There seems to be a ton of baby registry (guilty!) guides out there, and baby must have lists, but what about toddlers? What are some of the best toddler toys? When your baby grows out of teethers, swaddles and swings, what are some of the things you can’t live without for toddlers?
CHECK OUT MY 2018 GIFT GUIDE FOR TODDLERS for more ideas!
I’ve compiled a list of my favorite toddler toys to help you make your product-buying decisions. Some of these toys are great for learning, some are great for building physical skills and some are just plain good for keeping your little one occupied when you need a minute!
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Now, on to the list of must have toddler toys!
Wooden blocks. Whether it’s to build up into towers, or knock down said towers (my toddler’s personal favorite!), blocks are a fun and simple toy for toddlers of all ages!
Chalkboard. Sam loves drawing with his chalk, and I do too. ;) We also have sidewalk chalk that we draw with outside, and bubbles are a favorite too!
VTech Magnetic Art Board. Remember these? Yeah, they’re still around and as cool as ever.
Little Tikes 4-in-1 Trike/Stroller. Think of this as an investment toy. It has 4 stages from stroller to full trike. You’ll probably be able to use this for several years.
VTech Spin and Learn Color Flashlight. This thing is great for on the go. It plays several songs and has many features including buttons and a spinning head. We use to make car rides calm and can even tie it to a stroller to keep out little one occupied on a walk.
Tegu. These magnetic blocks are so awesome and teach kids about how magnets work. There’s different colors to go with any aesthetic, too. It teaches creativity and thinking outside the box!
Little Tikes Basketball Hoop. This thing adjusts height to stay the perfect size for your kid through his toddler years. We love ours!
Kindle Fire for Kids. I’m not going to address a “screen time” debate here because no one should judge what other parents use as toys and learning devices for their kids. Screen or no screen – fine by me. If you’re into screens, the Kindle Fire has some awesome learning apps for your toddler. It can be used as a great reward as well, and can be a lifesaver on long road trips.
Superhero Capes. Kids LOVE superheroes. These cape, stickers and mask sets are sure to provide tons of fun for your kids. They’re also a nice break from traditional toys/gifts.
Picnic Table Set. This is perfect for your toddler to sit and play or eat outside. The umbrella is great to keep the sun off of your little one too!
Tablet. A really cool toy for toddlers learning the alphabet. We even used this in the crib for a while when Sam was having a rough time going to bed. He’d just play with it for a bit and we’d turn on the moniter to see him asleep next to it. So cute!
Classic Little Tikes Cozy Coupe. You’ve probably seen these for your entire life. Isn’t it time to get a brand new one for your toddler?!
Melissa and Doug Wooden Tool Set. This 24-piece set looks great, packs up easily and improves hand-eye coordination, color recognition and problem solving skills.
Trampoline. What better way to burn off some toddler energy than this! The balance bar makes it a bit safer too.
Wagon. Classic for a reason and great for a toddler who thinks he’s “too big” for a stroller.
Bubble mower. Teach them young! Our little guy loves mowing with daddy and the bubbles only make it more fun!
Melissa and Doug Wood Piano. This classic solid-wood piano is built to last and is a great first piano.
Mega Blocks Set. This is a classic kids’ toy that inspires creativity and develops motor skills. You’ll have just as much fun as your kid building things with these blocks!
Water Play Table. This is the perfect hot-day outdoor activity. With multiple activities for motor skill development, this is sure to get your kids outdoors and having fun!
T Ball set. This is a fun backyard activity and travels really well too! The bat can be a bit heavy for smaller toddlers, so we started with the golf set below. Now Sam loves them both!
Golf set. This one is not only fun for kids, but we love to put around the backyard as well!
Big Wheels tricycle. Pretty sure everyone I know had one of these growing up. Gotta keep the tradition alive! ;)
Doll. To carry around everywhere and snuggle with at night.
Toy Kitchen. We have this and it is the cutest! It’s great for pretend play, and the kitchen is just a toddler’s size! It’s also awesome because it has room to store play utensils, plastic food, etc.
Remember too, that sometimes the bet toys are created right at home. For example, and empty box, a laundry basket, safe kitchen tools and tupperware have all provided afternoons of entertainment for our little one.
With Sam and his toys, we use a cycle strategy, where we put out only about 25% of what he has at a time. That way, there’s less mess and each time we cycle in new toys, he plays with them like they’re brand new!
What are some of your favorite toddler toys?
