The Best Natural Toys for Toddlers: Gift Ideas Under $30

Toddler parents everywhere know that there is a bevy of electronic gadgets and gizmos that can keep their youngsters entertained. While some welcome the host of buzzing, beeping and ringing toys, some parents would just like some peace and quiet!

Natural toys made from wood or other materials are a perfect choice for parents and gift-givers. Natural toys are growing in popularity because of increased concern over the toxicity of plastic. These toys also encourage imaginative play in children of all ages. Best of all, they come without the annoying songs, bright flashing lights and battery-draining motors of conventional toys.

If you want to make the parents of your favorite toddler happy (or if you are a parent yourself and don't want a house full of noise), try these gift ideas, all for under $30.

Stacking and Sorting

-Melissa and Doug Basic Cardboard Blocks, 24 pc. Set, $19.99

These cardboard blocks are sturdy enough to stand up to wear and tear, yet light enough for a toddler to manipulate easily. Each primary colored block features a brick pattern and encourages stacking, building and, every toddler's favorite activity, destroying!

-Jack Rabbit Creations Sea Life Sort and Play, $25.00

This set features a hollow box with animal shaped cut outs on each side. A toddler will have fun fitting the colorful critter shapes through the sorter. The animals include a whale, a seahorse and a starfish, among others.

-Haba Rainbow Tunnel Set, $26.00

These six natural wooden pieces are cut from one solid block of wood and stained in rainbow colors. The arches can be stacked together to form a rainbow or used as tunnels in pretend play with cars and other small toys. The red arch tops out at 3 inches and the entire set measures 5.75 inches in width.

Pretend Play

-Pocket Gnomes, $5 each

These pocket gnome dolls are fun for boys and girls! These 2.5-inch gnomes come in several colors and feature white beards, hats and matching smocks. The imaginative play possibilities are endless.

-Princess Magnetic Dress Up, $9.99

This is a modern turn on classic paper dolls. Your child can dress up a wooden princess doll with 25 different outfits and accessories. The solid wood clothes include small magnets that keep the fashions attached to the doll body. The outfits and doll can be conveniently stored in a slide cover storage box.

-Sushi Toy Set, $15.99

This is a creative take on the wooden play food set. The sushi pieces have Velcro attachments that make realistic cutting sounds when they are separated. The set includes five different kinds of wooden sushi, chopsticks, dipping bowl and serving mat. This gift is perfect for the sophisticated toddler in your life.

-Farm Block Toys, $29.99

Every child needs a farm play set. Why not purchase one made of natural wood? This 61-piece set has everything essential for a proper farm: barn, fences, stable, silo, trees, tractors and, of course, animals. The whole set is conveniently stored in a wooden tray.

Puzzles and Games

-Melissa and Doug ABC Peg Puzzle, $4.99

This ABC puzzle helps toddlers become familiar with the alphabet. Under each piece is a fun illustration that corresponds with the letter. This toy helps children develop their fine motor skills, and matching skills.

-Story Puzzles, $16 each

These terrific wooden puzzles have a short story that comes together when you child puts down each piece. The stories center on themes about daily life and the environment. Each layer is a continuation of the story and when the puzzle is done, the story is finished.

-Melissa and Doug Monster Bowling, $19.95

This monster bowling set will have your toddler knocking pins over like a pro. The six pins feature wild, bright faces and furry bodies and have beanie bottoms to keep them upright. The ball has a silly monster face on it. The seven-piece set is soft and safe for young children.