Any *big hit* toys for 3 year old boys, $25 or less?

[ourbabygirl]

I know that's a big request, but just thought I'd throw it out there. I'm in charge of getting a Christmas gift for my nephew, but don't know much about what 3 year old little kids (boys, in particular) like!
He's into cars, trains, etc. but has tons of paraphernalia related to those (first grandchild on both sides, so he's got lots of stuff!)...
I guess his daycare people said he likes art and stories, but I know that he has a lot of books already and wouldn't want to duplicate :)!
What sort of art stuff can a 3 year old use and like?
Any other ideas?


Thanks so much!

[pb&j]

Stomp rockets.

But, they're an outdoor toy, so depending on the climate where he lives, it may not be the best thing for Christmas. I'd get them anyway - I got them for DS's 3rd birthday last year, in January.

[brittone2]

Play Doh? If he likes art stuff, maybe that's an option. DD is almost 3 and has been loving play doh for almost a year now I'd say.

Do a Dot markers (or the less expensive version sold at Michaels) are fun and they probably don't own any. They are sort of like a bingo dabber.

Kid CDs? Lauri Berkner, They Might Be Giants, Justin Roberts....

Playsilks

A simple musical instrument or two?

eta: not sure if the family has the room, but I think the Ikea easel runs about that price if you have one in your area. It gets pretty good reviews IIRC.

[hbridge]

Bilibo!

DC love this toy.

[sidmand]

Cariboo game by Cranium is my go-to birthday gift for three year olds. Everyone I've given it to has loved it! And DS loves it too :)

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/192-3941872-1915502?ASIN=B000Q7I68U&AFID=Froogle&LNM=B000Q7I68U|Cranium_Cariboo_Game&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B000Q7I68U&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001

[hillview]

Stomp rockets and agree with cranium in that order.
/hillary

[Jacksmommy2b]

J is 3.5 and is obsessed with anything and everything playmobil. Hands down the most played with thing in my house and I love that the pieces are versitile enough to change with his moods. The take along castle is a castle, jail or a home for the playmobil families depending on the day. :) And we can't go anywhere without a few men tossed in my bag for later.

He also loves this huge aquadoodle mat he got for his birthday last year. I never really saw that coming as he is not normally a huge artsy kind of guy - but he loves this thing and will pull it out about once a week.

[lizzywednesday]

My nephew is just that age & last year for Christmas one of his gifts (we spend appx. $50 per child for Christmas) was a remote-controlled dinosaur that I found at HearthSong, but WalMart seems to be selling it as well:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=11061087&sourceid=1500000000000003260420&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=11061087

It's really cute, works well, but you'll want to get batteries. The whole shebang takes 5 AAA batteries (2 for the remote; 3 for the dino) ...

Also, after more Googling, I found that Amazon has all 3 available models - there's a T-Rex, Triceratops and Brontosaurus - for $22 and under.

T-Rex:

http://www.amazon.com/Kid-Galaxy-1st-Dino-rex/dp/B0013MYXH0/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1259200098&sr=1-12

Triceratops:

http://www.amazon.com/Kid-Galaxy-1st-Dino-triceratops/dp/B0013MWIHC/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1259200098&sr=1-17

Brontosaurus:

http://www.amazon.com/Kid-Galaxy-1st-Dino-Brontosaurus/dp/B001L2URI6/ref=sr_1_29?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1259199922&sr=1-29

[firsttimemama]

stomp rocket jr

[hillview]

Also Target sells matchbox sets (little fold out car sets) they are a BIG hit. I'd do that if stomp rocket is out of season etc.
/hillary

[DrSally]

I would second (third) the stomp rocket and Cranium game. DS is really into lacing cards right now. You could assemble a craft kit. I like the IKEA easel idea if he doesn't have one. They also have those paint cups at Teacher's stores that have a hole in the top, so the paint doesn't spill. You could get that and a paint brush set.

ETA: Oops, I just saw your budget. You could still get just the Easel and some paper.

[hellbennt]

my 3yr old ds is wearing his superfly kidz cape right now, lol!
not sure but can you find a 'basic' train set w/in your budget? I think you could at TJ Maxx, etc?
he also likes Int'l Plaything's Hide n' squeak eggs, which are 12.95 on Amazon- just did a quick google...
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41m-lx7TuWL._SL500_AA280_.jpg