Holiday Gift Guide - Toddler Edition
Long time, no blog! My family has been through an incredibly busy and hectic couple of months. I hope you forgive me for not being on the blog as much. I am currently staying at home again for the foreseeable future and possibly starting to helping out with my husband’s business. I have so much to talk to you all about. We have been through so much and have had several life changes in an extremely short amount of time. Stay tuned for more posts in the coming weeks.
What are the best gifts for toddlers?
In my experience working with my own toddler and now several classes of newborn to 5 year olds, I have found that toddlers love open ended toys! What does this mean?
According to Google and www.sigikid-usa.com, “An open-ended toy is one that can be played with in many different ways. They aren't bound to one form of play. For example, a video game can only function in one way. You can't make spontaneous changes depending on your mood. But an open-ended toy can be used to suit your child's imagination.”
So, this is why Montessori and independent types of play are so popular! Kids will be able to play with open ended toys well into their childhood.
Here are some ideas I have on my toddler’s Amazon Christmas Wish List for 2021 and some things we already have and love! Links are on the photos.
Magna-tiles
These guys were a crowd favorite at the preschool I just recently worked at! I noticed all ages 18 months and older are obsessed with these!
They are an open ended toy as we discussed before, opening up the opportunity for years of play with all ages. They are pricey, but an amazing gift to ask for from a family member or even as a combined gift for several kids!
2. Amazon Suction Toys
Also known as “squigs”, these are another fun open ended toy!
They have endless opportunities for fun and are a great alternative to blocks.
Some examples for the Amazon page
3. Black and Decker Tool Workshop
What a fun addition to your dramatic play toys! Kitchens are great as well as dress up toys, but my son is enthralled with the tool station! I think this is another great one for little ones who are 2 and up!
Another great way to have your little guy or gal use their imagination and explore independently.
4. Toddler Tower
I have been wanting one of these for SO long! It’s one of those things you just don’t think about buying for yourself. This is a great gift to share with grandparents if they are struggling knowing what to get your toddler this holiday season.
This tower makes it safe for your little one to help out in the kitchen, safely wash their hands, or do really anything where they need a little bit more height to help out! This one is on our Amazon Christmas wish list!
5. Sorting Bears and Tools
Of course I had to throw a “learning” toy in here!
These bears might be giving you throwback vibes. They are amazing for early math skills such as sorting and color recognition! Not to mention the fine motor skills it takes to use the tongs along with grabbing individual bears. These are also at the top of our “most wanted” list. SO fun!
*PLEASE be careful with small pieces and little ones
6. Legos, Wooden Block or Megablocks
The original open ended toy! Any of these choices are AMAZING for open ended play if you don’t already own them. I love the Mega Blocks because they are so great for little hands to grab. They come in a bag that zips up too!
The wooden blocks are great for early literacy because of all of the fun pictures and letters on each block. The possibilities with these are endless.
Send this little toddler gift guide to someone you know with a toddler, or someone you know buying for a toddler this holiday season! What is on your list for your little ones? Let me know on my most recent Instagram post!
Love you all.
Malorie