To get you started on picking the perfect present, consider some of these gift ideas for toddlers, according to Baldwin and others:<\/p>
1. Tools <\/h2>![\"Gift](\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/11\/WoodenToyToolBoxF19.jpg\")
Image via Crate&kids<\/figcaption><\/figure>In addition to developing fine motor skills, pounding tools and toy tool sets can help build logic skills, such as the understanding of cause and effect. They can also be used for open-ended pretend play and for making plenty of noise, a favorite toddler activity.<\/p>
Where to buy:<\/strong> Wooden Toy Tool Box<\/a> ($39, Crate&kids)<\/p>2. Dress-ups<\/h2>![\"Play](\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/10\/play-silks-1024x1024.jpeg\")
Image via Bella Luna Toys<\/figcaption><\/figure>For an endless variety of creative play options, try adding some dress-up items to the mix. Taking costumes on and off is a great way to help prepare toddlers for learning to dress themselves. Colorful silk squares are also an excellent option. They can be wrapped into skirts or tied into capes, says Baldwin. “They can be played with in so many ways, and they can continue to be used as they grow older,” she notes. <\/p>
Where to buy:<\/strong> Playsilks<\/a> ($18, Bella Luna Toys)<\/p>3. Bubbles<\/strong><\/h2>![\"Gift](\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/11\/fubbles.jpg\")
Image via Amazon<\/figcaption><\/figure>Bubbles are fun, but bubbles without the mess are better. No-spill bubbles are a great choice for toddlers to help develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, says Christie Kiley, a licensed occupational therapist and creator of MamaOT<\/a>. Toddler-friendly bubbles, like these ones in an easy-carry bucket, let little ones play independently without grown-ups worrying about a big spill. Toddlers can practice blowing bubbles and have fun running and popping the ones you make.<\/p>Where to buy:<\/strong> Fubbles No-Spill Big Bubble Bucket<\/a> ($18, Amazon)<\/p>4. Kitchen toys<\/strong><\/h2>![\"Gift](\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/10\/Screen-Shot-2022-11-10-at-4.00.18-PM-817x1024.png\")
Image via Target<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>Play kitchens are another fun gift idea for toddlers. They set the stage for many pretend-play scenarios, from shopping and cooking to running a restaurant. “Encourage imaginary play with goodies such as pretend food, especially the kind you can ‘cut’ apart with a plastic or wooden knife,” suggests Kiley.<\/p>
Where to buy:<\/strong> B. toys Wooden Play Kitchen – Mini Chef Kitchenette<\/a> ($100, Target)<\/p>5. Play tables<\/strong><\/h2>![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/10\/water-table.jpeg\")
Image via Step 2<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>Save the kitchen table from messes by getting kids a table of their own. Play tables are a great way to provide toddlers with sensory play<\/a> and let them have fun getting messy. As Kiley explains, you can also get creative with other messy materials, like dried beans or shaving cream, in a toddler-appropriate sensory table.<\/p>Where to buy:<\/strong> Spill & Splash Seaway Water Table<\/a> ($100, Step 2)<\/p>6. Musical instruments<\/strong><\/h2>![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/10\/mint-mini-guitar.jpeg\")
Image via Uncommon Goods<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>Want to inspire a little rockstar in the making? Musical instruments like guitars, drums or echo mics are a fun way to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, learn about rhythm and music and — most importantly — make some noise.<\/p>
Where to buy:<\/strong> Loog Mini Acoustic Guitar<\/a> <\/strong>($98+, Uncommon Goods)<\/p>7. Building toys<\/strong><\/h2>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/08\/Screen-Shot-2021-11-19-at-8.15.46-PM-1024x701.png\")
Image via Uncle Goose<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>Wooden blocks, Duplo sets and stacking or nesting toys are fun for a variety of different types of play, and they can basically provide “early physics lessons,” explains Baldwin. Look for larger, chunkier blocks and materials, says Baldwin, which are easier for small hands to manipulate.<\/p>
Where to buy:<\/strong> Uncle Goose Sight Word Blocks<\/a> ($47, Uncle Goose)<\/p>8. Push toys<\/strong><\/h2>![\"Push](\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/11\/wooden-shopping-cart.jpeg\")
