6 gift ideas for toddlers

I've been scouring my brain trying to think of good gifts to get for Riggs this year, both for Christmas and for his birthday in January. There are quite a few factors that go into picking out gifts for children, especially toddlers. Of course I want him to like whatever gifts he gets, but I also want them to educational in some way, aesthetically pleasing to the entire family, as well as something that I consider to be a good investment. I don't want to feel like I'm just throwing away money on a plastic toy he'll play with once or twice and then permanently discard.

I've found that with nearly all purchases for our family and our home, I'd rather spend a little bit more money to get a quality item that will stand the test of time, and I feel like toys are no different. Riggs is at a hard age for toys, I think. He's outgrown most of the toys he has (which isn't many, about 8-10 things at most) and so we spend nearly all our time reading his books or playing with his train - the only two things he hasn't outgrown (and hopefully won't for a long time). When making his 'wish list', I tried to think of things that will not only last a while for him, but for future siblings as well, since some of these items are definitely an investment.

one | wooden play kitchen

I think play kitchens are often thought of as girls toys, but Riggs LOVES helping me in the kitchen and any time he's been around a play kitchen he loved it. I'm considering getting this as a joint Christmas/birthday gift, since it's the last year I can really do it (I don't think it's fair when a child's older to combine gifts for holidays/birthdays, unless they're old enough to really understand if they really want a more expensive gift).

two | cut&peel fruit set/kitchen utensils/fresh fish food set/homemade pizza play kit

All of these choices are great accessories to go along with the kitchen. It would be a great way to still give him a gift on his birthday that tied into the kitchen.

three | Rocker Board

These are amazing toys that last for years and years. This is probably the highest on our list of things we want for Riggs. They have them in stock in our local Waldorf school, and that saves a lot on shipping them. Visit the link above to learn more about these awesome toys.

four | My First Zoo & Photo Safari Duplo sets

Riggs has really been showing an interest in Duplos lately and he has none, so I thought this would be a great gift for him. I really prefer toys that go together, like trains sets, kitchen stuff, and things like legos and playmobil. It makes it really easy for family members to purchase gifts as well as long as they know the general 'play set' your child would like more pieces to.

five | books

Riggs just loves reading. We literally read at least 10-20 book every day, usually multiple times. On top of that, he looks at his books by himself many times a day. Books are always a great gift for him. Some of my choices:

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

The Little Island

any Berenstain Bears books

any Little Critter books

six | art supplies

Riggs is definitely getting more into coloring and painting, so I thought some art supplies would be a perfect gift to grow into for him.

Felt Crayon Roll

Stockmar crayon sets

crayon sharpener

blank paper

So there you have it, Riggs' Christmas and birthday wish list. He'll be two in January, and I know some of these gifts might seem a little old for him, but like I said, I want them to be things he can grow into, rather than things he grows out of too quickly. Any other great ideas are welcome here!