Yowza, the sugar high from Halloween was just wearing off when the Christmas gift idea requests started flying in from family members.
Luckily I started saving things into my Amazon cart and phone Notes a few months ago, so I would have lots of ideas.
I figure y’all might be in the same boat, looking for ideas. So here are mine, comment below with your ideas!!
Animal tea infuser strainer set
So, you’re nearing the one year mark since you’ve kept a little human alive. Yay you!! Now everyone is asking for gift ideas and you’re like, “uhhh I don’t know??”
Your time with a baby is coming to an end and you have no idea what to gift a toddler.
So here you go, 14 things my kids (and their friends) loved between the 12-24 month age range.
This has by far been the favourite for this age range (and even a bit younger and older too). You may think it looks silly because the car doesn’t actually move, but the kids LOVE it! Every kid who comes over to our house hops right into this car.
2. Ride on Car
While we’re on the topic of cars. A ride on car is another favourite. I know it may seem silly having both, but they each get SO much use in our house. We actually have two ride on cars plus the laugh and learn car!! I’m so happy to have them all.
3. Water Table
Sure, you could set up a bucket of water with some scoops and funnels for water play – but a water table is so handy. We keep ours on our covered deck and the kids play with it year round. If you’re planning on keeping yours out in the elements, consider one with a lid.
4. Bath Toys
Keeping to the water theme here, bath toys. Get bath toys like these, that aren’t going to get moldy. Remember any squeaky toys that take water in, are going to build up mold eventually. I keep these in the bath along with some cups and bowls I can easily wash.
5. Sand Toys
Sand toys are a definite must for a young toddler. My little one loves scoops and buckets, my big one loves watering cans and trucks. I like this kit because it has everything. I also have dollar store sand toys I keep in my car and don’t mind losing for last minute beach and park trips. If you have a big kid to run after at the playground, bringing a rake, shovel and bucket for the little one works so well to keep them occupied and in one place.
6. Egg Toy
My little one LOVES this toy. She spends so long taking apart and putting together these eggs. I keep it in her room though because there’s lots of pieces that can come loose and get lost.
I got this picnic table (without the umbrella) secondhand and we’ve used it WAY more than I thought we would. It’s been so handy for eating outside and play dates.
8. Shape Sorter
Both my kids liked this toy but for different reasons. The big kid would launch all the pieces across the room and the little kid carefully figures out the shapes and uses the toy for its actual purpose. HA.
9. Little Chair
My kids love their little chairs. They sit on them to read books or lounge. In the little girlie’s room I put her chair in the corner with some blankets, pillows and stuffies and she loves cuddling up in that area.
These are a bigger investment but have been SO worth it. The kids love climbing and running on them. I like how they can use these in so many different ways.
11. Slide
I got this slide used and my kids use it SO much. It’s a perfect size for the younger toddler. If you’re nervous about kiddo falling, then set it up on foam blocks or outside on the grass. But you’ll be surprised how quickly they figure it out!!
Every morning with the kids we do a little music time. We get out these instruments and sing a few songs before they do their independent play time. I know there are cheaper ones out there but these instruments are super sturdy and sound like the real thing!
13. Balls
In my opinion, every kid needs a set of balls they can throw around! I bought a few stainless steel bowls that I set up with these balls and the girlie will put the balls inside the bowls and throw them all around. Such a great, simple activity.
14. Summer Hat
And to finish off the list, something practical of course. We have one of these hats in every size from baby to kid! My 16 month old is currently wearing a small and my 3 year old is wearing a medium. I love these hats so much. I feel so much better in the hot sun knowing their little faces and necks are protected.
Anything not on this list that your young toddler loves or uses often? Would love to hear it!
My three year old is a tough cookie to buy for. Unless you’re buying cookies. Then he’ll take all the cookies. Aside from sweets, he’s hard to shop for. He’s not a big fan of sitting down and playing with toys. So I thought I’d write up the presents wanted/received for his birthday, just in case you have an active little 3 year old you’re buying for.
So here are the 10 things on my Crazy Active 3 Year Old’s Birthday List:
2. Y-Bike
We were at a drop in when we came across these bikes for the first time and my guy LOVED it. He’s not great at riding a strider but was awesome on this bike. It’s been such a hit!!!
3. Doctor Kit
My 3 year old unfortunately has asthma, which has made for a lot of doctor visits. On the bright side, we’ve had mostly positive experiences at the doctor, so he was super excited to get this and play pretend.
4. Bear Hat
My kiddo loves hats. This one is great because it’s adjustable and lasts for a long time. We have the raccoon version and got this bear one for his birthday.
5. Play Doh
This is the one thing my guy will sit down and play with for longer than 30 seconds. We got a few different kits for his birthday. The barbershop and noodle maker have been his favourites so far!
6. Wheelbarrow
My 3 year old loooooves helping around the house. He was absolutely thrilled to get this kid sized wheelbarrow.
These go great with the wheelbarrow. My kiddo has a slightly different version of these gardening tools but he loves them. I like that these look like the real thing.
We love, love, love this table from IKEA. With the top on it’s a normal kids table that we use for crafts, playdoh, etc. With the top off, it can be used as a sensory bin.
9. Kinetic Sand
If you’ve never felt kinetic sand, it is so neat! It feels like permanently wet sand. It’s pretty easy to clean up and the kiddos all love it! I like to use it in our sensory bins.
10. Construction Worker Costume
This was on my kid’s birthday list but we didn’t get it. So I think I’ll buy it for him with birthday money. He will love it!! He’s at the age now where he loves playing pretend and “going to work.”
Hope these ideas help!! Anything your 3 year old loves that’s not on the list? Comment below!!
Hi! My name is Alex Turner. I’m a journalist turned stay at home mom living the (chaotic) dream keeping three kiddos, a rescue dog, a husband and way too many plants alive. Join me as I share my honest, funny and frustrating journey through motherhood and life.