Hot Toys for Toddlers

I’m scared of toys! That’s right, I said it. I’m scared of clutter and ridiculous amounts of plastic piling up in our home. Because of that I’m very picky about the toys that come into our home. I like toys that keep kids entertained for more than 30 seconds, are educational in some way, or my very favorite, toys that live outside.

13 Awesome Toys for Toddlers

Maxwell was only 20 months old when I oringially wrote this post. The good news is that all of these toys have been tested and I can vouch for each toys ability to keep kids entertained for more than 30 seconds and the toys will be loved for at least a few years. Oh and if you are looking for more ideas, I wrote a post titled best gifts for a one year old. My kids still play with many of the toys on this list too. 

This post contains affiliate links, which just means I make a small amount on every purchase made!

1.  Play Kitchen

Santa brought my kids this IKEA hacked play kitchen 2 years ago and they still use it together most days. Listening them to pretend play in the kitchen is the cutest. If you don’t live near an IKEA, this vintage kitchen is adorable too. 

2. Play Pizza

What’s a play kitchen without play food? This pizza is one of my kids favorite things to “make”! My kids really like to me pretend salads too. Oh and don’t forget pots, pans, and utensils! There are plenty of things kids will use as food that doesn’t cost a thing- my daughter always acorn soup on the stove in her kitchen and small empty cardboard food boxes are fun too.

3. What’s Inside Box

This is one of my go to gifts for the 6 month- 2 year old crowd! My 3.5 year old daughter still loves to carry the tiny things around with her and uses them to play pretend in her dollhouse.

4. TEGU Blocks

My now 5.5 year old still plays with these blocks often. He also loves these TEGU wheels that turn any creation into a vehicle!

5. Alphabet Robots

Max oringially found these in his preschool classroom and continued to talk about them for months on end, so I gave in and bought him a set for Chrsitmas. He still plays with them often and Mila loves to use them in her dollhouse.

6. Alphabet Floor Puzzle

Both of my kids still use this alphabet floor puzzle. It’s a great leanring tool tool, and one of the toys I actually like to play. After it’s put together, you can play “where is the letter ___?” game. It’s a win- win!

7. Folkmanis Puppets

Max has a few of these including the dino in the picture, an elephant, and a dragon. He loves them all! And it’s super cute because he likes to share his paci with the puppets animals.

Best Outdoor Toys for Toddlers

8. Razor Jr. Scooter

My son got a Razor Jr. scooter for his second birthday and my daughter is still using it today. One of the most used things in our house!

9. Balance Bike

Much like the scooter, the balance bike is also a big hit with both of my kids. Mila who is 3.5 still rides her balance bike almost daily! Oh and don’t forget the cutest and easiest helmet ever, a Nutcase. It has a magnetic clasp that makes getting the helmet on and off little heads a lot less painful.

10. DIY Outdoor Chalkboard

This is one of my favorite toys. ha! It lives on our fence and me and both kids use it al the time. My 3 year old daughter has loved this giant chalkboard from the day she was old enough to stand! Now, we use it together on an almost daily basis.

Books and non toys

11. Personalized Books

 know, I know, I’ve written about these before, he just loves them so much! And this one is a special Chrsitmas version!

12. Creating Really Awesome Free Things

I have to add this one to the list, y’all 😉 It’s my book and it officially launched on Dec. 4th, 2015. It’s a gift that is fun for the whole family. Maxwell loved this craft as a baby and this is one of their faves from the book today! More book deets here.

13. Money for swim/ music/ gym classes/ museum memberships

I’m all about experience gifts! (Remember what I got Andy for Christmas?) And kid classes can be expensive, so this is a fun gift for a few people to give baby (and parents)!

And a bonus gift that any mom or dad will extra appreciate!

14. Money for a 529 Savings Plan

I know, I know, this gift isn’t as fun to give, but it is much appreciated by parents!

What are you getting your toddler for Christmas? Any other super fun toys that your kids love?