If there was ever an age range that had so many options, it’s this one.
Why? Because 80% of your child’s brain develops by three years old.
Toddlers have reached many of their developmental milestones, meaning more self-awareness and independence. As they refine their gross motor movements, they are also putting words together to form simple sentences, modeling observed behaviors, and becoming an active participant in their environment.
Quick recap of our handy dandy gift criteria:
- Is it cool?
- Does it support child development?
- What makes it stand out from all the rest?
- What do the reviews say, specifically with durability and longevity?
Here’s our toddler recommendations for 2022.
Goobi 20-Piece Construction Set Large Building Blocks
Why We Love it:
Little ones like to build things up just to knock them down and start again. Oh, and the bigger and taller, the better. Enter this oversized magnetic construction toy. With magnets embedded at both ends of each bar that are attracted to the hallow iron balls, your toddler will think they did magic as the pieces connect to/repel from each other. These large lightweight pieces encourage gross motor movements of reaching, kneeling, and standing when creating their 3D designs.
Melissa & Doug 8-Piece Colorful Fish Wooden Chunky Puzzle
Why We Love It:
A puzzle? Woohoo. But seriously, hear me out. Puzzles help build logic and reasoning skills, attention, patience, and independent play. These brightly-colored, large wooden pieces provide just enough weight to help build awareness and strength in their hands and fingers, necessary to manipulate objects and complete fine motor tasks. The pieces are also thick enough to stand on their own for pretend play.
iPlay, iLearn Bouncy Pals Kids Plush Inflatable Hopper Fox
Why We Love It:
At this age, toddlers are always seeking movement. Feed their sensory system with this inflatable hopper. Its ears operate as handles as your child maintains their balance while they bounce and propel themselves forward (actions that help build lower body strength/stability btw). Anti-slip, low center gravity design, and moisture wicking fabric to reduce skin friction make it a safe and fun bet for your toddler. If you’re not a fan of the fox, they have other animals to choose from, like a zebra, unicorn, even a two-head dragon.
Melissa & Doug Get Well Doctor’s Kit 25-Piece Play Set
Why We Love It:
Toddlers like to imitate what they see other people do, then act it out during pretend play. Play kits like this one provide realistic accessories (syringe, stethoscope, reflex hammer, ID badge, etc) to make them feel like an ACTUAL doctor. Also, playing out possible scenarios from check-in to check-out at the doctor’s office can help them ease any nerves about an upcoming appointment. Patti’s girls are 4 ½ and they are still playing with their doctor kit. There are also dentist and veterinarian play kits as well.
ORSEN LCD 8.5 Inch Doodle Board Drawing Pad
Why We Love It:
Sooner or later, your toddler learns that they can make a mark with crayons, markers, pens, pencils, you name it. The problem then becomes the amount of paper they go through and the potential mess that can occur when unsupervised. Save yourself some stress with this drawing pad. Rather than utilizing magnets to make marks like the old-school MagnaDoodle, this uses an LCD screen and sensing technology to do the same thing, making drawn lines smoother and more vivid. With its one-touch erasing with a press of a button and no need of paper or crayons, this is an easy go-to.
Stocking Stuffers:
All of the linked items can also be found on our Child(ish) Advice Holiday Gift Guide Amazon List.
We do not receive a commission through these links. We’re just really big fans!
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