Toys for Ages 3-5

Toys for 3 year olds have to pass a simple test: can the child use it alone, and does it survive being dropped? Everything in this collection passes. It is our preschool edit, ages 3 to 5.

For the hands. Squishy eggs and splat balls, the gel maze fidget, and the wooden egg shakers.

For the eyes. Light up princess wands and light up spinning tops, the two toys most often bought for a 3rd and 4th birthday.

For patience. Water growing dinosaurs, the first science experiment, and the magnetic fishing game, the first board game a 3 year old can win.

For noise. The echo microphone. Sorry.

Buying for a birthday party? Most of these come in packs of 12 to 25, so the same toy works as the gift and as the party favor for the guests.

All items are labelled ages 3 and up and are not for children who still mouth toys. For older kids, see toys for ages 6 and up.