Hape Gourmet Kitchen $129.99
This is the perfect sized kitchen for little gourmets. I recommend purchasing the gourmet kitchen starter set and chef’s choice play set along with the kitchen itself so you can let your toddler’s go wild with their culinary creations.
Hape Walk-a-Long Puppy $24.99
Pull toys are a big favorite for toddlers, and this one will win raves. When your kiddo pulls the puppy, it wags its tail and its head and ears move. It can be placed in multiple positions and has rubber edging on the wheels, so it is less likely to tip over. Great toy for toddlers, especially those just getting on their feet.
KidKraft Table and Chair Set $63.92
A toddler-sized table and chair is ideal if you’d like your child to have their own space to play and create. I also like that it’s their place to make as much mess as they like–not on my kitchen table. The little net in the middle where kids can simply push in their stuff for storage on this table is genius!
Melissa & Doug 100-Piece Wooden Block Set $19.99
My daughter loves playing with her blocks, whether she’s sorting them by shapes and colors, seeing how high she can stack them, or creating new creatures and objects. This is a wonderful gift for any child…and parents will have a lot of fun with this one, too.
Melissa & Doug Beginner Band Set $24.99
Toddlers love to make noise. Channel their passion into music with this beginner band set, that includes a xylophone, kazoo, harmonica, castinets, and jingle bells. You may also want to purchase some ear plugs for yourself.
Melissa & Doug Magnetic Wooden Alphabet $11.99
Alphabet magnets are a fun way to help your toddler start learning letters and their sounds and piecing them together in the words. Plus, they’ll make your fridge a lot more interesting.
Melissa & Doug Paint with Water Books $4.99
Toddlers love drawing, painting, and coloring, and these paint with water books are a fun, easy way to let your toddler explore painting. Just give them a cup of water and let them go to town. The paint washes off of clothes and surfaces easily, so you don’t even have to worry about the mess. I also highly recommend other art supplies for little ones, including rolls of paper, coloring books, and washable crayons and markers.
Melissa & Doug Reusable Sticker Pads $4.99
The only thing better than stickers is reusable stickers. These pads from Melissa & Doug come in a variety of types and have a ton of fun stickers to fit various backgrounds.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Chunky Puzzle $6.99
These chunky puzzles are a great way to introduce your toddler to puzzles. They are great to help them begin to recognize every day objects and animals, as well as develop their memory and gross and fine motor skills. Plus, they’re fun!
Munchkin Snack Catcher $7.99
These are the perfect cups for little hands and containing messes. The cups are small and easy to carry around, with lids that allow toddlers’ hands to go in but keeps snacks from falling out. This gift may in some ways be more for you, but your little one will love eating from these, too.
This is a GREAT round-up. I must be RIGHT on the money with our toddler because we have gotten the Walk-a-long puppy and am going to get the reusable sticker pads as well! And now I’m eyeing those blocks ! 🙂
this is perfect! my son would play with all of these 🙂
Great list! I actually bought 2 of the items on this list already for my little guy 🙂
I’m so glad I came across this post because I was *just* looking at buying some Melissa and Doug toys for my 17mo daughter. I’m such a cheapo when it comes to toys, but I also don’t buy crap that’s harmful or poorly made. So far I feel like this brand is right up my ally and I know they will last a long time too. We’re due in April so the toys will be well loved!
Those snack cups are the best invention! Love that my toddler’s snack can’t be dumped out immediately!
Thanks for the list. I have been trying to figure out what to get my toddler. An idea I had was to get someone to make him a puzzle with his name on it so he could learn his name and have a puzzle to play with.
I am a sucker for a. wooden toys, and b. play kitchens. This Hape one is TO DIE FOR. I love it!! That might be a worthy splurge for Christmas!
I had a walk-a-long puppy when I was a kid! That Hape one is SO cute.
I love the wooden letters. They would be great for my son!
I love so many of these toys.. i have 3 kids ages 4 and under and one of their favorites are the wood puzzles, they are actually getting more this year from Santa I think.
I like a lot of the Melissa and Doug products. I’ve been eyeing the magnetic letters and the reusable sticker books. Some reviews of the sticker books made them sound a bit difficult for a toddler to use. At what age do you think they become practical/easy to use?
This is a great list of toys that all Grandparents of toddlers should have. I always dread the presents we receive that are all cheap plastic toys of no real educational/useful value. I haven’t seen some of these before, but you bet I will be getting at least one of these for my daughter this Christmas.
We actually got a lot of these for my sons first christmas, but there are some good ideas for this christmas listed too!
I love Melissa & Doug, especially their 100-Piece Wooden Block Set and puzzles. They make such great toys!
Totally agree with this list. In fact, I’ve giving my toddlers several of the toys on your list at various Christmases.
Great list, I have been looking for something for my nephew and I really like the kid craft table and chair idea.
that kitchen is awesome! I love all the gifts chosen
My son would just love the Beginner Band Set but honestly I don’t know if I could handle it lol! I’ve seen a really nice set of bells that you push (at a seniors home of all places!) that I was thinking about looking for for him. They make a pretty sound that is not too loud even with a toddler bashing them!
This is a great guide. I have a toddler and he loves many of these gifts. His favorite is the pull along puppy!
My little ones would love the table and chair set and the puzzle
Im starting to do puzzles with my 3 yr old so the chunky wooden puzzle sounds great
Thanks for awesome ideas. I needed them for my niece in christmas. Love the little kitchen.
The KidKraft Table and Chair Set is so cute. Thanks for the list. My son would love the puzzle.