It's been a long spring and summer and, for many families, a really difficult year. That's why this year the holidays are something to look forward to more than ever before. One of the best parts of the holidays is seeing total joy on little faces when they see a promising pile of presents waiting for them.
Of course that means having to buy those presents, so, yes the holiday shopping season has arrived, too, and whatever else is happening in the world, toddlers will be eagerly waiting to see what goodies and gifts turn up before 2020 year comes to a close.
But that doesn't mean it's time for parents to panic! We've managed to gather together some great gift suggestions that are sure to be popular with toddlers this year, from perennial classics to nifty new stocking stuffers, fancy tech toys to hand-fashioned wooden figures and building blocks. This is a list worth checking twice, because there's nothing on it that's naughty and plenty that's nice.
Little Muslim Dolls
$9.5
from
LittleMuslimDolls/Etsy
These adorable wooden dolls are a great way to add beauty and diversity to any child's play. The skin colors and dress colors are customizable and the sleek wooden shape is easy for little hands to play with. These are great as a stocking stuffer or main gift idea!
Lamaze Pile & Play Stacking Cups
How often do toddlers bypass the newest gadget with all the bells and whistles for the simpler things? These stacking cups are a classic that keeps proving that rule, and they make a wonderful stocking stuffer!
LeapFrog Fridge Phonics 26-Piece Magnetic Letter Set
$19.99
from
Buy Buy Baby
It’s fun when little ones get to play with their letters, and even nicer when letters talk back! Toddlers get to learn the sights and the sounds of the alphabet with this phonics letter set. It sticks handily to any magnetic surface and comes with batteries included, which is always a win!
Montessori Toddlers Wooden Tweezers
$22
from
MamumaBird/Etsy
Play can also be an important path for children’s learning. This toy set works as a way for little ones to have fun, and it’s also a tool for helping toddlers to develop fine motor skills. It might even make picking up toys a little more fun. Hey, a mom can dream!
B. toys Magnetic Drawing Board — Toulouse LapTrec
Nothing has more magnetic appeal for toddlers than the invitation to make their mark on the world. A magnetic drawing board offers endless opportunity, and parents never have to worry about cleaning up later.
Learning Resources 18-Piece New Sprouts Dinner Basket Set
$24.99
from
BuyBuyBaby
This toy set is a feast for the eyes and hands — as well as the imaginations — of boys and girls. They can play store, kitchen, or even picnic with the food and handy basket, and learn about healthy eating, too.
Tree Learning Cards
$18
from
MamumaBird/Etsy
For families that enjoy spending time outdoors, it’s never too early to help children learn to name what they see. This set of tree learning cards is a fun, beautiful way to begin for families as they visit the park or spend time in woodland settings. This also makes a great gift for families that like a more minimalist, less mass-produced vibe to their toys.
12 Brilliant Beeswax Crayons
$5.99
from
Faber-Castell
Budding young artists often find crayons a favorite as they explore color and shapes on whatever surfaces they can find (preferably paper). The crayons have the added advantage of solid, break-resistant durability in addition to vibrant color. Another excellent item for the holiday stocking or as a main gift when paired with a nice pad of fresh paper.
B. Toys Interactive Dog Guitar — Woofer
For that toddler alive with the sound of music, this interactive guitar provides lots of bells and whistles — and yes, that includes batteries — so the song stylings can begin as soon as the presents are opened! Will it be loud? Probably. Will it be fun? Definitely!
Smart Snacks Shape Sorting Cupcakes
$19.99
from
BuyBuyBaby
Who can resist cupcakes? (For that matter, who would want to?) And who would want to resist a toy set that provides a feast for the eyes, and also can help children learn about colors and shapes? We're betting that no toddler would.
Wooden Toy Camera
$25
from
Etsy/MamumaBird
One certainty of children is that they love doing what their grown-ups do, especially when they have toys and tools that resemble the ones we use. So this wooden camera is sure to give any copycat toddler photographer plenty of pleasure.
Foam Alphabet & Numbers
$6.99
from
Bed Bath & Beyond
There’s no going wrong with this classic bath time favorite of so many toddlers. Whether sticking to the sides of the tub or floating in the suds, these wonderful stocking stuffers have offered endless hours of entertainment while also helping toddlers get more familiar with letters.
Sesame Street Elmo's On the Go Letters
The only thing better than combining Sesame Street and play with letters is making the whole experience portable. And that’s exactly what Elmo’s On The Go Letters allow a toddler to do. This is sure to be a hit for kids deep in the Elmo phase!
Snake Wood Jigsaw Puzzle
$12.95
from
Oxemize/Etsy
Letters and puzzles and colors and snakes, oh my! What a beautiful and clever combination this toy provides. It’s bright with plenty of twists and turns to its shapes. As an added plus, flip it over, and each puzzles piece is numbered as well, from 1 to 26.
Antsy Pants Play Tunnel
If there is one thing that toddlers find irresistible, it’s the chance to make themselves hidden. And nothing lets them do that better than a tunnel to crawl into. This play tunnel works indoors, but it’s sturdy enough for outdoor play, too. This is great toy to help burn off some energy and prevent the winter stir-crazies!
Kids Car Seat Travel Tray
$24.49
from
Shopecy/Etsy
Any parent looking for a non-electronic way to keep small children occupied on those long car rides should get their hands on this nifty travel tray. It comes in green or black and works for strollers and airplane seats, too.
LeapBuilders 81-Piece Jumbo Blocks Box
With a vast array of bright colors, and more than 80 building blocks of various sizes, toddlers can turn their imaginations loose in almost endless variety of ways using the this building set. They'll have just as much fun building with it as they will knocking it back down!
Montessori Toy Puzzles
$19
from
ChildUniverse/Etsy
Parents can have their pick with these nine mini-puzzle sets of toddler puzzles. The available themes include transportation (and yes that means planes, trains, automobiles, and trucks), vegetables, fruits, and animals. Puzzles make for great quiet play at the end of a busy holiday day, which can be nice when a toddler is a little overstimulated.
Lego Duplo Toy Story Train
Duplos are almost always a great choice for toddlers. This set can help little ones literally put the “toy” in Toy Story. Children can develop their motor skills and save the day by helping Woody and Buzz keep Evil Dr. Porkchop at bay.
Personalized Wooden Rocket Stacking Toy
$19.99
from
RavenSkullMagic/Etsy
Any budding astronaut toddler would be over the moon to receive this colorful stacking rocket ship. It comes with the child’s name added, and the option to add “Fly Me To The Moon” in addition.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, Cafemom 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.
