Are you looking to be more intentional in the types of gifts you buy your toddler? Are you looking for toys of longevity that are fun but will also teach your children to use their senses and imagination? If your answer is yes to both of these questions, then this post is for you! Here are 8 of the best Christmas toys for toddlers on Amazon in 2021.
FYI: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
What Toys do toddlers tend to play with longer?
Since last Christmas I have been paying close attention to the types of toys my two little ones continue to play with. Last year they received an assortment of educational/imaginative toys like wooden blocks, a dollhouse, along with other toys like character dolls and stuffies.
What I came to notice was that the imaginative play toys have been continued to be played – almost a year later. These toys also get used on a daily basis and by both my kids (girl 4 years, boy 18 months).
Why these specific Toys?
These are toys that can be easily manipulated for imaginary play and can therefore be used again and again. Many of these toys inspire the senses of the growing brains of our kids. These toys are also great opportunities to teach colours, shapes, counting, play hide n seek, peek-a-boo, and inspire independence.
Many of these toys work well on road trips or holidays being that many of them can be changed and manipulated. Your kids won’t miss their other toys that are back at home with theses listed below (especially number 1).
As a parent, the amount of use, quality, and educational value really matter to me if I am buying a toy for my child. With all these qualities in mind, that’s what makes this list the best Christmas toys for toddlers.
1. Duplo blocks
Duplo blocks are a definite family favourite in our home. They are one of the toys that everyone can take part in and play. You can teach your kids about colours, shapes, and they can use their imaginations to build something different every time.
Our toddler recently learned how to connect the blocks properly. For months he was taking steps to achieve this fine motor skill.
Duplo is definitely one of the best Christmas toys for toddlers.
2. wooden building blocks
Another family favorite are these good old wooden building blocks. These are also great for adult floor play, independent play, shapes, colors, and imaginative play to name a few.
This was a gift we bought our toddler last year for Christmas. In the end, both he and his older sister use this gift almost on a daily basis.
Side note: We do sort our toys into containers at the end of the day. The kids choose what they want to play with and then they focus on that group of toys. I find this helps with keeping the toys together and being able to be played with more readily.
There is also a set that is not colored as well as seen below.
3. play tunnel
Kids love a good play tunnel. My kids love these things and will crawl through them for ages (great for exercise lol).
If your kids are into making forts, you can use these tunnels to add to their super-secret fort ideas! These are also great for games of hide n seek, and peek-a-boo.
If you are throwing an indoor toddler party in the future, these are great for entertaining the little ones while the adults are snacking.
There’s even a shark version below, if your kids are into underwater creatures!
4. wooden fruit cutting
Another great family favourite! Our kids love being able to play with the fruit and then cut them into half or pieces. This gift is great for imaginative play and developing their future fruit cutting skills!
I have also found that it gives the children a chance to practice serving one another when they play “house”.
5. play-Doh
Play-Doh is always a great go-to for a gift. Kids love this stuff!
Not only is it great for their senses and imagination, but it is an opportunity to teach colours, shapes, and tell stories.
When my kids get into the Play-Doh, I totally get involved. I find it to be a great way to de-stress if I have had a long day. I use it as a mindful and grounding moment by focusing on the texture of the dough and being present with my kids.
SIDE NOTE* – this specific Play-Doh from Amazon is for ages 2+.
You can also make your own dough with this very easy 3-ingredient cloud dough recipe!
6. wooden alphabet puzzle
This wooden alphabet puzzle will make a great Christmas gift for your toddler as they continue to learn letters and their sounds.
This is also great opportunity to learn spelling, colours, sorting, and singing the alphabet song!
7. Stacking Cups
What is it with kids and wanting to kick over stacked items? The stacking cups in our home don’t even stand a chance once our toddler gets involved.
These stackings cups from Amazon look pretty amazing. Personally I don’t have this collection, but I will be trying it out for this Christmas.
These cups are so multipurpose as they are able to be taken into the bath and beach. The colours are a bit more earthy, which I like because it goes better with the house decor LOL! Listen, I know there is someone out there nodding along with me… okay I see you Jessica! Thanks bae.
8. Wooden Shape sorting
Last but not least – shape sorting. Do you remember having this as a kid? Except the box was yellow and plastic?
Again, a great Christmas gift for your toddler as they continue to learn sorting, colours, and shapes.
Our little guy will spend a good moment sorting shapes by himself. He has an absolute blast doing it!
Hope this helps you out!
There we are! 8 of the best Christmas toys for toddlers on Amazon in 2021.
This list was made in consideration of the longevity, educational value, and development of the toddler brain in mind! Pun not intended.
I hope you were able to get some inspo from this list in order to be intentional in the Christmas gifts you will buy this year.
A lot of these toys do great if kept together, whether in a basket or box. This enables your child to fully engage and focus on the toy at hand. Toy boxes are great and all, but you can definitely lose entire sets of toys in them. This then leads to your child not playing with these toys = waste of money.
If you like keeping things aesthetically pleasing in your home (like me), you can always purchase baskets to keep these toys in.
Below is a photo of our duplo basket (toppled over).
If the toys have a home this will also help your kids to know where to put things when it is cleaning time. With practice and patience they will then start to learn to do this on their own.
What they don’t realize is that we are teaching them order… which is a good adult skill to have.
ok, I will stop talking about toys and leave you alone
That’s it for me. I can talk toys all day if I could. I so believe in the power of play! And I am very passionate about being intentional about our toys that we gift our children with. Remember, play is our children’s work. Let’s make their work exciting, fun, and with long lasting effects on their health and wellness.