Want, Need, Wear, Read: 30 Christmas Gift Ideas for Toddlers

Have you ever heard of the want, need, wear, read gift rule for Christmas gifts? This has helped me decide on gifts to give my children and avoid getting them a bunch of unnecessary toys. The rule goes: “Something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.” I love this because you can still get them something they want but you are also give them useful gifts of things they need, new clothes, and new books. I also think this tactic would be helpful with older children by helping them know what number of gifts expect Christmas morning. I feel like fewer gifts that are more meaningful can make Christmas day even more special.

Christmas shopping can be super fun but it can also be overwhelming to come up with ideas. That is why I compiled this list of 30 great ideas for gifts for your toddler with links to the products on Amazon (This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you). I tried to keep these ideas both simple and affordable as well. There are a lot of Christmas gift guides out there but this one is especially for toddlers! Of course, you know your toddler best but hopefully these ideas give you a place to start.

“Want” gift ideas:

1. Blocks

I got these mega blocks off of Amazon for my 2 year old for Christmas this year! I’m so excited for him to open them on Christmas morning. Playing with blocks isn’t just fun, it is also beneficial for your child’s development! Playing with blocks promotes gross and fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and hand-eye coordination.

2. Musical toys

Electronic toys that play music and light up can be so fun, but I would encourage you to consider a few musical instruments for your toddler to experiment with! I found the cutest wooden musical instrument set on Amazon with a little xylophone, tambourine, and maracas. Your younger kids will love developing their musical skills with these little toys.

3. Puzzles

My toddler loves wooden puzzles. I got him this ABC puzzle from Amazon for Christmas so we can work on learning letters (and colors!) while having fun putting the puzzle together. Working on puzzles helps develop children’s fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. And they are lots of fun!

4. Bath toys

Bath toys are a great gift idea! My toddler loves bath time. He loves to splash and play so I decided to capitalize on that and get him some bath toys to play with. These bath toys I bought from Amazon are great because they aren’t like rubber ducks that trap water and grow mold.

5. Basketball hoop

My toddler got a little basketball hoop for his first birthday. He couldn’t even walk at the time but still loved shooting hoops with help! Now that he is two and a half, he is a pro at shooting hoops on his own. This little basketball hoop on Amazon is the perfect size for any age of toddler.

6. Writing tablet

My mom got my toddler these little writing tablets from Amazon for my toddler last Christmas. They have been great for car trips and quiet coloring during church. It is way simpler and easier than trying to carry around crayons and paper. It comes with little pens but my toddler also loves writing on the surface with his fingers or different objects. I love to see his creativity.

7. Montessori toys

There is a wide variety of Montessori toys out there, but I love these Montessori stacking blocks I found on Amazon. Montessori toys like wooden blocks are great because they require children to use their imagination and creativity in play. They are also helpful in the development of fine motor skills and coordination. I would definitely recommend adding some type of Montessori toy to your Christmas list.

8. Bike

My toddler was given a hand-me-down strider bike and he LOVES it. It is one of his favorite gifts ever and it has been amazing to see how his balance has improved over the past couple of months. This is on the pricier end of bigger gifts, but there is this strider bike on Amazon that comes in a variety of colors. My toddler rides his bike all over the driveway and loves riding along with us when we go on walks.

“Need” gift ideas:

9. Water bottle

What toddler doesn’t need a water bottle? Or a couple of them? Last year, I got my toddler this Camelbak water bottle and it was so great! It is leakproof and spill-proof. This one on Amazon has a TON of different colors and designs. It is a super affordable and good quality simple gift.

10. Blanket 

Okay, I’m also a firm believer that you can never have too many blankets! During the winter months, your toddler probably needs a soft, fuzzy blanket. There are tons of options on Amazon, but I love this fuzzy, flannel blanket that comes in a ton of different colors. Get one in your toddlers favorite color so they don’t have to keep stealing yours!

11. Cleaning supplies

Now that my toddler is a little bit older, I have been trying to get him more involved in helping with the household chores. I found the cutest cleaning supplies set for toddlers on Amazon! If your toddler opened this on Christmas morning, they would think cleaning is a fun game and want to help you all the time (okay, I don’t know if that is true, but hey it’s possible!). Check out my post on How to Keep Your House Clean with Kids for more tips!

12. Step stool

This little folding step stool from Amazon is perfect for toddlers! You can use it in the bathroom so they can reach the sink to wash their hands or brush their teeth. You could also use it in their bedroom to help them get into their toddler bed on their own. It would also be useful in the kitchen to help put dishes in the sink. The usefulness of this simple step stool is endless!

