Best Toys for Toddlers {1 – 3 years}

Please Note :: We are so excited to be partnering together with our sponsor Kid to Kid – Houston Galleria for a fun series of posts dedicated to OUR favorite toys for the littlest of babies to the biggest of boys and girls.  At Kid to Kid, you can buy gently used toys for a fraction of the price as well as a few select new toys at an absolute bargain too!  So start making those lists and checking them twice because your holiday shopping helpers are finally here, and up next – toys for the tots…

My head is seriously spinning – is it already time to start thinking about holiday shopping? Even as I type this, my mind is going in a thousand-and-one directions thinking of all the family and friends I get to shop for this year! I promised myself that I was NOT going to rush this year, and I am staying true to that promise. I have come up with a list of my favorite toys for toddlers so that shopping can be easier for me {and YOU}! Now we will have some much needed free time to spend with our families and friends!

Without further adieu, here are my choices for the hottest toddler toys for this holiday season…

1. Melissa and Doug Deluxe Jumbo Cardboard Blocks

I have heard so many great things about jumbo cardboard blocks, and this Melissa and Doug set seems to have the best reviews. I love that they are light-weight and don’t make a ton of noise!  {And don’t forget that Kid to Kid sells a wide variety of brand new Melissa & Doug items too.}

2. Fisher-Price Wheelies Loops n’ Swoops Amusement Park

Another item on our list is this Fisher-Price Amusement Park. We currently have a car/truck/anything with wheels obsession in our house, and I know that this toy would be a family favorite! Plus, I love the height of it! I think this would make for easy play for both toddler AND mom!

3. Fisher-Price Little People Disney Princess Songs Palace

If I had a daughter, this would definitely be on my list! How precious is this pink and purple castle with Little People Princesses? Come to think of it…I think my niece needs this for Christmas this year from her Auntie Shelly! {That is what she calls me!}

4. Ikea Easel

This easel is definitely on our wish list! My son loves to draw and color right now, and I think this would be the perfect give to encourage his inner artist to come alive. Plus, vertical writing is great for motor development and to help strengthen those pre-writing skills. At only $20 bucks, it’s a great price too!

5.  Mega Bloks 1st Builders Build n’ Learn Table

We have this table and block set at our house, and I can tell you that this is my toddler’s go-to toy as of late! He loves to make car-sounds now and pushes the car around the track pretending to honk the horn. He also spends lots of time building little structures…and then loves to knock them down! This toy is a hit!

6. Melissa and Doug Cutting Food

How precious is this food set? I think any child would have a blast pretending to cut food like a grown up. I would love to add this to our play kitchen refrigerator!

7. Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Smart Stages Chair

I have seen the commercials non-stop for this adorable chair, and any time it’s on, my kid stops in his tracks and watches it. So I think this will be something on our wish list this year as well. The great thing about this chair is that it grows with your child too!

8. My First Crayola Mess-Free Markers and Paper

The special toddler friendly coloring cow is great to help those little hands find a proper grip, and I love that no matter what marks are made – it leaves a beautiful, colorful design. Something else I love? That it is MESS FREE!!! I think any mom would love that!

I love all of these toys so much and think they are all reasonably priced, encourage learning and development, and look like a ton of fun!

What are your favorite go to toddler toys this year?

As you start that holiday shopping, don’t forget to stop by and visit our friends at Kid to Kid Houston Galleria to browse both their new and gently used toys.  Remember that they are also currently buying toys, gear, and clothes that your little ones may have outgrown or no longer need, so it’s the perfect way to earn a little extra cash to fuel the shopping too!

Kid to Kid Houston Galleria

1737 Post Oak Boulevard
Houston, TX 77056
713.622.2545