Lifestyle
10 gifts to buy for a toddler who runs rings around everyone (especially their parents)
There’s no-one more fun to buy a Christmas gift for than an excited toddler. The trick is finding something both child and parents will love…
By Carolyn Tate
There’s nothing quite like finding the perfect gift for a toddler you know and love. The way their little face lights up is priceless, but they’re also not afraid to let it be known if they’re not interested in your well-thought-out token of love. You’ve got to love their honesty.
Shopping for a toddler can be tricky, especially when it seems like they have endless energy and interests that change every week. But there’s no need to be afraid of being the cause of a Christmas tantrum – we’ve created a list of creative, interactive and fun gifts that will surely keep even the most fussy toddler entertained (and maybe give Mum and Dad a much-needed breather as well!).
1. A toy they won’t forget about after a week
This Rainbow Starter Pack by Connetix is a toy you can rely on to grow alongside your toddler, thanks to the 60-piece tile set and endless options in expansion sets. It’s an educational toy with strong magnets that allow their little imaginations to grow as big as the structures they build.
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Other options:
● Rocking Caterpillar Seat $149.95 from Bed Bath n Table (3% cashback)
● Wooden Garbage Sorting Truck $43.95 from Lime Tree Kids (8% cashback)
2. Something to keep their little hands and minds busy
This 100% safe and washable EC Easi-Soft Rainbow Dough comes in fun colours and offers sensory play, where toddlers can learn and play while they’re making all sorts of different shapes. The non-toxic dough also gives parents and caregivers total peace of mind while their little ones are learning to be creative.
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Other options:
● First Modelling Set $27.95 from Lime Tree Kids (6% cashback)
● Little Farm Wooden Train Track $99.99 from The Memo (6% cashback)
3. A gift that will tire them out from all the fun
This lightweight Mini-Flip Wooden Walker transforms into a rocker or toddler bike, making it the perfect gift to stand the test of time as your toddler grows up. This is a gift that is bound to make them smile, as they have fun zipping around the house or backyard!
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Other options:
● Pikler Triangle Small Climbing Frame $180 from Lime Tree Kids (8% cashback)
● Explore & More Dinosaur 3 in 1 Musical Pull Toy $49.95 from The Memo (6% cashback)
4. Something they can cuddle
We all remember how comforting our favourite soft toy was as a child. This Self-Soothing Toy by Love to Dream is a cuddly companion designed to comfort your toddler. Their toys are gently weighted to encourage a sense of calm, making it a toy that isn’t just for playtime, but downtime, too.
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Other options:
● Gingerbread Plush Toy $16 from Best&Less (1% cashback)
● Large Plush Elephant $59.95 from The Memo (6% cashback)
5. Something so they can help around the house
If your grandchild loves to point out tractors out the car window, imagine the look on their face when they rip open the wrapping to see a John Deere Ride On Toy Tractor. They’ll love being able to roam around outside and mow the lawn to get it looking perfect for the summer season!
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Other options:
● Cleaning Set $89.95 from The Memo (6% cashback)
● John Deere Deluxe Talking Tool Belt $44.95 from Baby Bunting (5% cashback)
6. A fun game they can play with siblings or parents
This fun Ladybird Memory Game comes with different difficulty levels and all different types of ways to play, making it the perfect board game for little toddlers with growing minds. They can play this game alone, during home days against siblings or at sleepovers with their grandparents.
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Other options:
● Pick Up Sticks $9.95 from Lime Tree Kids (8% cashback)
● Wooden Tic Tac Toe Game $39.95 from Bed Bath N’ Table (3% cashback)
7. A gift that will get their creativity flowing
All children love to see their name on something they own, because it means it’s actually theirs. You’ll give them their favourite set of colouring pencils to reach for with this Personalised Colouring Pencils and Tin.
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Other options:
● Silicone Colouring In Mini Mat Australian Animals $19.80 from The Memo (6% cashback)
● Pastel Mini Pack 32 pc $65 from Connetix (3% cashback)
8. Make learning fun
Chances are your toddler loves the Aussie animated TV series Bluey (don’t we all?). So this Bluey Puzzle Clock is a sweet way to bring Bluey to life. This toy can help familiarise what a dialogue clock looks like, while helping them get the hang of shapes, numbers and colours!
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Other options:
● My First Turn and Learn $59.99 from Adairs (4% cashback)Australian Animal Wooden Book $24.95 from Purebaby (5% cashback)
9. Make bath time easier (and more fun!)
This Yookidoo Submarine Spray Station is the ultimate bath toy that can help make your toddler’s nighttime routine a bit more fun and enjoyable for everyone in the family. It’s like having multiple bath toys in one, encouraging independent play from toddlers while making bath time a whole lot easier on Mum and Dad.
Use your Citro card for 5% cashback
Other options:
● Octopus Silicone Bath Toy $9.95 from Purebaby (1.5% cashback)
● Grey Shark Water Squirter $18.99 from Adairs (4% cashback)
10. A gift where they can explore music
Exploring music can be one of the best outlets for your high-energy toddler, and this Musical Melody Mix is the perfect way to let them get creative and well, loud. With over five instruments in one, they’re bound to love making their own songs and rhythms.
Use your Citro card for 5% cashback
Other options:
● Interactive Xylophone $24.99 from Adairs (4% cashback)
● Playgro Jumbo Jungle Musical Piano Mat $39.95 from Baby Bunting (5% cashback)
Feature image: iStock/Daniela Jovanovska-Hristovska
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