Shopping for a 1 to 3 year old is such a sweet spot of holiday gifting. They love to play, they learn by playing, and their interests are growing exponentially with each month!
I’ve rounded up a bunch of our favorites throughout the years that are suited mostly for 1-3 year old recipients. When I’m shopping for my littles or our friends, I try to stick close to the safety warnings to avoid gifting choking hazards. When in doubt err on the side of conservative or ask their parents what they prefer.
I think this phase can sometimes feel daunting for parents because they can only see the child before them – it is hard to see where they’ll be in 3 or 6 months. But they grow so quickly and when I shop for Christmas gifts I buy a little bit older so they have the chance to develop new skills and be introduced to new types of play!
Both girls love baby dolls, though Catherine is way more in to them than Margaret was. And for those who think these are limited to just little girls gifts, I can tell you we’ve known many sweet little boys who enjoy strolling around and caring for their very own babies, especially if they’re preparing to become big brothers anytime soon! Below are some of our favorites and the baby dolls in particular are all well loved by the Hamlin girls! Click on the items below to shop!
We are so excited to give Catherine her tricycle this year and opted for a classic Radio Flyer. These present so many fun options for accessories like handle bar ribbons and bells! The options below are best suited for about 1.5 to 3 years old.
One of the best gifts we’ve ever gotten was our play kitchen. I’ve linked the exact one we have. there are less expensive options but I love the compact and functional design of this one and most importantly it is sturdy! This one was a gift from their grandparents and it provides endless hours of creative play. I think it is an often misjudged toy and assumed to be one for older children but Margaret got hers right before turning 1 and played with it in her own way from that point on and it is a true joy to see their play evolve.
From left to right: Toolkit, Builder Costume, Toolbelt, Doctors Kit, Doctors Costume, Veterinary Kit
From left to right: Red Car, Dinosaur Car, Design-Your-Own Car, Pink Car, Tan Playhouse, Pink Playhouse
When I had Margaret I didn’t actually buy or ask for the Anywhere Chair! I don’t know why but I thought maybe it was trendy and silly but boy was I wrong! We visited some friends who said their girls have had theirs since they were one and were still sitting in them six years later! So last year when Catherine was a little over one we got a pair for her and Margaret. We went ahead and got the largest size to get the most use out of them and sure enough the girls love to get cozy and sit side by side. I have the gray but there are a variety of fun prints and colors!
Another fun gift that parents often think is for older children is dress up! Dress up is my weakness and I am forever filling their closets with hats, and capes and all sorts of props to encourage pretending! Below are some great options for the 1-3 year old crowd especially the cape options because they’re easy on and off!
These Fisher Price Little People are a hit with Catherine! Below are some that I am eyeing for her Christmas as well as otherwise we’ve given to little friends before!
Fisher Price knows classic childrens toys and these are some of our favorites.
Catherine started playing with Margaret’s old Duplo Legos around 18 months. She is still learning what to do with them at a little over 2 years old but she loves experimenting and I love watching her figure them out! Plus it is a great activity for Margaret and Catherine do together.
From top left to bottom right: Duplo starter kit, Airport Kit, ABC Truck, Animal Parade
Music is always a wonderful gift and these are some welcome additions that any little one will enjoy! Click on the items below to shop!
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