My Favorite Toddler Gifts

While I have a lot of Christmas shopping yet to do, we were able to cross Oliver off our list early this year. It’s mostly the excitement of knowing this is the first Christmas where he’ll be excited about new toys. We might have gone a little bit overboard. Here’s what we’re getting him (on behalf of the man in the big red hat of course):

His big gift is one of those big comfy foam kid’s chairs (1). I never thought we’d get one of these, but Oliver really needed his own chair. He will pull up a step stool or a stroller to sit in, and we feel so bad! I think this Land of Nod chair is going to get a lot of use.

The Mala easel from Ikea (2) is awesome - it folds up and stores away easily, it holds giant rolls of paper, and has a chalkboard on one side and a whiteboard on the other. We picked up some chalk, art supplies, a smock and those cool dry erase crayons and we’re all set to get creative.

While we were at Ikea, we also picked up the Circus tent (3) and BUSA play tunnel (4) because Oliver couldn’t get enough of them. He never wanted to leave. My favorite part is that they collapse very small and can be easily stored away.

In the stocking stuffer department, we bought him a couple of toddler musical instruments, a kazoo (5) and a cowbell (6). And of course some new books (7), because this kid LOVES books. I can recite all the baby classics now by heart.

Of course we didn’t get him everything on the “wish list,” there are so many amazing toys out there. A few of these things might show up on Christmas, but the rest we’ll save for the future. Here are some more of my favorite toys this year:

The Bilibo (1) is one of the coolest toys I’ve ever seen. Oliver’s friend has one and he loves it - there’s so many things you can do with it! If you are unconvinced, google the videos! The Plui (2) might be the only water toy left that Oliver doesn’t have, but it’s so cool I’d be happy to make room for it. I love this compact vintage kitchen set (3) for small spaces. I have a soft spot for BlaBla Knit dolls (4), they are just so fun.

A classic wooden block set by Haba (5) with lots of pieces would provide endless hours of entertainment… though this Grimm’s Wooden Block Pyramid (6) would definitely be more bright and colorful! These sock animals from the Remakerie (7) rival my love of BlaBla dolls. And lastly, while Oliver is probably too young (they contain magnets and are for kids 3+), these magnatiles are so amazing they put duplos and legos to shame. They are supposed to be incredibly fun to play with.

Anyone else have any favorite toddler toys?