24 Toddler-Approved Gifts That Will Actually Keep Kids Entertained For Awhile
Your child will experience the joy of a new and exciting toy...and you will experience the joy of relaxing while they play.
We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
What a year! The holidays are finally here! And while we’re doing our best to make sure the products we feature will arrive in time, shipping times are especially tricky this year, so we suggest shopping as early as you can.
Stock and shipping times can vary depending on where you live, which product you purchase, and more. So order earlier than you think you need to and be sure to double-check the retailers’ websites for shipping information to ensure that your gift will arrive in time for when you need it.
1. A very charming toy kitchen, the MVP of imaginative play, that will actually give you some kitchen design envy.
Promising review: "I love this little kitchen. It’s a room-saver and the colors are very pastel and cute. It’s the perfect height for my 18-month daughter. She loves playing and opening the little doors. It’s perfect." —Astrid21
Get it from Target for for $74.99.
Shipping info: 2-day shipping available for select products.
2. A vet's costume that'll help your favorite animal-lover get a very early jump on their budding career.
Promising review: "My niece loved this! Her poor leopard has fallen down, broken bones, gotten the flu, needed stitches, and a variety of other maladies in the last few days. The items are of good quality, and are holding up to constant abuse." —Nicole S.
Get it from Amazon for $21.99.
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with two-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
3. An outdoor lawnmower toy, because nothing is cuter than a toddler on a mission to mimic the world around them.
Promising review: "I’m not lying when I say my toddler ran to this toy when he saw it. He loves seeing people mowing when we go on our walks and watching his dad mow our yard, so it was a no-brainer purchase. No regrets! He gets the biggest smile pushing it around the house and has even started taking it on our walks around the neighborhood." —Livvielou
Get it from Target for $19.99.
Shipping info: 2-day shipping available for select products.
4. A Play-Doh starter set, that can lead to hours and hours of creativity and even comes in a handy little case to help with easy cleanup. And that unmistakeable smell? So nostalgic for you!
Promising review: "My daughter is 18-months-old and LOVES playing with this set. Every evening after school she comes home and wants to play with it. She loves a the little tools as they are the perfect size for her little hands. I have so many great memories with play doh growing up and I am super happy that she will too. What’s not to love about Play-Doh, it’s easy to clean and sparks creativity." —Ashley Elizabeth
Get it from Amazon for $7.96.
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with two-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
5. A set of Magna-Tiles that's really a two-fer because it combines this awesome building toy with some seriously beloved characters from Sesame Street.
Pro tip: Pick a building system and commit to it! Not only will it keep your kiddos interested because they'll be able to build more structures, but it also makes for easier, sort-free cleanup!
Promising review: "My daughter loves Sesame Street (as do most young kids) and these were a hit. She's familiar with magnetic tiles so these were easy for her to get the hang of. I like that these are sturdily built and double sided, too." —The Anti Bridezilla
Get it from Amazon for $44.95.
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with two-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
6. An indoor trampoline for those days when your kiddos are just bouncing off the walls.
What is it with toddlers and bouncing? IDK, but at least this trampoline is small enough to keep indoors — and the safety handle bar means your kids won’t be launching themselves *into* your walls. Win-win.
Promising review: "Of all the things I've bought my son, this was definitely worth the money! He uses this every single day, probably 8-12 times each day! It really helps him burn off extra energy. I love that he can get a good workout in when I'm unable to take him for a walk or to the park, or on a rainy day." —Kelly
Get it from Amazon for $59.99.
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with two-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
7. A tunnel and ball pit to (temporarily!) turn your home into a play zone, perfect for those snowy and rainy days when you're stuck inside.
Promising review: "Super awesome play set. It was a gift for our 1-year-old and she loves playing with it. Pops out and assembles in minutes and we bought balls to add to it for more fun as the ad suggests. We only use it in our small play area in the living room (so the size is pretty perfect) and haven't had it outside yet, but it does include some stakes to keep it in place." —JMV
Get them from Amazon: $38.59 for the tunnel and ball pit and $18.99 for a 50-pack of balls.
