Toddlers (think ages one to three) can be a tough group to parent, but we love how excited they get about everything, including holiday gifts! We asked our contributors to share their favorite gift ideas for this age group. Enjoy!
Puzzles
“We love Little Likes Kids Puzzles! It is a small, mom-owned company focused on creating puzzles and toys that celebrate the diversity of kids. They are beautiful, and an added bonus is that they are the sturdiest and most durable puzzles we’ve had – perfect for toddler hands!”
-Jayme Sherrod @jaymesherrod
“I love giving puzzles to this age group. Melissa and Doug and Target have some great wooden ones! This Beginner Colorful Pattern Blocks is one of my favorites to give as a gift.”
-Ashley Schafluetzel @ashleydawn519
Lego Duplos
“Honestly, my toddler would be thrilled if I got her a roll of toilet paper. But since toilet paper is in such high demand, I think we will go with Lego Duplos. As the youngest of three, she often feels left out that her big siblings have Legos, so I’m hoping she loves having her own set.”
-Stacy Bronec @stacybronec
Target links are affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!
LeapFrog Books
“My one-year-old usually prefers household objects to toys, but she does love books. This LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book has been a hit in our house for several years, and it’s a fun gift for a toddler who is book obsessed but also in a ‘do it myself’ stage — she can ‘read’ this one on her own by pushing the buttons.”
-Emily Roark @emilyeroark
Color-changing Umbrellas
“Color-changing umbrellas are my go-to gift for toddlers, like this Jungle Color Changing Umbrella from Fat Brain Toys. What’s cuter than a pair of rain or snow boots sticking out from under a cute umbrella?”
-Joanna Ruelos Diaz @joannerevising
Play Kitchen
“Pretend play kitchens are always my #1 suggestion for this age group! I love seeing them get creative with making meals and using their imagination! We’ve had this Kidkraft Mckinney play kitchen for three years since my four year-old was one, and it gets played with every single day.”
-Kia Hammond @kiamhammond
Target links are affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!
Sarah’s Silks
“I love gifting Sarah’s Silks for babies and toddlers! I love how play silks encourage open-ended play and imagination. They are beautiful, soft, and made of all natural materials. My one-year-old baby will be getting a mini play silk set this year. My four-year-old daughter also loves dressing up with the larger play silk, capes, and ribbon wands, so these toys have great longevity.”
-Sandy Hsu @hopefulsmiles
Scooter And Helmet
“For a bigger gift, a scooter and helmet have been huge hits in our house the past two Christmases. I recommend a scooter with rubber blade-type wheels, as opposed to plastic. The scooter moves much more easily for them. I also LOVE the Joovy Noodle Helmet! Great protection and so comfy for the kids.”
-Jayme Sherrod @jaymesherrod
Snap N’ Glow Car Race Tracks
“These Snap N’ Glow car race tracks have been a hit with my 17-month-old AND three-year-old! They are easy to manipulate and almost never drive anyone to tears. Love them!”
-Jayme Sherrod @jaymesherrod
Pop-up Ball Pit
“A pop-up ball pit is a hit with this age group, like this one from Target! I think more balls makes it WAY more fun, so this is also a great gift for grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. to pitch in and buy some extra bags of balls.”
-Catie Parrish, The Mom Hour Brand Partnership Manager and mom to three boys
Target links are affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!
TonieBox
“I first discovered TonieBox (a portable, screen-free speaker for toddlers and preschoolers to listen to audio stories) when we worked with them as a sponsor, and I can’t believe more moms don’t know about this geniusness. My nieces (ages two and four) each have one, and now we have fun gifting the “Tonies” themselves – affordable little characters with more audio stories programmed in. Highly recommend!”
-Sarah Powers, The Mom Hour Co-Host and Executive Producer
Cuddle and Kind Dolls
“Cuddle and Kind dolls are one of our favorites! They are on the pricier side but they are beautifully hand-knit and heirloom quality. I also love that they are a mission-minded small business.”
-Sandy Hsu @hopefulsmiles
Check Out More Holiday Gift Guides
Thanks for the list!