With each passing year, the magic of the holidays seems to grow right alongside little ones. The anticipation builds. Their eyes are wider and brighter than before. It’s a sweet and special time when the feeling of it all is just as exciting as whatever is under the tree. Nonetheless, the right gift can bring wonder that lasts well into the new year (and beyond!). Behold, our favorite open-ended, creativity-inspiring, kid-approved gifts to give, curated especially with big brothers and big sisters in mind.

12 Best Christmas Gifts For Toddlers

1. Solly Dolly Wrap: It doesn’t get more darling than this. Wrap up a miniature version of mom and dad’s Solly, so they can wrap up their beloved stuffie, just like you. Pro tip: Gift yourself a matching wrap.

2. Magna-Tiles: Calling all future engineers and architects! These magnetic building blocks inspire endless creation and innovation—and promise to stay in heavy rotation for years.

3. Staplestein Stepping Stones: Use them as stepping stones, stack them as a stool, turn them upside down as bowls, keep them inside or take them out … the possibilities are endless and the quality, impeccable.

4. Kidamento Digital Camera: Designed for small hands and wrapped in an adorable food-grade silicone case, this pint-size digital camera takes real photos, so your little one can take a turn behind the camera.

5. Doctor Kit: Playing doctor is practically a rite of passage, and if big brother or sister has joined on any of your prenatal appointments or baby’s well-checks, they’ll no doubt be eager to reenact the experience. Plus, if you volunteer to be the sick patient, you may even buy yourself a few minutes lying down on the sofa while doc checks your vitals.

6. The August People Milk Tee: Between playing, eating, and just being generally messy humans, a toddler really can’t have too many clothes. This mom-owned small business is one of our favorites for finding cute kids apparel, like this adorable t-shirt.

7. Schleich Animals: You can never have too many of these quality, detailed animal figurines from the nearly 100-year-old Schleich brand. Gift one or two at a time, and grow your collection as you go.

8. Yoto Player: Looking for a screen-free way for your toddler to be able to listen to stories, music, podcasts, and more? Look no further. These audio players provide hours of entertainment sans-mics, cameras, or screens to build independence and inspire imagination.

9. Piccalio Helper Tower: For the mini sous chefs, I can do it myself-ers, and little helpers: This 2-in-1 Montessori-inspired tower converts into a table perfect for eating, playing, and providing an extra boost whenever needed.

10. Smol Play Bounce House: ICYMI, cold/rain/snow season is upon us and those fancy indoor play gyms can be pricey. We’re all for breaking out the gear and getting outside whatever the weather, but sometimes you need some good, clean (but still rowdy) indoor fun, and this mini inflatable bounce house promises exactly that.

11. Gathre Trampoline: The best way to get their wiggles out! This mini trampoline is ideal for little jumpers looking for some indoor fun and it’s made by our friends at Gathre which means it’s well-made, beautiful, and easy to clean. Truly a parent’s dream.

12. McGee and Co Kids Chair: When they’ve outgrown the glider and need a place of their own to lounge, sit, and play, this kid-sized chair is the perfect addition to a bedroom, play space, or (yeah it’s that cute) the living room. 

Some Notes on Toddler Gifts...

What is the 4 gift rule for children?

The 4-Gift Rule is a thoughtful holiday tradition that simplifies gifting by focusing on four meaningful categories: something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.

Why we love it:

• It helps set clear expectations year after year—kids know how many gifts they’ll receive and what types they’ll be, leaving the surprise and delight in the details.

• It minimizes sibling comparisons and “but theirs is bigger!” arguments.

• It makes holiday shopping far simpler (and more intentional) for parents.

What are some gift giving traditions?

Looking to start (or refresh) your family’s holiday traditions? Try one of these:

• Let each child choose one gift to open on Christmas Eve—or open all the gifts on Christmas Eve and save stockings for Christmas morning.

• Celebrate Jólabókaflóð, the Icelandic tradition of exchanging books and chocolate on Christmas Eve, then cozying up to read together.

• Have siblings create and exchange handmade gifts for one another.

• Choose one “big” family gift or opt for an experience-based gift everyone can enjoy together.

What are thoughtful holiday gifts for toddlers?

Toddlers love gifts that nurture their curiosity and imagination. Open-ended toys—such as colorful building blocks, doll accessories (like our Solly Dolly Wraps), or pretend-play sets—encourage creativity and keep little ones engaged well past the holidays. Cozy, practical items like pajamas or slippers also make thoughtful additions under the tree.