Whether it’s for your son, daughter, niece, nephew, godchild or grandchild – finding the perfect gift for a toddler can be a minefield! After all, there are so many toys and gadgets out there to choose from, you could spend hours wandering around the toy shop with no idea what to buy.
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift right now, remember that toddlers are curious and they’re learning all the time, so toys or gifts that stimulate them and encourage them to learn are always good! Alternatively, you can never go wrong with something practical but cute – and these often help mum and dad too!
If you’re in need of some inspiration for the little ones in your life, here’s 16 gift ideas they’re sure to love!
1. Personalised books
Perfect for making bed time easier, why not consider a personalised book. These gifts are not only very sweet, but they can help to develop a child’s reading skills as they grow older. There are a number of companies out there that make personalised stories for children, with titles such as ‘The little girl who lost her name’ – all you need to do is let them know who the story is for.
2. Building blocks
Building blocks are always a win when it comes to keeping a toddler entertained, plus they’re a great tool for learning. Duplo are particularly great as they stimulates their senses and help them to think more logically while still having fun. Plus they come in a huge range, from simple numbered blocks to train sets or zoo creatures.
3. Bath toys
Make bath time fun with flannel finger puppets, rubber ducks or bath time games. These can be a really useful tool for the development of toddlers, but they also make having a bath less of a chore for young children. Something their parents will certainly appreciate.
4. Welly boots
It’s not just Peppa Pig that enjoys splashing around in muddy puddles you know! A cute pair of welly boots is always an adorable addition to any toddler’s wardrobe. Plus they offer hours of entertainment splashing around in the garden or going out on muddy walks.
5. Colourful flashcards
Help them to learn and have fun at the same time. Educational flash cards can be a great way to teach them new words and keep them engaged, making learning into a game.
6. A scooter
Scooters are all the rage these days and there are a number of options available to those who are slightly younger. A three wheeled scooter makes balancing easier for the little ones, or if they’ve got great balance already you could always challenge them with two wheels. Either way, they’re going to love playing outside with their new scooter.
7. Cuddly toys
A companion to take to bed each night and play with all day, every child loves a cuddly toy! Have a personalised bear made for them or choose one of their TV favourites, but a soft toy is always a warm and welcome gift for a toddler.
8. Musical instruments
Whether you choose a xylophone, a light up drum set or a miniature piano, musical instruments make a great gift (though their parents might not always thank you for it!). You can stimulate their senses and encourage their musical genius as they play, who knows, they might even become a famous rockstar one day.
9. Play kitchen
Why not encourage your little one to become a Michelin star chef? Play kitchens can either be kept inside, or plastic varieties can even be great for the garden. But either way, let their imagination run wild as they prepare meals and share these with you and the rest of the family.
10. Children’s backpacks
Let them feel grown up as they carry around their own bag just like you do! There are a range of cute backpacks available for young kids, perfect for storing their toys, spare clothes or that ever handy pack of baby wipes. You can even choose a backpack with a reign so that they can’t wander off when you’re out in a busy area.
11. Themed playmats
These mats have become almost iconic, you probably remember the old town/village scene printed on a nylon playmate. This itself was great for pushing toy cars or playing with dolls as the towns people. But nowadays you have even more choice available to you, you can choose from a farm scene, race track or even a funfair. And best of all they last for years, so you can prolong the fun!
12. Shopping trolleys and tills
Arguably the staple of any childhood, let their imagination soar as they pretend to be wandering the supermarket isles just like grown ups do. They’ll have hours of fun pushing around their trolley of food and better yet, you can even add a till to the mix. Complete with money and a card machine, watch them play pretend as the shopkeeper too.
13. Pop up tents
Children’s pop up tents are so versatile with so many themes available. You can choose from a classic tent, a princess castle, a fortress, a teepee or even a rocket. Perfect for inside and outside play and easy to set up, these are great for getting their imaginations flowing.
14. Ride on cars
Again, these can be used for playing inside and out and you can choose from something timeless (you’ve guessed it, the Little Tikes red and yellow coupe car) or something personalised. You can have wooden ride on cars personalised with the toddlers name, or keep it classic with something they won’t mind riding through the mud.
15. Tools/doctor sets
Perhaps you have a future doctor in your midst? Or a mechanic? There are a range of role play sets out there that toddlers will love. As children love mimicking adults and fixing things up or being helpful around the house, these role play sets can be the perfect way to boost their problems solving and creativity skills.
16. Personalised Money Boxes
This list wouldn’t be complete without one of our very own offerings, personalised kid’s money boxes which are ideal gifts for occassions such as christenings, their first communion and birthdays. We have a wide variety of money boxes to choose from which can all be personalised to include names and dates, there’s even a unicorn one!