13. Suitcase / luggage set

Do you have any plans to travel coming up? Your toddler needs some luggage! This five piece luggage set comes in the cutest variety of designs and is so versatile. It is a good gift ideas that is perfect for long, cross-country trips or just an overnight trip to Grandma’s house.

14. Toddler helper stool

I love, love, LOVE this toddler helper stool from Amazon. My toddler always wants to be involved in the kitchen and see what I am doing when I am preparing meals or baking. I don’t feel super safe having him on the counter or on a stool, so this helper stool is the perfect solution to let him help out in a way that I feel comfortable with.

“Wear” gift ideas:

15. Christmas jammies

‘Tis the season for matching Christmas jammies! I love the tradition of opening your Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve so you can wear them to bed and wake up in them on Christmas morning. How cute is this matching family set from Amazon? And there are so many options! You can get some for just your kids or the whole family can match.

16. Socks

Socks probably aren’t at the top of your toddler’s Christmas wish list but you can never have too many socks…especially when you are a toddler. I cannot keep track of little socks to save my life. However, these Tphon socks from Amazon have been so great for my toddler! The nonslip grips on these socks are perfect for little ones just learning to walk and the material is so thick and durable. My toddler has loved them and worn them for a long time, almost two years now.

17. New church outfit

I love my kids to dress nicely for church, even when they are babies. Giving your toddler a new church outfit is a great idea. There is the cutest little bowtie outfit for little boys on Amazon and the sweetest little quilted dress for little girls as well that are perfect for church or any special occasion.

18. Every day jammies

I love the Christmas tradition of matching pajamas. Christmas jammies are so much fun but I also feel funny wearing them too much longer after the Christmas season is over. You can also give your toddler some pajamas that they will love to wear anytime. This warm cotton pajama set will keep your toddler cozy all winter.

19. Winter coat

Kids grow so fast and my toddler needs a new size of winter coat every year! Amazon has the cutest and warmest winter coats with a removable fur down jacket. I love that the the inside jacket is removable so it can work for any kind of weather.

20. Hat and gloves

Baby, it’s cold outside so your little one probably needs a hat and gloves for playing outdoors. Check out this beanie and mittens set from Amazon that comes in so many colors! I prefer mittens for my toddler over gloves because we don’t have to worry about getting his fingers into each finger hole.

21. New outfit

Toddlers are so hard on their clothes because they are always getting messy! I love choosing out a new, cute outfit for my toddler to wear. You can pick a warm outfit they can wear all winter or something they can save for the spring or summer.

22. Shoes

My toddler is also very hard on his shoes! I would definitely recommend shoes as a great Christmas gift for toddlers. These sneakers on Amazon come in a wide range of sizes and have great color options too!

“Read” gift ideas:

23. Potty training book

This potty training book from Amazon is fun with the peek-a-flaps. A great gift idea if you are thinking about potty training soon or are struggling with potty training your toddler.

24. Alphabet learning book

This Very Hungry Caterpillar ABC book on Amazon is so darling and fun! It’s a great way to introduce the alphabet to your toddler in a fun way.

25. Color learning book

My toddler loves color picture books because he can point out the different objects and we can practice recognizing colors. The My First Colors padded board book from Amazon is a great place to start.

26. Sensory book

My baby and toddler are both big fans of sensory books! I actually purchased this Backyard Bugs touch and feel book off of Amazon to give to my boys for Christmas this year for their read gifts.

27. Toddler cookbook

If your toddler loves to help in the kitchen (mine does!), think about getting them a little toddler cookbook. The Little Helpers Toddler Cookbook from Amazon has the perfect simple recipes for your toddler to help out with in the kitchen!

28. Dr. Seuss books

My toddler LOVES Dr. Seuss books! Amazon has a set of Dr. Seuss classics including The Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, and Fox in Socks. When your little on is ready to start reading, these books will be awesome to have on hand as well. Dr. Seuss books were the first books that helped me develop a love of reading.

29. Bible books for kids

I believe kids are never to young to start learning Bible stories. There is the cutest box set of 12 Bible stories on Amazon that is perfect for little ones. A love of the Bible is one of the best gifts you can give your children.

30. A Christmas book

If you want a small gift to open on Christmas Eve, consider gifting a Christmas book. Amazon has the classic “The Night Before Christmas” book that could lead to a new tradition in your family. You could read this book every Christmas Eve for years to come.

I hope this list gave you some great gift ideas for your toddler. We could all use a little inspiration for our Christmas gift ideas. Remember, you know your child best and giving them something THEY really want or need will make the most meaningful gifts.

The most special gifts come from the heart.

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