Holiday Gift Guide: For the Toddler

I actually heard a lot of requests over the last year specifically for this gift guide. Simply because, we live pretty simply when it comes to toys for our little one. I’ll try not to get too preachy, leave my suggestions like a mic-drop and back away. So here it is, my holiday gift guide when you have a toddler to gift to! {I’m aiming at 20mos – 3 years old here}

But first, a quick bit of background on my choices. Kids are actually really easy when it comes down to it. They don’t need a character, a noise, a light, a “specially tested” educational experience… strip it ALL back to basics. We have a “no batteries” rule in our house, and for the most part, no outside family or friends have tried to be the star of the show and break our rule. It’s not because we’re mean or weird or because we need to be hippie freaks with our toys, it’s because it’s what works for our family. And because we’ve been upfront with any family member who has asked before sending a toy, it’s worked out for all parties. 

Let me assure you, as our kiddo approaches 2 years old, he truly astounds me with how clever he can be. He truly loves reading (real books), building block towers, sorting things by color or shape when he thinks you’re not watching…and yet, he could probably use my husband’s iPhone better than he could, just from watching us use one. So no, I’m not at all concerned about him slipping through the technology cracks (trust, when they get to school where all they use are tablets, we’ll be having trouble getting him to write legibly with a real pen, so we are not concerned).

That being said, you can clear your head, and confidently choose a gift for a toddler, right? Remember: back to basics, no batteries, a non-plastics version if it’s available, REAL (books, puzzles, etc), no specific characters (it’s easier to assume a kid has no clue who the character is than assume they intensely love it), and fun. If you feel a need to be the “star” of this kiddo’s holiday season, yet you aren’t there to break up the nightly fight that will ensue over playing with the awesome light up toy versus eating dinner, just re-think and buy the parents an extra bottle of wine.

 

First gift I love most: experiences. If there is a local children’s museum, art studio, park district class, aquarium, zoo, etc. then buy a membership for THAT or send a check with the intent in the memo line. Trust me, I’d rather have something to take my kid to do than be stuck at home with another annoying toy.

Second gift I love, and I can already feel you rolling your eyes: essentials. I know it’s boring, but if this parent is still changing diapers all day, you can bet your bottom dollar that receiving a box of diapers will still be the highlight of their day. Diapers, wipes, organic bath products and lotion, bamboo plates/bowls/mini spoons, gift cards for the store where they shop for these things most and buy their snacks, etc. are all amazingly thoughtful gifts. People don’t gift these things after a baby shower, yet the parents still need them two years later.

Ok, now I’ll get into actual THINGS. Kids truly want to be creative at such a young age, so don’t think of artsy and educational toys as a form of torture (they aren’t teenagers yet). Think of them as exciting colors and shapes to explore.

Color Wonder markers and paper and Sidewalk Chalk. Basically, anything that can be held onto until outdoor weather is a great gift. Kids get to pull out something new and keep the mess outside! Color Wonder is awesome too, because your kiddo is learning to hold a writing utensil, learning colors and is making zero mess in your house. Win. 

Magnatiles, Tegu, Duplo and various blocks. Building things and learning shapes and colors along the way is nothing but fun for kiddos. The Magnatiles and Tegu blocks both have magnets in them which are really fun to play with too. 

Melissa & Doug Puzzles and various bath toys. I’m a HUGE Melissa & Doug fan. They have tons of chunky puzzles and discovery activities that are easy for little hands to hold onto. Bath toys are also a great gift because most kiddos love bath time! Just keep the bath toys foam or solid, making sure water can’t get in them (squishy bath toys end up harboring mold). 

IKEA wooden toys! If you don’t think “kids toys” when you hear “IKEA” then think again. They have some awesome wooden vehicles, magnet toys, shape sorters…all for pretty cheap! Also, if kiddo doesn’t have a play table and chairs of their very own, IKEA has those too. 

Books. I’m talking REAL books here. Does kiddo love dogs? Instead of a plastic dog, get him/her a book with dogs in it. I swear, my kid loves all books, but he also just really gets into books that go along with his latest obsessions. He loves these particular books, but we have stacks of favorites. 

Melissa & Doug play kitchen pots and utensils. Kids love to mimic mom. Giving them their own sets of pots and pans and utensils to play with only makes it easier on mom come dinnertime. My little guy loves mixing in his own bowl (especially when I pour dry cereal in there) and helping me cook. 

I can’t say enough how much I LOVE Little Sapling Toys. We have a letter block set from them and get endless entertainment out of it. Also, they make wooden teethers and rattles that are adorable. Teethers aren’t just for babies, toddlers get some wicked molars and need something to bite other than their parents. 

 

And that just about wraps it up! I hope this was helpful in rounding out your gift list for that toddler in your life. And if something feels just not-right, always ask their parent. Most parents are totally transparent when it comes to their kiddos wants and needs!

NOTE: This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. That means, if you click an Amazon link and make a purchase, I get a small percentage and your cost isn’t affected at all. Other links in this post are not affiliate links. All links display my own opinions.