The Ultimate Baby Gift Guide

Finding the perfect gift for your toddler is no easy task. Between the ages of 1 and 3, their abilities and interests vary widely, but one thing is certain: they all want to have fun. To save you time (and money), we’ve rounded up the best gifts for toddlers of all ages, based on feedback from other toddler parents who know them best. Happy shopping!

Best gifts for a 1 year old child

A one-year-old is a tricky age. They’re no longer toddlers, but they’re not fully walking or talking either. With that in mind, we’ve chosen products that are developmentally appropriate, practical, and unobtrusive (parents, welcome!).

Melissa & Doug Wooden Portable Barn Toy

This cute farm-themed toy will help kids develop their grasping and sorting skills as they identify the animals and put them back in their holes in the house. And when they’re done, all 10 pieces fit back into the barn for easy cleanup.

price: $17.60 on Amazon (originally $32.90)

Hape Tap and Pound Bench with Slide Out Xylophone

This 2-in-1 wooden toy/musical instrument helps develop children's gross and fine motor skills, helps them learn about concepts like colors and cause-and-effect, and looks cute hanging in the living room.

price: $29 on Amazon (originally $32.99)

Eric Carle's World: My First Library Board Book Set

When in doubt, books are always a winning gift idea. This board book set includes 12 books with colorful artwork by Eric Carle, author of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” The books are sized just right for young children's hands and include titles like “Under the Sea” and “On the Farm.” Each teaches concepts such as numbers, colors, and animals.

price: $11.08 on Amazon (originally $16.99)

Best gifts for 2 year olds

Two-year-olds are ready to play, and they’re ready to play hard. Many have recently become much more mobile (hello, walking!), and their little brains are like sponges ready to take in the world around them.

Lego Duplo Mickey & Minnie Mouse Birthday Train

These toddlers are finally ready to enter the world of LEGO, or more specifically, DUPLO. Designed to be easy for little hands to grasp and assemble, this festive set features two popular characters. In addition to learning valuable STEM skills and developing hand-eye coordination, it also introduces the concept of numbers.

price: $23.99 on Amazon (originally $29.99)

Boden Snug Long John Pajamas

These high-quality 100% cotton pajamas come in the sweetest colors and prints to suit every toddler's interests and style, and they're also the ideal throwback since they can be worn by multiple kids. My personal favorite is the dinosaur print.

price: $39 on the ground

Delta Kids MySize Double-Sided Storage Easel

This clever double-sided easel is the perfect place for 3-year-olds to draw all day long or create whatever their little hearts desire. One side is a magnetic whiteboard and the other is a chalkboard. There is a roll of paper on top that can be pulled out to draw on, and two spacious storage baskets underneath for markers, chalk, crayons, and more.

price: $48.49 on Amazon (originally $59.99)

Best gifts for 3 year olds

Three-year-olds are independent, curious, and loving. Some go to preschool, others stay home, and they all want to “do it themselves!” This age can be the most fun to shop for because they are very active and interested in everything.

Micro Kickboard Mini Deluxe Scooter

3 year olds are known for being very mobile, so adjust this scooter to fit them and help them release their wild toddler energy. The 3 wheels make it easy to learn how to balance, and you can tilt the scooter to either side to “steer” it. It comes in 7 fun colors, so it can actually feel as big as you imagine.

price: $89.99 on Amazon

Magna-Tiles Classic 32-piece set

According to parents, Magna-Tiles are the gift that always gives. Offering endless open-ended play opportunities, these magnetic tiles encourage children to use their building and creative skills to create anything they can imagine.

price: $49.99 on Amazon

Baby Girls Bear Sherpa Zip Up Hooded Sweatshirt

This cute and super cozy sweater will keep your little ones warm all fall and winter. And your little ones will love this fun bear hoodie. Not only will it allow for imaginative play, but it will also provide them with so much fun.

price: $27.97 (originally $39.95) at the kids' place

The post Best Gift Guide for Toddlers first appeared on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.