Gift Ideas for Toddlers

These gift ideas for toddlers were thoughtfully curated as a former teacher with a background in child development… and as a mom to a 2.5 year old during a pandemic 😉 All items on this list are either ones that my toddler has and loves or ones that I have on his Christmas list this year. What I look for in toys are ones that are some combination of: open ended, long lasting, highly rated, educational, developmentally appropriate and fun! I also included lots of smaller gift ideas for thoughtful stocking stuffers- make sure to scroll to the bottom for those! I hope you find some gift ideas that the toddler in your life will love!

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Gift Ideas for Toddlers:

V Tech Write & Learn Creative Center

This is a toy that I wouldn’t normally gravitate towards, but we actually found this at a thrift store and it is hands down one of the most played with toys in our house! It has simple drawing and writing tutorials and I was shocked how well Henry learned to draw at just two years old. It’s a fun learning toy that he LOVES and I highly recommend!

ThinkFun Roll and Play Game for Toddlers

A fun first game for toddlers. Each color on the cube corresponds to a different category- emotions, body parts, counting, colors, animal sounds and actions. They roll the cube, draw a corresponding card and complete the action. Learning and fun all in one!

Carpet Playmat Rug

Our carpet playmat is played with every single day. Not only does he play with his vehicles on it, but toy animals, people figurines and blocks!

This town play set is a great addition to a playmat!

Picasso Magnet Tiles

You have probably seen these on every gift guide out there, but they are worth they hype! Henry received these last Christmas when he was about 20 months old and has played with them every day since! These are the less expensive brand out of the popular options and they have held up great so far with no issues.

My First Remote Control Car

Such a cute and simple first remote control car for little ones! There are a few different vehicle options available.

Picasso Bristle Blocks

One of Henry’s favorite activities is building different types of vehicles out of blocks, legos, etc. I thought this would be a fun set to add to our building toy rotation- and you can’t beat the reviews!

Wobble Balance Board

This is an open ended toy that can be used in so many different ways- for balancing, rocking, climbing, imaginative play and more! With a weight limit of over 200 pounds it can be used for years and years.

Matchbox Garbage Truck

So many toddlers are obsessed with garbage trucks- if yours is too, this one has amazing reviews! It can actually load “garbage” and then can dump it out the back!

Tot Tube Playset

One of those toys that is so simple, but such a great idea! A toy tube that kids can send cars, balls, etc down. Lots of great learning opportunities and fun to be had.

Radio Flyer My 1st Scooter

A scooter or a balance bike are a fun “big” present for toddlers- especially if you live somewhere with mild winters!

Wooden Community Helpers

I added these to Henry’s list because I wanted him to have some toys that included people of diverse skin colors and abilities. This set not only promotes the diversity I was looking for, but can be used for all kinds of open ended play!

My Own Mailbox Set

Anyone else have a toddler who is obsessed with checking the mail? If you have one like mine, this set is so fun and is perfect for imaginative play!

Duplo Compatible Marble Run

If you don’t have Lego Duplo blocks for your toddler- start there 😉 Henry loves them and plays with them every single day. I thought this set would be a fun addition to expand his play.

Children of the World Puzzle

A big floor puzzle that would be a great starting point to discuss different cultures!

Toy Sink with Running Water

Water play is always a win with toddlers! Henry has a similar play sink and loves it!

Stomp and Catch Board

This is such a smart idea! Kiddos stomp on the board, which launches the bean bag for them to catch. A good way to practice those gross motor skills during the winter.

Electric Drill Set

Henry loves his toy tool set, but I think he would be thrilled to have some that actually “work”! I love that this set includes the shapes as well to make it a more purposeful toy.

Indoor Pop Up Tent

Henry adores his play tent at his grandparents’ house! He uses it for imaginative play, to play hide and seek and as a cozy spot to read.

Shapes Puzzle

I love how open ended this puzzle is and it comes with a TON of prompt cards too! My puzzle loving toddler will love this and it will hopefully challenge him longer than the typical ones.

Hopper Ball

Anyone else remember these from childhood? I loved playing with them and I’m sure that my energetic 2 year old will love playing with this toddler sized one as well.

Kinetic Sand Construction Playset

I love this as an easy premade sensory bin option, especially for the winter months when we aren’t using his outdoor sandbox.

