toddler gift guide: christmas 2016

For the first time in a long time, I have a head start on my holiday shopping. 2016 is going to be the year that I have my presents wrapped and under the tree with time to spare. I have a good game plan and a closet full of gifts for family and friends that I’ve already purchased.

I also have about 10 gift guides to share. These were super fun to put together and they helped me do my research on the toys and trends for the season. We’re going to start with a toddler gift guide today. One bit of advice, I shopped at Target this weekend (in store) and they had a 30% off coupon for the toy section. I compared those prices to Amazon while making the gift guide and even with the 30% off, Amazon still had better prices on almost everything I purchased.

I divided this up into different types of toys, if you’re looking to hit all the high notes you can find things for imaginative play, building sets, educational games, and things that will build those crucial fine motor skills.

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My Top Pick- Before we talk about anything else, let’s talk about my top pick in the toddler toy department. A Balance Bike . Balance bikes are recommended for 18m to 5 years, so don’t look at it and think it’s not going to work because bikes tend to be something for the older, school-aged crowd. These bikes are amazing tools that teach children to balance on the bike, without training wheels or pedals, and most children then go straight to a bicycle without training wheels.

Building Sets- Building sets stand the test of time at our house. You know, far exceeding the average life span of most toys. BK still has building blocks we bought her at her first Christmas and hands-down, Magnatiles or magnetic building blocks have been the most played with toy from Christmas 2015.

Lincoln Logs – You can pick up the 100th anniversary tin this season. It’s one of those toys full of nostalgia and a tin of these wooden logs never disapoints.

Magnetic Building Blocks– These are all the rage because they give kids an understanding of engineering and design. The set pictured or Magnatiles are fantastic picks. I tend to lean towards Magnatiles because they’re familiar to us and we love how well they are designed and made.

Gear Sets– Another innovative way to build. I would recommend these for an older toddler (3+).

Educational Toys- As a former teacher, I love anything that exposes children to educational concepts and encourages them to think and learn about colors, shapes, problem-solving and working together. The more exposure they get to those things at a young age, the better foundation they have as they grow.

Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game– (only $10 right now) Another one for the older crowd (3+) this is a favorite at our house! I can’t think of a better way to get your kids interested in board games and working together. When I saw these were only $10, I went ahead and purchased a few extra for birthday gifts, they seriously never disappoint.

Fisher Price Code-A-Pillar – The Code-a-pillar is a caterpillar that encourages kids to experiment and play while developing coding, sequencing and critical thinking skills — all before they reach school age. This would do best with the older crowd (3+).

Smart Scan Color Chameleon – This Chameleon teaches colors and counting in a whole new active (and fun) way!

Fine Motor Skills- I love toys that build fine motor skills and help with hand-eye coordination.

Shape Sorting Cupcakes– How cute are these? And it encourages shape and color recognition.

– For the 3+ crowd, this set builds coordination skills as they drill chunky, kid-sized bolts into a sturdy activity board. This is one of my favorite finds this season!

Playroom Essentials- I will definitely throw in a great piece of playroom furniture that we need and call it a Christmas gift any year! Here are two great finds:

– This activity table is great for building and playing. Melissa >and Doug also make a train set that you can add later (and it becomes a train table) and we added lego boards to one side for lego play!

– You can never go wrong with a wooden table and chair set!

Imaginative Play- Imaginative play toys are another example of toys that stand the test of time. At 6, BK has yet to grow out of using her imagination all of the time!

Wooden Snacks and Sweets Food Cart – This is a great option for toddlers and it comes with tons of food pieces, too.

Play Food – This wooden set is great.

Doc McStuffins Cart – Character themed toys aren’t always my favorite, but I couldn’t pass up this option from Doc McStuffins!

Work Table – Do you see I have a love for wooden toys? Nothing better! I love this work bench from Melissa and Doug, especially since it’s not brightly colored and plastic 🙂

Let’s Play House! 6-piece pretend play set! – Judson is forever trying to help my clean the house and destroying everything in his path when he grabs the broom and runs to find me. This set is the perfect size and has realistic features.