2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Toddlers

By Published On: November 22nd, 2022

These choice picks build imagination and encourage play for little ones eager to explore and enjoy the world around them.

Once your baby becomes a bonafide toddler, toys become a much bigger deal—and more fun to shop for. Whether you have a curious crawler or a fearless firecracker on your hands, chances are this holiday season will be filled with joy, excitement, and hopefully a little of that childhood magic. Browse our favorite gifts for toddlers that pack entertainment, learning, and loads of personality to match your little one—and Happy Holidays!

Cushy Play Sofa

If your rambunctious kiddos are permanently drawn to the couch cushions for bouncing and building (or a classic game of The Floor is Lava!), then you need the Delta Children Cozee 4-Piece Play Sofa. This modular set can be configured in multiple ways, fostering creativity, gross motor skill development, and (fingers crossed) maybe even a little rest. Ages 2 and up; $300

Learning Tower

Children love to help in the kitchen, but it requires some strategy—and a hefty dose of patience—to make it work. The Little Partners Learning Tower is a great tool for inviting your child into everyday activities, from cooking to crafting and everything in between. It situates little ones higher up at your level while keeping them stationed in one spot for easier access to the task at hand. The railings on all four sides provide safety from tipping or falling over, giving you both a better opportunity to really engage. Ages 2 to 6; $200

Mini Apron + Mitts Set

Speaking of cooking, ensure your wee sous-chef is dressed for the job with a matching apron and mitts set from Minted. They offer a bevy of adorable prints and patterns, the opportunity to add personalization (sold separately), plus older sibling and parent sizing for making holiday baking a family affair. Apron, Ages 4 to 7; $36; Mitts, Ages 4 to12; $30 (for similar)

Hopscotch Mat

On rainy or cold winter days, bring this classic game inside with the Gathre Hopscotch Mat. Not only does it provide the perfect foundation for play, but the wipeable, water-resistant, vegan-leather play mat is also ideal for picnics, beach trips, yoga sessions, and more. Ages 1 and up; $115

Chic Sweatshirt

Outfit your little love in comfort and style with Tiny Cottons. This ethically minded Très Tiny Sweatshirt is made with 100% organic cotton and adds a coolness factor to any ensemble. Ages 2 and up; $74

Playful Board Book

Bitty bookworms will enjoy reading about a fuzzy peach, furry caterpillar, slippery umbrella, and more with the new board book titled Fuzzy Furry Ouch by Amanda Jane Jones. This lively read teaches about textures while simultaneously pointing out what we shouldn’t touch, like a hot stove or a prickly cactus. Ages 1 to 4; Preorder for $13

At-Home Ball Pit

Give the gift of serious smiles with the deluxe Little Big Playroom Ball Pit Bundle. This portable play area boasts a durable foam frame, machine-washable zippered cover, and nontoxic, crush-proof balls. Once your kiddo outgrows the ball pit, it can be used for storage or a comfy lounger for fur babies. Ages 2 and up; $265

Kid-Approved Magazine Subscription

The Highlights High Five monthly magazine is a wholesome gift that keeps on giving. Your tot will love searching for hidden objects, solving puzzles, learning about bugs and animals, making food crafts, and much more. They’ll look forward to it every month, especially if you make a point of flipping through it together. Ages 2 to 6; $35

Mail Carrier Kit

Pretend play, dress-up, and make-believe are important parts of childhood because they allow children to explore characters and new identities. This Crate&kids Mail Call Kids Playset comes with everything needed for little hands to practice writing, stamping, and delivering letters and postcards, just like the local postal carrier. Ages 3 and up; $89

Balance Bike

Before they can ride, they have to learn to balance. Cultivate your sprout’s confidence and encourage intuitive riding with the Retrospec Cub 12-Inch Balance Bike. With an adjustable seat and handlebars, step-through frame, and airless tires, this sleek seat will accommodate your babe until they’re ready for a trike or a set of big wheels. Ages 2 to 3; $80

Tabletop Easel

The Hape 3-in-1 Tabletop Standing Artwork Easel is a compact, portable activity that packs a ton of accessories and features. Enjoy two sides—a whiteboard and a chalkboard—for drawing, 10 chalk color options, two marker pens, a chalk holder, and an eraser. What’s more, these accessories can be locked inside the easel for easy and efficient storage. Ages 3 and up; $37

Pikler Triangle

Climbing equipment is a worthwhile investment because it offers your toddler many benefits, such as supporting gross motor skill development, balance, concentration, independence, grip strength, and more. We love the Piccalio Climber Pikler Triangle Set featuring the rock wall/slide attachment because its quality craftsmanship and design make it a beautiful addition to any playroom. Upgrade this awesome gift by adding a balance board or beam for even more exploration and fun. (Bonus: Read our in-depth review of this climbing set here.) Ages 6 months to 6 years; $349

Felt Playhouse

Little tikes love stimulation, making this hands-on, multisensory My Little Farm playhouse by Smart Felt Toys a great gift. Busy hands will enjoy the reversible three-dimensional design and decorating different farm scenes with 32 soft felt pieces. Ages 3 and up; $40

Digital Listening Device

Keep storytime going for hours on end with the Tonies Peppa Pig Toniebox Starter Set. A large library of stories will keep your child entertained and engaged without the use of a screen. They’ll also love being able to control what character they choose for the next listening adventure. Ages 3 and up; $100

Sorting Push Toy

This Melissa & Doug Wooden Shape Sorting Grocery Cart acts as one big puzzle for little learners exploring shapes and colors—and trying to figure out how to walk. Whether they’re sorting, toddling, or simply discovering something new, this cheery toy with a variety of activities is sure to satisfy. Ages 12 months to 2 years; $75

DIY Slide

This winning present doesn’t need an explanation—it’s a slide! For your stairs! Choose your preferred bundle based on how many stairs you have and the desired impact level (lower impact for younger babes and higher impact for your older thrill-seekers). The StairSlide pieces boast a non-slip grip bottom and stack for easy-peasy storage. Ages 3 to 12; from $75

Pull Toy

These toys are a classic for a reason: They promote whole-body coordination and fine motor strength. New walkers can practice pulling the Bababoo and friends Pull Along Toy while perfecting balance and boosting spatial skills and dexterity. We recommend Bababoo because aside from being adorable, the brand integrates an early learning approach to all their products. Ages 12 months and up; $39

Personalized Picture Book

In the new release from Wonderbly, your little one will see themselves as a super-kind superhero. By adding your child’s name, choosing a look-a-like character, a personalized message, and more, It’s Super-You becomes a keepsake just for them. Ages 2 to 5; $40

We hope these gift ideas make your shopping session a teensy bit easier and that you get to enjoy your kiddo—and your while family—this holiday season. And when in doubt, just put a bow on a box of Goldfish and call it a day—IYKYK.

  • Contributor

    Lauren has covered a scope of pregnancy and parenting topics, while simultaneously experiencing pregnancy and early motherhood. As a busy mom to four kiddos ages 6 and under, she feels a deep sense of solidarity with everything she writes. Lauren enjoys life in the Peach State with her husband, Matthew, and her mini sources of inspiration: Bellamy, Navy, Romy, and youngest son, Ashley.