Toddler Camera

If your little one loves taking pictures, this real (but toddler safe) digital camera would be perfect for them!

Alphabet Robot Transformers

Letters that transform into robots! I’m thinking these would make a fun quiet time activity.

Amazing Machines Book Set

This set of 14 books comes in a cute firetruck storage box! Henry has read these books from the library and really enjoyed them. I also have this “Wheels on the Trucks” book set on his list- although you can’t go wrong with any books in my opinion 😉

Giant Road Jigsaw Puzzle

I was looking for an alternative to an expensive road toy and found this with great reviews! I love that it combines the benefits of puzzle building with imaginative play and my son’s love of all things with wheels! You can also buy a railroad and town set and they all connect together.

Play Food

Whether or not you have a play kitchen, there are so many fun sets of play food out there that are great for imaginative play! Henry actually received a play kitchen for Christmas last year and wasn’t overly interested in it…until I bought this condiment set. He LOVES “dip” so this was right up his alley and he has played with them (and his kitchen) literally every day since.

I also have heard great things about this magnetic ice cream set and am considering it for Christmas this year! Oh and this smoothie maker set is adorable too!

Tube Building Toys

I always find that open ended, “building” tools are the most played with in our house. This set looks fun and I know Henry will love that it comes with wheels!

Magnetic Animal Mix and Match Game

Henry has this and really enjoys it- it’s essentially magnetic puzzles. A great quiet time or travel activity!

Cardboard Playhouse to Color

A 2 in 1 activity: your little one can color the house AND play in it! So fun!

Flashcard Puzzles

These look like a fun way to expose toddlers to the alphabet and numbers!

Expression Babies

I love that these dolls come in a variety of skin tones- a good way to incorporate diversity as well as teach emotions. This would be a great gift when paired with “The Feelings Book”.

Activity Books

We’ve been relying pretty hard on coloring and activity books around here this year, with so much time spent at home! A few of our favorites include the jumbo coloring pads and the seek and find sticker pads from Melissa and Doug. I love the large size and good quality paper!

Henry also LOVES these dry erase seek and find books & I love that they are reusable!

Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Toddlers:

I love filling stockings with items that will actually be used: small quality toys, art/craft supplies and practical items.

Kwik Stix Solid Tempera Paint

These paint sticks are PERFECT for toddlers. They dry in under 90 seconds so they are much less messy than regular paint. I also love that they are washable and nontoxic!

The Pencil Grip Magic Tri Stix Markers

These markers are the perfect markers for toddlers! Why? Because they last up to 7 days with no lid and won’t dry out! We’ve tested it and they really do work a week later. I love that we don’t have to be constantly repurchasing markers and that these are a lower waste option.

Wonder Stix

Another fun addition to your craft supplies are these Wonder Stix. They are awesome because you can write on just about anything including: windows, wood, chalkboards, white boards, cardboard, etc. They’re also washable, dust free and cap free!

Simple Modern Kids Water Bottle

These come in tons of great colors and patterns and have amazing reviews!

Kid Friendly Cooking Knives

I want Henry to start being able to help me in the kitchen more and I think he will love being able to use these kid friendly knives!

Flashlight

What toddler doesn’t love flashlights? Other than using them for free play, we like to take flashlight walks and read with flashlights occasionally!

Measuring Tape

These retractable measuring tapes are so fun for kids to use and SO much cheaper than the ones made specifically for kids (these should always be used supervised!)

Toddler Scavenger Hunt Cards at Home

A fun game that is extra appropriate for this year when we are all stuck at home!

Lego Duplo Fire Truck

These small, simple duplo sets are perfect for toddlers and will be a great add on to the Legos he already has.

Spot It Jr.

I’ve only heard amazing things about this game and I’m excited to introduce it to Henry! He may be a little young, but it is one that can defintley grow with him.

Beginner Puzzles

I got these puzzles to include in Henry’s stocking this year. (I’ll take them out of the box and put in a small bag so they’ll fit!) It’s hard to find puzzles for toddlers that are the right level of difficulty between baby and “big kid” and these look great for that in between stage!

Wood Vehicles

These are on my list this year for Henry- they look like high quality and I know would get used for years to come!

TOOB Animal Figurines

These mini animal figurines can be used in so many different ways! We have several different versions that I rotate for Henry to play with. I thought this Arctic animal one would be perfect for Christmas!

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