What are some good gift ideas to keep a very active 3yob busy when new baby arrives?

[gandpsmommy]

My 3yo nephew is soon to be a big brother for the first time. :) He is a *very* active little fellow, who loves guitars, drums, fire engines, and other noisy toys. Can you think of any quieter activity toys/games/puzzles/art supplies that I could gift to him that might keep his little hands busy for awhile? He loves playdoh, but he already has a lot. Also, they should be not too messy so that his mom doesn't have a big mess to clean up when she has been busy with the new baby. Thanks.:)

[Canada_Mom]

We bought our oldest (almost 3) a blow-up ball pit and about 100 ball pit balls when baby arrived. The pit kept all the balls contained so they weren't all over the house and it kept her occupied for hours. She loved having her own special place to play and hide & throw balls around. It wasn't overly big about 4x4 maybe?? Got it from toys-r-us. Kids still play with it, 4 yrs later.

[Dana in OR]

are soft and easy to blow up and throw around. We have had several over the years and they are fun for a 3yo. They run about $5 for a 9" ball.

We got our latest one from Therapro which has free shipping over $25. They have a lot of sensory toys that are so wonderful for little ones whether they have sensory issues or not.

[Arch At Home]

Little Tikes Truck, Noah's Ark, Barn or similar without batteries.

[Herding Cats in NC]

Duct tape :D. Sorry, I have a very active 4-1/2 year old ds, and at 3 that's about all that would have kept him quiet. :eek: No, I never actually did that. Seriously, though, he loves Lego Duplo and Kapla blocks would be great as well.