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I love having toddlers around at the holidays. It’s like this time of year was tailor-made just for them. Those wide-eyed looks on Christmas morning, the excitement on the days leading up to that magical morning, and the screams of joy as they unwrap their presents just make me so happy.
I love shopping for gifts for preschoolers as much as I love seeing them experience the holiday. However, I know that not everyone finds buying Christmas gifts for preschoolers as easy as I do, so I’ve put together this gift guide to make it easier for you!
Whenever I’m shopping for Christmas gifts for preschoolers, I like including both toys that help them learn and toys that are just pure fun. For toddlers, play is work. Whether it’s imitation play, playing with others, imaginative play, or simply engaging their brain in some kind of stimulating activity, participating in play helps their brains to develop. So it’s a good idea to include a mixture of both kinds of toys when you’re planning your gifts. Want to find some gifts that will keep the toddlers in your life busy? Here are some suggestions for you!
Kids Camping Set – If you’re a camping family, then the late toddler years are a great time to start really introducing your kids to camping; they’re old enough that they will probably be able to be in a camping environment without you needing to constantly stand over them; that’s an important consideration if you’ve got other kids to worry about! This camping set is neat because it comes with a tent and twenty-three other pieces that will help them get ready for a camping adventure, including a lantern, binoculars, and a first aid kit!
Fisher Price Harley Davidson Tough Trike – Every preschooler needs a riding toy, and this tough trike delivers the goods! The big foot pedals and stable wheel base make it a great first riding toy for younger kiddos. It even has a secret compartment where they can stash snacks!
![Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike [Amazon Exclusive]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41FpwfbXdSL._SL500_.jpg)
Battat Big Red Barn – Some of my most vivid childhood memories involve playing with one of those big red barn toys. The problem was, it wasn’t mine; it was my cousin’s, and I was so jealous because I didn’t have one! This six piece set includes the barn, one farmer, and four animals.
Castle Magnetic Blocks – Magnetic blocks form that perfect mix of learning play and fun play. These colorful blocks help teach colors and shapes while letting them use their imagination. This forty-piece set is brightly colored and comes with an idea book to help brain development and critical thinking skills!
Little Tikes Basketball Set – When it came time to buy gifts for my own toddlers, this was one of our first purchases. It takes up very little room, so it’s okay even if you only have a small outdoor area; you could even make it an indoor toy because the balls are very lightweight and unlikely to do any damage to windows (as long as you keep your older kids from trying to dunk!).
I love this toy for the eye-hand coordination skills it teaches. If you’ve ever seen me trying to catch something, you’ll know that if there’s one skill my kids need extra practice in, it’s eye-hand coordination! It’s also a great way to tire out preschoolers when it’s this close to naptime! This basketball set is one toy that should be in every parents’ arsenal of go-to toys for when you’re ready to burn off some energy!
Lil Gen Dinosaur Toys with Dinosaur Sound Book – Do you have a preschooler in your life who is already in love with dinosaurs? Then this prehistoric play box is the perfect gift! In the book your little dino lover will discover the habitat and colors and landscapes of twelve different dinosaurs. The book also plays sounds, and the box includes seven inch dinosaur figures. This is a great Christmas gift for a curious preschooler.
WhizBuilders Bubble Machine Gun – Man, did we get ripped off! The coolest bubble blowing tool I had as a kid was a wide, shallow bowl where I could dip a plastic want that had three or four holes in it so I could blow three or four bubbles. Today’s toddlers get bubble machine guns! This toy lets them blow bigger, stronger bubbles; it also lets them blow hundreds at a time! I’m so jealous! Best of all? It’s got a non-slip grip, so even your toddler will be able to hold it, and it’s easy to clean, so when play time is over, you’re not left with a sticky, soapy mess.
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why – But why? Chances are, if you’re shopping for Christmas gifts for preschoolers, you’ve been asked that question at least thirty-seven times this week. This book helps you answer some of those questions. The book uses an interactive question and answer format, and includes information, games, and even recipes.
Doctor’s Kit – Every little kid loves to play doctor, don’t they? My kids sure did! Playing doctor is a great way to encourage imaginative play, and it’s also a good way to act out social stories if a particular situation is coming up that may be a little frightening or unfamiliar.
Lego Duplo – Duplo building blocks are great Christmas gifts for preschoolers. They’re sturdy, as anyone who has ever accidentally stepped on one can tell you, and their larger size makes them perfect for smaller hands. A basic starter set is always good; even if the kiddo you’re buying for already has Duplo, the starter set can always be used. Duplo also has many themed sets that make great gifts.
When you’re shopping for toddlers, remember that they’re going to want gifts they can have fun with. Mostly, they are going to want fun toys that will last them through the years!