Image via Pottery Barn Kids<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>For little ones still mastering their walking, push toys<\/a> are an excellent choice for working on gross motor skills, as toddlers are learning to balance, says Baldwin. Look for options that double as open-ended pretend toys, like cars or shopping carts, so that they will continue to be engaging even after the toddler has grown steady on their feet.<\/p>Where to buy:<\/strong> Wooden Shopping Cart<\/a> ($99, Pottery Barn Kids)<\/p>9. Ride-on toys<\/strong><\/h2>![\"Gift](\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/11\/3-Wheel-Scooter-Fun-Balance-and-Coordination-Riding-Toy-for-Girls-and-Boys-by-Lil-Rider.webp\")
Image via Walmart<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>Ride-on toys offer toddlers craving more mobility the chance to go for a roll. They are also great for developing balance and gross motor skills and for encouraging independence and confidence. <\/p>
In addition to developing fine motor skills, pounding tools and toy tool sets can help build logic skills, such as the understanding of cause and effect. They can also be used for open-ended pretend play and for making plenty of noise, a favorite toddler activity.<\/p>
Where to buy:<\/strong> Wooden Toy Tool Box<\/a> ($39, Crate&kids)<\/p> For an endless variety of creative play options, try adding some dress-up items to the mix. Taking costumes on and off is a great way to help prepare toddlers for learning to dress themselves. Colorful silk squares are also an excellent option. They can be wrapped into skirts or tied into capes, says Baldwin. “They can be played with in so many ways, and they can continue to be used as they grow older,” she notes. <\/p> Where to buy:<\/strong> Playsilks<\/a> ($18, Bella Luna Toys)<\/p> Bubbles are fun, but bubbles without the mess are better. No-spill bubbles are a great choice for toddlers to help develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, says Christie Kiley, a licensed occupational therapist and creator of MamaOT<\/a>. Toddler-friendly bubbles, like these ones in an easy-carry bucket, let little ones play independently without grown-ups worrying about a big spill. Toddlers can practice blowing bubbles and have fun running and popping the ones you make.<\/p> Where to buy:<\/strong> Fubbles No-Spill Big Bubble Bucket<\/a> ($18, Amazon)<\/p> Play kitchens are another fun gift idea for toddlers. They set the stage for many pretend-play scenarios, from shopping and cooking to running a restaurant. “Encourage imaginary play with goodies such as pretend food, especially the kind you can ‘cut’ apart with a plastic or wooden knife,” suggests Kiley.<\/p> Where to buy:<\/strong> B. toys Wooden Play Kitchen – Mini Chef Kitchenette<\/a> ($100, Target)<\/p> Save the kitchen table from messes by getting kids a table of their own. Play tables are a great way to provide toddlers with sensory play<\/a> and let them have fun getting messy. As Kiley explains, you can also get creative with other messy materials, like dried beans or shaving cream, in a toddler-appropriate sensory table.<\/p> Where to buy:<\/strong> Spill & Splash Seaway Water Table<\/a> ($100, Step 2)<\/p> Want to inspire a little rockstar in the making? Musical instruments like guitars, drums or echo mics are a fun way to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, learn about rhythm and music and — most importantly — make some noise.<\/p> Where to buy:<\/strong> Loog Mini Acoustic Guitar<\/a> <\/strong>($98+, Uncommon Goods)<\/p> Wooden blocks, Duplo sets and stacking or nesting toys are fun for a variety of different types of play, and they can basically provide “early physics lessons,” explains Baldwin. Look for larger, chunkier blocks and materials, says Baldwin, which are easier for small hands to manipulate.<\/p> Where to buy:<\/strong> Uncle Goose Sight Word Blocks<\/a> ($47, Uncle Goose)<\/p> For little ones still mastering their walking, push toys<\/a> are an excellent choice for working on gross motor skills, as toddlers are learning to balance, says Baldwin. Look for options that double as open-ended pretend toys, like cars or shopping carts, so that they will continue to be engaging even after the toddler has grown steady on their feet.<\/p> Where to buy:<\/strong> Wooden Shopping Cart<\/a> ($99, Pottery Barn Kids)<\/p> Ride-on toys offer toddlers craving more mobility the chance to go for a roll. They are also great for developing balance and gross motor skills and for encouraging independence and confidence. <\/p>2. Dress-ups<\/h2>
3. Bubbles<\/strong><\/h2>
4. Kitchen toys<\/strong><\/h2>
5. Play tables<\/strong><\/h2>
6. Musical instruments<\/strong><\/h2>
7. Building toys<\/strong><\/h2>
8. Push toys<\/strong><\/h2>
9. Ride-on toys<\/strong><\/h2>
![\"Gift](\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/11\/Square-product-images-6.png\")