Yup, it’s official… Christmas is right around the corner! And what better way to celebrate than to pick the perfect gift for your toddler! You’re probably aware though that the holiday season isn’t without its challenges - from heavy traffic, to people rushing at lightning speed to their favorite store or outlet (and accidentally bumping into you), to checking out a huge list of recommended toys… and if you are like me, things could get stressful in a hurry.
Good thing it’s easier to shop online from the comfort of your home. Great thing is we’ve compiled the best of the best that this year has to offer, so you can narrow down your choices and make better decisions. Having said that, here’s a guide to our top 10 toys for toddlers.
(1) Bilibo
Most appropriate for toddler ages 2 and above
Is that a sand toy or a tortoise shell? A crazily-designed chair that swings and spins you around? Perhaps a shell to build with in the snow, or a cradle for their other toys? To be frank, maybe… and maybe some more! Say hello to Bilibo, the toy that doesn’t come with an instruction manual, because… kids can simply do what they like with it!
Its safety features are of the highest standards, with a shell that’s weather-proof, shock-resistant, completely recyclable and food safe. It’s a unique toy for a unique generation. There’s just virtually unlimited ways to play with it. As one parent said, it’s “excellent for gross motor and core strength development, and perfect for developing the imagination!”
Get it on Amazon: Moluk Bilibo Blue
(2) Squigz
Most appropriate for toddler ages 3 and above
Ever got sucked into a toy you just couldn’t resist? Squigz does that, and literally. These guys have minimal instructions, and you’ll find your little man getting creative in no time. Want a squid? Can do. How ‘bout a ginormous rocket? Sure thing. Space car, cat cushion, jewelry - we got it covered. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg on what these “creatures” have to offer.
Last year was a giant milestone for this toy garnering 5 awards in the likes of: “Best in Play” International Toyfair 2013 by Parenting Magazine and Best Toys for Kids Award Winner 2013 by ASTRA. This year, it continues to soar in its popularity. And why not?
“Playful curiosity” just took on a whole new level.
Get it on Amazon: Squigz Starter 24 piece set
(3) Monster Plush Bowling
Most appropriate for toddler ages 2 and above
“As educational play, Monster Bowling scores a strike every time!”
Voted as #1 Best Seller in Miniature Indoor Bowling Games, these colorful monsters have what it takes to both mesmerize and educate your toddler in a variety of ways. Have fun holding and carrying them, load them up in trucks, give them a spin, pile ‘em up, have a good scare, or just treat them as dolls or like action figures.
Snuggle, roll, catch and throw them around! Just don’t forget their main specialty - bowling! Parents specifically appreciate that these cute creepies are noiseless and lightweight, greatly reducing the risk of it breaking something in the house.
Start a ruckus today with these colorful monsters.
Get it on Amazon: Melissa & Doug Monster Plush Bowling Game
(4) Teeter Popper
Most appropriate for toddler ages 3 and above
You’ve said hello to Bilibo before, now say hi to it’s cousin. Simply hand one of these to your youngsters and walk away … just don’t look away! You’ll be surprised on what they can do with the Teeter Popper, and delighted as to how they react to it.
Voted #1 in Fat Brain Toys list as the Top Christmas Toy by the end of 2014… sit, stand, tilt, rock, wiggle, wobble, spin - how you play is however you choose! Not much instructions included and no special skills needed. Easy to maneuver and can accomodate a weight limit of up to 110 pounds, one of the things I like best about it is the pleasant POPPING sound it produces to reward movement.
An intelligent toy that’s intelligently designed.
Get it on Amazon: Fat Brain Toy Teeter Popper (Pink)
(5) PEWI
Most appropriate for toddler ages 1 and above
Time for the traditional walker to take a backseat. This new and innovative “Walking Buddy/Ride-on” is breezing the toddler market by storm. And why not? In a traditional device, a child simply just sits or hangs there and doesn’t learn to fall. With Pewi however, your child stands freely in front of it and uses it only as an aid.
