Imagination is the operative word when it comes to 3-year-olds. At this stage, toddlers love to pretend, enjoy creating new things, and are in full control of their physical skills. Here are some suggestions that tap into all those newfound skills:
PLAY SETS (DOLLHOUSE, FARM, ETC.) - Little worlds for growing minds
Three-year-olds plunge themselves into the world of pretend, and a play set is the perfect outlet for their imagination. Choose sets that come complete with a cast of characters (e.g. farmers, families, etc.) that a child can direct during playtime. And, if you've got the time, get down on your knees and join the play.
ART KITS - Free the creative genius within
All a budding Matisse needs are some tools of the trade and the encouragement to indulge her creativity. You can give a toddler both with an art kit. Look for one that offers a variety of art supplies, such as washable crayons and markers, watercolors, and construction paper. Or make a kit yourself by assembling individual supplies and stashing them in a plastic lunchbox. For extra fun, include old magazines and newspapers — kids can cut out the pictures to enhance their masterpieces.
CONSTRUCTION TOYS - Help toddlers build their dreams
A tower of construction blocks may look haphazard to you, but it's a formidable castle to a toddler. Natural wood blocks are perennial favorites, but colored ones add a dash of pizzazz to a makeshift construction site. For variety and a bit more stability, consider plastic pieces that interlock with each other such as large Legos or Duplo blocks.
DRESS-UP BOX - Costume fun all year round
Little girls and boys will appreciate a dress-up box complete with flashy outfits and play shoes. You can buy these pre-assembled or make one yourself by going to vintage stores or garage sales and buying fun old clothes. For boys, throw in some ties and a pair of Dad's old sneakers or scuffed dress shoes. For girls, look for fancy dresses and not-too-high heels.
BOOKS - There's nothing like a good read
A child can never have too many books — they're like plane tickets to far-off places. Buried within the pages are adventures they can embark on, places they can visit, larger-than-life characters (think Clifford, the Big Red Dog!) they can get to know. At this age, kids are starting to follow narratives and discovering the fun in language. Try such classics as The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss or Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans.
DOCTOR'S KITS - This won't hurt at all!
By now, a 3-year-old is a pro at doctor's visits, so much so that he can show you exactly what happens. A doctor's kit will help fuel his act. The best ones come with a stethoscope, a reflex tester, a fake syringe, and even a blood pressure pump. Volunteer as a patient and you'll make playtime even more fun.
MEMORY GAMES - Fun she'll never forget
Stimulate a 3-year-old's brainpower by giving her a memory game such as I Spy. She'll have fun trying to match things that are alike, and will squeal in delight whenever she's successful.
BEAUTY SET - Who's the fairest of them all?
Watching Mommy do her hair or put on makeup is fascinating for a little girl. A beauty set of her own will make a toddler feel as if she's taking part in this sacred grown-up ritual. Plus, she'll enjoy seeing her face in her own little mirror.
PLAYGROUND TOYS - Like a home gym for toddlers
Imagine the delight in a child's face when he discovers he now has his own slide, swing, and balance beam, right in his own backyard. He'll enjoy these toys for a long time. Plus, he gets to spend time outdoors and away from the television set.
DRESS-UP DOLLS - For the I-can-dress-myself crowd
At this age, a toddler is usually enthusiastic about putting on his own clothes. Save him the trouble of dressing himself three or four times a day by giving him a doll with several different outfits. He'll hone his fine motor skills, and who knows? Perhaps he'll develop his own sense of style.
PLAY SETS (DOLLHOUSE, FARM, ETC.) - Little worlds for growing minds
Three-year-olds plunge themselves into the world of pretend, and a play set is the perfect outlet for their imagination. Choose sets that come complete with a cast of characters (e.g. farmers, families, etc.) that a child can direct during playtime. And, if you've got the time, get down on your knees and join the play.
ART KITS - Free the creative genius within
All a budding Matisse needs are some tools of the trade and the encouragement to indulge her creativity. You can give a toddler both with an art kit. Look for one that offers a variety of art supplies, such as washable crayons and markers, watercolors, and construction paper. Or make a kit yourself by assembling individual supplies and stashing them in a plastic lunchbox. For extra fun, include old magazines and newspapers — kids can cut out the pictures to enhance their masterpieces.
CONSTRUCTION TOYS - Help toddlers build their dreams
A tower of construction blocks may look haphazard to you, but it's a formidable castle to a toddler. Natural wood blocks are perennial favorites, but colored ones add a dash of pizzazz to a makeshift construction site. For variety and a bit more stability, consider plastic pieces that interlock with each other such as large Legos or Duplo blocks.
DRESS-UP BOX - Costume fun all year round
Little girls and boys will appreciate a dress-up box complete with flashy outfits and play shoes. You can buy these pre-assembled or make one yourself by going to vintage stores or garage sales and buying fun old clothes. For boys, throw in some ties and a pair of Dad's old sneakers or scuffed dress shoes. For girls, look for fancy dresses and not-too-high heels.
BOOKS - There's nothing like a good read
A child can never have too many books — they're like plane tickets to far-off places. Buried within the pages are adventures they can embark on, places they can visit, larger-than-life characters (think Clifford, the Big Red Dog!) they can get to know. At this age, kids are starting to follow narratives and discovering the fun in language. Try such classics as The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss or Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans.
DOCTOR'S KITS - This won't hurt at all!
By now, a 3-year-old is a pro at doctor's visits, so much so that he can show you exactly what happens. A doctor's kit will help fuel his act. The best ones come with a stethoscope, a reflex tester, a fake syringe, and even a blood pressure pump. Volunteer as a patient and you'll make playtime even more fun.
MEMORY GAMES - Fun she'll never forget
Stimulate a 3-year-old's brainpower by giving her a memory game such as I Spy. She'll have fun trying to match things that are alike, and will squeal in delight whenever she's successful.
BEAUTY SET - Who's the fairest of them all?
Watching Mommy do her hair or put on makeup is fascinating for a little girl. A beauty set of her own will make a toddler feel as if she's taking part in this sacred grown-up ritual. Plus, she'll enjoy seeing her face in her own little mirror.
PLAYGROUND TOYS - Like a home gym for toddlers
Imagine the delight in a child's face when he discovers he now has his own slide, swing, and balance beam, right in his own backyard. He'll enjoy these toys for a long time. Plus, he gets to spend time outdoors and away from the television set.
DRESS-UP DOLLS - For the I-can-dress-myself crowd
At this age, a toddler is usually enthusiastic about putting on his own clothes. Save him the trouble of dressing himself three or four times a day by giving him a doll with several different outfits. He'll hone his fine motor skills, and who knows? Perhaps he'll develop his own sense of style.
