What Toddler gifts for the holidays?!?!?!

[SB621]

I have a 1 year old and 2.5 year old and the holidays are fast approaching. I can't seem to find anything out there that I want to get them for the holidays. I typically use Amazon as they 2 day ship plus not having to pay tax is nice! We live out in the middle of nowhere so not driving the 30 minutes plus to the mall is also a big thing for me.

I would love it if you could post links to things that might interest my kids. I hear the new elmo is the big thing this year but don't know anyone who has actually played with it and loved it. We do a mix of small, med, and then typically 1 large gift each.

TIA!

 

[Miscka]

Great thread idea. I have a 20 month old, and have a few ideas. We are doing a play kitchen (kidkraft modern) and lots of play food and utensils. I'd post a link but I'm mobile. I adore Amazon and seriously do about 50% of shopping there!

Have you read the blog baby cheapskate? They do a great "toys that get played with" list annually that I love. They poll readers on what Christmas gifts their kids actually used.

 

[Skippy123]

My boys just turned 1 1/2 a couple of days ago. I am going to get them a Kitchen. I think next Christmas I am getting them a train set like this one. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KEPCQI/ref=s9_simh_gw_p21_d1_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-4&pf_rd_r=0BBTQN4H13JC3QRYYXMC&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470939031&pf_rd_i=507846 this one is only $119 so I might just buy it and drive my husband nuts. lol

it you want to splurge or check Craigslist we have the Little Tikes, slide and play house similar to this and my boys LOVE it! http://www.littletikes.com/kids-toys/8-in-1-adjustable-playground

 

[Miscka]

Skippy a train set was another of my ideas! Are your boys in to Little People? H loves them and we are doing some of those as well.

 

[Skippy123]

Skippy a train set was another of my ideas! Are your boys in to Little People? H loves them and we are doing some of those as well.

My nephews are older but they love their train set and my boys actually played with it the other day. Yes, we have Little People, my boys love LP!!! Which ones do you have? We have a bus and school house.

 

[Miscka]

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We have a plane and the farm. Also a safari truck and a bunch of zoo animals, he looooves those. So he is getting the zoo for Christmas. It makes sounds with each animal another noisy toy to drive us nuts!

 

[armywife13]

<null>

We have a plane and the farm. Also a safari truck and a bunch of zoo animals, he looooves those. So he is getting the zoo for Christmas. It makes sounds with each animal another noisy toy to drive us nuts!

Our DD has the safari/zoo, she absolutely adores it-I am sure your little one will too!

We are doing a kitchen for Christmas, as well as a little instrument kit, and a bowling set. We are also getting some Melissa and Doug wooden puzzles, since she loves those. That's what we have so far, I am sure there will be plenty added to the pile!

For her bday, we got DD a little indoor trampoline and she absolutely loves it. http://www.amazon.com/Alex-Toys-Little-Jumpers-Trampoline/dp/B0026HUP7I/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1351311176&sr=8-17&keywords=Trampoline

 

[Puppmom]

I thought I would contribute here with the list of things that our 2 year old DS plays with daily. Most of these were gifts for his birthday and have gotten months of almost daily play. Can't beat that!

I have a love/hate relationship with this one. DS wants to play with it constantly and he'll sit still for an HOUR with it. But, it bores me and I have to pry it from his grip when I can't take it any longer. When we first got it, he would shout, "I play stones!" as soon as he woke in the morning.

http://www.amazon.com/Play-Doh-Diggin-Friends-Grinding-Gravel/dp/B008HCZMCY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351790653&sr=8-1&keywords=playdoh+dump+truck

Puzzles, puzzles, puzzles! ...but this one is his current favorite. He'll fetch the fish for me for 30 minutes easily and hearing my two year old say, "I caught an Octopus!" in his squeaky little voice never gets old.

http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-10-Piece-Magnetic-Fishing/dp/B000KMHBFA/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1351790743&sr=1-1&keywords=fish+magnet+puzzle

This ikea train set. It's easily the best $10 I've spent since birth. He LOVES this thing.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30064359/

Foam blocks...build a tower, knock it down, start over. And a side bonus, he's learned to sort them by color. He also loves the nesting blocks. They're just heavy cardboard so I didn't think they would last long but my mom bought them when he was about 9 months old and they're still kicking.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11778685
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2601129

This book is read at least once per day but DS is obsessed with vehicles.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-100-machines-roger-priddy/1100549513?ean=9780312498061

Okay, so these are made cheaply and the batteries will die quickly AND the batteries cost more to replace than the set itself but DS loves them. He plays with them every day and sometimes asks to sleep with them. Definitely not for a kid who will stick things in their mouth because little parts have come loose. Fortunately for us, the only things DS will stick in his mouth are his thumb, food and drink.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3844169

These get played with less often because we don't keep them out but they get a lot of use.

