Finding the perfect item for the tiny tots on your list isn’t always the easiest. You want something original that’ll make ‘em smile and hold their attention — but not drive their parents up a wall. (We’re lookin’ at you, Lego bricks under our feet. Ouch.)
That’s why we rounded up some unique, adorable, and entertaining finds sure to make the whole fam happy: from coloring mats that’ll keep those toddlers occupied to baby booties that look like dumplings. Ready, set, shop.
Want more holiday gifting ideas? Check out The Sleigh List — our guide to the perfect gifts for everyone on your A-list.
An interactive, construction-themed plate to entice picky eaters…
For all the truck lovers fans out there. This BPA-free set lays the foundation for healthy eating, thanks to separate areas made to house the different food groups. Matching utensils that look like different construction vehicles make experimenting with food fun — sans the mess. For more great gifts from Uncommon Goods, shop here. ($20+, Uncommon Goods)
A comfy nap dress for their mini-me…
Even the littlest ones can join #napdressnation. There’s something ultra sweet about the cotton dress — made for napping and playing — in a pattern inspired by 17th-century French textiles and delicate garden trellises. It also comes in a range of other patterns (and adult sizes too, so their parents can match ‘em). It’s not just a dress, it’s a way of life. ($37.50+, Hill House Home)
A smartphone designed for kids…
So they can stay connected without getting distracted. This phone lets the little ones on your list make or take unlimited calls, send and receive unlimited texts, play music, and snap high-quality photos. Selfies included. It’s also got GPS tracking tech so your giftee’s parents can keep a close eye. But there’s no social media, internet access or addicting game apps. And no contracts required. Plus, you can get 25% off when you shop now. Call ‘em, beep ‘em, always know how to reach ‘em. (Starting at $75, Gabb Wireless)*
Personalized crayons for the budding artist…
Like that 120-pack we all longed for back in the day, but maybe even better. Their daily coloring sesh will seem a whole lot cooler with a set of crayons made just for them. Bonus: It’s a great foray into spelling, too. ($5+, Kages Krayons on Etsy)
Custom onesies for two peas in a pod…
BFF necklaces, but make them onesies (or T-shirts for the older kids). This irresistibly cute set is technically made for twins, but works just as well for cousins or best (baby) buds. Available in sizes 3 months to children’s 7/8. ($33.98+, Bella Lexi Boutique on Etsy)
A veterinarian play set to help them take care of their own (fur) baby…
The 24-piece set comes with everything they need to give their plush pets some TLC. Like a stethoscope, thermometer, syringe, bandages, and even a reusable double-sided checklist to ensure office visits are comprehensive. Paws off to them. ($22.74, Amazon)
Warm slippers for your little dumpling…
These handmade wool booties bring new meaning to the phrase “I just want to eat you up.” The slippers, which fit sizes 6 to 12 months, are designed to look like delicious dumplings — right down to the chive details and perfectly pinched ankles. They even come in a felt “steamer basket” for storage. Most adorable gift ever, coming right up. ($28, Uncommon Goods)
A book of math lessons that are simple enough for 1-year-olds…
It’s never too early to start learning. And this book simplifies the language of math in an engaging way. (Plus, it’ll give parents a refresher, so they’ll be primed to help with forthcoming homework.) Future genius in the making. ($5.96, Amazon)
An eco-friendly five-piece dinner set that makes eating fun...
It’s horse-themed and comes with a plate, bowl, cup, spoon, and fork to help make dinnertime run a little more smoothly. Plus it comes in recycled packaging, and each piece is made from biodegradable bamboo that’s good for the environment. Start ’em young, right? ($22.50, Goldune)
An enchanting play set that’ll bring fairytales to life…
There are no batteries or tools required to assemble this 3D play set made of 100% recyclable materials. Instead, a complementary storybook will help them bring the whole thing to life. Plus, the entire set can be disassembled and stashed in an included carrying case in a flash (talk about an added bonus for parents). ($29.95, Grommet)
A beautiful mermaid doll for pretend play…
This knitted organic cotton doll is cozy enough to snuggle with at night. But it’s also highly detailed, with intricate stitching, long flowing hair, and a removable shell bracelet. Aka hours of imaginative fun. ($55, Amazon)
A plush bowling set they can set up on their own…
This furry pack comes with six weighted pins for kiddos ages 2 to 5 to try to knock down with an equally silly stuffed ball. A mesh storage bag makes the toy easy to tote wherever their adventures take them. ($26.99, Amazon)
A nighttime companion for little ones who have trouble winding down…
The slumber sloth is much more than a stuffed animal. Yes, it’s nice and snuggly. But it also comes with a book that helps teach kids to relax at the end of a long, busy day. Ahh, now that’s a gift for both parents and kiddos. Sweet dreams to all. ($45, use code SKIMM15 for 15% off all products through Dec 15, Slumberkins)
A DIY craft kit for tiny tinkerers…
Send science and art projects straight to their door with this subscription service. Each crate is tailored for specific age ranges, so their box includes only the most appropriate STEAM-based activities for their developmental stage. Inside they’ll find everything they need for each project — materials, an instruction booklet, a magazine, and some online DIYs. (Plans start at $17.50/crate, use code SKIMM40 for 40% off the first month, KiwiCo)
Cartoon slippers to warm tiny toes…
Nobody likes to step down onto a cold floor — toddlers included. These cartoon slippers have a cozy fur lining to keep your tot’s toes warm as they walk through the house. Plus the gripped rubber outsoles provide enough grip to keep even the most unstable walkers upright. ($13.99+, Amazon)
A soft baby book that’s as fun to play with as it is to read…
These handmade cloth ones have simple rhymes and stories that any lil’ one will love. And when storytime just isn’t in the cards for mom or dad, they can hand over this machine-washable book that’s filled with crinkly pages, mirrors, peekaboo flaps, and varying textures. It’ll provide plenty of tactile fun for independent play. ($24.97/2 pack, Amazon)
An organic cotton sleeper to keep them cozy…
These remarkably soft onesies will (hopefully) keep them sleeping well past that typical 5 am wakeup call. And a handy neck-to-knee zipper makes diaper changes easy-breezy. Also nice: the bright, fun patterns that won’t fade with frequent washes. ($20+, Hanna Andersson)
A set of 3-in-1 tear-free bath products for kids who complain about stinging eyes…
Each bottle in this dermatologist-tested trio functions as suds, body wash, and shampoo. The contents of each are nontoxic and sourced from plant-based ingredients, so they won’t irritate sensitive little ones. The fruity smells are pretty sweet too. So whoever’s overseeing bath time will also love ‘em. ($50, Amazon)
A larger-than-life coloring poster that’ll provide hours of entertainment…
Because every parent needs a good distraction for their kids. This highly detailed 5-foot coloring poster is sure to take ’em a while. Hang it on the wall or lay it on the floor and everyone will be happy. ($23.95+, Grommet)
A care package for the future world traveler in your life…
They’ve got the wanderlust bug...now what? With this travel-themed bundle box, they’ll get a taste of what’s out there, courtesy of you. The package comes with a number of cultural-related goodies from India, Turkey, Guatemala, and the U.S.. Including things like a Turkish fabric mini journal, mandala sand art, DIY lamps for Diwali, and more. ($125, In KidZ)
*This denotes a sponsored post.
If you buy anything from this article, theSkimm may get something in return. Oh, and if something’s out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) when we published. Thanks.
Live Smarter
Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes.