Looking for toys that encourage independent play for my 3-year-old

Hey dads, I’m trying to find a few good toys that’ll help my 3-year-old son play more independently. Ideally, I'm looking for something that sparks his curiosity and creativity, rather than just keeping him busy for five minutes.

He’s super into those hands-on like building blocks, cars, and puzzles, and he’s also been getting curious about letters and numbers lately (probably from all the songs and shows). I’m trying to find something that combines fun with a bit of learning, yet still feels like playtime.

Would love any suggestions that worked for you guys. Just want him to have something he can tinker with on his own while I cook or get a few chores done.