DS loves this thing. The bubble mechanism does work on ours and DS loves pushing this around the yard and neighborhood:

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11015022

Watching DS scoot around on this thing is hilarious! He's short and his feet easily reached the ground at 2. I would say this isn't for a kid older than 3 or an especially tall toddler.

http://www.yoyo.com/p/quicksmart-scuttle-bug-lady-bug-227815?site=CA&utm_source=cse&utm_medium=cpc_Y&utm_term=MBK-003&utm_campaign=Google&CAWELAID=1324512419&utm_content=pla&ci_sku=MBK-003&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw={keyword}

We got these for DS's first birthday and he still uses them a lot. They're no longer a daily use toy though.

http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=453755&cmSource=Search

We don't keep this one out anymore because DS chases the dog with it. Poor dog!

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3535967

Ok, there you have it. Now we should start a thread of all of the toys that we bought because we thought they were cute and they turned out to be a total waste of money!

 

[Miscka]

Yes, puzzles are big here too! My mom got him the M&D one with hinges and magnet pieces, and he adores it.

H does PT, and so I'm always checking out the toys they have that he and other kids like. The M&D shopping cart is a big hit, and so are basic blocks.

I just ordered H a really nice "baby" from Etsy. He loves babies and all the ones in stores are girly!

 

[Miscka]

Oh and pupp, I was going to grab that train set next time we are at ikea. Did you get the extra pieces too?

 

[Puppmom]

Miscka, I didn't buy the extra track. It really does come with plenty of track and by some stroke of luck, we haven't lost any pieces!

Oh, and DS has this doll baby and he really likes it. It's become part of his bedtime routine to give the baby his paci. He also likes to dress and undress the baby...or attempt to.

http://www.diapers.com/p/manhattan-toy-baby-stella-doll-boy-97382

 

[Skippy123]

My boys have a lot of stuffed animals they love! They also are loving this
http://www.amazon.com/Radio-Flyer-Soft-Bounce-Sound/dp/B0020LZO80/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1351982252&sr=8-3&keywords=radio+flyer+horse

this is the kitchen we are thinking about http://www.amazon.com/KidKraft-53208-Vintage-Kitchen-White/dp/B004A2QTRC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1351982383&sr=8-3&keywords=kitchen+kids

and the Melissa and Doug play food.

 

[Miscka]

<null>

We looked at that kitchen! I think we may end up with the espresso color one, but that ones still a contender. Also doing the M&D play food. I actually already ordered some from Ecomom on a sale, and H discovered the box and wanted the food so badly! He was trying to open the packages. I just laughed, but I can't wait to give it to him! Have you seen the magnetic top condiment set? That's what he wanted out of there the most. Too funny.

 

[Skippy123]

<null>

We looked at that kitchen! I think we may end up with the espresso color one, but that ones still a contender. Also doing the M&D play food. I actually already ordered some from Ecomom on a sale, and H discovered the box and wanted the food so badly! He was trying to open the packages. I just laughed, but I can't wait to give it to him! Have you seen the magnetic top condiment set? That's what he wanted out of there the most. Too funny.

that is funny that you and I have the same thoughts on kids toys for our boys! I will have to check those out! aww, that will be fun when you see his face opening the M&D! Hubby and I were at Target this weekend and there was the coolest keyboard for kids (age 2 and up) so we might just get that too. Oh I found the link http://www.target.com/p/b-meowsic-keyboard/-/A-12026417#prodSlot=medium_1_12&term=keyboard

 

[Loves Vintage]

That kitchen is super-cute, Skippy! We have a kitchen that a friend gave us. A plastic little tykes one. I'm thinking of up-cycling one for her from an old desk. Something like one of these. http://dishfunctionaldesigns.blogspot.com/2012/04/old-furniture-upcycled-into-dollhouses.html My husband loves doing stuff like this, so I'll have to get it on the list of projects. I may make felt food too!!

S loves MD puzzles too! They sell them at Michaels, I think Joann's and TJ Maxx too. We have one that makes animal sounds, but I have put that one away. The sounds don't really sound like the animals AT ALL, and the sounds will randomly go off when you just walk by. A little startling! But, otherwise, she loves the puzzles. We have the fishing one too, but she hasn't caught on to that one yet.

We also have a Step 2 slide (smaller than yours Skippy, and btw, your boys are so cute in theirs!!) It came in quite handy during the hurricane. I brought it inside, and it's been a much bigger hit than when it was outside. In fact, it's still inside, lol!

