Finding the perfect gift for a toddler is no joke. As a mom to a two-year-old I know just how hard it can be to find something they’ll actually love and use for more than five minutes. My daughter’s at that in-between stage where she’s not a baby anymore but definitely not a big kid yet. And lets be real— I want gifts that’ll keep her entertained and maybe even teach her a thing or two (while I get a few minutes to myself!)
So, from one toddler mom to another, here are my absolute favorite toddler gift ideas that have seriously made my life easier and way more fun!
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1. RIDE-ON TOYS
Trust me, there’s nothing more exciting for a toddler than a toy that moves! My daughter loves her balance bike and is a great first bike gift to any toddler! It’s great for helping them build coordination while giving them some fun independence.
2. BUILDING BLOCKS
I can’t count how many times my daughter has built the tallest tower she can, only to knock it down and laugh like crazy. Classic wooden blocks like these are always a win in our house.
3. INTERACTIVE BOOKS
One of my absolute favorite things is reading to my daughter before bed, especially books with flaps, textures or sound buttons. It makes story time engaging and helps create a love for reading early on.
4. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Okay, so maybe I regret this a little on the louder days, but my daughter LOVES making music. Whether it’s banging on her mini drum set or playing her toy piano seeing the joy as she makes noise is priceless.
5. PUZZLES
When we’re winding down from a busy day, I love pulling out a simple puzzle to do with my daughter. We’ve have started with basic four piece ones, and she’s getting so good at matching sooo many shapes and putting so many pieces together.
6. EDUCATIONAL TOYS
I’m always on the lookout for toys that can help my daughter learn while she plays. She was really into ABC’s and shapes when she turned two, so toys that taught her letters, numbers, and colors were at the top of my list!
7. ART SUPPLIES
If your toddler is anything like mine, they probably like to draw on everything (walls included!). That’s why I keep mess free art on deck, where she can still be creative without the mess which is a win-win to me.
8. STUFFED ANIMALS
My daughter’s stuffed animals are her besties Whether it’s her teddy bear or a new plush character, there’s always one by her side for snuggles, I can’t wait to add more to her collection.
9. OUTDOOR TOYS
With all that toddler energy, getting outside is key! Slides, a sandbox or a water table are perfect for burning off some energy and enjoy fresh air.
10. BATH TOYS
Bath time is one of my daughter’s favorite parts of the day. She loves her floating boats and her bubble maker and honestly anything that helps her get clean easier is a win for me!
11. STACKING TOYS
These are great for helping with motor skills and problem-solving abilities and she has so much fun with them.
12. PERSONALIZED GIFTS
There is something so special about gifts with her name on it. Personalized puzzles, blankets or books make her feel extra special, and its something we’ll both treasure for years to come.
13. PUSH AND PULL TOYS
Watching my daughter pull along her little wooden dog always makes me smile. these toys are so simple, yet they provide endless entertainment.
14. PRETEND PLAY
I swear, toddlers LOVE to copy everything we do. My daughter is constantly “cooking” up a storm in her little play kitchen or pretending to check my heart beat with her little doctor kit. Watching her mimic our everyday task is the cutest thing ever!
15. ACTION FIGURES AND DOLLS
From superhero’s to favorite characters, action figures and dolls are perfect for sparking imaginative play.
16. TOY CARS
Whether it’s zooming cars across the floor or racing the down a track, toy cars are always a hit. My nephew is obsessed with all things cars and these are always perfect gifts for him.
17. TENTS AND TUNNELS
Creating little hideouts with play tents and crawling through tunnels is so much fun for toddlers. My daughter loves her tent and is her own cozy space to go to hangout and read books.
18. TRAMPOLINE
A small toddler trampoline is perfect for burning off energy in a fun and safe way.
