The Best Gifts for Toddlers

A water bottle so adorable, the toddler in question might actually hold onto it. These animal-themed bottles are thoughtfully designed with a soft-touch exterior and a leak-proof lid to prevent spills. Choose from giraffe, jellyfish, and penguin designs. ($30, Uncommon Goods)

If the family pet isn’t their fur baby, but their fur sibling, this book will light up their world. It’s an amusing tale that will take them and their four-legged best friend (cat or dog) on a wild ride they won’t forget. ($40, Uncommon Goods)

Keep their fear of the dark at bay with this cute addition to their bedroom. This neon cactus has a warm green glow perfect for winding down and lulling them to sleep. ($11.49, Amazon)

Not only does this story offer a unique twist on the tale of Jack and the beanstalk, but it also comes to life as a three-dimensional foam puzzle. Even if your gift recipient has a short attention span, the interactive elements will keep them engaged. Plus, on the back you’ll find a DIY bean-planting project that echoes Jack’s journey and promotes outdoor fun. ($24.99, Maisonette)

With 110 pieces, this magnetic tile building set is sure to be a playroom mainstay. Grab it for your favorite future architect who’s already stocked up on other building toy brands. They can come up with their own elaborate designs, or use the included idea book for inspiration. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Help your little one bring their imaginary world to life with this fill-in-the-blank storybook. Let them dictate an exciting original tale and add their own illustrations, then send it all in and they’ll soon receive their very own hardcover. We smell a Pulitzer. ($32, Uncommon Goods)

You can’t really blame toddlers for coloring on the table — sometimes they just get swept up in the task at hand. You can, however, help their parents out by gifting these five toddler-table-sized (23” by 23”) coloring sheets. Each sheet comes with playful designs and adhesive backing so it stays put. ($25, Lalo)

Talk about a gift with their name on it. These custom non-toxic crayons are bound to make any child feel extra special, and they come in neat little boxes that make wrapping super easy. Choose from solid colors or a swirl design, and grab a set for every kid in the family. ($9+, KagesKrayons via Etsy)

Give this “magic touch” piano to your friend’s toddler and you’ll get all the credit when they become the next Mozart. Designed for ages six months and up, it’s a mini instrument with huge potential for fun. Kids can compose their own songs or play pre-recorded options…and parents can rest easy knowing it comes with a low volume setting. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

When heated for just 90 seconds in the microwave, this cuddly duck will stay warm for up to two hours in your toddler’s lap. Plus, its weighted filling is scented with dried French lavender for a calming sensory experience. It doesn’t get much cozier than that. ($14.99, Warmies)

Piccalio’s minimalist birchwood rocker will inspire their imagination, boost their motor skills, and help them expend energy safely. In the right hands, it can really be anything — a slide for toys, a bridge to crawl over, a pretend surfboard, and more. So whether they’re catching imaginary waves or just lounging with a board book, your favorite toddler is sure to be a fan. ($109, Piccalio)

This “ultimate easel set” has everything a child needs to kickstart their art career. It’s not just for painting — one side is a whiteboard, while the other is a chalkboard, so they can explore multiple mediums in every play session. ($79.95, Fat Brain Toys)

This thing is so much fun, even the adults in the room will want to get involved. Kids just need to get the fruit-shaped sponges all wet, then use the juicer toy to squeeze them into color-changing cups. Endless glasses of orange juice and lemonade, coming right up. ($49.95, KiwiCo)