Ikea sells a nice indoor wooden slide. I may have to go there today for that train set. There's a few other non-toy things on my list for Ikea too! Always something to buy there!!

 

[Skippy123]

That kitchen is super-cute, Skippy! We have a kitchen that a friend gave us. A plastic little tykes one. I'm thinking of up-cycling one for her from an old desk. Something like one of these. http://dishfunctionaldesigns.blogspot.com/2012/04/old-furniture-upcycled-into-dollhouses.html My husband loves doing stuff like this, so I'll have to get it on the list of projects. I may make felt food too!!

S loves MD puzzles too! They sell them at Michaels, I think Joann's and TJ Maxx too. We have one that makes animal sounds, but I have put that one away. The sounds don't really sound like the animals AT ALL, and the sounds will randomly go off when you just walk by. A little startling! But, otherwise, she loves the puzzles. We have the fishing one too, but she hasn't caught on to that one yet.

We also have a Step 2 slide (smaller than yours Skippy, and btw, your boys are so cute in theirs!!) It came in quite handy during the hurricane. I brought it inside, and it's been a much bigger hit than when it was outside. In fact, it's still inside, lol!

Ikea sells a nice indoor wooden slide. I may have to go there today for that train set. There's a few other non-toy things on my list for Ikea too! Always something to buy there!!

oh those are fabulous LV thanks for posting those!!! We have an old desk so I wonder where you get the stove burners? aww, thank you about my boys, you are so sweet! Oh I didn't think of checking TJ Maxx, excellent idea!!!

I am so sorry about the Hurricane; I have all the people in my thoughts and prayers, it looked so scary (the after math and no power)

 

[Loves Vintage]

Skippy - Yes, TJ Maxx. Check the back corner, lots of good stuff back there, and lots of Melissa and Doug. DH got this pound a peg there: http://www.target.com/p/melissa-dou...4605&kpid=10844605&ci_gpa=pla&ci_sku=10844605. It's been of limited interest thus far.

Yes, the kitchens! They are so popular now. I don't recall having one when I was a kid! I bet there are tons of ideas for the burners. If you're on pinterest, you can check there for ideas. I will post more after I look at more ideas and figure things out.

Oh, they make wool food too: http://www.etsy.com/listing/62845537/custom-wool-or-cotton-playfood People say it holds up well! Who knew?

 

[Laila619]

Puppmom, thanks for posting the Ikea train set! I think my son would really love it. I am a little paranoid about lead paint though; is Ikea generally good with safety standards?

 

[Miscka]

Ikea felt food gets great reviews! We are sticking with wood bc after I googled, most people advise against felt if you have pets but if we didn't I'd probably do both.

Our michaels sells the puzzles too, great with coupons! Amazons usually good too though really. Funny you mentioned the sounds one, ours always goes off when we turn the living room lamp off! It's missing a piece and I guess the sensor reacts? So weird!!

 

[Loves Vintage]

Good point about the felt food and pets!! They do resemble dog toys, don't they!? I'll keep an eye out for the M&D wood food.

Haha, I hate that puzzle!!

 

[Miscka]

<null>

Actually I think it's a pet hair/felt problem, but that's a good point too!

 

[Kunzite]

Wow pupp, N has a lot of toys! O gets like one thing for his birthday and Christmas!

O loves to pretend to put things together so we're getting him this tool set from Green Toys for his birthday:
http://www.amazon.com/Green-Toys-Tool-Set-Blue/dp/B006YD1ZTM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352142820&sr=8-1&keywords=green+toys+tool+set

 

[MustangGal]

My little man is almost 4, but I can tell you the items a crazy active boy has been most interested in. The trains get some play, by 2.5 hotwheels were of more interest.

This slide/climber was a hit from age 1-3 http://www.step2.com/product.cfm?product_id=1499 we kept it indoors, and hauled it outside a few times. It also made a good ramp for various toys to slide down.

The item I think has been the best purchase was a mini trampoline http://www.amazon.com/Bazoongi-Bouncer-Special-Exclusive-Limited/dp/B0052OSPMY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1352143985&sr=8-2&keywords=bazoongi gets the energy out, and we pull it around to different rooms to mix things up. He got it for his second birthday, and it's still going strong.

He has a kitchen in his swing set outside, but is more interested in throwing the play food down the slide than playing kitchen. The other flop was the toy tool bench, http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Grow-Me-Workshop-Playset/dp/B005PJX0XA/ref=sr_1_3?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1352144160&sr=1-3&keywords=fisher+price+tool+bench I thought he'd love it, we even placed it in the living room, but he hardly touches it.

Play tent/tunnel is always fun, I love the Ikea one, and you can't beat the price http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10206883/

The Ikea easel has also been a good purchase http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50021076/ I found Crayola whiteboard crayons instead of markers for the one side, less worry of him marking up the house.

