First Computer for 3 Yo

I know this isn't a recommendation for a computer game or a learning system, but I would just recommend simple books. You could pick up several new books and sit with him and read to him. There is no game or computer that could compete with that learning and bonding that will take place, especially with a new baby coming. I didn't have real great luck with the computer games and the kids at that age and went to book route. I now have 2 kids that love their books and love to read and have stories read to them. Good luck and Blessings with you new baby.

The Leapster/Leapster 2 has been a great investment for us. My son is now 4 and will be entertained for a while with it and feels like he "is a big kid." I love that while he is playing he is also learning and recognizing ABCs, numbers, and counting.

Some games for the Leapster that he seems to enjoy, Pet Pals and Nemo. Cars was also a big hit when he was 3.

Good luck! I'm sure he will love it.

We are HUGE leapster fans in this house! My almost 3 year old and my 5 year old both have them and LOVE them! There are a TON of games to choose from and teach alphabet, math, numbers, reading, etc! The age range is from about 2.5 year - age 6/7 so it will last quite awhile!

They now have a leapster 2 where you can hook it up to the computer and check out what they've been learning too :)

Hi, I like the "Tote & Go Laptop" by Vtech. It's a laptop with an attached mouse. It has 30 different games (at different skill levels) to play that teach letters (uppercase & lowercase), numbers, shapes, & learning how to control a mouse. Perfect for a 3 yr old and even better....it's under $20. Big bang for your money. Battery operated and portable. I would suggest taking all your recomendations and looking on Amazon or Toys R Us to see what the reviews are before you buy. Good luck

Vtech is the best for the first years. I have an older Vtech laptop with attached mouse for sale with one cartridge (math, reading, spelling and a few learning games) very good condition. Let me know if you are interested.

Love, Love, Love the LeapFrog system! My kids started with the Leap Pad games and now my kids each have the hand-held LeapSter game systems. My 9 year old had one (that he has outgrown), my 6 year old had one (that he will use occasionally) , and now my 2 year old uses them and thanks to LeapFrog, she already knows her ABC's and can identify several letters in her name. Letter Factory is a great game for the LeapFrog system and there is a video of it, as well as a magnetic fridge game that also reinforces the letter names, sounds and beginning spelling skills. I have been VERY pleased with the educational aspects of the LeapFrog games and my kids have all enjoyed them greatly. We use them on long car rides, rainy days, airplane trips, essentially on special occasions and not on a daily basis.

Sadly, I feel that may be the case for many folks this year due to the economy...

As for the computer, my son enjoyed the Leap frog "my first computer" which just plugs into the tv. It looks like a real computer (or gaming system) which helps them to feel like a big kid.

If you do not get a cartridge, there are programmed system games that are fun for them. It also has two stages to allow for easy or more difficult games. My son really enjoys it - even now still likes to go back and play with it, even though I do allow him on my "big" computer.

Hi, my children will also not be getting much for Christmas this year because we believe Christmas is a special time of year about a very special gift so my kids get three gifts (like someone else received a very long time ago). The LeapFrog's are great though and also the leapster handhelds are a great learning toy that kids feal are more a game that educational. You can find alot on ebay for way cheaper than the stores. I am almost done shopping for Christmas for everyone including, Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, etc..., and I have only spent $250.00. Christmas shouldn't break us and kids have too many things they get for Christmas then don't play with or they break them right away (I have a 5 year old boy! lol!). Good luck with your Christmas Shopping and God Bless.

M.Davis

I really like my son's Leapster. I like that there are games for a variety of ages so I feel like it will "grow with him", it is very portable, and the batteries in it last much longer than I expected. THere is a powercord option, but the batteries make it nice and portable for car rides. THe games are also pretty affordable.

I am sure he will like whatever it is you choose!

My kids love the ClickStart from LeapFrog. It's a portable keyboard with mouse attached and a box that plugs into any TV. It already comes with games on it and there are lots of cartridges available featuring popular characters. All games are educational and help foster computer skills. My 3 yr son loves the Thomas the Train and Disney Cars cartridges. I noticed the price has gone down since I first bought it for my older children a couple of years ago. They still love playing by the way.

Hope this helps!

Don't know which game to recommend but you know hand me doewns are still new to the receiver. My girlfriend used to nicely package and wrap up even the hand me downs and you would often find them under her tree. I was given some Am Girl stuff from a GF and wrapped that up for my daughter for her B-day. I think you should get hugely excited about the hand me downs and your son will too!

Our 2 yr old received the V-tech "Tote 'n Go Laptop for her 2nd birthday. She absoulutely loves it. It has 30 different activites on it. There are four different categories to choose from. There are letter, numbers, logic and Games. Whenever we are on our laptop she goes and gets her laptop and sits down and plays with it. It's very portable, she can carry it wherever she wants too. Fits nicely in a backpack for taking on trips and so forth.

I know it isn't a computer, but my girls (6, 4,2) all love the LeapFrog Tag Reader. you can get it with a carrying case to keep books and reader in. They love to use it in the car and at home.
have a merry Christmas!