toddler sliding down a pikler onto a toki mats play mat with play cubes
roundups

The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Your Toddler

November 21, 2022

The holidays are a special time for a number of reasons, but one of the best parts is shopping for your littles. There’s something magical about seeing your toddler’s face light up when opening a gift, and their excitement is contagious. The only problem is finding the perfect gift in a vast world of children’s toys. Kids are known for their short attention spans, and they tend to lose interest in toys pretty quickly. The trick? Finding options that are open-ended, encourage creativity and imagination, and grow with your child. To round up our holiday gift guides, we’ve come up with the perfect picks for your toddler that you’ll both love and play with for years to come!

1. Toki Mats Everywhere Mat

toddlers playing on toki mats everywhere mat

A soft, wipeable surface that you can take everywhere and anywhere? Count us in! This super comfortable play mat is made from high-quality, natural latex foam that’s certified clean. The thick, springy foam provides responsive cushioning that pads falls, making it the perfect crash mat for your active toddler. Because the cover is made from waterproof vegan leather, it wipes clean for the easiest cleanup ever. If your little one is a fan of painting (with fingers or brushes!), the Everywhere Mat is the perfect surface for mess-free play. Its portable design with built-in carry handles also makes it a must-have for picnics at the park or the beach. 

2. Melissa & Doug Scoop & Serve Ice Cream Counter

Melissa & Doug Scoop & Serve Ice Cream Counter

Your little one might not get ice cream whenever they want, but they can at least pretend they do with this super adorable ice cream shop. This 28-piece wooden ice cream play set includes a counter, 8 ice cream scoops, 6 toppings, 2 cones, a plastic cup, scooper, wooden spoon, tongs, a reusable menu card, and 6 bills so that your toddler can learn the ins and outs of opening up their own shop. They’ll have endless hours of fun, serving you and other family members delicious ice cream in a cone or a cup.

3. The Nugget

The Nugget play couch

The Nugget is a play couch with a simple design, but endless possibilities. Finally, furniture that’s made for littles to play, climb, and jump! You can rearrange these foam building blocks to create a couch, a fort, a little house, an obstacle course, and so much more. With a little imagination, your toddler can configure many different ways to play. We love anything that helps kids be their active, creative selves, and the Nugget does exactly that.  

4. Toki Mats Play Cubes

toki mats play cubes

Let your child’s imagination reach new heights with this brand new play cube from Toki Mats, which launches early next month! Constructed from non-toxic foam with a soft, organic cotton cover, this cube is made for stacking, building, knocking down, and open-ended play. With so many possibilities, your little one will love finding new ways to play with this giant soft block! 

5. Tonies Toniebox Playtime Puppy Starter Set

Tonies Toniebox

The Toniebox is an audio system that’s specifically designed for little listeners. The innovative design makes it easy for kids to turn it on themselves, pop their Tonie in, and embark on an audio adventure. With Tonies for stories and Tonies for music compilations, your little one can independently pick out whatever they want to listen to. 

6. Bubbles & Joy Monthly Subscription Box

Bubbles & Joy Monthly Subscription Box

Bath time is usually the best part of a nighttime routine, but if your toddler has been going through a phase of bath refusal, this subscription box might be exactly what you need to turn things around again. Each month, you’ll be sent a new collection of premium mold-free toys, unique activities, and all-natural products that make bath time fun and engaging. Soon, your toddler will actually look forward to bath time!

7. BRIO My First Railway Beginner Pack

BRIO My First Railway Beginner Pack

Every child remembers their first train set, and this wooden one made by BRIO features colorful designs and special age-appropriate features for frustration-free play and exploration. Magnet connections make construction easy, and guiding ramp tracks help toddlers get the train in the right spot. Designed with love and care, this wooden railway set is sure to last for years of play.

8. KidKraft Let’s Cook Wooden Play Kitchen

KidKraft Let’s Cook Wooden Play Kitchen

Play kitchens are one of the best toys for open-ended play. Because your toddler has seen you making meals in the kitchen, they already have a basic understanding of what goes on in one, and they’ll love recreating the experience for themselves. Play kitchens are great for imaginative play, and are a toy that truly grows with your little one. This small, wooden version by KidKraft is perfect for homes with limited space. Clicking knobs, lights, and sounds create a realistic experience that’s also magical for your toddler.

9. MACKidsKit Pie Baking Play Dough Kit

MACKidsKit Pie Baking Play Dough Kit

With a little guidance, your toddler will have so much fun playing with this pie baking play dough kit. Complete with every “ingredient” you’ll need, this kit includes homemade, non-toxic play dough, little add-ins, muffin liners, a cutter, and a mini roller so your little one can make their own pies. Perfect for enhancing vocabulary, fine motor skills, brain development, and imagination, this little play dough kit is the perfect creative gift for your developing toddler.

10. Wonder & Wise Land, Sand, & Water Table

Wonder & Wise Land, Sand, & Water Table

If your little one loves sensory play, but you’re not a fan of the mess that comes with it, this Land, Sand, and Water Table is the perfect addition to your home. With 3 removable, collapsible plastic bins that fit in the table, you can add anything from sand, water, beans, rice, or whatever you can imagine. When you’re not doing sensory play, you can flip the table and pick one of two reversible covers. One side is a train track, and the other side is a chalkboard. Made from sustainable, durable bamboo, this table offers so many ways to play.

Blooms Vegan Leather Mat

Shop the blog

Blooms Vegan Leather Mat

$225 - $355

Meet the perfect play mat for your baby’s tummy time or toddler’s playtime! They're super comfy, easy to clean, and easy to carry. With all natural

Shop Now
The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Your Toddler

About the Author: Alice

Alice Mendoza is a copywriter and blog writer based in Los Angeles. She began writing for a baby brand while on maternity leave, and realized she had found her niche. Today, she writes exclusively within the baby space, using her BFA in Creative Writing and her own experience as a mother to guide her. When she’s not working, you can find her chasing down her toddler, going on walks around the neighborhood, or watching reality TV.

Keep Reading