The Best Gifts for Toddlers

Know a little one ready to zoom around the neighborhood? This super cute balance bike is a great first step. With airless wheels, a low frame, and a height-adjustable seat, it’s ideal for teaching kids to move around on two wheels (powered by their feet, rather than pedals). It’ll quickly become your toddler’s favorite mode of transportation.

Toddlers love pushing buttons (in more ways than one) — and this Dimpl Digits toy pairs the joy of buttons with skills like color recognition and basic math. On one side, each bubble has a numeral and the corresponding English word; flip the toy over to find the Spanish word for each number, plus the corresponding number of dots. It’s made from plastic and food-grade silicone, and even if your toddler is too young to read numbers just yet, it’s the perfect fidget toy for little hands.

Toddlers = snacks everywhere. Which is why a great snack cup is key. Crafted from food-grade silicone, and free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates, this snack cup is easy to grip and has a spill-proof top that will keep all those puffs inside.

It’s true, this plush, happy hot dog makes a great buddy for any age, but for a toddler it’s a safe, huggable toy that may just earn favorite stuffie status. If it’s a big hit, maybe next year you can go for the burger, pizza, or taco.

We love toys that are both fun and educational, and building blocks are a prime example. Complete with 150 big multi-colored pieces, this set is great for siblings to share, and since the blocks are compatible with other major brands, they’ll work just fine when mixed in with the rest of the toy bin.

If you have a toddler, you’re probably well acquainted with Ms. Rachel. Now, the toddler in your life can have a plush, mini look-alike version who sings and speaks more than a dozen of Ms. Rachel’s best-known phrases. You’ll be singing along to “Icky Sticky Sticky Sticky Bubble Gum” (again) in no time.

These cozy Crocs are adorable…so much so that you may need to make this a matching moment. They have a warm, fuzzy polyester liner that’ll keep little toes nice and snug — plus, your little one will jump at the chance to add some Jibbitz charms.

Make the music happen with this soft, nearly unbreakable audio player for kids. Just place one of the accompanying figurines, called Tonies, on top to unlock songs or stories about Elsa, Moana, Batman, or any number of other characters and topics; you can even record your own material on a “Creative-Tonie.” To change tracks, all your little one has to do is smack the side of the speaker, so (in theory) they can give you a few minutes’ peace. The new Toniebox 2, which is designed for kids as young as 1, has features like screen-free games, a sleep timer, and a glowing light ring.

For construction-oriented toddlers, this one’s a must. These pretty magnetic tiles are securely made, developmentally stimulating (for creative and fine motor skills alike), and they hold up over years of use. 

These kid-sized bottles are lightweight and leak-proof, and they come in over two dozen patterns so your little one can gulp down 14 ounces in style. They’re dishwasher safe, and perfect for school or trips to the playground.

Mallets, cogs, and pegs, oh my! Keep younger kiddos engaged for hours with this woodland-inspired activity table. Aesthetically pleasing enough to be left out around the house, this multifaceted toy will help hone dexterity and problem-solving skills…and it'll look good doing it.

One Skimm’r says this doodle mat’s been going strong at her house for close to a year, which is not a bad return on investment for under $20. Kids can use the included water pens, markers, brushes, and sponges to create designs with minimal mess, and since they can start over again as soon as their artwork dries, it never gets old.

An alarm clock, night light, and dimmable lamp all in one — it’s a gift for a toddler, but their parents, too. Easy to program, this cute star-shaped clock keeps a red light on at night, then turns green when it’s time to get up — or it can stay the color of your choosing all night long. We love that it’s dimmable and customizable so you can tailor everything to your own preferences. 

With delightful patterns like milk boxes and sunny-side-up daisies, these beautiful organic cotton pajamas will send the kids off to sleep smiling. For a family matching moment, check out their grown-up PJs, too.

Just pull the string on this cute, battery-free bath toy and watch Bluey swim up a storm around the tub. Did we mention it’s great for the pool, too?

Let your creative little ones express themselves to their fullest at bath time with these washable fingerpaints. This pack includes five tubes of non-toxic paint, so youngsters of all ages can make masterpieces that wash away easily when they’re done.

Your playroom isn’t complete without at least one farm-themed toy, and this one should stay in the rotation for a while. It comes with nine wooden animals plus a farmer, and little ones can practice shape-matching to find where each little character fits. When they’re done playing, all the pieces can go right inside the barn for easy clean-up and storage. 

If your little one would get a kick out of drawing a T-rex with a Brachiosaurus-shaped crayon, this is the perfect gift. Choose from a variety of color options, and get a box full of distinctive drawing tools that are easy for small hands to hold and maneuver.