Christmas Gift Ideas for Toddlers

Most parents want to keep their little ones entertained, but at the same time want to provide educational toys so toddlers can learn necessary skills they will need in pre-school. 

Dolls and cuddlies are still popular

Most toddlers love dolls and cuddly toys. Try to find "childlike" dolls (not fashion dolls!) with pretty faces and huggable bodies. Baby Bjorn dolls and similar are perfect. Cuddly toys should be able to stand some abuse as they are likely to be carried, dragged and thrown around! Perhaps you can find the child's favorite animal? Simple soft toy puppets can also be very popular at this age.

DVDs make great toddler gifts

Toddlers also enjoy the fun and excitement that DVD’s provide. Not only are DVD’s affordable, they will keep the toddler engaged and a good one will be watched over and over - and may even become part of the family's memories. There is of course a huge range of DVDS available (including films, television shows and compilations, musicals and so on) and parents can enjoy much quality time watching them with their toddlers. For some good ideas, if you are out of touch, have a browse on Amazon and read reviews to find out what parents think about the latest DVDs. Tip: we have always found that toddlers love to watch and sing along with nursery rhymes and other children's songs, particularly if they can watch other children singing and dancing!

An updated rocking horse?

For parents or grandparents who might want to invest in a more expensive gift for the toddler, the Baby Dino Rocker by Earlyears is an ideal gift idea. It is a colorful and plush alternative to the rocking horse and retails for under $100. The soft padding on the body of the Baby Dino makes it comfortable and the design and colors will look wonderful in any playroom. Of course, if you really want to go to town, a traditional rocking horse would do the trick too!

The latest craze

It’s important to think creatively when shopping for toddlers and also keep educational toys in mind.  Of course, if you are determined to buy the hottest item, the 10th Anniversary TMX Elmo will be appreciated by your toddler. Expect a moderate to expensive price range and don’t be surprised if some stores are sold out. However, you may be able to find it on eBay.

Educational fun

Discovery Toys makes the Discovery Chest which is an educational and fun toy for any toddler. Not only does it engage your toddler’s imagination, but will also provide a boost in learning and practicing skills such as: button, zip, clip, buckle, and tie. You can’t go wrong and your toddler will have hours of fun!

Make potty training fun

One concern parents have about toddlers, is teaching potty training to them while making it fun. For that reason, Emma and Paul, part of the Corolle Dolls collection are a great gift idea. They are adorable and will help the toddler learn about potty training in a fun way. The 14 inch dolls come with a bottle, pacifier, potty and disposable diaper. They can also double as a bath toy since they are made from specially sealed vinyl that will prevent water from getting into the doll- plus they are vanilla-scented and smell wonderful. Apart from being educational and fun, the dolls are affordable.

Other ideas

Anything that sticks onto the fridge (letters, shapes etc) or the side of the bath (bath foam shapes), makes a noise when you shake it or push it or poke it, or can be taken apart and put back together again (such as stacking and sorting toys) will be appreciated. Large sized lego blocks are always loved by parents and toddlers alike. And in our family a traditional set of wooden bricks was perhaps the favorite toy of all, played with for many years and often chosen in preference to brightly colored, trendier toys!

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