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with two-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
8. An adorable — yet fully functional — digital camera so you can give your cameraphone a break from your kids.
It is always fun to see your child's selfies on your phone, but that 200+ photo study of the ground just feels a little excessive. This year, get your little Leibovitz a kid-proof camera. Not only will they practice taking a proper photo, but you also get to see the world through their adorable toddler eyes. And this might sound cheesy, but I think that's kind of magical.
Get it from Amazon for $34.96 (originally $44.99)
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with two-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
9. A pogo stick, which seems *a lot* safer than the ones we used to play with growing up, TBH.
Promising review: "Cute, fun, and portable. Easy to condense down to take along anywhere your little one goes." —arolee
Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in ten colors).
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with two-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
10. A Melissa & Doug toy coffee maker set, so you can watch your baby barista brew and sip their pretend java as you steal a minute to enjoy the real deal (while it's actually still hot!).
Promising review: "This little coffee maker set is so cute and durable. I put it in the little market I made for my grandchildren. They love serving and selling coffee or cocoa. The K-cups are interchangeable and the little red button at the top has a soft push feeling that they love to press. It comes with a little sugar pack, spoon, three K-cups, two mugs, and the coffee maker, all wooden, and a little menu. I put a coffee sign on a little wooden crate I bought to keep all of the little items in." —TrueJavanut
Get it from Amazon for $23.79.
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with two-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
11. A Kinetic Sand kit to add some wonder to the wintery days when you'd all rather be at the beach.
Promising review: "I bought this for my son for his 4th birthday. He loves it and plays with it every day! He likes to make sand castles, fake ice cream, form hills, and then knock it all over with the wrecking ball." —Lindsey Hanson
Get it from Amazon for $13.49.
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with two-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
12. A jungle play tent that will take your kiddo's imagination on an adventure. Just add some stuffed animals and you've got a safari party!
Promising review: "I bought this for my 1.5-year-old nephew and he’s obsessed! It was so easy to put together and it’s SUPER sturdy. He leans on the walls and rolls in it and it doesn’t budge. His mom, dad, and I all fit in the tent with him too! It’s absolutely perfect, go get yourself one!" —Tialala
Get it from Target for $61.75.
Shipping info: 2-day shipping available for select products.
13. A travel-friendly number and letters toy, which turns ABCs and 123s into a fun memory game. Plus, there are no small pieces AND it doesn't make noise!
Promising review: "This game is a huge hit with our almost two year old. He has learned and memorized so many new letters, numbers, animals and objects and he enjoys using this. He will bring it to me through out the day to sit down and interact with it." —Dakota Heckle
Get it from Amazon for $12.95.
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with two-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
14. A butterfly grow kit (that comes with a voucher for the caterpillars), so your little one can sit and watch the VERY hungry caterpillars and check in on their progress as they turn into butterflies.
Promising review: "So fun to do with the kiddo! Be aware you'll need to purchase your butterflies separate but you'll get a coupon with this set. Kiddo loved watched the life cycle of the butterflies and being able to set them free." —Janet
Get it from Amazon for $32.07.
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with two-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
15. A kid-friendly karaoke machine that will inspire many a concert, which...you may also want to use from time to time.
Promising review: "Great little karaoke machine! Perfect for kids! It has many features including the ability to plug in your smart phone to play music and sing your favorite songs! Stand is adjustable to make shorter for the younger kids. We got it for our 3-year-old and she LOVES it!" —B. Shaw
Get it from Amazon for $54.99.
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with two-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
16. A monthly subscription to Little Passports activity boxes, which will expand your little one's world — even when they're just hanging out in the playroom.
