This article looks at 10 of the best Christmas gifts for toddlers and kids aged up to 6.
I usually leave my holiday shopping until the last few days.
Sometimes, this means the items I have in mind are sold out. Then there’s a mad scramble to buy, wrap, and deliver everything on time.
I’m determined things will be different this year, so I’ve been scouring the net for ideas.
Between my nieces and nephews and friends’ kids, I will be buying for ten youngsters between 18 months and four.
I figured that since I’d be doing the research, I’d post my findings here to help others who, like me, have a lot of kids to buy for and not a lot of free time to shop.
The following are some of the best Christmas gifts for toddlers and young children that I’ve found.
10 Best Christmas Gifts for Toddlers
I used to dread buying Christmas gifts for toddlers. I’d worry that the recipient wouldn’t like what I bought or that they would already have one.
The key to getting something they will love is to consider their interests. If you’re not sure, ask their mom or dad.
The same goes for avoiding getting something they already have. This happened to me once.
The gift wasn’t for a specific occasion. Still, I felt bad as I could see my niece was disappointed. Ask their parents when the child is out of earshot. That way, you won’t spoil the surprise.
Christmas Gifts for Toddlers & Young Kids Video Overview
Little Tikes Rocking Horse
My friend’s two-year-old girl Sofia loves animals, so I know the Little Tikes Rocking Horse will be a big hit.
Made in America, the toy measures 33 1/2″ x 11 1/2″ x 16 1/2″, and it weighs 7.1 lbs.
It suits kids aged 18 months to 3 years who weigh no more than 50 pounds.
Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, it is available in magenta and bright blue.
As well as being loads of fun, rocking horses teach toddlers to coordinate their movements and balance.
This one’s edges are smooth, it has a high seatback, and its integrated handles are easy to grip.
A low seat allows easy access and prevents tipping.
Along with providing comfort and safety, these features will allow the rider to rock back and forth confidently.
And you will be able to relax knowing they will stay securely in the seat.
The Little Tikes Rocking Horse does not need batteries.
It is easy to clean, with a quick wipe with a damp cloth all that is necessary.
It comes fully assembled, so after taking it out of the box, your little one can climb into the saddle and start rocking. Giddyup!
Click this link to see the Little Tikes Rocking Horse on Amazon.
Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set
My three-year-old nephew Cody enjoys going to basketball games with his dad, so I’m anticipating that he will love his Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set.
An Amazon #1 Best Seller, this popular toy suits between eighteen months and five years of age.
It is available in either blue or pink. Able to be used for indoor or outdoor play, its base can be filled with sand for added stability.
Measuring 23.8″ x 22″ x 61″, it weighs 7 lbs. A retractable pole is height-adjustable between 2.5′ and 4′, with six setting options.
With the exception of the net and the balls, everything is made of tough, recyclable plastic. The rim is extra-large, making for easier goal scoring.
Also included are 3 x 6″ diameter squishy, non-toxic PVC balls that are the perfect size for little hands.
This set will provide hours of active fun, either solo or with the child’s siblings or friends.
It will also help develop hand-to-eye coordination and improve motor skills. And playing in a group will teach them important social skills.
For more info on the Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set, click this link to visit Amazon.
Little Tikes First Slide
As soon as I spotted the Little Tikes First Slide, I knew I had to get it for my two-year-old niece Amber.
Amber loves going to the park, and her favorite thing is the slide.
Bring the fun of the park to your home with the Little Tikes First Slide.
Providing indoor or outdoor fun, the slide suits kids from 18 to 6 years of age.
Along with providing loads of fun, it helps develop balance and coordination.
Made in America using durable, recyclable, PA-free non-toxic plastic, the slide is red, and its ladder and handles are bright blue.
Measuring 23″ (L) x 18″ (W) x 39″ (H), its slide is 38″ long.
It weighs 9 lbs and can support a child weighing up to 60 pounds.
While light, reviews from those who have bought it state that it is very stable.
With no tools needed and only four parts to assemble, the slide will be ready to use in just a few minutes.
For safety’s sake, place it on a soft play surface.
Simply attach the steps to the slide, then snap in the two handles at the top.
Press them down hard until you hear a click, and let the fun begin!
Disassembling the unit is just as quick if you want to move or store it. The steps can be clipped to the back of the slide for more compact storage.
To see the Little Tikes First Slide on Amazon, click this link.
Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Car
If you know a little boy or girl who loves cars, you won’t go wrong with the Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Car.
I’ve ordered one for my two-year-old nephew Carlo, who is always up for a drive.
This fun and educational toy is suitable for kids between 6 months and 3 years of age.
Measuring 29.8″ x 9″ x 16″, it weighs 11 lbs.
It comes in blue or pink with colorful accessories and uses 3 x AAA batteries.
