I thought it would be fun to share some of the toys that have been absolute favorites in our home over the past six months since my son turned one. If you’re looking for great gift ideas for the little ones in your life, these are all tried-and-true winners!
I’m planning on making this a series as my son gets older, stay tuned for our updated 1.5 to 2 year old list this summer!
1. BIG Foam Blocks
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Every time we visit a local gymnastics gym for open play, my son is drawn to the oversized foam blocks. They’re perfect for building, stacking, and, of course, every toddler’s favorite activity—knocking them down! These are especially great because they have a wipeable cover, making clean-up easy and preventing little teeth from taking bites out of the foam (trust me, it happens!).
2. Zig-Zag Car Ramp
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This car ramp has been a hit in our house since before my son turned one, and it’s still a favorite! This makes such a great gift, I’ve never seen a toddler who isn’t obsessed with this toy. Watching the cars race down the ramps over and over never gets old!
3. Slide Books
We love slide books! Unlike regular paper or flap books, which my son has a tendency to rip, these are much sturdier. They add an interactive element to story time, letting little hands move the slides to reveal surprises while we read together.
4. Balance Bike
This bike is a HUGE hit in our home! It has four wheels, making it perfect for beginners, and it’s great for both indoor and outdoor use. My son loves to load up his little basket with toys and zoom around all day. It’s also the perfect height for shorter toddlers—at his 18-month checkup, he was 30” tall, but he’s been using this bike since his first birthday! There are also two-wheel options for when kiddos are ready to start balancing on their own.
5. Pikler Triangle
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If you have a little climber, this is a must-have! It’s been a lifesaver, especially during winter when we’re stuck indoors. We store it in the corner of our small living room and pull out the slide whenever my son asks to go “weee!” I’ve also seen some creative DIY storage solutions where people mount it on the wall—so smart!
6. Balls!
A simple but always fun choice! My son loves to shout “Ready, set, go!” before throwing a ball. This set is great for teaching different sports and ball types.
Bonus points if the ball belongs to the dog—because apparently, those are the most exciting! The Chuck It! balls are actually his favorite; they’re the perfect size for little hands.
7. Cleaning Set
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If you have a toddler, you know they love to “help” with everything—including cleaning! This set keeps my son entertained (and away from the big vacuum and broom while I actually get things done). The toy vacuum even has battery-powered suction, which makes it extra fun and realistic!
8. Little Tikes Cozy Coupe
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A classic! There are so many fun design options, and it’s a toy that grows with them. When they’re younger, you can leave the floorboard in and push them using the handle. As they get older, remove the bottom panel, and they can run around Fred Flintstone style! We got the dinosaur version for our little guy, and he loves it.
9. Push Walker
This walker was a game-changer when my son was learning to walk! We have both the Fisher-Price Puppy Walker and the VTech Walker.
- The VTech Walker has tons of fun features, including a piano, a play phone, shape sorters, spinning rollers, and even a little door to open and close. The front panel also detaches, so younger babies can play with it before they’re ready to push.
- You can also adjust the wheel speed, which is great for beginners!
Even now that my son has been walking for months, he still loves pushing it around while yelling “vroom vroom!”
10. Snap & Learn Matching Dino Set
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These dinosaurs have been such a fun toy for motor skills and learning! My son loves snapping them together and pulling them apart, and they’re also great for learning colors and encouraging imaginative play.
Thanks for reading! These toys have been a huge hit in our home, and I hope they bring just as much fun to your little one! If you have any favorites that your toddler loves, I’d love to hear about them!
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