Holiday Gift Guide for Parents of Toddlers

I am a mother to a toddler and I know how finicky they can be when it comes to toys. After spending the last few weeks observing my toddler, in anticipation of Christmas, I have come up with a list of toys that would make great gifts. These items are not just suitable for my child but any toddler out there would love these toys. The following list of toys is unisex and would be great for a boy or girl.

Interactive Toys

Around the time a child turns about a year and a half they really start to enjoy interactive toys. Toys with moveable parts that can be taken off and put back on. Also, since they are walking now, they like toys they can stand up and play with. A great example of this would be a workbench or kitchen. I purchased a multipurpose bench from Target for under $30. It has a sink, clock, and number cards included and you can purchase additional sets to go with it. Each additional set costs about $20. There are four different additions including a kitchen set and tool set. It is great for a girl or boy. I know my toddler is going to love this Christmas gift.

Learning Toys

A toddler's mind really begins learning words and numbers around 1 ½ to 2 years of age. My child is constantly trying to learn words. You can help your child along by buying them a fun learning system. Leap Frog has numerous learning systems. If your child is like mine, they probably love to watch you while you are on the computer. Why not buy them their own? You can purchase a Tot Computer this holiday for anywhere from $20 and up. These "computers" can teach them anything from Spanish or French to numbers and games.

Toys and Beyond

Don't forget the obvious! Does your child like to try to push the shopping cart when you're in the store? My little one loves to push the cart and fill it up with lots of goodies. This holiday season I am buying her one of those little plastic shopping carts, filled with toy food. A boy or a girl toddler would be sure to love this as a gift. Wondering what to put in your tot's stocking? If you don't want to fill the stocking with sugar, and I am sure you don't, there are some good alternatives. A new brush and comb are good for this age. A new toothbrush with their favorite character would make a great stocking stuffer. Fruit is also a good idea. My tot's favorite is Bananas, so I'm going to add one of those to her stocking.

A Few Last Tips

Remember, to get creative this Holiday Season! You do not have to spend a lot of money to please your toddler. Save your money for the teen years when they really get picky. A young child's eyes will light up at his/her presents if you figure out what your toddler likes. Look at what they enjoy playing with. Take them to the toy store and let them look at the toys. Do they go for the loud and crazy toys or the more subdued toys? The better you know your child, the happier they will be with their gifts!