As parents, grandparents, or aunts/uncles, finding the perfect gift for a toddler can be a challenging task. With so many options available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to think of gift ideas. That’s why we’ve created this list to help you find the best gifts for toddlers.
Toddlers generally don’t ask for material items or even gifts. This makes the little ones very easy to please. Whether it’s a birthday or holiday celebration or just want to surprise your little one, a simple present or even simple treats could put a smile on their angelic faces.
Here are some of the most age-appropriate gift ideas for the little ones in your life.
Best Gift Ideas for Toddlers
Toys and Learning Materials
Toys will never be absent from the list of ideal gifts. Toddlers love toys and will always be attracted to them. Toys that also serve as learning materials are ideal presents.
1. Building Blocks
Building blocks are a classic toy that never goes out of style. These simple yet versatile toys provide toddlers with endless entertainment and learning. As toddlers stack blocks, they develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Moreover, they learn spatial awareness, planning, and problem-solving skills.
Colorful building blocks add an extra dimension of fun and allow children to experiment with different patterns, shapes, and structures. Whether your little one is building a tall tower or a mini city, building blocks are a great gift that will foster creativity and imagination.
2. Stuffed Animals
Stuffed animals are beloved toys for many toddlers. They provide a sense of comfort and security for little ones who may be feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Moreover, stuffed animals can also be an excellent tool for teaching your child about different animals and their features.
For example, a stuffed bear can teach your little one about bears’ fur, claws, and habitat. A stuffed giraffe can teach them about long necks and spots. When toddlers play with their stuffed animals, they can use their imagination and engage in pretend play, which can help their cognitive development and social skills.
3. Play Kitchen
A play kitchen is a great gift for toddlers who love to imitate adults and play pretend. It allows them to engage in imaginative play and develop social and language skills. Little ones love “making breakfast” for mom or dad with plastic eggs and pieces of bacon.
They can also learn about different foods and kitchen tools. Play kitchens come in various sizes and styles, from compact tabletop versions to full-size models with multiple features such as a sink, refrigerator, and stove. Whatever your choice, a play kitchen will provide hours of fun and imaginative play for your little one.
4. Play Tunnels
Toddlers love crawling and exploring, so play tunnels can provide hours of fun and excitement. They can crawl through the tunnel, hide inside, or use it as a secret passageway.
Tunnels come in different sizes and shapes, from straight tunnels to twisting ones, and even pop-up tents that can be used indoors or outdoors. Play tunnels can be used alone or with friends, making them an excellent way for toddlers to interact with others and practice social skills.
5. Bath Toys
Bathtime can be a fun and relaxing experience for toddlers with suitable toys. Consider getting fun bath toys such as rubber duckies, boats, or squirt toys to make bath time enjoyable. These toys can help them develop their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills while having fun in the bath.
6. Books
Books are a great gift for toddlers to help develop their language and cognitive skills. Choose books with bright, colorful illustrations and simple stories that your little one will enjoy. Reading to them from Dr. Seuss’s “Cat in the Hat” or “Green Eggs and Ham” will spark their imagination and begin a love of the written word.
7. Coloring Books
If you’re preparing your toddler to go to school, a set of coloring books would be a perfect introduction to the standard school tasks he/she will eventually encounter.
Puzzles and Board Games
Puzzles and board games are a great way to develop your toddler’s problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Choose puzzles with bright colors, simple designs, and board games with easy-to-follow rules and age-appropriate challenges.
8. Art Supplies
Art supplies are an excellent way for toddlers to explore their creativity and express themselves. Washable crayons, markers, and paints are safe and easy for little ones to use. They can create colorful drawings and paintings, allowing them to practice fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
With art supplies, toddlers can use their imaginations to create unique works of art, building confidence and self-expression. Something like the Darice 80-piece Deluxe Art Set is an excellent idea for boys and girls who are getting into art in a big way or have been artistic their whole lives. For one low price, you get everything they need to create art.
9. Play Dough
Playdough is a versatile toy that can provide hours of entertainment for toddlers. It can help develop their sensory skills as they manipulate the dough with their hands. They can roll, pinch, and shape the dough into different forms, which can also help with their fine motor skills.
Playing with play dough can be a calming and soothing activity for toddlers, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. It can also be fun to engage in imaginative play, creating different scenes and scenarios.
10. Building Sets
Building sets, such as Mega Bloks or Duplo blocks, are great for toddlers to develop their motor skills and creativity. They can use the blocks to create different structures and shapes, encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking.
Additionally, building sets can enhance their spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination. Toddlers can engage in imaginative play with their creations, using them as props for their games and stories. They can provide hours of fun and educational play, making them an excellent gift for toddlers.
11. Plush Toys
A new stuffed animal is a great, inexpensive way to make a small child happy. They might end up keeping it with them their whole life.
12. Crafts
Another good idea for rainy days is to get them something they can use to create. This doesn’t have to be expensive oil paints at this age. A box of crayons and printer paper works fine for many children.
13. Piggy Bank
Teaching children to save – even at a young age – is a good idea. There are a ton of cute piggy banks out there for boys and girls.
Outdoor & Play Equipment
Whether it’s a badminton set, a basketball, or even a soccer ball, getting sports equipment is an excellent idea for children because it will get them away from the TV and tablet and engage in physical activity!
Outdoor play equipment, such as a playhouse, sandbox, or swing set, can provide toddlers a fun and safe outdoor play experience. They can climb, slide, and swing while developing their balance and coordination. Plus, it’s a great way to encourage play dates with neighbors.
