A gift guide for kids between 1 and 2 years old.
So you want to buy something for your loved one's little boy or girl and you aren't sure what? My first and best advice would be to ask the parent. Surprises are fun, but birthdays and holidays are also times where Moms and Dads have an opportunity to see their kids furnished with stuff that they might really need – like new pajamas, shoes, or specific toys and books to fill a developmental need.
Even if you get kiddo something on Mom and Dad's list it will still be a surprise to the child so reach out! There could be something Junior really needs this year.
If Mom and Dad don't have a specific wish list for their little one, or if you really want to surprise them with something unexpected, here are some suggestions that should be a hit with most kids between 1 and 2 AND their parents.
Something to Push – Walking is still a big thrill to most toddlers so having something to push around the room, especially something that is noisy, holds stuff, or animated will really tickle them pink.
Something to Ride – Kids this age love to ride around on things with wheels. These toys are just the right height for little legs to get their scoot on.
A Play Set with Animals – Little imaginations begin taking off after kids hit one year or so. Suddenly kids go from just banging and throwing toys to making them do stuff, like dance, kiss, and moo.
Tot-Friendly Art Supplies – Coloring, painting, and collage make for some very messy but super educational fun. Look for products that are non-toxic, unscented, and easy to handle.
Musical Toys That Won't Drive Them (Completely) Crazy – I heard recently that "jamming" with kids might be even more beneficial to childrens' communication skills than reading! Plus, it's fun to make music with little ones. These noisy toys are in key and totally analog making them a relatively pleasant choice for everyone involved.
Books, Books, and More Books – It's hard to have too many, especially when your kid cycles through his entire collection every single day. You can't really go wrong when picking books for toddlers but sturdy board books and stories that rhyme are my personal favorites.
Help Them Get Fed – Feeding a little kid is a real adventure. These gadgets and gizmos can help make the task a little less daunting.
Clothes, Shoes, and Pajamas – Kids are ALWAYS growing so kids almost always need play clothes, pajamas, and shoes. Have fun picking out cute outfits but be sure to include a gift receipt just in case they grow out of it or the season changes before it can be used. My sister happens to make some of the best toddler clothes around. Her handmade pants use special folds to grow with kids. CC has been able to wear the same pair of pants for over a year now! Plus, they are really stinking cute. Check out her shop at BubBubShop.com.
Other Fun Stuff – These are a few other things that CC has really enjoyed at this age. He loves to explore, inspect, and "help".
Other Gift Ideas
- Photo Books – Kids love looking at photos, especially photos of themselves and other people they know. Sites like Shutterfly make it pretty easy to put together an album of family photos or baby selfies that will thrill a small child.
- Membership to Local Fun – Family passes to local zoos, children's museums, and outdoor parks are wonderful gifts that continue to benefit kids all year long.
- Savings Bonds – I know this sounds lame but hear me out! Toddlers are so little that they probably won't remember who gave them what toy. Why not take this opportunity to share something more lasting, like an investment in the child's future!
Gifts to avoid
- Musical Toys That WILL Drive Them (Completely) Crazy – If it's high pitched, off-pitch, monotone or just plain LOUD please, please be a friend and leave it at the toy store.
- Noisy Battery Operated Toys – When it comes to loud and obnoxious toys it's kind to let parents pick and choose which ones they can live with and which ones they can't.
- Stuffed Animals – These things are like mogwis fed after midnight. In other words, they MULTIPLY. Trust me when I tell you that the kid you are shopping for has enough.
- Live Animals – This one should be obvious but if not, consider this. Most toddlers lack the motor skills to safely handle small animals like gerbils or kittens. Plus, ain't nobody got time for that.
- "Big" Gifts – It's only natural to see that six foot teddy bear at Costco and feel certain generous urges. Don't be a hero! It probably won't fit in their house. Besides, Mom and Dad probably want to be the one to give the little stinker his "big gift". Outdoing Santa is definitely bad form.