Montessori-Inspired Third Birthday Gift Ideas

As D’s third birthday approaches next month, I feel all kinds of emotions. Turning three is a big one in the Montessori world, as she transitions from the unconscious to the conscious mind (more on that soon). I can see such a shift already in how she thinks, plays, communicates, and asks questions. This birthday list was really fun to put together as I imagine all the joy she will find in new kinds of materials, games, and toys. I hope these ideas are helpful for those of you with a soon-to-be three-year-old in your life! I imagine many of these toys will be enjoyed throughout the next few years!

For more ideas or for those with younger siblings, don’t miss these Second Birthday Gift Ideas and First Birthday Gift Ideas!

Birthday Gifts

Marble Run Construction or Marble Tree - We have a musical rainbow tree and it is completely mesmerizing for both me and D. It is fun to experiment with different kinds of marbles and balls which affect the sound and speed. The beautiful marble run construction set reminds me of a favorite toy I had as a child, but this version is definitely a level up!

Face Memory Game - I love this set of wonderfully diverse face cards. These are perfect simply as a matching and discussion activity, but even more fun as your child learns how to play the game of Memory with you!

Pizza Kit with Pizza Day Book - Who doesn’t love pizza? This little set is great for young children who enjoy helping out in the kitchen. Your child can now make their very own pizza and even slice it themselves! Pizza Day is a favorite book to go along with it.

Hand Bells - As far as musical instruments go, these are on the end of least difficult to hear at home. :) Not only are these fun for preschoolers to play, but they can learn about scales and even play songs eventually! If you have two sets, they can match the notes to each other.

Sneaky Squirrel Game or Count Your Chickens Game - This is the age when your child might really start to get the hang of “board” games. I’ve heard wonderful things about both of these games, which incorporate turn-taking, colors, numbers, and a lot of fun.

Layered Puzzle - Layered puzzles are always popular with toddlers, and this multi-layered puzzle takes it up a notch for preschoolers. With 22 pieces and four layers (one for each season), it will be a nice challenge for this age group.

Flower Press - This is a beautiful gift for children with spring and summer birthdays and those who love to collect flowers! Not only is the act of pressing flowers fun for children in and of itself, but the pressed flowers can be used for all kinds of arts and crafts projects.

Fort Building Silk and Clips - This is such a fun set to take your child’s fort-building to the next level. Children can use the large clips to buld a fort anywhere (even outside), and the large silk adds beauty wherever it goes.

Scooter - This is one of D’s favorite new activities, both indoors and out. While the balance bike is a necessity, the scooter is a fun and speedy alternative to mix it up on your many neighborhood and park adventures!

Grimm’s Rainbow - Like all Grimm’s wooden toys, this is worth it. We have had our rainbow for over a year and it is used in so many ways - as tunnels, bridges, or slides, for color matching and nesting, and whatever else your child imagines. This beautiful classic toy never leaves our shelf.

Geoboard - The geoboard is fun for children and adults alike. As your child gets more practice with it, they can follow patterns and make shapes. I love that this one is entirely made of Birch. Pulling the rubber bands over the geoboard is wonderful fine motor practice (especially for putting on socks and shoes!)

Jigsaw Puzzle - Depending on your chid’s puzzle experience, this might be their first “real” puzzle and a nice challenge for them at this age. It is a puzzle that you might start out doing together as they gradually master it on their own. I love the beautiful scenes that these Petit Collage puzzles make.

Imagination Magnets - Did anyone else love tangrams as a kid? These are similar to that, but with a magnetic board for creating. I love that these little shapes allow for creativity as well as following the patterns provided.

Dollhouse with Wooden Dolls - This is the age when pretend play really takes off, and this dollhouse is perfect for children who enjoy “playing house”. I picked this one for D for it’s size, aesthetic, and open concept. A variety of dolls could work in this house, but we picked the Hape wooden dolls as they are bendable, wooden, and have details in their faces and clothes.

Measuring Tape and Toolbox Book - This real wooden measuring tape will provide endless possibilities for your tool-loving preschooler. Children at this age love to measure and it’s a great pre-math exercise! This is one of our favorite books about tools to go along with it.

Birthday Books

(click pictures for links)

Happy Birthday to the special three-year-old in your life!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links, you won’t pay anything extra, but I will get a small commission, which helps keep this blog going. Thanks for supporting Montessori in Real Life!