Gift Guide: Boys Ages 3-5
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Out of all of our gift guides, I found this one was the easiest to put together. Young boys aren’t too hard to please and since I have two of them, with the help of my friends, we put together a killer list of ideas. Similar to our Girls Ages 3-5 Year Old Gift Guide, most of these toys will make boys or girls happy!
Featured Gifts for Preschool Boys
Kwik Stix Solid Tempera Paint Set
My boys have LOVED these for years and years! They’ve made lemonade stand signs, artwork, banners and more with them. Mama loves them because they aren’t messy. No cups, smocks, water or brushes required.
Use THRIVINGHOME20 for 20% off!
Stepping Stones
I know these are a bit pricy but kids love them and use them over and over again. I got some of these for my crew years ago and they still get pulled out to play with. They use them both inside and outside and they can be used for almost any age!
Gifts Under $25
Magna Men
These little guys are so magnetic, they’ll cling to each other, the fridge, and possibly your sanity as you try to pry them apart. Perfect for keeping kids entertained and parents bemused.
Shapes Puzzle
If my kids were younger, I’d for sure be snatching this up.
Sort, stack and sequence. Kids can try to build what is shown on the cards or create their own designs. It will foster their creativity and fine motor skill development.
Tube Building Kit
“Love this toy for my kids. They are bright and colorful, and such durable quality. You can make all kinds of creative things.” – RR
Melissa & Doug Toy Keys and Cars Wooden Rescue Vehicles and Garage
I know my preschooler is going to love this!
Bluey Figurines
The show Bluey is all the rage with this age. If you’re kiddo is a fan, then these figurines will be a hit!
Take Apart Dinosaur
Dinosaurs and tools. This is an instant hit for any dino loving boy. A take apart Crane is another similar option.
Don’t Break the Ice
I genuinely enjoy playing this with my kids! Both of my boys LOVE this game.
Green Toys Car Carrier
BPA free, dishwasher safe and durable. Not only are these trucks built to last, but they are a huge hit with this age.
Alphabet Train Puzzle
This is one of the few puzzles that has lasted through all three of my kids. They LOVE to put the alphabet together and it’s super long which is fun for kids.
Stomp Rocket
My boys had so much fun with this when they were younger. They can play with them on their own and have a lot of fun seeing how high they can shoot their rockets up in the sky. Make sure you don’t do them next to the house though. They can get stuck on the roof!
Jumbo Coloring Pads
I LOVE LOVE LOVE these. I have given them as birthday gifts and have even bought them a second time for my family. The pages are large, thick, and white. Every child of mine 4-9 still loves them. They also have girl versions if you have a preschool-aged girl.
Kinetic Sand
This is just a MUST for this age. I like to spread it out on a baking sheet and let them play with it on that. It’s not messy like regular sand either. We have pretty much had Kinetic Sand in my home for the last 8 years!
Bubble Leaf Blower with Solution
One of the best bubble machines we’ve found. It doesn’t leak!
Shovels
On a last minute whim, I got these for my kids when they were youngsters and they were the Christmas morning favorite! Perfect for snow, beach or even just digging in the dirt. (Obviously for the older end of this age group.)
$25-$50 Gifts
Lite-Brite Touch
My 4 year old nephew loved this! There are 12 art guides included that you can follow along to create your art. Or get creative and make your own pictures with light.
Doctor’s Kit
The 25-piece Melissa & Doug Get Well Doctor’s Kit Play Set offers realistic accessories let little doctors help patients get well!
Joey Jump
So simple but so fun! Stomp and catch board teaches coordination, but best of all your little will get lots of exercise!
Race Track Toy
“This cause-and-effect race track is so popular with my own four-year-old and her friends that we had to buy a second one. It’s by far the most popular toy when people come visit — even parents think it’s cool.”
Floor Puzzles
This age LOVES puzzles. Crocodile Creek is a great brand to go with. Beautifully designed and high quality floor puzzles are always a win for preschoolers!
Name Puzzle
A colorful wooden name puzzle made just for your child. each one is made-to-order in Omaha, NE. Up to 9 letters allowed.
Bubble Lawn Mower
I have yet to meet a kid that doesn’t love this. For sure an outside toy though!