12. Balance Boards
Balance boards are a fun and challenging gift idea for toddlers. They provide an excellent opportunity for physical activity and can help develop balance and coordination. They come in various sizes and shapes, from wobble boards to rocker boards to balance beams.
These toys can be used indoors or outdoors and are perfect for toddlers who love to move and explore. They can be used to play games or as part of an obstacle course, providing a fun and engaging way to improve physical fitness.
Balance boards are also beneficial for improving posture and core strength, which can have long-term health benefits for toddlers. Overall, they are a great gift idea for toddlers who love to stay active and engaged.
13. Water Guns / Balloons
If you don’t like the idea of getting children a gun – even if it’s just filled with water – going with balloons instead can still help them cool down in the hot summer sun while having fun.
14. Sandcastle Tools
Even if you don’t visit the beach often, having a set of buckets and shovels to make a sandcastle is a great gift idea for the summer that doesn’t cost much money.
15. Inflatable Pool
Sometimes kids want to get wet and cool down. They don’t care whether the pool is enormous or fancy as long as they can play in it. This is why a small inflatable pool is so great.
16. Trip to the Water Park
This isn’t a gift they’ll be able to keep around, but they’ll likely carry the day’s memories with them for the rest of their lives. Best of all, you get to spend time with your children.
17. Dress-up Costumes
Dress-up costumes, such as superhero capes, princess dresses, or firefighter outfits, can provide toddlers with a fun and imaginative play experience. They can act out different roles and scenarios, developing social and language skills.
The costumes can be made from items you have at home, like a nurse’s outfit or doctor’s lab coat, or purchased from a costume shop or online retailer.
Interactive Stuffed Toys
Aside from mom and dad, stuffed toys are usually a child’s first playmate. Although inanimate, children’s imagination makes these character toys very much alive. Choose interactive stuffed toys that can talk, sing, dance, or move to help develop your child’s motor, sensory, and speaking skills.
18. Toy Vehicles
Toy vehicles, such as cars, trucks, airplanes, or trains, are a classic gift for toddlers. They can push them around, make different sounds, and learn about different modes of transportation.
They can also create fun and engaging play scenarios, such as racing, construction, or rescue missions. Accessories such as a play rug with lines drawn out for roads are great additions to toy cars.
Additionally, playing with toy vehicles can help with their spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination as they navigate the toys through obstacles and imaginary landscapes.
19. Musical Toys
Musical toys are another great option for toddlers who love making noise and dancing. Toddlers have a natural affinity for music, and toys that allow them to explore and create their own tunes can provide an outlet for self-expression and creativity.
A toy piano or keyboard is a classic choice that can teach toddlers basic musical concepts, such as rhythm and melody.
A drum set or percussion instruments, such as maracas or a xylophone, can also provide lots of fun and opportunities to develop hand-eye coordination and motor skills. You may even foster a lifelong passion by encouraging your little one’s love of music.
20. Ride-on Toys
Ride-on toys are excellent for toddlers to develop balance and coordination while having fun. Tricycles, balance bikes, and scooters are popular options that can be used indoors or outdoors.
Ride-on toys allow toddlers to exercise and develop gross motor skills. They also help children gain confidence and independence as they navigate their surroundings. Moreover, these toys can promote socialization as toddlers can ride and play together.
21. Kindle
Yes, this can be a bit expensive, but the Paperwhite version is only around a hundred dollars, and if it gets your tween or teen reading more, it’s a sound investment.
22. Bicycle
The Diamondback Miz Della Cruz is an excellent choice for girls, with many other options for boys. Make sure to go ahead and purchase a helmet and knee pads as well to keep them safe.
Food and Treats
Every child has a sweet tooth. And if you bring him/her sweet and colorful treats, he/she will love them. Toddlers can’t eat every food, but you can get something they like, and it would make a terrific gift.
23. Chocolate
Perhaps chocolate is the ultimate treat. Just ensure that your child doesn’t eat too much.
24. Healthy Cookies
There are common cookies you can buy at groceries or bakeries and healthier alternatives you can give your little one. Healthy cookies often use whole wheat flour, fruits, and less sugar as ingredients.
25. Candied Fruits
If your child always craves candies over fruit, why not give her candied fruits instead? It is sweet and certainly much healthier.
Clothing and Accessories
Parents love clothing and styling toddlers because they will still look cute and lovely no matter their apparel.
26. A Statement Shirt
A cute little shirt would be a delightful gift. But it would be nicer to personalize it with a brief statement. Even if your child still can’t speak, he/she can impress the public.
27. A Set of Hero or Character Costumes
Your child, indeed, has a favorite cartoon character or superhero. Invest in a good custom that he or she can use and enjoy not only at home but at most parties as well.
28. Cute Pair of Shoes or Sandals
Footwear is an essential accessory even for babies who still cannot walk. You can opt for sandals instead of tight-fitting shoes to ensure comfort and convenience.
29. Flip-flops or Socks
Depending on the baby or toddler’s age, something as small as a nice pair of flip-flops or some great summer socks is a good gift idea.
30. Bonnet
While this can look adorable on a young girl, it protects her from the sun’s harsh rays.
31. New Clothes
Another great idea is clothing. As children grow so fast at this age, keeping them in fit clothes can be challenging!
32. Swimwear
Kids at this age love getting wet so that a perfect gift can be as simple as a new bathing suit. Just make sure you know what size to get before you purchase it.
Final Thoughts on Gift Ideas for Toddlers
No matter what gift you choose, make sure it’s age-appropriate and safe for your toddler, especially toys. The best gifts for toddlers encourage learning, creativity, and imagination while providing lots of fun and entertainment. For clothing and apparel, comfort is more important than appearance.