A stationary model, it offers three levels of play and interaction, each suitable for different age groups.
Starting with sitting in the car, they can later stand in it. As they grow and develop, they can pull it along and pretend to drive.
It has a steering wheel, a door that opens and closes, and various toys. There are three modes, numerous interactive buttons, and over 75 sounds.
Mode 1 is for learning. This teaches the child their first words, numbers, and letters and helps them recognize the sun, wind, and more.
Mode 2 is for songs and tunes.
Mode 3 features sound effects, including a car engine starting, the steering wheel turning, etc..
The sounds are produced by pressing the car’s radio button, turning the steering wheel, or beeping the horn.
A volume control button sets the noise level at high or low.
There’s a rollerball that spins when batted and three shape sorters – one round, one square, and one triangular. These can be inserted into one of the doors, improving the child’s coordination and teaching them to recognize the various shapes.
The other door has a ramp for rolling a ball.
Click here to learn more about the Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Car on Amazon.
Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Magical Musical Mirror
If you’re looking for a gift for a little girly girl who loves the color pink, look no further than the Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Magical Musical Mirror.
I’ve ordered one for a friend’s 18-month-old daughter, Bree, and I’m confident it will be a hit.
Suitable for children between 6 months and 2 years, this toy measures 5″ x 11″ x 11″ and weighs 2.2 lbs. It uses 3 x AA batteries.
Coming with three modes – learning, music, and imagination – watch the delight on the little one’s face as she – or he – catches sight of themself in the child-safe light-up mirror.
But this toy is far more than just a pretty-looking glass.
The vanity holds two beaded bracelets, a comb, a pretend lipstick, a compact, and a powder puff.
Each is removable, allowing the child to play dress-up and apply their makeup when mom does.
And the fun doesn’t stop there!
When the rollerball is swatted, one of more than 30 different phrases, tunes, and songs will play.
The sounds also activate when the lipstick or powder puff is removed or placed on the vanity and when opening and closing the compact.
It also teaches the child about colors, textures, opposites, the alphabet, and more.
For more info on the Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Magical Musical Mirror, click here to visit Amazon.
Fisher Price Harley Davidson Tough Trike
When I asked what he wanted for Christmas, my four-year-old nephew Marco replied, “A ride on a Harley.”
That’s won’t be happening this year, so I figured a Fisher Price Harley Davidson Tough Trike would be the next best thing.
A tricked-up pedal-powered tricycle, it suits kids aged 2 to 5 years.
It measures 29.5″ x 22.5″ x 22″, weighs 8.5 lbs, and can support a rider weighing up to 55 pounds.
It weighs 8.5 lbs and can support a rider who weighs up to 55 pounds.
This Amazon exclusive and #1 Best Seller has robust, durable tires, a large comfy seat, oversized foot pedals, and easy-grip handles.
It offers smooth, stable, and comfortable rides.
While best suited to outdoor use on a firm surface, it can be ridden on short grass.
It can also be used inside on a carpeted or hardwood floor.
Kids love that the trike resembles a Harley and has a secret compartment beneath the seat that is ideal for storing special treasures or carrying a snack.
Parents appreciate that the bike is safe to use, strengthens leg muscles, helps develop gross motor skills, and improves balance and coordination.
Assembly is minimal, taking approximately 10 minutes. You will need a screwdriver and a hammer to complete the job.
To see the Fisher Price Harley Davidson Touch Trike on Amazon, click this link.
Best Learning Mushroom Garden
Next on my list is my friend’s son Kyle, who is 1 1/2 years old.
Kyle is one of those kids who is curious and keen to learn new things, so the Best Learning Mushroom Garden should be right up his alley.
Compact and lightweight, it measures 7.9″ x 7.9″ x 3.9″ and weighs 11.4 oz.
Suitable for children between 1 and 5, it offers four modes of play, including Colors, Numbers, Music, and Games.
The toy features colorful flashing lights and memory games that teach infants to recognize colors and numbers.
It does this by speaking the colors and numbers when the matching mushrooms are pressed.
It also plays music and songs, and it has fun sound effects.
Unlike some similar toys, children don’t outgrow this one quickly.
Using the memory games as an example, when the child presses the correct buttons to replicate the patterns and lights, additional ones are added to the subsequent sequence.
It even teaches them how to play music!
Along with being fun and entertaining, this multi-award-winning teaching toy will spark creativity and boost their imagination.
It can improve a child’s motor functions and hand-to-eye coordination, teach them how to problem solve and think logically, and more.
3 x AA batteries are required, with one set included with your purchase.
Click here to view the Best Learning Mushroom Garden on Amazon.
Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Toy Pet Playset Mega Pack
I bought my neighbor’s 3-year-old daughter Jenna an Aquadoodle for her birthday six months ago, and she still uses it regularly.