This freedom of movement in a toy is just perfect for encouraging 1-year olds to learn to walk. Moms and dads have a lot of rave reviews on how their child learned to walk earlier than expected thanks to Pewi. But the amazement doesn’t stop there. Pewi also serves as a foot to floor ride-on for toddlers 12 to 36 months (with a max load of 44 pounds). Its multi direction caster wheels give the child complete control to steer it in any direction.
Definitely the ideal toy for early stage balance and motor skill development.
Get it on Amazon: Pewi Ybike Ride On Toy and Walking Buddy (Red)
For Girls:
(1) Snuggle Pods
Most appropriate for toddler ages 1 and above
Best word to describe it: Adorable. Perhaps that’s an understatement as feelings are often hard to describe. If you’re looking for the perfect first doll for your toddler, or a sweet doll for your toddler though, Snuggle Pods just found you.
Each set comes with a velvety soft doll (4 choices: Honey Bunny, Lil’ Peanut, Snuggle Bug and Sweet Pea) and it’s snuggly satin-lined pod… stuff that babies can’t resist and just love to tote and tuck.
What I liked most about this toy aside from developing motor skills, is it teaches nurturing skills at a very young age.
Get it on Amazon: Manhattan Toy Snuggle Pod, Pea
(2) Build-a-Bouquet
Most appropriate for toddler ages 2 and above
As the title suggests, one of the best toys to stimulate creativity, early logic and reasoning for your kid is packaged in these beautifully designed flower pieces. With 24 flower parts, 16 stems and leaf sections and 4 green bases, simply slide them together to create a colorful masterpiece!
Build-a-Bouquet is also guaranteed to be safe and environment-friendly as its materials are made of durable recycled mik cartons. It’s made of strong, durable recycled plastic with no BPA, no phthalates and no PVC.
Get it on Amazon: Green Toys Build-a-Bouquet Floral Arrangement Playset
(3) Magic Moves Electronic Wand
Most appropriate for toddler ages 3 and above
Get your child’s body moving and their mind learning though this fast-paced musical toy… and better yet, bring their friends along! Magic Moves Electronic Wand is a device that’s awesome for the individual and outstanding for a group.
Hop like a frog! Stomp like a dinosaur! Wiggle like a worm! Get up, shake, shout and move! These are just a few of the 90 exciting commands plus 26 musical tunes and twinkling light shows that’s bound to inspire your toddler to have a ball every time this magical wand takes centerstage.
Get it on Amazon: Educational Insights Magic Moves Talking Electronic Wand
(4) Purse Fill and Spill
Most appropriate for toddler ages 2 and above
Our list would not be complete without the #1 best seller in dress-up toy purses. If you’ve been there once, you know that children, even before they reach age 2, like to put things in a bag, box or container, and pull them out again. The Purse Fill and Spill enlivens that experience as your little child plays with the own toy coin purse, toy coins, toy key-ring, toy compact and powder puff… and what’s that beeping I hear? Oh dear, that’s your toy cell phone. Each piece has enough detail on it that encourages them to actively explore each one!
See how your child starts problem solving as they pull out these stuff from the bag, then figures a way to put them in again.
Truly a cuddly and captivating keeper.
Get it on Amazon: Melissa & Doug Pretty Purse Fill and Spill
(5) Baby Stella Doll with Pigtails
Most appropriate for toddler ages 1 and above
Meet Baby Stella. The doll that’s designed to meet first play needs. Picture perfect and styled to please even the most impossible toddler, this toy brings comfort and cuteness everywhere it goes. Who can resist pigtails!
Just like the Snuggle Pod, it’s one of the rare perfect first baby doll companions. Touch it and feel her soft fabric skin. Baby Stella is your ideal cuddler that gives and receives hugs like she was made for them… and she is!
Baby Stella comes with a magnetic pacifier that stays on her mouth, a removable dress, bloomers and white diaper. Take a pick and choose whether you prefer the Blonde or Dark Haired version.
Get it on Amazon: Baby Stella Blonde Hair Soft Nurturing First Doll
Whatever toy you pick for him or her, be sure to sprinkle it with that ingredient that’s not for sale in any store out there - but can be found within every parent who cares: LOVE.
It’s more than enough to make your toddler happy.