 

[qtiekiki]

Don't they always make it seems like Elmo is the biggest thing of the year every year. LOL.

For the 2.5 years old, you can get balance bike or scooter.

Last year, I got my kids (22 months DS and 3.5 years old DD, then) Benny the jumping bull: http://www.amazon.com/Benny-The-Jum...qid=1352150888&sr=1-2&keywords=benny+the+bull I think they are currently on zulily for $30. It's the same concept as Rody: http://www.amazon.com/Inflatable-Ho...qid=1352150888&sr=1-3&keywords=benny+the+bull

My son also got a Lil Quad, similar to this: http://www.amazon.com/Power-Wheels-...=UTF8&qid=1352151201&sr=1-3&keywords=lil+quad

This M&D stacking train: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...mes,0&rh=n:165793011,k:melissa and doug train

And ditto the rec on M&D wooden foods, especially the cutting foods and sandwich set, and Ikea felt foods. Haba and Plan Toys also have wooden and felt foods. We got the bigger kidkraft kitchen because I didn't want my DD to outgrew in size to the kitchen, but it's not really a big deal because they pretend play with just the foods sometimes.

 

[sugarpie honeybun]

My ODS is 3 and here are some of the things we got him last year and this year (we finished Christmas shopping this week )

- KITCHEN SET
KIDKRAFT DELUXE

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&client=safari&biw=1024&bih=672&q=KIDKRAFT+KITCHEN+SET+WHITE&num=20&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=8994091963520284927&sa=X&ei=mW2cUKfXLpLV0gHWhoGQBw&ved=0CHkQ8gIwCA

- RADIO FLYER BOUNCING HORSE

http://www.target.com/p/radio-flyer-blaze-interactive-riding-horse/-/A-11262268?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Google_PLA_df&LNM=%7C11262268&CPNG=Toys&kpid=11262268&ci_gpa=pla&ci_sku=11262268&kpid=11262268&ci_gpa=pla&ci_sku=11262268

- HOME DEPOT TOOL BOX SET

http://t.toysrus.com/skava/static/product.html?type=TRU_product_us&url=%2Fproduct%2Findex.jsp%3FproductId%3D2329762&domain=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toysrus.com

- FISHER PRICE MEDICAL KIT

http://t.toysrus.com/skava/static/product.html?type=TRU_product_us&url=%2Fproduct%2Findex.jsp%3FproductId%3D2983674&domain=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toysrus.com

- MELISSA & DOUG BAKE SET

http://t.toysrus.com/skava/static/product.html?type=TRU_product_us&url=%2Fproduct%2Findex.jsp%3FproductId%3D2983674&domain=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toysrus.com

- FISHER PRICE CAMERA

http://t.toysrus.com/skava/static/product.html?type=TRU_product_us&url=%2Fproduct%2Findex.jsp%3FproductId%3D11904578&domain=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toysrus.com

 

[Puppmom]

Kunzite, the quantity of toys is the result of having one crazy grandma and being the only grandchild of the other! This will be a *light* Christmas for DS (from me and DH anyway) because DD is 17...I'm sure you can imagine how expensive the things on her wish list are!

Laila, I'm not aware of any concerns re: lead on the ikea toys. I know they're a euro company but could obviously have their products manufactured elsewhere but I can't tell where the trains were made. If you're worried though, Melissa and Doug makes and almost identical set.

Mustang, DS loves the hot wheels and matchbox cars too. Technically speaking, he's too young for them but he lines them up, sorts them by color, counts them and zooms around the living room with them. They are our go-to toy for outings because he can easily play with them when we're out for a meal.

 

[Miscka]

Any toddlers have great blocks? Trying to decide between big cardboard ones or nice wooden ones. Thoughts or suggestions?

 

[Miscka]

PS - Skippy I saw you posted on that kid kraft deal, I was about to link you! I swiped one, so excited at the price!

 

[artdecogirl]

sarahbear, my grandsons are 2 and 4 and we got them a kitchen last year and they love it, play with it every day. This year we are getting them each the tag reading systems, they had played with one at a friends house and were mesmerized. For stocking stuffers I got them some sesame street little people characters on ebay, they have all the little people stuff that was my childrens and play with them all the time, they really like the farm and they are still all in great shape after 2 generations of kids have played with them. That makes them a bargain in my book.

 

[Loves Vintage]

Easels are apparently very popular. I was told it would make writing easier for my 21 month old, given how she holds a crayon at this point. We also have the plastic enclosed crayons (forget what they are called) because it inhibits chewing, though she still goes for the tips sometimes! And, she prefers regular pens. Anyone have the ikea easel?