My niece and nephew are my pride and joy. I talk about them all the time and think of them thrice as often. Auntie life is the life. During the holiday season season, I get so excited thinking of just the perfect treats for them. I enjoy finding a healthy mix of things they’ll love, daily essentials and unique finds that can help support their development. And I’m grabbing most of it during Cyber Week to snag as many deals as possible.
Got toddlers in your life who you’re hunting presents for too? Check out my list below with ideas inspired by my favorite littles — that various kids would enjoy. (Note: Most finds are on sale but one or two are items I’ve held out long enough for this year and am just springing for.)
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Ages: 3-9
Trey Trey’s imagination turned a dump truck into a flash camera the other day, so this year, I’m going to treat him to a real one, with a dinosaur design of course. At three, he’s pretty young but this dino cam is designed for kids his age. Plus, I know his parents will help him with it and he’ll love taking pictures everywhere he goes. Gotta nurture those interests so they can turn into passions if that’s in the cards.
(And yep, I’m nabbing one for Carter too because there’s no way she won’t be reaching for his. Plus, this unicorn cam is the same theme as her 1st birthday party.🦄)
Clip the on-page coupon for an extra 50% off at checkout for the unicorn cam and an extra 20% for the dino version.
Ages: 3-7
Both Carter and Trey Trey adore Sesame Street (although Carter’s the bigger fan right now, given Elmo). They both also adore storytime at night, making this “Just One You” book filled with affirmations a must-have for them in my cart. Right now the book has a 4.9-star rating and it’s 50% off.
(Also, I always make sure to read books myself before I gift it to them, so I’m really glad this book gives you a full preview on the product page.)
Ages: 4+
Since my favorite guy turns four early next year, this larger-than-life dinosaur is absolutely something I’m grabbing for his collection. I can’t wait to see the look on his face.
(Also, I’m fully taking this opportunity to brag that my dino-loving nephew can look at this toy and tell me that it’s an Allosaurus if I inquire what kind it is.)
Ages: 3+
Gotta keep the kiddos hydrated and they can never have enough water bottles. These stainless steel ones from CamelBaks are a solid option — sharks for Trey-Trey (we love them!) and unicorns for Carter. They’re sweat- and leak-proof, have an easy-carry handle and a built-in straw.
I always like to gift the babies things that they need and things they’ll like. And good T-shirts are something toddlers will always need, especially since they’re always growing out of things. I love these because they offer them in both the babies’ sizes and in a ton of colors.
Promising review: “These little Tshirts were a great value and quality. The fabric was perfect thickness. They are soft, wash well and retain the color in them. They are 100% organic which is important to me to put against my babies skin. I would definitely purchase them again.” — EJS
Ages: 2+
Batteries: Included (AAA)
The only other TV character my niece loves more than Ms. Rachel is Elmo. This sing-along plushie with a light-up shirt is absolutely in the cart for my favorite girl!
Ages: 2+
Batteries: Included (AG13)
It’s only right since she’s always taking her mother’s phone when we FaceTime.
The Learn With Elmo phone has over 50 learning phrases to help kids with counting, colors, shapes, rhyming, Spanish and more.
Plus, it plays “The Wheels On The Bus” — one of Carter’s favorite jams.
I noticed when I’m out with the kids and their parents that they ask for snacks a lot and it turns into us adults going in and out of their backpacks. These cute carabiner-held Stashers are a perfect solution for making snacking on the go a lot easier. And they’re reusable!
Ages: 2-6
The kiddos enjoy coloring and they’re both practicing their colors, numbers, animals and so much more. This doodle-mat is a good way for them to play and learn together. Best of all? It’s mess-free because when you draw on the mat, it disappears in 3-10 minutes, repeatedly creating a fresh canvas.
The mat is waterproof and can be played with on the ground or the wall using the included suction cups. You’ll get markers, stencils and so many accessories to engross the kids for a decent while.
Promising review: “This is a Toddler MUST HAVE!!! My 18 month old loves this, and I love it even more! It’s completely mess free, colorful, educational, and comes with fun add ons! It comes in a variety sizes and designs and is travel friendly! I also love that it can be played with on the floor, or hung! It promotes my Toddler’s curiosity, creativity, and independence. Super Awesome Purchase! #TopTier” — RCG
The kids love their Gogo Squeez apple sauce pouches and I’ve seen how they come in handy when I’m out with them. So I grabbed these reusable pouches for their parents to fill up with different purees, drinks, applesauce and other goodies the kids like to enjoy when they’re away.
Aside from the unicorns and dinos my niece and nephew love, these ones also come in other styles like animals and astronauts.
Ages: 0-3 years
They already have the “Never Touch A Shark” version. I’m going to gift this one to add to the collection. Books are two, get one free at Target through November 30.
Ages: 0+
A gorgeous plush doll in yellow (which also happens to be a fabulous color on my little niece, too!). I prefer to gift plush dolls so when she drops them, they won’t hurt her little toes. (Also, this doll is mom-approved!)
Like T-shirts, socks are an ever-present need. I’ll be tossing this cotton sock set in a gift bag for my girl this year. While these don’t meet our 15% off threshold, they’re already affordably priced so the 13% off discount still makes this a good buy.
Promising review: “I would definitely buy these again! Adorable colors and 100% cotton which is very important especially on baby skin! The grip is also great for early walkers. The weight and thickness is perfect for winter and summer! They have kept their quality through washes as well. The fit is more comfortable for her than other socks. They havnt fallen off like baby socks usually do. Great quality!” — Nessa Rose
Now, for the “Not On Sale But I’m Springing For It” items…
“Can I take this to my home?” was the first thing my nephew asked me when he spotted this dinosaur duffle bag in Target. We were hunting down Sonic The Hedgehog PJs for his school’s Pajama Day, so I had to stay focused. But, of course, what Trey-Trey wants, he gets (as long as it’s healthy and safe), so this bag will be under his tree come December.
Promising review: “My 3 year old loves this weekender. Fits the right amount of clothing, pair of shoes, necessities for my little one’s weekend away with cousins lol” — Target shopper
After Spider-Man, the Hulk is my nephew’s favorite Marvel character. He’s got enough Spidey merch to make you feel like his bedroom and playroom are the Spider-Verse, but his Hulk collection could use some catching up, and this bold green jacket is perfect.
It’s available in sizes 2T-5T plus 6 to 18-20.
Ages: 3 months-2 years
Batteries: Included (AA)
If you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher or anyone with any toddlers and babies in your life — then the teacher-turned-YouTube star, Ms. Rachel, surely needs no introduction. This plush doll takes on her likeness, talks and sings songs in her voice. It’s just perfect for my one-year-old niece who watches her all. the. time.
Note: Admittedly, this doll isn’t on sale but I have waited and waited and waited for a discount until the thing sold out. Now that it’s back at Amazon, I’m not missing it again.
Another note: There’s also a sensory, educational Ms. Rachel farmhouse that’ll go perfectly with this if you’ve also got a toddler who adores this lady.