Montessori-Aligned Gifts for a 3 Year Old!
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It's hard to believe it's time for me to write this blog! It seems my son was just born and yet somehow his third birthday is rapidly approaching. This list includes items we already own and love as well as Montessori-aligned gifts he put on his wishlist for this year. I've organized it into several categories to hopefully make it easier to explore!
Outdoor Play
Balance Bike - My son received his balance bike for his second birthday and though he has used it in the last year, this past month (as he approaches age 3) has yielded an absolute explosion of interest. If the child in your life doesn't yet have one, now is the time to consider gifting it!
Our Balance Bike: Radio Flyer Balance Bike
Convertible Tricycle with No Pedals: Kinderfeet Convertible Tricycle
Our Helmet: Ouwoer Helmet
Excavator - This was a major Facebook Marketplace score for us a few months ago. It's been a staple for my son and I'd highly recommend for any child who loves construction things!
Our Excavator (with wheels): Big Dig Rolling Excavator
Another Option (stationary): Big Dig Stationary Excavator
Wheelbarrow - I don't know about your 3 year old, but mine jumps at the opportunity to do most any practical life task. Gardening is a big hit this spring and a wheelbarrow for him to push around would be an excellent addition to our garden work! He used one at a friend's home and requested that it be added to his wishlist.
On L's Wishlist: Radio Flyer Wheelbarrow
An Alternative Option with Good Reviews: JustforKids Wheelbarrow
Scooter - My son received a scooter as a Christmas gift last year and he loves to ride it indoors and out.
Our Scooter: Radio Flyer Scooter
An Option Trusted Friends Love: Micro Mini Scooter
Large Dump Truck - Big trucks are such a win here. He loves to fill them with sand, sticks, leaves, etc. Endless creativity and fun!
Board Games
Guess Who - this one is a total classic but my son has been absolutely loving it. He can't read yet but he can still play this game by describing the characters.
Guess in Ten - this game doesn't require reading. We play it on teams as a family! It's simple yet helps to develop skills like decision making, problem solving, and creative thinking. If you purchase from the Skillmatics website, I have affiliate discount code AUTUMN43079
Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game - we played this game at a friend's house and really enjoyed it! It primarily focuses on colors but also includes a fine motor component as the players are to use squirrel tweezers to pick up small acorns.
Haba First Orchard - this game is a great collaborative introduction to board games. Everyone plays on a team to try to pick all of the fruit and secure them in a basket before a pesky raven steals it! Highly recommend if your child is just getting into games and turn taking.
Hi Ho! Cherry O - Lastly, this game involves counting! It is right up our alley as we are really starting to work with numbers.
Building Toys
Magnetic Tiles - By now I'm sure you've seen magnetic building tiles! We have some and I'd say we're entering the age where I feel we will get the most use out of them. Prior to this age, my son has found them frustrating to build with but every child is different.
Wooden Blocks - We have a set from Amazon basics that have been fine, however I can attest to the quality and craftsmanship of blocks from Everwood Friends and if you can afford to support this incredible small business, that is the way I would go! Their blocks are beautifully made, sustainably made, and they have some really fun options. (Not gifted, sponsored, or affiliated. I just genuinely love their small business!)
Lego Duplos - the Lego fun has started over here! Duplos have been a perfect introduction for my son and I feel he will be into this size for a while before we move on to traditional legos. There are so many fun Duplo sets out there!
Gross Motor (Indoor)
Play Couch - Our play couch is the best outlet for L to use up energy indoors. They essentially act as a giant crash pad in our living room for all of the wild roughhousing that takes place here.
Figgy Play Couch (affiliate code MTM15 saves!)
Indoor Mini Trampoline - This trampoline has immensely helped bedtime! L jumps for a while before we begin winding down for bed. It's been a great way to use energy!
Stapelstein Stones - These were an investment but they've been really versatile so far!
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