What’s on our toddlers’ Christmas list this year and what do we highly recommend? Read on for our list of toddler Christmas gift recommendations!

Beau (age 3) toddler gift recommendations

Kids real tool set

Toy Story Remote Control Car

We have a remote control car and its a big hit! We need another so the kids wont fight, and this one is perfect.

Re-usable Sticker Activity Pad, Monsters INC

Phonetic Reading Blocks

Peg Number Board

Apple Air Tag

I have been considering getting these for the kids for awhile to use at the zoo or at Disney or anywhere that they can potentially be lost in a crowd.

Toddler Cap

Bowser’s Castle

Playmag Magnetic Figurines

T-Ball Glove

We are starting t-ball in the Spring!

Crocs Boots

We only use the croc boots, I think we have had almost every color. They are really durable, comfortable, and stylish at an affordable price.

Candyland (and other simple board games)

DO NOT WAIT to buy simple games because you think your child is still too young. At 3 years old your child is able to play a simple board game like Candyland and it is an exceptional opportunity for learning and bonding. You can buy Candyland at Walmart for $7.00.

Magnetic Maze

We have this already, the kids loved it!

Magnetic Letter Tracing

Also have this, highly recommend.

Train for Around the Tree toddler christmas gift recommendation

Get the toy train that goes around the tree! You wont regret it.

Willa Belle (1-2 years) toddler christmas gift recommendations

Doodle Tablet

You can never have enough of these, the kids fight over them. Big hit for both.

Sun Protection Hat

Stainless Steel Lunch Box

Vacuum Cleaner

Magnatiles

Cocomelon Plushies

Walk, Bounce, Ride Pony

Have this, highly recommend if your baby is between 9m-2y

Kids Cleaning Set

Also a big hit in our house. Both of the kids started getting interested in cleaning very young. Dont wait to buy this, buy it by 1 year.

Trolls

Piano Mat

We have this and both kids love it!

Minnie Mouse 9-Piece Bag Set

Race Track

You need to keep a good eye on these cars because they are small and will get lost. But they are so fun! We have had ours for years.

Suction Spin Toy

If you have a baby and you don’t own these, immediately click and purchase and thank me later. Buy a pack for the car, the refrigerator, the bath, and the diaper bag. Its just a yes all the way around.

Stainless Steel Pretend Play Pots/Pans

Its me, Im just a big Melissa and Doug junkie.

Folding Tunnel

This toy is good because it folds up fast and is easy pop up. Big hit in our house to get energy out.

Sensory Tubes

I bought these for work, but randomly had them at home one day. The kids took to them right away. Super fun, would recommend.

Potato Head

Both of my kids were doing potato heads at 1 year old. Dont skip out on potato because you think your toddler is too young! Potato is a big hit.

Shopping Cart

Its a yes times one thousand. If you don’t have one yet, click and purchase and thank me later. This is the best toy. Both of the kids were using it to stand at 1 year old, don’t wait to purchase. It’s great for many years!

Things I do NOT recommend for a toddler Christmas gift

While writing this post I came across a lot of toys that we have that I would not recommend wasting your money on. Every child is different, so this is just my experience. Feel free to write your experiences in the comments!

Spin Toy

I absolutely cannot stand this toy. I have thrown it out the front door on several occasions. It is dangerous, even for kids who are old enough to use it. Don’t waste your money.

Roller Coaster

I used to want one of these so bad and I dont know why. They are so expensive for a gift you have to have a lot of space to put up, and a one second ride. I can think of multiple toys you can buy for the price of this that you will get more use out of.

PLASTIC pretend food

We prefer wooden food. Plastic food just gets dented and broken all over your house. They’re cheap and its obvious. The wooden food will last much longer.

Real Water Play Sink

Okay, the kids DID enjoy this a lot WHILE THEY LASTED. We have been through two of them, would not recommend wasting your money. Just let your child play in the real sink with a stool. These toys do not last long, and they are basically unfixable.

Mini Balance Bikes

This is probably an unpopular opinion but I hate these bikes. The kids just dont use them enough. I will scream it from the rooftops- your child does not need a mini balance bike to develop “balance” or “know how to ride a bike”. We all never had these as kids, we are just fine. Big money grab, would skip. Better yet, find one on facebook marketplace for $10 or less and try it out for yourself.

Water Mat for Doodling

I could never figure this toy out. Maybe thats user error, but it went to waste in the toy box.

Wooden Puzzles that look like this

I think that these puzzles are too difficult for little hands. Children 0-3 need INSERT type puzzles in my opinion (where the pieces don’t touch each other). These just sit in the toy box and the pieces disappear.

Interactive Plushies

We have had plenty of interactive light up plushies. We’ve had the singing Elmo, and this dog as well. They just aren’t a big hit for us. Although I do think that $13 is a good price for this. The excitement goes away fast and then they just sit in the toy box.

Sensory Tables

This is probably another unpopular opinion. But I don’t love sensory tables. I think they are messy for kids younger than 3. They need constant supervision with them. I prefer to just let my kids play in the sink, or at the beach, in the tub, or use finger paint. I also think that a lot of “instagram moms” try to have the “best” sensory tables and is it all for the gram? We skipped out on sensory tables.

I could go on and on about my toddler Christmas gift recommendations! HAPPY SHOPPING! Let me know what you’re getting your babies.

If you are looking for more gift recommendations, check out previous posts such as Nostalgic Gift Bag and 10 party games for connecting with guests. Also, if you host a party this season, check out Unforgettable Holiday Parties.

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