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The Best Toddler Gifts for Little Moments and Big Celebrations
The Best Toddler Gifts for Little Moments and Big Celebrations

The Best Toddler Gifts for Little Moments and Big Celebrations

Whether it's their birthday, a holiday or just because—here are 40+ ideas to celebrate your favorite toddler.

author-Briana Engelbrecht
By Briana Engelbrecht and Latifah Miles
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On
Updated On
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In This Article

Best Toddler Gifts for Imaginative Play
Best Open-Ended Toddler Toys
Best Toddler Learning Gifts
Best Creative Toddler Gifts
Best Useful Toddler Gifts That Aren’t Toys
Best Personalized Toddler Gifts
Best Toddler Gifts for Outdoors

When your baby hits toddlerhood, a whole new world opens up to both them and you. With so many options out there, where do you even start? From pretend play to trending toys and even a few non-toy options that would make perfect birthday gifts, we’ve gathered a few of our favorite toys and gifts for toddlers.

We brought together insights from our team, including Briana Engelbrecht (associate editor, mom of two, and former preschool teacher) and me (a fellow mom of two and longtime editor focused on toddler gear). We considered toys that are fun while encouraging development because children learn through play. 

If you’re anything like us, you like to be intentional about the toys you have in your home. Creating a birthday or holiday wishlist can be a kind way to give your family and friends a few hints of what your toddler would like and actually play with. And if you want to mix things up and add in some experience-based gifts, we have ideas for that, too. 

Here are some fun and useful toddler gift ideas that we love.

Best Toddler Gifts for Imaginative Play

Imaginative play (also called pretend play) is essential for little brain development. Playing make-believe encourages kids to problem-solve, think critically and lean into their expressive and emotional language. Toddlers use the world around them as the foundation of their imaginative play, so toys like a broom and mop set are great for this type of play. Here are our favorite toys to spark imagination.

Best Open-Ended Toddler Toys

An open-ended toy is anything that can provide endless opportunities for play (or close to it). There isn’t a single or right way to play with them, leaving the direction of play up to the toddler. Blocks are a great example, which is why there are a few different options. Plus, a few more ideas of toys that’ll keep your toddler occupied.

Best Toddler Learning Gifts

With a degree in early childhood development, I’m always looking for toys that are fun but also benefit my toddlers’ development. From fine motor skills to cognitive development, toys can be an essential tool in helping toddlers reach and strengthen their milestones. Here are a few of my favorite learning toys.

Best Creative Toddler Gifts

Painting, coloring and crafting can help toddlers express emotions while also strengthening their fine and gross motor skills. And getting creative doesn’t have to be a messy task—an activity as simple as peeling and placing stickers is both fun and great for motor development.

Best Useful Toddler Gifts That Aren’t Toys

As a parent, I know how quickly your home can become overrun with toys. If you’re searching for a useful, non-toy gift, we’ve got you covered.

Best Personalized Toddler Gifts

There’s something extra special about personalizing items with a child’s name, birthday or even their zodiac sign. The best part is you’re not limited when it comes to personalizing. You can put their name on just about anything. Here are a few of favorites.

Best Toddler Gifts for Outdoors

Last but not least, we have outdoor toys. Fresh air, sunshine, and spending time outside are magic for kids (and great for their learning and development, too). While we love the idea of encouraging your toddler to engage with the environment around them, like collecting rocks, watching birds, and getting physical by running and jumping, we also know that toddlers get bored, and a fun toy can convince them to stay outdoors for longer. Here are a few gifts for toddlers that will make their time outside even more fun.

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