My 3-year old got musical instruments. We gave her a guitar (not a nice one, but decent quality) and my brother got her a kids keyboard. Combine that with some bongos that a friend of the family gave her and we've got an awesome band!
Lil' G was born April 25, 2008!
Big C was born September 28, 2011!
My son just turned 3 and he loves anything from the movie Cars, he got an awesome handy manny construction set where he builds a building and knocks it down. He loves that. He also loves pirates. We got him a pirate ship and some action figures. Action figures are also a big hot button right now for him. He loves batman, iron man and spiderman. Oh yeah and transformers are a huge hit with him too. Hope that helps.
My 3 year old is really into super heros and puzzles. I think that Candyland and Chutes and Ladders are great gifts. Somewhat educational, something the parents can do with the kids, and entertaining. I would stay away from instruments only because some parents may not want any additional toys that make noise (I know we have a few too many).
Re: 3 year old bday gift?
DMoney will be a kickass big sister
Legos
Books
Star War action figures
Transformers ....but make sure they are 4 and under. The 5 and up ones make me want to shoot myself.
THIS!