Duplo Train Set
This was one of my 3-year-old’s favorite gifts last year. He has played with it all year long. It’s battery operated and has lots of tricks it can do.
Pigeon Series: Mo Williams Books
My kids loved (and still love) pretty much any book by Mo Williams. His characters are endearing and kids love the story lines. This bundle of Pigeon Books would be a great gift. Another personal favorite is The Itchy Book.
Ziggle
A neighborhood favorite. Kids young and small love this toy! Every time someone sees my kids riding this, I get asked where it’s from.
Firetruck Pop-Up Play House
I am getting one of these for my little guy this year. I love that when stored, it isn’t a space hog either! I’ll probably get the matching fireman gear too.
Bugs in the Kitchen Game
My 4-year-old loves this game! It comes with a special edition hexbug that runs through the maze while the players try to trap the bug. For 2-4 players, this one is a family game night win!
Magic Tracks
Snap a limitless amount of tracks together to create a fun race for multiple zippy little cars. Tip — buy extra cars and AAA batteries!
$50-$100 Gifts
Pizza Top & Bake Set
Sets like these are the types of toys kids come back to over and over again. Worth every penny! Another great option is their Ice Cream Counter.
AirFort
I think this is Amazon’s best kept secret. Attach it to a simple box fan and a large fort is blown up in seconds! Such a great alternative to the big mess forts can make!
Fisher Price B.B. Hoopster
This is not your ordinary kid hoop. Upping the game, the electric base moves around to challenge skill. This is one toy you might enjoy every bit as much as your kids.
Wooden Wobble Board
Featuring a safe space for your little one fingers on all the sides. A perfect alternative to channel energy and exercise. Watch them discover new possibilities everyday. As a wobble toy, wooden slide, teeter popper, racetrack, rocker toy, bridge, and more.
Three-Wheel Scooter
Available in 13 colors, the highest-rated scooter on Amazon, and a good price for all the use you’ll get from it.
$100+ Gifts for Young Boys
Toniebox
A new audio system designed for little listeners. Turn it on, pop a Tonie on top and let the adventure begin!
Bluey’s Playhouse
Hours of fun for any Bluey fan! Bought this for my girls and they play with it everyday, it’s big enough that they can play with it together. Even though it’s big when fully open it does close to half the size which is great for when my girls are not playing with it. – Stacey
Play Couch
Great for building and jumping on. Kids can build so many variations with all of the pieces.
“It was a hit! Very good quality and completely worth it. Would definitely buy it again!” – Andressa
Melissa & Doug Wooden Train Set
Great for pretend play. I love that this can grow with your kids too. Ask family members for additional pieces!
Magna-Tiles
My kids play with these almost daily. It’s a big-ticket item so it might be best to ask a grandparent for it. Another great toy that can grow with your kids.
Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster
Be the envy of every play-date with this fun roller coaster. If you have the space, this can go indoor or outdoor and easily breaks apart for storage.
Strider Balance Bike
This age group loves the freedom of their own ride, and a balance bike is the perfect trainer for learning to ride and stride.
Good News of Great Joy
A simple, weekly Advent devotional that’s intended to help your family focus on the story of Jesus’ birth.
The discussion questions and wide range of fun activities are designed for children ages 2-11.
Each weekly activity focuses on a different aspect of the Christmas story.
Check Out All of Our Gift Guides
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Brooke says
Okay I never leave comments but this was an EXCELLENT gift guide – the gift ideas as well as the format of the post. Very good UX! Thank you 🙂
Carla from Thriving Home says
Thank you so much for the kind words Brooke!
Terri says
Kinetic sand looks like fun for my twin grandsons. Played with some at a children’s museum last year, but that’s no more now😢
Megan Watson says
Great suggestions! We have several of these items and I think my guy’s favorite is probably the stomp rockets. I need to check out the Dino eggs and kinetic sand.
Nikki says
Stomp rockets look awesome!
Nicole Hays says
I can’t wait to try out the air fort. Love the stepping stones…such a cool idea!
Melissa says
The Airfort looks incredible. All in favor of not emptying the linen closet to make a fort!