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Toddler Christmas Gifts: 2024 Guide to Toys and Ideas

Toddler Christmas Gifts: 2024 Guide to Toys and Ideas

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As the festive spirit fills the air and the excitement of Christmas fast approaches, I understand that many of you are on the hunt for perfect toddler Christmas gifts that captivate and contribute to your little ones’ growth and learning. The world of toys is vast and varied, and choosing fun yet formative gifts can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. No worries—I’m here to give you a rundown on some developmentally appropriate toys and gifts that will light up your toddlers’ Christmas morning and nurture their developing minds and bodies!


Personal Shopper: Toddler Toys

Not sure which toy is right?! I’m here to help. I’m Kristine, your personal shopper for toddler toys, and I’m here to help you find the perfect developmentally appropriate gift.

Unlock the benefits of a personal shopper for infant, toddler, and preschool toys. Save time and find the best developmentally appropriate toys!

Early Childhood Toys is an Amazon Affiliate Marketer offering recommended products for your children. I provide product links, and you click on those links to go to Amazon. Your purchase is through Amazon, not me. I will receive a small commission from Amazon, but rest assured, the price will never be increased for your purchase.

Please message me if you have any questions or need assistance selecting items. I’m here to help as your guide.


Happy Holidays Christmas Tree coloring page for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.


    Cartoon of a mom tossing a toddler into the air infront of a christmas tree.

    Hope you’re enjoying the festive season! When it comes to picking out Toddler Christmas gifts for our little ones, it’s all about balancing fun and learning. Look for toys that can help toddlers develop their motor skills and stimulate their imagination. Things like building blocks, colorful books, or even musical toys make excellent choices. Also, consider durability and safety – make sure the toys don’t have small parts or sharp edges, and double-check those labels to ensure they’re non-toxic and child-friendly. Most importantly, choose something that lets them explore and enjoy, as the magic really is in their joyful discoveries. Happy toy hunting!


    Cartoon Child reading a book and shaking a Christmas bell.

    Nurture their budding curiosity with books that cater to their interest and age. Simple, colorful picture books or interactive sound books are excellent choices. Educational toys that incorporate technology, like toddler-friendly tablets or smart speakers that can play music, tell stories, or narrate audiobooks, also make wonderful gifts.

    Bestseller No. 1 Fisher-Price Little People Toddler Toy Musical Christmas Train with Santa Elf & Reindeer Figures for Pretend Play Kids Ages 1+ Years
    SaleBestseller No. 2 Melissa & Doug Slice and Bake Wooden Christmas Cookie Play Food Set
    SaleBestseller No. 3 My First Christmas Tree for Toddlers, Montessori Christmas Decoration Toy with Ornaments, Mini Train Set, Roly Poly Toys, Finger Puppets, Birthday Xmas Gifts for Little Kids Boys and Girls Ages 1.5+
    SaleBestseller No. 1 Moo, Baa, Fa La La La La!
    SaleBestseller No. 2 You're My Little Christmas Cookie
    SaleBestseller No. 3 Christmas in the Manger

    Cartoon child building with blocks and Christmas figures of Santa and reindeer.

    Blocks, magnetic tiles, and interlocking building sets are fantastic for improving their hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness. These toys also help with understanding shapes, balance, and even the basics of engineering.

    Bestseller No. 1 LEGO DUPLO Santa's Gingerbread House Building Set, Christmas Toy for 2 Year Old Boys and Girls, Includes Santa Claus Figure, Stocking Filler Idea, Great Gift for Toddlers, 10976
    Bestseller No. 2 Magnetic Blocks Building Toys - Build Mine Magnet World 86Pcs Christmas Set, Magnet Cube Blocks STEM Sensory Classroom Construction Games Must Haves for Ages 3+ 5 6 8 Kids Toddlers Boys Girls Toys
    SaleBestseller No. 3 HEVARAL 100PCS Magnetic Blocks - Building Toys for Boys Girls 3+, Build Mine Magnet World Set with Christmas Snow, Magnetic Tiles Building Blocks Toddlers STEM Sensory Toys, for Kids Ages 4 5 6 7 8 9

    Cartoon girl wearing a Santa hat and holding an arts and crafts Christmas ornament she made.

    Unleash their creativity with crayons, watercolor paints, or finger paints. Nontoxic playdough sets can also provide hours of molding fun that enhances their fine motor skills.

    Bestseller No. 1 chiazllta 30 Packs Christmas Picture Frame Craft Kits for Kids Holiday DIY Craft Gingerbread Candy Santa Reindeer Xmas Art Favor Home Classroom Game Activities
    Bestseller No. 2 VABAMNA Christmas Ornament Crafts for Kids - Make Your Own Ornament Kit with Christmas Craft Stickers, Ornament Making Kit for Kids Holiday Xmas Classroom Party Favors, 36 Pack
    Bestseller No. 3 Christmas Crafts for Kids - DIY Christmas Tree Decorations Resin Ornaments Kits (Includes Paints Brushes) - Stocking Stuffers DIY Xmas Ornaments for KidsToddlers Girls Boys Ages 3-5 4-8 8-12

    Cartoon girl playing a toy drum set and holding a Christmas ornament.

    Introduce them to the fun world of sounds with toddler-friendly instruments. Think about small hand drums, simple keyboards, or xylophones. There are also plenty of apps that allow kids to interact musically and create their tunes.

