There is always so much pressure when it comes to buying gifts. It's especially so when we just want to be able to make happy memories with the people in our lives, and for kids, that can feel like the whole purpose of the holiday season.
We are here to help make it a little easier because we could all use a little break from this long global health issue, in any way that we can get it. We have done the research on the cool toys for this year — yes, even toddlers have preferences. And we're sure there's going to be at least a few things for those 18-month to 2-year-olds in your life.
We've rounded up a list for all the little toddlers we love, and there's everything from toys to help foster their fine motor movements to ones that bring comfort and others that just encourage them to giggle. So scroll through — we're confident the right gift will be found in no time.
Little Tikes® Activity Garden™
$94.99
from
Little Tikes
What kid wouldn't want their own adorable playhouse? The Activity Garden converts from a closed-in play center to an open (and even bigger!) activity center. Kids will love playing with all the pieces of this all-in-one toy: bead tumbler, mirror, gears that spin, music, mailbox, a Tap-a-Tune Piano, and so much more! Hours of fun guaranteed.
Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog
It's not often we come across a hedgehog toy for kids, and that's a big reason we love this one but not the only reason. This adorable toy helps kids work on their fine motor movements, and the colorful pegs help to keep their attention. The pegs are spikes that "help kids build color recognition, sorting, and counting skills."
Magna-Tiles Eric Carle Very Hungry Caterpillar
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one of those childhood stories that stick with us and has become a part of so many families' memories. Keep the love of the story top-of-mind with a magnetic tiles toy that allows the kids to build towers and work on fine-motor movements while having fun.
Little Tikes® Learn & Play™ 2-in-1 Activity Tunnel
$52.99
from
Little Tikes
This is one of those toys kids and parents will love equally. Kids will find so many ways to play: they can crawl through the soft tunnel, play peekaboo with you or their friends, drop balls into two different ball drop towers at the end, or simply press the buttons to play music. And parents will be thankful for how easily it collapses, so you can put it away when it's not in use. Love that!
InnyBin
There's a reason these sorting boxes for kids have been around for a long time. This brightly colored one gets a modern upgrade with new ways to encourage the minds of little ones to figure out how things work and where they go. The sides are bendable so it presents a challenge, but still doable.
Uncle Goose Constellation Blocks
$26
from
Uncle Goose
We've seen blocks that feature the alphabet and numbers, but this set features the 16 constellations from the southern and northern hemispheres. They give another level for families interested in astrology. Plus, they simply look incredibly cool and can double as a decor item in little one's room.
Astronaut Kids Play Tent, Pop Up Play Tents with Tunnels
Kids this age love to have a space that is just for them, and that's what makes this tent so cool. It features a tunnel where they can crawl through from one of the tent areas to the other, offering lots of independent play opportunities. The outside is designed like a spaceship with the tunnel leading to "outer space."
Baby Tender Baby Doll
$28
from
Constructive Playthings
These baby dolls are a wonderful first doll for little ones who already love to take care of others. Each one, like this one, comes with its own bloomers and blankie. The dolls are easy to hold and wash, so even little hands can do it independently. They come in different races as well.
Honeysticks 100% Pure Beeswax Crayons Natural
These big first crayons are perfectly sized for little hands trying to do big kid tasks. They are handmade, combining 100% pure beeswax and food-grade pigments for the color. These are a great option for families who are conscious about their carbon footprint or who want to help the environment.
Aila Sit & Play Virtual Early Preschool Learning System
Yes, sometimes using a tablet and screen time is good for little ones, and this early preschool learning system is set up to give them educational opportunities while they watch and have fun. The system comes with all the games they need with no subscription service required and no ads.
10-in-1 Activity Trunk
Just like the title says, this activity trunk offers 10 different activities for toddlers all in just one toy. There are so many things to play with, and it packs up easily when playtime is over. The interactive toy encourages toddlers to try new things and work on their fine-motor skills.
Toddler Musical Instruments
For a family that loves music and wants to get their kids started with it as early as possible, this set gives little ones lots of different ways to create sounds. With 15 types of instruments and 22 different pieces that let toddlers blow, tap, shake, tap, and beat, it's hours of fun.
Melissa & Doug Pet Vet Play Set
There is something special about pets for this age group where the ones who love animals really love them. This set will help foster that interest in caring and showing empathy for the animals in our lives. Who knows? Maybe it will be the defining moment they realize they want to be a veterinarian.
Silly Skaters Unicorn
Silly Skaters Unicorn ride-on toy features a soft unicorn riding on roller skates, and it can't get more adorably perfect for little ones than that. This has motion-activated light-up LED roller skates and it's made of durable rubber so it's going to be safe for little hands.
How to Be a Great Sibling Kit
$33
from
Little Medical School
Many kids in this age group will be entering the world of being a big sibling. This toy, created by a doctor, will teach them about how to help their parents care for a new baby and get them excited about the new role in their life. Reward stickers add to the fun.
Sesame Street Bombas Socks
For toddlers who are finding their footing, having socks that not only keep their feet warm but offer a little extra protection from slipping is ideal. These adorable Sesame Street socks have grippers on the bottom and are designed to be comfortable and soft so toddlers don't complain about wearing them (or pull them off).
B. Toys Wooden Vehicle
There is something about little wooden vehicles that are so perfect for little hands. They're the best size, and they're easy to pack away and bring along with the family. These wooden vehicles are sold individually instead of a set, but it would be fun to collect them all.
VTech Touch & Learn Musical Bee
This toy is perfect for curious toddlers who want to have something to play with as well as allow them to be soothed when necessary. This musical bee helps them practice their colors, shapes, and numbers, and it will provide calming sounds for bedtime or naptime. It's like a tech toy without the screen.
'Please, Mr. Panda' by Steve Anthony
You can never go wrong getting a book for a child and they're never too young for a book either. Board books like this one are perfect gifts for babies and toddlers under 2. They're simple and have big, eye-catching illustrations. This one's lesson is how to say "please" and "thank you."
Musical Lili Llama
$53
from
Maisonette
For most people, music is an incredible form of expression and creativity, so why not expose 2-year-olds (or younger children) to the gift of sounds early, especially ones they can create. The Musical Llama comes with a few different instruments all over its body, including a xylophone and drum.
Fisher-Price Linkimals Cool Beats Penguin
Because we can't get enough of the musical toys, this one is musical, but less about the instruments and more about dancing to the sound. That's the hope, anyway. According to the description of the toy, the penguin has "fresh tunes, multi-color lights, and jammin’ moves" It also teaches kids the alphabet and more, and can interact with other animals from the line.
Personalized Name Puzzle
Starting at
$37
from
Everyone loves a good puzzle, especially children. They can use them for a while without growing out of them too fast. Plus ones like this name puzzle (along with animals) teach little ones about letters and how to spell their name, and names of animals, too. If they get it as a baby, it can be a gifted decor item until they're old enough to play with it.
Inflatable Sprinkler Pool
Baby pools are lots of fun for toddlers and babies but this inflatable baby pool takes the fun outside and inside (with parent supervision, of course.) Fill it with water or balls as it shows here for sensory play year-round. The bonus: it's also a sprinkler in the form of a dinosaur or dolphin.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
