Buying gifts for toddlers is really easy so I probably don’t need to do a gift guide but I will say that there are a ton of options out there. Literally millions. So I that my sorting through the hundreds of gift ideas for toddlers will help you and save you some time with your holiday shopping.
I have a particular taste when it comes to gifts and toys for my own toddler which is reflected in this toddler gift guide. Personally, I prefer toys that don’t light up or make noise. I also really don’t like having the cheap colorful plastic toys scattered everywhere in my home so I often opt for wooden painted toys. Also, we are an experience over stuff family through and through, which carries over into Teddy’s stuff. But in the words of Mick Jagger granted “you can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you just might find, you get what you need.” Meaning, we do have colorful plastic junk in our home but I try to keep it to a minimum.
One last thing before we get into the toddler toys, I have a son so this gift guide is focused on toddler boys simply because that is the lens I live though. So with that here is my gift guide for toddlers.
Gift Ideas for Toddlers
Subscription Boxes
There are so many subscription boxes out there but the two that I’ve heard the most (and best) about are KiwiCo for older kids and Lovevery for babies. They provide parents with new age-appropriate toys and activities every so often that coordinate with the child’s development. These could also make great baby shower gifts.
Here’s a list of another 15 subscription boxes for various themes, ages, and stages.
Museum/Zoo Membership
Most memberships run for an entire year so this really is the gift that keeps on giving. Most metro areas have a children’s museum that would be great for families in the winter months (post-Covid naturally) or the zoo if the weather is milder. Plus both zoos and children’s museums often put on other activities that members can enjoy throughout the year.
Toddler Armchair
These stuffed armchairs are perfect for creating a reading nook for little kids. You can get fancy with these and have them personalized with the child’s name. Just remember to order personalized items early so you don’t run into shipping delays.
Books, Books, and More Books
Now that they have a little armchair to get comfy, you’re going to need some books right?! Scholastic has booklists organized by age group if you need any ideas.
Wooden Toys
I’m not against plastic toys by any means but I find that the wooden ones are nicer quality and easier on the eyes. Melissa & Doug are the easiest ones to find (get them at Target, Walmart, or Amazon) and they hold up well. Teddy loves all his Melissa & Doug toys which were all hand-me-downs but still look great.
JackRabbit Creations is another brand of wooden toys that I know of. We don’t have any so I can’t speak to the quality but they look just as beautiful as the Melissa&Doug toys. Both brands have similar price points as well.
I just recently discovered a site called Maisonette and it’s a treasure trove of beautiful toys that both parents and kids would love. Beautiful toys that are also thoughtful in their construction, made for intentional play. They also sell clothes that are adorable.
Sensory Kits
I’ve been recently hearing a lot of buzz about sensory kits. As far as I can tell, they incorporate several types of creative, artistic, and crafting play for kids all in one set of toys. Think playdough and all the stuff you would need to roll, shape, and add to it. Young & Wild are the prettiest ones that I’ve seen and they come in so many different themes and age ranges. Young & Wild also has a 3-month subscription option that you could give as a gift.
These plastic toy animals are surprisingly realistic. Ted might receive this Jungle Animal set but there are also domestic pets, zoo animals, and a couple of other options.
I’ve heard so many good things about these Yound Wild & Friedman sensory kits. They have a bunch of theme options as well as different ones for different ages. If you know a kid who loves these sorts of craft activities, they also sell a 3 month subscription.
How cute is this bakery set! You could really deck out a toy kitchen with these.
They sell these sets with every food group: fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, eggs, you name it
Perfect for painting without all the mess. These are the only paints I have allowed in the house so far.
This workbench and toolset will probably be finding its way under the tree for Teddy this year. It has all the parts you could want plus isn’t hard on the eyes.
There’s also a smaller version with some tools and a toolbox that is only $35 if you’re looking for something smaller.
I almost got Ted a little wheelbarrow just like this one over the summer when he was my little garden helper.
It’s just so cute!
This is a plastic option if you don’t want wooden toys outside.
These pull back cars from Jack Rabbit are a great set for the pint-sized gearhead.
Jack Rabbit also makes pull back trains. This is more Teddy’s speed
A starter trainset for any little boy to play with. It’s also very holiday festive with the additional parts.
These Crate & Kids chairs are really popular because you can customize them with different fabrics and your kid’s name.
Just remember to order personalized items early so you don’t run into shipping delays.
Another pull back car set from Melissa & Doug.
Here’s a smaller tool kit that’s under $50.
