Roots & Routines

The holidays are here, and if you’re anything like me, you want gifts that are fun, practical, and educational. You want things your toddler will actually play with beyond Christmas morning. After a lot of research, reviews, and asking other moms, I’ve put together a list of our top items.

Here’s everything I’m getting my toddler, broken down by category so you can easily shop and get ideas!

Gifts for Play & Imagination

Imaginative play toys are hugely important for toddler development because they build the foundation for how kids think, communicate, problem-solve, and understand the world.

1. Kitchen Set

I chose this gift because my daughter loves playing with her grocery cart, and loves to watch us cook.

A play kitchen is one of the best developmental toys for toddlers because it quietly builds a ton of real-life skills while they’re just “playing”, such as imaginative play, speech development, and fine motor skills.

2. Play Food

I chose this gift because it is the perfect accessory to her kitchen set. She is also fascinated with fake food and understanding the names and colors of different items, so this will be perfect for her.

Play food is one of the best tools for imaginative play because it lets toddlers act out everyday routines they see adults doing. This helps them understand the world, build independence, and practice real-life skills in a fun, pressure-free way.

3. Fisher Price Little People Farmhouse

I chose this because my little one loves animals. She can recite the sounds of almost every barnyard animal. I thought this would be really fun for her as she continues to learn and explore.

The Fisher Price farmhouse is a classic toddler toy because it combines pretend play, storytelling, and hands-on exploration all in one. The mix of little figures, animals, and farm settings gives toddlers endless ways to imagine, act out stories, and learn through play.

Learning & Creativity

The toddler years are one of the fastest periods of brain growth in a child’s life, and learning through creativity plays a huge role in how they understand the world. When toddlers explore, imagine, create, and experiment, they’re building the foundation for every major skill they’ll need later on.

1. Little Tikes Story Dream Machine

My daughter loves books. Her favorite past time is pulling every book off her shelf and asking anyone and everyone to read them to her. I thought this might be a fun addition to her next story time.

The Little Tikes Dream Machine may look like a simple bedtime projector, but it actually opens the door to rich creative play. The rotating images, calm lights, and story-like scenes spark your toddler’s creativity by giving them something to interpret, talk about, and imagine.

2. Bath Foam Alphabet Letters

My daughter loves to play in the bath. What’s great about these, they stick to the walls of the tub with no mess. A favorite bath toy in our house, and these will be a great addition to our collection.

Foam bath toys turn bath time into a hands-on learning moment. Because they float, stick to the tub wall, and come in bright shapes and letters, they naturally encourage toddlers to explore, experiment, and learn through play.

Practical Gifts

Getting your child practical gifts that aren’t toys alongside their Christmas presents is actually really beneficial—and it goes beyond just “something useful.”

Practical gifts help kids learn self-care, hygiene, or everyday life skills. They make daily routines easier and more engaging.

1. Burt’s Bee’s Pajamas

Burt’s Bees pajamas are a family favorite. My daughter has almost every color and style. She’s growing like a weed, so now is a great time to stock up on bigger sizes.

Burt’s Bees Baby PJs are one of my favorites for toddlers for so many reasons. They are ultra-soft, and made of breathable organic cotton. They have safe and thoughtful design features like grippy soles and gentle zippers, and eco-friendly materials. They’re comfortable, durable, and come in adorable prints, making them both practical and fun for toddlers.

Toddler Tower

What toddler doesn’t love to help out? Finding ways to involve them, especially in the kitchen, can be a challenge. This provides a safe and fun way for little ones to pitch in. My daughter will love having the independence to help Mommy.

Toddler towers are a fantastic gift because they turn everyday activities into safe, hands-on learning experiences. 

Final Thoughts

I tried to choose a mix of toys, learning items, and practical gifts. I was looking for things that will grow with my toddler and actually get used. I hope this list gives you ideas for your own shopping this year!