Shopping for toddlers at Christmas can be overwhelming – you probably already have experience sourcing gifts for a baby, but shopping for toddlers is completely different.
Between the ages of 1 and 3, your child will hit some big developmental milestones. It’s likely they’re already very curious about the world around them and they love using their little imagination to play – but what can you get them that they will enjoy?
To keep the holiday cheer going and ensure you are as stress-free as possible, we’ve done all the hard work for you and curated a list of some of the best Christmas toy ideas for your toddler.
Balance Bike
Whatever age your child is, nothing beats seeing their face when they realise there’s a shiny new balance bicycle waiting for them under the tree on Christmas morning.
The great thing about balance bikes is that they’re not just a toy, they provide hours of fun and adventure and exercise.
Balance bikes are a great way to teach your little one how to ride a bike. They are just like a normal bike except they don’t have any pedals or gears.
The lack of pedals means that your child will develop their balancing skills before anything else, which is important when they come to transition to a pedal bike.
The seats on balance bikes are also adjustable meaning that it grows as your child grows, they are also incredibly lightweight too making them perfect for little arms and legs to push and navigate.
You can find a balance bike to suit all designs that your child might be into, including toy story or frozen.
A great example of the perfect balance bike for a Christmas present would be the Birtech Balance Bike.
Ball pits
When it comes to finding toys that your children will love, nothing quite cuts it like a ball pit. Ball pits are a great choice for Christmas as they help to keep your little one happy and entertained for hours.
They can help to turn your home into a fun playground, and they provide hours on hours of sensory stimulation for your toddler.
The great thing about ball pits is that they are available in a variety of colours, shapes, sizes, and costs to suit every individual’s needs.
Remember to keep your ball pit clean as well as the balls that go inside.
The perfect choice for a high quality ball pit for your childs Christmas is the Selonis Soft Ball Pit which is also great for younger children.
Wooden toys
Over the last few years, wooden toys have made a significant comeback and it’s not just because they are more sustainable than plastic ones.
Wooden toys aren’t only more durable than plastic toys, they’re safer too as no harmful chemicals have been used in the process.
With plenty of wooden toys on the market, they help to spark your child’s creativity and imagination and they also look great on the shelves of your toddler’s nursery too!
Indoor climbing frame
All children love to climb, right? And an indoor climbing frame is one of the best gifts you can get your toddler.
There is a wide range available for kids of all ages and to suit all budgets, from super high-end to more affordable Montessori inspired styles.
The perfect indoor climbing frame for any size home is the Mamoi Climbing Triangle, its super space efficient
There are so many benefits to an indoor climbing frame in addition to the hours of fun your child will have – climbing frames help to develop balance, strength, and motor skills which is why you’ll find them in most Montessori play centres.
They also help your child learn how to understand and navigate risk too. Despite the upsides its always good to consider multiple factors before purchasing.
Indoor slide
If you need a way for your child to burn-off steam when you can’t go to the park or when the weather is terrible, why not invest in an indoor slide?
Not only will an indoor slide provide your toddler with hours of fun, but it also helps them develop spatial awareness, improve their coordination, and prepare your child for a bigger slide adventure.
Playpen
Before investing in a playpen, we must warn you that your child will never want playtime to end!
Playpens are a great gift to suit both you and your child. Not only will it give you the freedom to crack on with life admin, but your little one will be kept entertained for hours.
Playpens allow your toddler the opportunity to have some much-needed independent playtime, simply fill them with sensory toys and watch them explore for hours!
We have put together a list of the best playpens!
Sandpit
It might seem strange buying your child a sandpit in the height of winter, but we promise you that this is one toy that will provide your little one with endless hours of fun once the warmer months arrive.
Sandpits come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and most toddlers love playing with sand whether it’s slipping it through their fingers or building a sandcastle with it, sand is a wonderful sensory material for your child to play with and touch.
You can also team the sandpit with a huge array of sandpit toys that can make the perfect additional presents.
Musical toys
If your toddler loves music or loves to dance, then musical toys could just be the perfect option for them.
Available as drum sets or walk on pianos, they can explore making plenty of noises with their hands.
Many musical toys on the market also feature buttons too, which allows for educational learning and they stimulate your child’s visual senses through the use of bright and bold colours.
Rocking horse/Ride on Toys
Rocking horses or ride on toys are becoming more and more popular for toddlers as they come in a variety of animals and are a lot more affordable than they used to be.
With a variety of designs available, there will be something to suit every child’s taste.
Doodle mat
Let your child explore their creative and artistic side with a mess-free doodle mat. Coming with a range of stencils and drawing tools, this mat will keep your little one busy for hours.
They’re easy to use too – you just dip the accessories in water and allow your little Picasso to create their masterpiece.
They are a great option for parents that don’t like to give their children paint because they are too messy and the great thing about a doodle mat is that the picture automatically clears away within 5-10 minutes, so your child has a fresh canvas over and over.
Doodle mats are a brilliant sensory toy for children and are mess free.
