This colorful zoo set comes with a zoo keeper, visitors, monkeys, penguins, a rock with a tree slide and even bananas. We like the Playmobil 1.2.3. series because the chunky pieces are designed especially for preschoolers. Your 3-year-old will love building the zoo of their dreams all on their own. 

Who needs a tablet? This sturdy wood maze makes a perfect travel game. Toddlers can use the attached magnetic wand to guide the balls through the colorful maze. The goal is to "feed" the monsters the balls that correspond with the numbers and colors on their bowls to practice number skills. 

The Lookout Tower is the ultimate gift for fans of the animated series "Paw Patrol." At nearly three feet tall, the pups can oversee Adventure Bay from the top of the tower. Fun features include a zipline and elevator, and of course this toy has lights and sounds (batteries included). 

If you hear "Bay-beeeee shark, doo doo doo doo doo" while you sleep, go ahead and give in to your child's obsession with this plush version of the hit YouTube song. 3-year-olds will love this soft toy (even if you don't), and of course it dances and sings to the hit kids' tune. The upshot? Batteries are included.

This DUPLO building set for preschoolers is a bargain. Kids who love things that go vroom can build four vehicles with the included 34 chunky pieces. 

Ice cream without the sugar crash? We're in. Kids can create their own "frozen treats" using Play-Doh and this 3-in-1 appliance for squishing out dough to make "sprinkles," "ice cream" and "whipped cream." Plus, there are even molds to create various toppings. 

Micro Kickboard makes the best scooter on the market, hands down (which is why you always see these at the park). Little ones can easily navigate the turn-to-steer design, and the smooth ride and non-marking wheels (that won't mess up floors or decks) make it easy to see why Micro Kickboard has won so many awards. Plus, kiddos can choose their favorite color — it's available in eight shades.

This modern dollhouse features 360 degrees of play thanks to its open concept. Wheels on the base make it easy to move the dollhouse from room to room. (Which is helpful considering that it's nearly four feet tall.) Hip pieces like succulents and mid-century-inspired furniture will have you wanting to play with it yourself, and the company's patented EZ Kraft Assembly makes building it a breeze.

These popular 3D building tiles are well worth the investment. Preschoolers can let their imaginations run wild creating unique structures with Magna-Tiles shapes, which stick together as if by magic (spoiler alert: it's magnets). All Magna-Tiles sets are compatible, and the 32-piece set is great for beginners. We love the translucent Clear Colors for their stained-glass effect.

This Melissa & Doug set of musical instruments includes everything they need to hum, jangle, and shake. (Think a xylophone, kazoo, harmonica, castanets, and a jingle stick.) The durable seven-piece set is perfect for preschoolers who love music (or just making noise).