Gift ideas for toddlers (1-3+ years)
Gifting for our littles can be hard, but motherhood has transformed me into a great gift-giver for toddlers. For any of our littles three years and under, I have two words for you – spinning and stacking. Bright colors and fun textures are an added bonus for those curious little hands. For toddlers, playing *is* learning most of the time, so give the gift of knowledge with these simple fun toys!
Spinning toy / Pound a ball + 6 stacking cups / Maple wood blocks / Montessori stacking blocks / Lego building blocks
Nora’s favorite travel toys
Suction spinner
This toy has been in our diaper bag since Nora was 3 months old. Suction it to the bath tub, the back of your phone, the plane window… the possibilities are LimitLes, and I swear at 21 months she’s still obsessed!
Pop toy
This toy is technically for 3 years+ but with food grade silicone and parent supervision, Nora stays poppin all day long.
Gift ideas for imagination play
We are just getting into the fun part of imagination play and it’s the BEST! Nora LOVES her ice cream set, and it has been a fun way to play pretend and share with ice cream. When we get home from school, she feeds all her stuffed animals, goes shopping at Target and plays with the calico critters before we get ready for bedtime.
Target shopping cart /Tender leaf tea set / Tender leaf tool box / Espresso machine / Ice cream set / Our corner play kitchen / Play cleaning set
Not all toddler kitchens are made equal, and there are lots to sort through! We have the white corner kitchen pictured above and love it, but when searching for one, keep in mind the amount of space you may have. This one takes up more room than I thought it would! Here are a few others with great reviews that I considered: KidKraft Uptown Elite Espresso, KidKraft Wooden Far to Table, Step2 Best Chefs Kitchen Set, Melissa & Doug Wooden Chef’s Pretend Play Kitchen
Play
Kitchens
Calico critters family / Calico critters cottage / Calico critters school bus
Books
Wonderbly Books are SO fun – you can personalize them and make your child the main character. I partnered with them last year, and we still read their books ALL the time. You can also peak into our library of favorite books below!
Toys for Walkers & Roamers
If your toddler is a busy bee, they’ll love the gifts below that keep them going and going like the energizer bunnies they are! We either own or have played with all items below, and they’re so much fun!
Bounce & Spin Puppy // Cozy Coupe // T-ball set // Toy vacuum // Water table
Bath time toys
Bath time is the best time! Nora truly loves the water, and these have been our favorite toys for the last few months. Note: please don’t put the Toniebox in the water. We use it for sing alongs as it sits on the bathroom counter safe from the splash zone.
Toniebox audio player // Bath crayons // Bath pipes // Animal Foam Toys
Interactive screen-free play
Melissa & Doug
Melissa & Doug brand can do no wrong in our family. We have the farm puzzle at home and the wooden sorting barn toy at Gigi and Papa’s house. We love the versatile chunky wooden pieces that Nora can safely play with as puzzle pieces or as characters for imaginary play. She can’t get enough!
Melissa &
Doug
Lovevery has been one of our favorite companies from the beginning! With Montessori-inspired toys, they send out play kits every few months based on your child’s age. Nora is currently loving The Block Set below + her new play kit. Not only are they great for development, but they’re BEAUTIFUL, too! Made from wood and sustainable materials, these thoughtfully crafted toys are made for learning. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving. Over to you fellow moms and dads- what are your littles favorite items to be gifted?
Related: Hers & His: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
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