    SaleBestseller No. 1 Christmas Songs: Interactive Children's Sound Book (10 Button Sound)
    Bestseller No. 2 Christmas Songs For Kids-greatest Hits
    Bestseller No. 3 Cali's Books Jingle Bells USB-C Rechargeable Christmas Musical Book - Toddler Interactive Christmas Books for Kids and Babies - Sound Books for Toddlers 1-3 - Baby

    Cartoon girl feeding a baby doll with Christmas gingerbread, tree, and bunny rabbit toys laying next to her.

    Encourage their storytelling skills with dolls, stuffed toys, puppets, or even a costume set for dress-up play. Play scenes, small vehicles, and props can also be excellent for encouraging their imagination and role-playing.

    SaleBestseller No. 1 Melissa & Doug Slice and Bake Wooden Christmas Cookie Play Food Set
    Bestseller No. 2 Fisher-Price Little People Toddler Toy Musical Christmas Train with Santa Elf & Reindeer Figures for Pretend Play Kids Ages 1+ Years
    Bestseller No. 3 5 Pieces Christmas Finger Puppets Toys for Kids Elk Santa Claus Snowman Christmas Tree Character Party Favors Goodie Bag Fillers

    Cartoon boy jumping in a Santa hat exploring a Christmas present.

    Toys that involve sorting, assembling, or manipulating like puzzle sets are perfect for this age to boost problem-solving skills. Sand and water playsets are also really great for sensory play which is crucial at this stage.

    Bestseller No. 1 Pearhead Christmas Snowman Stacking Toy Set, Holiday Toys for Toddlers, Baby Nursery Holiday Décor, Wooden Sorting and Stacking Tower Educational Toy, for Kids
    Bestseller No. 2 ALLABC Silicone Christmas Tree for Toddlers, Tabletop Xmas Decoration, Stackable & Nesting Baby Toys, 5.9 inches
    Bestseller No. 3 MENG YANG Christmas Tree Silicone Babies Sensory Toy 6-12 Months Toddler Montessori Preschool Learning Stacking Travel Toys, Gifts for 1 2 3Year Old Boys&Girls

    Cartoon girl playing a guessing game while looking at a bag of Christmas gifts.

    Simple board games designed for toddlers or chunky puzzles can be a lot of fun and educational too. They help with pattern recognition and teach the basics of taking turns and cooperation.

    Bestseller No. 1 LMC Products Children's Scavenger Hunt: Christmas Edition - Card Game for Toddlers - Toddler Stocking Stuffers - Holiday-Themed Scavenger Hunt Educational Game for Kids
    Bestseller No. 2 Max Fun DIY Felt Christmas Tree Set Plus Tic-Tac-Toe Games for Kids Toddlers Wall Hanging Decorations Felt Craft Kits for Xmas Party Favors
    Bestseller No. 3 Funnlot Christmas Games for Kids Pin The Nose on The Reindeer Christmas Holiday Party Games Reusable 24 Noses Stickers and 1 Blindfold for for Kids and Adults

    Cartoon boy riding a scooter with a Christmas bell attached to the handles.

    Anything that gets them moving is fantastic for their physical development. Consider small ride-ons, toddler-sized basketball hoops, or even a mini trampoline. Also, never underestimate the joy of simple playground balls and frisbees.

    Bestseller No. 1 Matty's Toy Stop 28' Heavy Duty Wooden Snow Shovels with Plastic Scoop & Handle for Kids - 2 Pack (Red & Blue Swirl)
    Bestseller No. 2 28 PCS Snow Toys,Snowball Maker Tool Winter Snow Toys,Kit with Handle for Snow Ball Shapes Maker Fights Duck for Kids Toddlers Adults Outdoor Snow Sand Molds.
    Bestseller No. 3 Max Fun 25Pcs Winter Snowball Tool Kit with Handle for Snow Ball Shapes Fights Duck for Kids Toddlers Adults Outdoor Sand Molds Beach Toys

    Cartoon Christmas notebook with bell.
    • Make a List: It’s easy to get swept away by the deals. Prioritize what you need to avoid impulse buys.
    • Check Reviews: Reviews can be extremely helpful for toys and gadgets. They can ensure that a product is safe and suitable for your child’s age.
    • Compare Prices: Don’t take a “deal” at face value; sometimes, items are cheaper before or after big sales.

    Remember, the best gifts are those that match the child’s developmental stage and interests. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between challenging them just enough to keep them engaged without overwhelming them.

    Wishing you and your little one a joyful and playful holiday season!



    I value your input and comments tremendously. Please let me know if I should include anything else in this 2024 Guide to Toddler Christmas Gifts blog post!

    Heather

    Sunday 20th of October 2024

    Buying toys for toddlers is really magical - their little faces! My boys favourites out of these toys were the stacking toys and the Melissa and Doug slice and bake. In fact, so many of the Melissa and Doug toys are fantastic - good quality and full of learning opportunities! Play is the work of childhood after all :)

    Clarice

    Sunday 20th of October 2024

    This is such a huge help. I haven't started my Christmas shopping yet and currently have no idea what to get the kids. Love the Pretend Play toys and I think my little girl would enjoy Melissa and Doug's Baking set. Thank you for sharing this.

    Ntensibe Edgar

    Sunday 20th of October 2024

    Hhhhmmm....I love the idea of the toddler manipulative gift toys. As they build, their knowledge and creativity is built and put to the test.

    Sonia Seivwright

    Wednesday 16th of October 2024

    These are great Christmas present ideas. My daughter is ten years old now, and I have mixed feelings. On one hand, I can save some money and get her exactly what she wants, and on the other hand, I miss buying cute toys and just watching her unwrapping the presents on Christmas morning.

    Barbie Ritzman

    Tuesday 15th of October 2024

    It is fun that interactive books still exist, and they are not all computer-generated. This is perfect for finding something thoughtful for the little ones.