So when I saw the Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Toy Pet Playset Mega Pack, it seemed like a good fit.
An Amazon Choice pick, it suits kids aged 3 to 6 and beyond.
The set comprises twelve adorable tiny animal toys. These include five dogs, four cats, two rabbits, and a hamster, all with a subtly fuzzy finish.
Also included are twelve colorful, non-toxic marker pens, a small washtub, two scrubbing brushes, and instructions.
This is everything a budding Picasso will need to create a masterpiece.
If they want to change the design, they can place the animals in the washtub, add water, and then scrub them clean with one of the brushes.
After they dry, they will then be ready to start again.
The markers are the perfect size for small hands to grasp and maneuver.
They are water-based, so it’s easy to remove any residue from skin and clothing.
While safe to use on most surfaces, placing an old towel beneath the toys being worked on will avoid staining carpet or anything else that is porous.
Additional pets and markers can be purchased to add to the collection.
To see the Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Toy Pet Playset Mega Pack on Amazon, click this link.
Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano
I’ve ordered a Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano for my friend’s daughter Lily, who recently turned one.
As with most infants, Lily’s face light up when she hears music, and she bops along, so I think this will be a great gift for her.
Reading the reviews for this product, I suspect her mom and dad will get as much enjoyment from it as she will.
Made from durable wood and plastic, it is suitable for kids over the age of 12 months.
Measuring 12″ x 5″ x 9″, it weighs 2 lbs.
The piano comes with 2 x AA batteries. These have a 144-hour-life, so they offer plenty of use before they will need replacing.
The piano has high-quality speakers and a volume control button with low and high options.
With no rubber latex to worry about, the components also meet global phthalate, lead, and BPA requirements.
The keys consist of painted stripes on the piano’s surface, so there is no way they can break off. This means you won’t have to worry that the child will put a key in their mouth and choke on it.
Built-in sensors detect the keys being pressed and produce the matching musical notes. This feature enables kids to compose an infinite number of songs.
Three reversible music sheets come preloaded with six different tunes.
The sheets enable an older child to play the tune by matching the color-coded notes to the matching piano key.
Among other tunes are the ABC Song, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, and Song of Joy.
For younger children, click a switch, and the tune will play regardless of which keys they press.
If your intended recipient isn’t the concert pianist type, the range also has a ukulele, drum, xylophone, and tiny tambourine.
Along with developing the child’s hand-to-eye coordination, this fun toy will teach them about cause and effect, help them develop a sense of rhythm and more.
There’s also a mini piano, which would make a great stocking stuffer.
If you’re looking for more stocking stuffers, click here to read revies of 10 Munchkin bath toys for babies and toddlers.
To see the Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano on Amazon, click this link.
VTech Scoop & Play Digger
My friend’s three-year-old son Connor is obsessed with anything to do with excavation and building, so the VTech Scoop & Play Digger has his name written all over it.
Designed for kids between eighteen months and four years, it measures 4.3″ x 15.3″ x 7.5″ and weighs 1.98 lbs.
The digger comes with 2 x AA batteries. These are for demonstration purposes, so they will only work for a short time, so it’s best to order more to have on hand.
This brightly colored toy is robust and durable and will withstand just about anything kids can throw at it.
It comes with Learning, Music, and Quiz modes, each offering different interactions.
When using Learning mode, pressing any of the five light-up buttons will teach the child about colors, numbers, and construction.
In Music mode, they can listen to songs.
In Quiz mode, they will hear construction-related phrases and be asked questions.
Along with the digger, they will receive a small toy brick, a gold bar, a pipe, a wooden log, and a rock. At the push of a button, an arm will scoop these up and deposit them into a hatch, and they will drop out of an opening on the other side.
As each item drops through the shute, the digger counts them from one to ten.
Push and pull the digger to make the gears turn, or spin the gears manually to hear playful sounds.
When it’s time for your little construction worker to put down his tools and remove his work boots and hard hat, he can store all of the toy’s pieces inside the digger.
To learn more about the VTech Scoop & Play Digger, click this link to visit Amazon.
Best Christmas Gifts for Toddlers Summary
Buying Christmas gifts for toddlers and young kids is relatively easy if you put a bit of thought into it. It’s hard to say whether those above are the absolute best Christmas gifts for toddlers, but they will be ideal for my intended recipients.
Remember to ask the child’s parents if the gift you have in mind is suitable.
Check to make sure they don’t already have one. This will make buying gifts easy peasy.
Something else to keep in mind when buying Christmas gifts for toddlers is that if siblings of a similar age are on your list, look for items that will suit both. This will enable them to share the toys.
I hope you found the above Christmas gifts for toddlers list useful.
Merry Christmas and compliments of the season!