchen 
To develop rhythm in your child
Bongo drums set 
Children at this age also enjoy playing with trains
Brio train these particular sets are lovely. Made in wood.
To build their literacy and vocabulary
Montessori: Letter Work
Map of World Parts
We introduced this puzzle at two and I think it will be used for many years more.
I think it is a true gift to receive objects with purpose that help your child to have connection with others and develop an understanding of the world.
If you have a three year-old I would love to hear what they like and what they are playing with.
I love to bring you ideas of toys that give knowledge worth learning, as well as activities for playing that do not involve products. We need to give the opportunity for children to create for themselves. I will be putting some more ideas on my next posts.