Toddler Gift Ideas for the Holidays

Is your toddler learning their name? If so, an excellent toddler gift idea is to combine that excitement with imaginary play or spatial awareness. We love a good monogram on basically anything: a chair, toolbox, puzzle, stool, you name it!

It’s never too early to get your toddler playing with blocks! All sorts of blocks — solid-wood building blocks, Magna-Tiles, pattern blocks, linking cubes, animal blocks, etc. — provide spatial and motor skill development (and so much entertainment!) for years. Blocks are a great toddler gift idea for the holidays.

Help their little minds explore and grow with books galore this holiday season! There are endless options, from books about feminist legends and classic literature to stories about dragons eating tacos and sleepy bunnies. Our toddler gift guide isn’t complete without some great book ideas!

For more books, check out these articles:

• Best Books for 2-Year-Olds
• Best Books for 3-Year-Olds
• Must Read Children’s Books
• Classic Books to Read to Your Child
• Books for Teaching Children About Diversity
• Books Your Kids Should Read This Summer
• 20 Books About Gratitude for Kids

Is your toddler resisting bedtime? Perhaps matching family holiday pajamas, a book and pajama set, or silly glow-in-the-dark options will coerce them to sleep! Pajamas are a great gift idea for toddlers because they’re practical, keep kids warm in the winter, and often have fun characters or designs. Plus, who doesn’t love new jammies?!

Getting a toddler ready in the morning can be a trial . . . so here’s an idea: give them the gift of clothes you’ll both be excited about! Like a cozy jacket or classics that are as soft as they are cute. What toddler wouldn’t be happy to get new, colorful rain boots? And imagine the excitement when your little one receives some cool sneakers!

Toddlers learn social skills daily and use pretend play to practice being little people. Toys that facilitate social pretend play are perfectly age-appropriate! One of our favorite ideas in our toddler gift guide is a gorgeous play kitchen that will be fun for kids (and look good in your house, whether traditional or modern). You can also help them learn to pack a lunch and start an ice cream shop or encourage them to play dress-up. Before you know it, you may have a fairy princess or astronaut on your hands!

Often, classics are classics for a reason! You’ll be amazed at how entertained your toddler is by a slinky going down the stairs. They’ll twirl around for hours with a gymnastics ribbon. And Mr. Potato Head induces tons of laughs, especially when his eyeballs are replaced with lips and a nose. Plus, there’s nothing like going outside to kick around a ball. We also love this Busy Baby Mat for toddlers — you can use it on their high chair while you prep dinner or bring it to a restaurant to keep toys close by and off the floor!

Having the proper carrying case is essential for toddlers, whether they want to carry around a toy car, a favorite lovey, or a yummy snack! This sweet bow backpack is precious, or maybe your little one wants something more fierce, like this monster backpack. There’s also nothing like a mini suitcase to hold their things on the way to grandma’s house.

What’s more fun when you’re 2 than making a ton of loud noise? Nothing! There are so many fun musical instruments to choose from. You could get them started on a baby grand piano, a classic xylophone, percussion shakers, a fun drum set, a ukulele, or even an accordion. These gift ideas can be great for your toddler if you feel optimistic about their future as a musician. 🙂

You really can’t go wrong with a new stuffed friend! Get creative with an animal that folds into a pillow or warms up for a sweet hug. Or, as another gift idea, choose a character from your toddler’s favorite cartoon or book so they can cuddle with and carry around a familiar face.

Equip your budding artist with supplies, from an easel and smock to paints and brushes. You can’t go wrong with a huge, classic box of crayons or washable markers. Or, if your toddler enjoys more structured activities, another gift idea is a Sago Mini Box subscription! These make-and-play activity boxes are perfect toddler gift ideas for ages 3-5.

Whether you go for a classic Radio Flyer or over-the-top adorable Banwood, a balance bike will put a smile on any kid’s face. Balance bikes are the ideal first bicycle and the best way to introduce your little one to cycling, as they naturally support kids’ development by promoting mobility and steering to ease the transition to a pedal bike. This gift idea is a great way to let your toddler join you on the ride to the park.

We know toddlers have ample imagination, but what about all that ENERGY? It still baffles me how someone who seems to survive on three bites of carrots and a waffle daily has so much energy to expel. Toddlers need furniture of their own to jump and squirm on! This fun playset transforms into whatever their little imaginations come up with. And who doesn’t love a beanbag!?