If there was ever a year to start ringing in the holiday cheer early, it’s this one. I’m normally not a “buy more toys” kind of person, but with the winter closing in, and a long few months of playing indoors ahead, we could all use an engaging new toy or two. So, I give you my master list of the absolute best (and at least marginally educational) toys for toddlers. Some are things I already own, and a few are items I plan on gifting to my own kids this year. I hope you find something you love, and that brings joy to a little in your life this year.
Indoor Toys & Games
Zingo Bingo
This is a great game to work on early-reading skills. Each player has a “bingo board,” on which they have to match sight words with cute cartoony images. It’s great game for the 3.5+ crowd, and one that my daughter enjoys playing both at home, and with her friends at preschool.
Sight Word Swat
We just got this game in the mail and are having so much fun with it. To play, you lay a group of sight words (leveled by color), out on the table, or the floor. Each player gets a fly-swatter that they can use to “swat” the correct word when mom or dad yell it out. A great game for older toddlers, or any homeschooling parent.
Daniel Tiger Board Game
This is a long-time favorite in our home. Players get to “travel” around Daniel Tiger’s neighborhood and collect goods from various characters’ homes and businesses. My daughter (3.5) LOVES it.
Magnatiles
THE BEST TOY EVER. Magnatiles are a little like Legos, but magnetic, and much easier for the littlest of hands to use. This is the only toy that will entertain BOTH of my children long enough for me to cook an entire meal. I honestly don’t know what I would do without them.
Watercolor “Brush-Pens”
I love to paint with my kids, but absolutely hate the mess. This watercolor brush–pen kit has been a real lifesaver, as it allows us to paint without having to clean up countless cups of spilled water. Each “brush-pen” has an internal well that can be filled, and refilled, with water. Then, kids can just squeeze the brush onto the watercolor tray, give the bristles a little swish, and paint away!
Tegu Magnetic Blocks
My son loves building with blocks, but he doesn’t yet have the dexterity to balance more than three before everything topples over. These blocks are awesome because they allow little hands to build taller, and more complex structures, without everything constantly toppling over. We’ve played with these many times at a friend’s house, and M will definitely be getting some from Santa this year.
Pattern Play – Color By Design
This is an awesome “Montessori-ish” toy for kids to practice creating patterns and designs, which is a great early-math skill, and fun to boot! Little siblings can also use this toy to work on learning shapes and colors. This is one we learned about through M’s old pre-school, and will be gifting to her this year.
Our Favorite Puzzles
We love a good puzzle. Enough said. Here are our favorites:
Fuse Beads & Beading Kits for Younger and Older Toddlers
Fuse beads will take you right back to childhood, and maybe make a little bit of a mess. I love to do this activity with my 3.5 year old daughter during her afternoon “quiet time” because it can really focus and calm her down.
We also love to make bead bracelets and necklaces for friends and family, and currently use this Melissa and Doug wooden bead kit.
My younger son (1.5) uses this baby bead kit, which is a great tool for helping kids 1+ work on hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Dollhouse
I’ve already purchased this doll house for my own daughter for Christmas. It’s similar to one we played with at the library (pre-Covid) all the time, and have missed immensely.
Pretend Vacuum
The only toy I have already bought my son (1.5) is this toy vacuum. Our friends have one of these, and Max is OBSESSED with it. I can’t figure out what draws him to it, but if he’s showing an interest in cleaning, I’m going to nurture it.
Giant Tonka Dump Truck
Both of my kids had this truck in their daycare classrooms, and it was far and away the most popular toy amongst all students. I think it would be fun to use in the sandbox, or to play with at the beach. It’s big enough that my son can lean on it and push it around the yard, and also fill the bed with all kinds of dirt and goodies.
Slime-Making Kit
Honestly, guys, I don’t understand it, but kids love slime. We’ve made a homemade version of this a few times, and it was fun, but also a pain in the butt to collect all the supplies. This is a great gift because it comes with everything you need, and guarantees a great result.
Osmo Little Genius Starter Pack for iPad
This one is a late addition to the list because it was enthusiastically recommended to me by a friend just today. The Osmo kit is a set of manipulatives and interactive tools that can be used in conjunction with the Osmo iPad app. The starter set comes with a mirrored camera, which records the “work” kids do with the manipulatives (which are placed on a mat under the camera’s mirror). The app then instructs kids on how to complete various tasks, like creating letters and numbers or using the “paper doll” parts to tell a story. Our starter pack is in the mail as we speak, and I can not wait to get my daughter started on it.
Outdoor Toys
Micro Mini Scooter
Both of my kids scoot around the block at least once a day. My 3.5 year old is very confident on this scooter, and has been for over a year. My 1.5 year old is just learning how to do it on his own, but loves having me pull him on it. If you live somewhere where you can scoot in the winter, this would be my #1 gift recommendation for the 2-5 year-old group.
Backyard Climber
I know this climber is a big purchase, but we honestly love it. Our backyard isn’t big enough for a swing-set, so this is how my kids get their wiggles out before dinner every night. It’s easy to assemble, very durable, and has provided us with hours of fun “playing castle.”
Strider Bike
This strider bike is such a cool way to introduce kids to biking. Kids can use it as a balance bike at first and then eventually attach pedals to turn it into a more traditional bike. My 3.5 year old is just figuring this out, and is starting to really enjoy it.
Stocking-Stuffers
Acrylic Letters
I am planning on getting these acrylic letters from Teacher Craft Shop on Etsy for my own daughter’s stocking. I think they’ll be a great way to spice up our letter-sounds practice, and help us work on some early word-building skills.
Mini Board Books
A Fun Toothbrush
My daughter LOVES brushing her teeth, solely because her toothbrush has a light on it. Whatever works, right? This is a fun gift for kids, and also kind of a gift for you.
Stick-On Earrings
Yes, everyone in the family WILL end up wearing these.
Subscription Services
Lovevery
Many of our most beloved toys came from Lovevery. This subscription service sends Montessori-inspired toys to your home every few months, and each set of toys is designed to meet the specific developmental needs of different age groups. Each set comes with a manual, which explains how to engage your kids with the toys, the order in which you should introduce them, and what skills they help kids develop. Each box also includes a book, most of which are my son Max’s absolute favorites.
Literati
Literati’s subscription service also shows up on my “bookish gift guide” for adults, as Literati offers both a kid-focused, and grown-up subscription box. The kid’s box includes 5, age-appropriate children’s books, which you can read, and either return, or keep (for an additional fee). It’s a great way to try out children’s books, and add a few new ones to your home library.
Kiwi Co. Crates
Kiwi crates are STEAM-inspired play crates for kids of various ages. Each crate comes with a variety of activities, as well as an instruction manual. These crates are an excellent addition to a homeschool curriculum, or a way to spice up after-school / weekend play time.
Giftable Books
I hope you found something you and your littles would love on this list. And remember, the most important gift is the time we get to spend together this holiday season! Happy Holidays!