More Sims 3 mods I couldn't live without (2026)
Default Easel Paintings (Mediafire Link) by fillyfoal - Couldn't find this one online anymore, but I LOVE this default replacement for paintings and have used it for years, so I'm re-uploading it here. The original post for this mod is inaccessible even through the WayBackMachine, unfortunately. But you can take my word for it that these paintings are really beautiful!
Here's an example of what one of the paintings looks like from my game. To my knowledge they change based on the traits of your sim.
To preview this mod further, you can open the package file in S3PE to view the images used for the paintings!
One With Nature - Allows your sims to pee outside, bathe in nature, relax outside, and "sleep here" without a bed
RandomGenetics (Download Link) by NeuroBlazer - mod description from WayBackMachine. This randomizes genetics from parents in a way that's more random. Unfortunately the UI for this mod is a little intrusive, but I still feel it's worth it for my own game
Food Affects Weight - This is a feature in Sims 4 that I'm glad finally made it to this game in mod form! Definitely more realistic and gives you a new way to influence weight other than exercise
The Professional Juice Bar Mod - Allows you to use professional bar interactions on the regular juice bars that are 2x1 tile. This is soo nice so you don't have to go into edit town and place professional bars on lots in worlds other than Bridgeport
Taxi Charge Mod - I have a bone to pick with this mod where if multiple sims get in the same taxi, it charges all of them, but it still adds realism and makes the game slightly harder!
Moar Interactions - This one has a ton of useful interactions. Although this mod has been around for a while, I added it to my game fairly recently and it's such an enhancement!
Take a stroll - New interaction for sims to take a walk around town
Buzzler's Scribbling Pad - Write books without a computer! I actually avoid putting computers on my home lots most of the time so this comes in handy (also good for Technophobe sims)
TwinSimming
University Valedictorian - I put this mod into my game recently and sent my sim to college, got straight As, and they happened to be valedictorian when they graduated which was cool!
New Skill Classes - I'm not the biggest fan of how EA locked a lot of the World Adventures skills (like Nectar Making, Martial Arts, etc) to mostly only being attainable in foreign worlds. Also adds classes for Ambitions and University Life skills
Spray Tan - Allows you to buy a bottle of spray tan at the grocery store
Take Practice Shots Mod - Having the photography skill being almost entirely active where you have to constantly micromanage and clutter your inventory with photos wasn't my favorite design choice, so this is helpful for when you want to raise your photography skill while actively playing other sims
Next, I'll be linking to some mods that are oriented towards family gameplay so be on the look out!