Holiday Gift Guide for Toddlers

There are a lot of things I’ve spent time Googling during my foray into parenthood so far, but my guilty pleasure lately has been finding the best toys for my toddler this holiday season. Toddlers are in that interesting phase of life: they can be as decidedly against the hot toy of the season as they could be obsessed with it. If you’re the adaptable type who keeps your receipts, perhaps this doesn’t bother you much–but when it comes to my daughter, I put a lot of effort into trying to go to the store only once for toys and gifts, particularly during the Christmas season. I’ve scoured every website, read many reviews, and finally committed to a few items I plan on gifting her this holiday season. Best of all? Most of these are incredibly sweet, unique, and fun toys and gifts that you won’t be fighting strangers over at Target: they’re from small-but-mighty companies who make quality products and are often doing so right here in the United States. These toddler toys for the holidays are sure to be a hit with the special little in your life.

1 | A Modern Dollhouse or Castle

Toddlers have an incredible imagination–what better way to foster that than with a bit of building and creating of their own? These incredible toys from Manhattan Toy Co. provide endless fun and open-ended play opportunities. The castle is an amazing older toddler build-and-create toy motor skills developer, all while letting mom and dad be comforted by the fact they’re made with quality natural wood. We especially love this modern take on a dollhouse!

2 | Stem Blox

These STEM-oriented building blocks prove it is never too early to get your little architect ahead of the game, and we love the colorful numbers, letters, and shapes provided to really spark their enthusiasm! This unique and multi-purpose wood block set encourages basic counting skill development, along with recognition of numbers, shapes, and colors. Another great bonus for toddlers is that it supports gross and fine motor skills through stacking and building! My daughter is OBSESSED.

3 | Toddler Friendly Books

My toddler daughter kind of has a thing for chewing on books: if I weren’t so excited she already wants to devour a good read like her mom, I might be a bit worried. But, I worry less with books she can’t rip an edge or page out of–though I take my chances when it’s time to read together before bed or after a nap. I’m looking forward to expanding her library with these wonderful little books.

4 | Moonlite Book Projector

While on the topic of raising a bookworm, we can’t ignore that the modern child loves visualization of what they’re reading: and young children don’t quite have that skill yet. Cue Moonlite: the storybook projector you attach to your phone! Moonlite projects onto your wall or ceiling and is the perfect answer to the bedtime conundrum of reading with the lights off to get your little one settled in.

5 | Cozy Pajamas

Who doesn’t love a great or snuggly pair of pajamas? We’re thinking pajamas are the perfect gift to inspire a lot of family movie-watching and lazy winter activities.

6 | A Hopping Friend

We know toddlers have boundless imaginations and love to share, but you know what else they’ve got a healthy dose of? Energy. I loved this little hopping unicorn friend from Farm Hoppers so much for her that I bought another for my friend’s child for his birthday: they’re that efficient at tuckering a toddler out. It also doesn’t hurt that it is made of high quality, brightly colored, BPA-free plastic and can help with core muscle development as well as coordination skills while having fun!

7 | A Baby Doll and Accessories

There’s something so wonderful about a classic baby doll gift: not to mention how adorable it is to watch your baby toting around a baby! We love Corolle for their sophisticated and sweet collection of babies and baby accessories to gift toddlers and young kids.

8 | Classic Shoes ($28 – $42)

The toddler in your life will be the pinnacle of classic style with a new pair of kicks: besides, a solid shoe that supports them well is a gift that keeps on giving as their little foot develops.

9 | A “Big-Kid” Cup

PinkGold Glitter ($20)   RoseGold Glitter ($20)   Mermaid ($20)

A practical gift that parents and kids alike will love–and how could you not with these fun colors?! Hydration at home and on-the-go has never been easier (or cuter).

10 | Personalized Denim Jacket

Sure to be your tot’s favorite this season, personalize a classic Levi’s Trucker Jacket to make it unique as they are! Add their name, initials or favorite word to create something they’ll treasure for years to come.

11 | See-Ya Suitcase

The Olli Ella See Ya Suitcase does double time as kid-sized luggage and practical decor! Whether you’re on the move or simply looking for a special place for treasures and toys, this vintage inspired trunk on wheels is the perfect piece!

12 | A Microwavable, Snuggly Plush

Our family is legitimately OBSESSED with our Warmies Hippo–but they come in so many snuggly characters and animals that snagging one (or a few) more for Christmas is at the top of my girl’s wish list. They’re microwavable, (we suggest 45 seconds to release the scent and give them a perfectly soothing temperature!) filled with french lavender and flax seeds, and are the perfect nighttime companion for the older toddler to snuggle and love.

13 | Giant Jumbling Tower

Conceived on the beaches of Sydney, Sunnylife was established with a simple goal: to share Australia’s authentic summer style with the rest of the world. Today their products can be found on beaches, in pools and at sun drenched holiday destinations across the globe. Recognized for its vast seasonal collections featuring every must-have summer item imaginable. Continually committed to a creating a range of sunny essentials that deliver on innovation, quality, style and functionality; the perfect summer range solution!

14 | A Doodle Board

Crayola played a big role in my childhood, and definitely will for my daughter, too! Aside from the occasional heavily-monitored crayon session, we haven’t allowed her to play with many art supplies yet. That will change with this sweet doodle board that they can use their fingers to trace and draw on! This is a wonderful gift for even the younger toddler and will be engaging and stimulating with the colors and sounds involved.

15 | Balance Bike

Say hello to FIRST GO! A safe and durable toddler push bike, designed with a child friendly frame, height adjustable soft saddle and handlebar for maximum comfort and vintage bike look, for the mini me cyclist. Balance bikes are the ideal first bicycle and the best way to introduce your little one to cycling as it naturally supports their development by promoting mobility and steering to ease the transition to a pedal bike. A great way to let small ones join you on the ride to the park.

16 | Furniture That’s All Their Own

We know toddlers have ample imagination, sure, but what about all that ENERGY? It still baffles me how someone who seems to survive on 3 bites of carrots and a waffle every day has so much energy to expel. That’s why one of the gifts I am most excited about this year is the Nugget couch: a literally stain-resistant, adult-couch-saving phenomenon. Jump and squirm on this one all you want, little girl! 

17 | Kids Apron – Denim Silver Stars

This culinary-inspired apron is perfect for encouraging kids in the kitchen. Dust off the flour and its ready for some crafting or play. Kids will love cooking with mom or dad that much more with their own set of utensils.

18 | Milton and Goose Play Kitchen

Founded by mother, Shari Raymond, in 2017 to provide children with American made, non-toxic, battery-free and heirloom-quality toys designed to last generations, Milton and Goose is quickly becoming famous for their play kitchens. Each one is expertly crafted by Amish artisans in Lancaster, Pennsylvania from sustainable Baltic birch and solid North American maple, and topped with water-based, low-VOC, and HAPs-free finishes making them as gorgeous as they are safe.

The Milton and Goose Play Kitchen is a fantastic way to encourage imaginative play and sharpen your child’s vocabulary, math skills and gross motor skills, all while having loads of fun.

I was thrilled to see her joy over sneaking a peek at some of this year’s Christmas gifts, and feel quite sure they’re all a solid choice when it comes to gifting something to that special 1-4 year-old in your life.