We get the Early Explorers kit (for ages 3-5) delivered every month and it's always fun, from the unboxing to the actual included activities. I love how it gives me the perfect opportunity to talk about a different part of the world with my little man. It's absolutely piqued his curiosity about travel and that's an interest I'm invested in helping him pursue. They offer kits for kids up to age 12 with different themed boxes covering geography to STEM.
Get it from Little Passports for $20.95+/month.
Shipping info: First subscription package is shipped within 3-5 business days of receiving the order. For U.S. orders, allow up to 2 weeks for your first subscription package to arrive. You can send a gift email to the recipient to let them know their gift is on the way,
17. A nature detective set that can help your small scientist spark their curiosity and inspire them to get outside and explore the great outdoors.
Promising review: "Our little explorer got these for his birthday. He loves them. They're very well-made, and perfectly sized for young children's hands and coordination level." —MO folk
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with two-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
18. A tried-and-true train set, perfect for starting a collection that can grow with your cutie conductor.
Promising review: "Loved this! Got a small set for our daughter for 2nd birthday! Super durable for toddler standards and I look forward to growing her set as she grows." —Dale P
Get it from Amazon for $49.99.
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with two-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
19. A bubble-popping sensory toy, the fun fidget toy to help keep little hands out of trouble. It's also great for teaching them how to share, because you'll be the one asking for a turn.
Promising review: My 3-year-old loves this thing — perfect for the car!" —Cate and Ben
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with two-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
20. A Stomp Rocket set that will launch hours of out-of-this-world fun in the backyard.
Promising review: "So much fun! The kids LOVE this and it provides a lot of entertainment! Even our 2.5-year-old has it figured out and enjoys shooting rockets all over the house and the park. Word of warning, stay away from trees. These delightful rockets are lightweight and once they're in a tree...good luck? We've only lost one, but it was sad." —Megs814
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with two-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
21. A Radio Flyer starter scooter, perfect for on-the-go little ones who are always ready to *roll*.
Promising review: "I got this for my almost 2-year-old for Christmas and he loves it! I put it in the house so he can be active indoors while I’m busy with siblings. He’s constantly on it. I’ll add my 5-year-old son enjoys it too. He’s slightly autistic and very cautious (refuses to ride a bike) so I’m happily surprised to see his comfortability on it as well!" —Haley C.
Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in two colors).
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with two-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
22. A beautifully designed floor puzzle to that might actually be the missing piece to finding some quiet time in each day.
Promising review: "We have two of these puzzles and my 2-year-old daughter loves them. She is really good at putting them together. The bright colors, big pieces and fun scenes are great. We talk about all the different animals in the sea after she puts it together and work on her vocabulary skills." —Meg
Get it from Amazon for $18 (available in seven designs).
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with two-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
23. A simple but fun magnetic maze game, which not only helps develop fine motor skills but also holds a toddler's attention long enough for you to actually get something done around the house.
Promising review: "Great toy! My 3-year-old is extremely active and it's hard to get him to focus on any sort of activity very long but he loves this toy. He will sit quietly and play with it for a half hour. We've had it a few days and he's played with it every day." —Greg
Get it from Amazon for $22.99.
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with two-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
24. A pretty cute watch, which definitely won't help them learn time management (have you ever tried to get a toddler to put on their shoes!?), but it can help them develop the skill of learning how to tell time.
Promising review: "I bought this for my 3-year-old daughter. She LOVES it. It fits on her little toddler wrist perfectly, and is easily adjustable. It's super comfortable for her if you get the tension right. She'll wear it for hours, checking the time every few minutes. It's a great way to teach her to read the time. So far she can read the little hour hand fairly accurately, and we're working on the big hand. It's fairly durable, although I don't expect anything I give her to survive indefinitely, toddlers are tiny balls of destruction." —Erich
Get it from Amazon for $17.50+ (available in four patterns).
Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with two-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).
Looking for the perfect gift for any occasion? Check out all of BuzzFeed’s gift guides!
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.