The toddler years are truly the wonder years. They’re also the play years. That’s why choosing the right gift for a toddler’s birthday is important. After all, every birthday of toddlerhood is a milestone birthday! If you’re like most people who aren’t experts in child development, you may be wondering about good gifts for toddlers. This list of seven practical gift ideas for a toddler’s birthday sheds some light on the products that both kids and parents love!
1. Stacking Toys
While simple stacking toys that invite toddlers to stack up little towers of blocks or rings may seem simple, they help little brains make big leaps. In addition to boosting cognitive development tied to focus and memory, stacking toys are excellent for developing fine motor skills. They’re also exceptional for boosting eye-hand coordination and spatial abilities.
2. Sorting Toys
Sorting toys look like colorful animals, characters, or fruit bundles at first glance. However, these are actually powerful brain-boosting tools that help kids learn how to group items by color, shape, and type. They also provide a fun, stress-free sensory experience for toddlers.
3. Balance Bike
Why choose a balance bike over a regular toddler bike with training wheels? Balance bikes help toddlers learn to ride bikes without relying on training wheels. That means that they learn true balance and coordination that will really pay off once they upgrade to a “big kid” bike. In addition to being fun to ride, balance bikes help toddlers to develop coordination, balance, and motor skills.
4. Play Camping Set
What’s more magical than camping out in the living room in a play tent? A toddler play tent with camping accessories is a fun and imaginative gift idea that lets a little one explore the great outdoors from the comfort of home. A little tent is also a great place for a toddler to curl up with their favorite picture book.
5. Personalized Armchair
Toddlers are used to living in an adult-sized world. That’s why they get so excited when they get kid-sized gifts. One fun idea for a toddler is a kid-sized armchair they can sit in while watching a movie, relaxing, or figuring out puzzles. Consider personalizing the chair by having the toddler’s name monogrammed on it for a special touch!
6. Spinning Water Sprinkler
Here’s a refreshing gift idea that any toddler will love! An outdoor spinning water sprinkler that attaches to a home’s hose transforms any yard into a tiny water park. Spinning water sprinklers spray water in fun shapes and rotations to keep kids engaged while they cool off!
7. Magnetic Drawing Board
While every parent loves seeing their little one’s creativity bloom, not every parent loves the thought of letting their little artist go through piles of paper as they learn to draw and write. A magnetic drawing board lets toddlers experiment with drawing without scribbling on actual paper. These ultra-portable tablet-sized pads are also perfect for keeping kids engaged while on the go!
Instead of giving a toddler a gift that will only be temporarily played with, give a toddler a practical gift that will continue to be used.