I’ve always struggled getting gifts for kids so now that I’m a parent I’d like to share our favorite toys with you. I’m hoping that this list comes useful during Christmas or for birthdays.
I love the changes you see happening between 1 and 2 years old, they start the year as babies and finish up as toddlers, talking and walking and letting you know their preferences. Most of the toys my daughter and her friends loved during this age are toys they still love a year later so you’re going to get your money’s worth.
There are some toys that I mentioned on my gift ideas for babies 6-12 months post that toddlers will like too. To be more specific they are: Pewi Ybike Ride On Toy and Walking Buddy, eWonderWorld Polka Dot Teepee & Square Play Zone Twist Tent w/ Tunnel
and Duplo Legos
. I’m going to be adding other toys to this list but I thought they were worth mentioning. My daughter is now almost 3 and still plays with these toys on a daily basis.
The following gift ideas are based on what my daughter and her friends liked between 1 to 2 years of age. Click on the name or picture of the toy to see more details or to purchase.
Ride-on toys
or toddler trikes
There are many different options of ride-on toys, from ones that the parent has to push to where the kid has to pedal. All toddler should have a ride-on toys because they absolutely love it.
Melissa & Doug Magnetic Play set
There are many different fun sets, from fireman to princesses and even themed ones like the one in the picture. My daughter has been playing with these for over a year now. Click on the title to see all different options.


Boikido Wooden Percussion Table
We saw this at a friend’s house and just had to get it. She absolutely loves it and play with it daily. I also love this this Hape one and would have gotten that one if I knew about it first.


Melissa and Doug reusable sticker pad
These reusable sticker pads are awesome. They keep kids busy for a while so we use them at home and when we’re out. It’s great to keep them entertained at a restaurant. We have one pictured below but there are many different scenes – click on the title to see them all.


Magnetic Tin Play Set
This is one of my favorite toys for when we’re out and about because it’s small and all the pieces are stored inside the tin. We have the one pictured but if you click on the title you can see all the different models.


Green Toys Train
I love Green Toys! They’re awesome, non-toxic toys so we have many of them at home. This train has been a success for a while now. My daughter loves it as well as her friends. There also a blue/red one
if you’re looking to get this in another color.

Green Toys Helicopter
This is another favorite around here. We play pretend that we’re flying all the time.

Green Toys Tea Set
This is a great toy for boys and girls. They love playing pretend – we’ve had “tea, coffee, coconut water and even ice cream” in this set. You can also get it in blue, red and yellow.
Green Toys trucks
Toddlers seem to be drawn to all sort of trucks so we have several of these. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors so click on the title to see all the different options.


Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Bollie Kickball
What kid doesn’t love a ball? We love these because they have very cute designs. Find more here.

Aquadoodle
This is a fun toy to use at home or on the go. The best part is that it uses water to color so you don’t have to worry about walls getting painted on.

Play Kitchen
Play kitchens are really popular among all boys and girls and it’s a toy that they will use for a long time. There are many different options so you can find something that will fit best your home and don’t forget to get accessories like food, utensils and appliances.


Melissa & Doug Pizza Party
I can’t even tell you how many times we’ve had pizza. My daughter loves to serve our guests pizza and ask what toppings they would like on it. If you don’t like this wooden version you can get a felt one.

Hape – Totally Amazing Roller Derby Rolling Maze
These toy is pretty neat and the balls are big enough so that a smaller kid won’t choke on them.


Hape – Pound & Tap Bench with Slide Out Xylophone
If you’re kid is into music (let’s face it – all kids are into music) this is a great option because it contains several instruments.
Green Toys Build-a-Bouquet Floral Arrangement
My daughter and her friends love this toy so much that I ended up getting 2 sets so they can build a bigger garden. This toy is perfect for an older 2 year old.
Tot Tutors Book Rack
I absolutely love this book rack. It stands on the ground so your kid can grab the books and it keeps them organized. This is a must have in every house and believe me, the parents will appreciate being able to keep all those books in one place.

Tot Tutors Toy Organizer
This is another must have because you can keep all the toys organized. Plus it’s the perfect height for a toddler or kid because they can easily take toys in and out of it. We’ve even designated each box for certain type of toys. I also love that it doesn’t take up too much floor space. You can find more options here.
I think this pretty much covers all of our favorite toys! I hope you find this useful for birthday and Christmas gifts.
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out my non-toxic shopping section.
Leave a Reply