What to Get a Toddler for Christmas
Toddlers are fun to shop for and hard to shop for. They change so fast that a toy that's perfect at 18 months is boring at 2 and a half. Here's how to pick a Christmas gift they'll actually play with.
Read the age label first
Every toy has an age label from its maker. It's there for safety, not just marketing. Toys marked "3 and up" often have small parts or need skills younger toddlers don't have yet.
Start with toys labeled for the child's age, then pick from there.
Gifts for 1-year-olds
At 1, toddlers are learning to walk, push, pull and grab. Good picks:
- A 3-wheel balance bike or ride-on toy made for age 1, for scooting and balance
- Push toys like a toy walker or a wagon
- Board books with big pictures and thick pages
- Simple stacking cups or blocks
Gifts for 2-year-olds
Two-year-olds want to move, climb and do it themselves. Good picks:
- A ride-on car they can power with their feet
- A screen-free audio player with songs and stories they can start by themselves
- Chunky puzzles with 3 to 6 pieces
- Crayons and big paper
Gifts for 3-year-olds
At 3, pretend play and building take off. Good picks:
- Magnetic building tiles (many sets are labeled 3 and up)
- A play kitchen or tool bench
- Dress-up clothes
- A first board game with simple rules
Skip the batteries when you can
Battery toys can be loud, and they often go quiet by New Year's. Toys that run on toddler energy, like pushing, scooting, stacking and pretending, last longer and need nothing from you.
If you do choose an electronic toy, look for one that's rechargeable and simple enough for a toddler to use alone. Check whether it needs Wi-Fi or an app to set up, and do that before Christmas morning.
Think about winter
Christmas falls in the middle of winter for most of the US. A ride-on that only works outdoors may sit in the garage until spring. Toys with quiet wheels that work on hardwood and carpet get played with right away.
What to skip
- Huge toy sets with dozens of tiny pieces
- Toys for "older" kids that they'll grow into "someday"
- Too many gifts at once. Toddlers get overwhelmed. One or two good toys beat a pile
A quick tip for parents and relatives
Ask the parents first. They know what the child already has, what they're into right now and what's driving them crazy. A quick text saves you from buying the third ride-on car.
The bottom line: no batteries, made for their age
The best toddler gifts match their age, need no batteries and get them moving or making things. A balance bike or ride-on toy made for their age is a great place to start.
For four toddler gifts compared on age, batteries and active play, see our best Christmas gifts for toddlers.