What makes a good gift for the toddler set? Something that sparks their imagination and facilitates imaginative play that helps them continue to better understand the world around them, challenges them to think as they develop pre-reading and beginning math skills, and also reinforces their basic need of feeling loved. These gifts for 2-4 year olds help accomplish all of those things and more!
Sparkup Magical Book Reader ($59.99)— There’s nothing quite like sitting down with your toddler and reading a good book. Listening to favorite books being read over and over again, even when you’re not with your young ones is now possible thanks to the Sparkup Magical Book Reader. Sparkup enables parents to create personalized audio recordings of any illustrated children’s book so kids can listen, read along and feel connected at any time. Sparkup is a screen-free device that simply attaches to the top of a book and records the user’s voice while tracking each page via its built-in camera. Afterwards, any time the device is re-attached to that book, the camera recognizes its images and plays the appropriate recording for each page – while allowing the child to advance at his or her own pace, or even flip through the pages out of order. By combining the compelling multimedia aspects of the Internet with traditional children’s literature and the voice of a loved one, Sparkup Magical Book Reader helps children learn to read and love reading even during those times when their parents are busy taking care of work or other tasks. Ages 3+
Tin Tea Set ($48)— We had a lot of tea parties at our house when our kids were toddlers and preschool age and this gorgeous 14 piece tin tea set would have been welcome at our parties. The set includes a tea pot, 4 cups and saucers, 4 plates, and a serving platter to serve stuffed animal friends, family, and special guests like grandparents. It comes in a sturdy floral printed case for easy transport and storage so kids can always have the proper table settings for their next tea party wherever it may be. Ages 3+
Magnetic Rocket Kit ($20)— This beautifully designed wooden rocket is a puzzle and toy all in one. the wooden pieces each contain magnets making it easy for kids to easily snap the pieces together again and again. The rocket features a propeller that spins and a cheery pilot at the controls ready for blast off. This cheery toy also makes a great piece of décor in any space lovers’ room. Ages 3+
Mamas & Papas Learn to Dress Dolls ($26.99)— Toddlers still need so much help with so many things but help make them more independent and less frustrated by giving them a fun toy that will teach them how to button, snap, and zip so they can learn how to dress themselves. Max features a baby-safe mirror, a zipper, tie-up laces and soft touch and press stud fasteners and is designed to maximize your baby’s development through interaction, stimulation and problem solving fun. Ages 2+
DADY Headphones ($39.99)— We work so hard to protect our kids in so many ways and even though they clamor to plug into our devices, they still need headphones that will keep their young ears safe. DADY’s on-ear headphone are easy to use, comfortable, and unique safety features that control the volume without sacrificing optimum listening for discerning little ears in a lightweight package, making them perfect for home use or on the go. Ages 3+
Green Toys™ Train ($27.99)— Made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the brightly-colored eco-friendly steam engine pulls two additional cars that link together to form a long train or can be unhooked for stand-alone play. Ages 3+
Green Toys® Animals-on-Wheels ($12.99)– Elephant, Pig, and Turtle invite open-ended play thanks to their fun, friendly-faced push toy nature. Each of the Animals-on-Wheels are eco-friendly (they’re made from recycled milk jugs!) feature an easy-to-grasp handle and free-spinning wheels that encourage both fine and gross motor skill development. 6 months and up
Speedy’s Magical Shell ($14.99)— Who doesn’t love a toy that does multiple things for maximum play with minimal space? B kids’ Speedy the Snail can be used as a pull toy or remove his Magical Shell to play him as a drum or hammer colorful balls into it. Speedy helps teach mechanical skills and manual dexterity. Ages 12 months+
Hippo-poppin’ Piano Pal ($29.99)— With lots of fun surprises, Hippo-poppin’ Piano Pal keeps young children engaged while learning cause and effect at the same time. Drop one of three colorful balls through the opening on top, watch it pop out of the hippo’s mouth which will open and close at random, and then delight in seeing the three musical key notes magically light up. Ages 12 months+
Rock, Ride N Stride Hippo Toy ($39.99)— Toys that grow along with your child and encourage movement are always a great investment. The Rock, Ride N Stride Hippo Toy can be pushed to provide stability for wobbly walkers, converted into a rocker as balance is developed, and ridden by confident coordinated toddlers. It features three buttons on the dashboard that when pressed, trigger music, lights, and animal sounds.
Age appropriate music
While CDs may seem outdated in today’s digital age, toddlers love gifts that they can hold in their hands. Here are some great titles that feature fun, age appropriate music that even mom and dad will enjoy.
- Fun o’ Clock by In the Nick of Time ($18.35 for a CD from Amazon or $8.99 for digital download via Amazon)— Noted for eclectic recordings that celebrate the songs he loved growing up, Nick Deysher of In The Nick of Time draws on a lush expanse of influences. Fun O’Clock is not only a trip through the decades of more than 100 years of popular music but also a global peregrination that includes ’80s hip-hop, ska/reggae, Celtic, and indie rock, alongside classic rock and roll, jazz, and country, with even a tip of the hat to the Renaissance.
- Lullabies by Laurie Berkner ($9)— Beloved Laurie Berkner is here to help our toddlers relax and go to bed with a fabulous selection of soothing tunes that invite sleep.
TotSpot as a gift for parents of toddlers (free app)— TotSpot is an app that serves as a mobile marketplace to sell your family’s clothes or buy the things your kids need. Tots Profiles allow you to sort listings by gender, age, clothes size, and shoe size to find the items that are just right for each child. It’s also easy to list items for sale in a matter of minutes. Simply tap on the Camera icon with the word Sell at the bottom of the app to open the camera on your smartphone. Snap up to five photos to accompany your listing, type in a title and description. Part of the brilliance of TotSpot is that the only tool you need is your phone. To get started, sign up for the free TotSpot app. Tip: If you use my code (ZFDUIQ), we’ll both get a $2 credit to our TotSpot accounts!
Need more ideas? Visit my past Toddler Gift Guides and other 2014 Gift Guides that will help you find the best gifts for all ages!
- 2013 Gift Guide: Best Gifts for Toddlers
- 2012 Gifts for Toddlers
- 2010 Holiday Gift Guide: Toddlers
- 2009 Holiday Gift Guide: TODDLERS
- 2008 Holiday Gift Guide Toddler and Preschool Edition
Amazon Affiliate links included in this post. All images courtesy of the companies.
that tea set is so adorable my ovaries are shaking eggs down <3
Loving the magnetic rocketship! My toddler would go crazy for that!
What a great list, I will definitely share with my toddler mama friends!! Thank you!
Some great gifts here. I could see my daughter liking the DADY Headphones, she loves music and singing
Awesome picks here, I really love the Magnetic Rocket Kit. A puzzle an toy all in one, worth every penny.
I love this list. It has different brands that I didn’t know about. I have a few toddlers to buy for this year and I usually go for the same old things.
Awesome guide! Love the Rock, Ride N Stride Hippo Toy! Thanks for the post.
Toddlers are always fun to shop for although they normally like the box the best 🙂 Everything is colorful and bright. I always look for very safe toys with good reviews an you show some very nice ones.