what to buy for a 3 yr old boy

[fortheluvofpooh]

I have to get a Christmas present for a friends son and he basically has everything.

[henry72]

Books are always good - you can never have too many of those. Also, even at 3 my DS liked gift cards. It is amazing how fast they learn what those are! Or find out if they have season passes to the zoo or local children's museum.

[happymommy]

I agree about books! If he really does have a lot.

Also, one year I got for my two neices and my kids personalized throws from Lands End. It's nice to have a cozy throw blanket with your name on it. You could also personalize other things.

Pajamas are always nice - maybe find out his size and if he has a favorite character. Remember if they are the Disney ones, some run very very small.

My son loved little trains and cars at 3, and those can be found very inexpensively (or expensive in the case of the wooden trains).

[Stitch76]

My DS(3) lives, eats, and breathes, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Thomas the Train. He loves looking at books, and watching Mikeeey Mouuuse on DVD. Not sure what your looking to spend but Wal-Mart has a really cool talking Thomas for $40, and Toys R Us has the talking Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for $25 in the clearance isle at mine, not sure about all of the stores though. Also, there is a singing/dancing Mickey in the Big Toy Book at TRU for about $30 I think.
As far as less expensive items, we are sticking with DVDs and books. Wal-Mart has a really cute set that comes with a book and a plush toy for $10, they have several characters including Mickey, Thomas the Train, Pooh, just the name the ones I can think of off the top of my head. They had quite a few more though.
Hope this helps give you some ideas.

[ktaggie]

books, puzzles, bath tup color changing tabs, balls, cars, trains


those are the things my 3 year old would love

[jacksmomma]

Some "outside the toy box" ideas that DS would love...

A tub with dress up stuff
A tub of art supplies
Some sort of an art kit from one of the craft stores (use a coupon for a better deal)
Books or Comic Books
PJs
Character Bath Towels
A kid's cookbook and kids themed cooking utensils (DS's favorites are Rachel Ray and Paula Deen)
Board Games

[Perditamarie]

I think the books that Kohls is selling....If You Give a Moose a Muffin, If You Give a Cat a Cupcake....etc are very good and cute, and they have the matching stuffies for a great price (and cause!).

Also, a Build A Bear Giftcard is a fun gift and activity all rolled into one.

I also think the Screaming Monkeys are a bit of a hoot!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Wesinster-4556...8643076&sr=8-2

[Goofy_Dad_24]

Legos. The bigger ones that are for smaller kids.

[Goofy_Dad_24]

Also my son is 3 and he LOVES Toy Story. Not sure about your price range, but the talking Woody, Buzz, T-Rex, and RC are all awesome and generally in the ~$60 price range.

[WendyinNC]

My son (3) loves the playdough sets we've had around the house for 10 years. We have a hamburger maker set and an ice cream set. Even the older kids (9, 11, and 13) still play with these sets if he has them out. You can also get some fun shaped cookie cutters and a rolling pen for the playdough. In addition, a variety of art supplies always come in handy. Since DS 3 is the 4th child there is not a lot we don't already have. But, paints, markers, and playdough always need replacing.

[tinkerfan1]

My DH would say anything musical. They make inexpensive musical instruments and kids that age love them. Tamborines, xylophones, drums, guitars, flute, keyboard....I don't know what all else they make. I just know kids love to make noise. And, if the child is not in your house, all the better!! I agree with books, too, but you never know what books the child already has unless you ask. That is a good idea, too, though.

[puffkin]

What is your budget? A few things DS3 loves:

1. Crayola easel....especially the dry erase side. He uses this a lot.
2. TAG reading system. Got this for Christmas last year and he is using it more and more.
3. Mario Kart for the Wii. Loves this and he is really good at it.
4. CARS scooter. It has 3 wheels so it is easy for him to balance on.
5. Football uniform. He wears this almost every night.

[shelly3girls]

My DS is 3 and he loves his scooter! Other ideas we have for Christmas...

Chuck My Talkin' Truck
Buzz Lightyear (on sale TRU $40)
playdough
dressup
Rocky the Robot
movies
anything Cars
anything Thomas

[MSSANDRA]

three is a great age because they are out of the "under three" rule on many toys.

DGS is 3 and loves:
legos ( he likes the smaller one as well as the bigger ones)
preschool knex
all kinds of blocks
puzzles (24 or so pieces)
art supplies- paint is his favorite
TRAINS-any kind
match box sets and cars
outdoor toys- balls, bats, ride on toys wagons anything that fit your budget.

For gift cards;
Movies- LOVES TO GO
Fast food gift cards ( a rare treat)'

[NotUrsula]

A good truck, one that does NOT talk or make sounds on it's own. Actually, construction equipment "trucks" are the most fun of all, because you can use them to move dirt. Dirt is the best friend of 3 yo boys. DS loved his front loader best of all.

Bruder makes the best trucks. They are large and easy to operate, very sturdy, and not electronic. Electronic trucks get boring VERY quickly, because the talking/flashing/etc. is all the child expects it to do, and once it has done it, it's dull. A manual truck forces the child to be creative, and the fun lasts a lot longer.

Also, he probably doesn't have one, because parents tend to buy what kids ask for, and Bruder doesn't advertise in the US, so kids never know to ask for them unless they have played with them at school or a friend's house. This is a good one:

http://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_comp...er_backhoe.cfm