Choosing the best gifts for 3 year olds can be exciting, and if you’re looking for a gift that encourages outdoor fun and skill development, a bike is an excellent choice. After my 3½-year-old successfully mastered gliding on a balance bike, the Woom 2 Pedal Bike became the perfect next step. This lightweight pedal bike is specifically designed with young, new riders in mind, making it a standout option among gifts for 3 year olds.
The Woom 2 Pedal Bike is thoughtfully engineered for the youngest cyclists. It addresses the unique needs of children transitioning from balance bikes or starting to learn to ride. Unlike standard bikes, the Woom 2 boasts a low standover height and an incredibly light weight of just over 12 pounds. This thoughtful design means even small children can easily get on and maneuver the bike, a key factor when selecting gifts for 3 year olds. The slightly larger Woom 3, equipped with 16-inch wheels, is also a fantastic upgrade as they grow, consistently recognized in guides to the best pedal bikes, further cementing Woom’s reputation for quality kids’ bikes.
A young child riding a red Woom 2 Pedal Bike on a paved surface, demonstrating its suitability as one of the best 3 year olds gifts.
The bike’s design further enhances the learning experience. The BMX-style riser handlebar promotes a comfortable, upright riding posture. This position allows children to easily see their surroundings and maintain balance while navigating sidewalks and paths, essential for building confidence in young riders. Moreover, the two hand brakes are perfectly sized for small hands, enabling effective and safe braking.
Initially, to help my daughter familiarize herself with the Woom 2, we removed the pedals. This allowed her to use it like a balance bike, pushing off with her feet to get accustomed to steering and braking. Once she was comfortable, we quickly reattached the pedals and raised the quick-release adjustable saddle. Within a short time, she grasped the fundamentals of pedaling and riding. It’s truly impressive to witness what young children can achieve when equipped with a bike specifically designed to support their abilities. The Woom 2 truly stands out as one of the Best 3 Year Olds Gifts, facilitating a smooth and enjoyable introduction to cycling.
Important Safety Note: In July 2023, Woom bikes issued a recall concerning handlebar stems on some older models due to reported incidents of malfunctions. It’s important to note that this recall does not affect new Woom bikes or those manufactured after 2021. If you are considering a pre-owned Woom bike as one of your gifts for 3 year olds, ensure you check if it’s affected by the recall using Woom’s online stem checker before use. Woom provides a free repair kit if your bike is included in the recall.
—Caitlin Giddings