53 Baby & Toddler Gifts (Age 0-2) — Picked by Parents
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Check out parent reviews for the all-time best gifts for babies & toddlers! We're gathering recommendations from real families about the tried-and-true toys their toddlers played with over and over again, as well as practical gift ideas for babies who are perfectly content playing with a paper towel roll.
These enduring favorites not only keep kids happy, they also help to develop language skills, coordination, and growing imaginations for open-ended play. Whether you need a toddler or baby gift for a birthday, the holidays, or other special occasion, our parent-sourced gift guide is sure to offer a winning idea to make your gift-giving easy. If you're looking for even more ideas, remember that this is also a great time to add to their collection of picture books!
What makes Upparent gift lists unique? The gift ideas for babies, 1- and 2-year-olds that you see here are submitted by regular parents in our community. You won't find a one-size-fits-all list compiled by an editor, or recommendations that seem legit but are actually paid for by brands. We're just sharing the toys and gifts that our babies & toddlers have gotten and loved, that we've discovered and are excited to give, or that are on the wish list this year.
Help us build a list of must-have gifts for babies & toys for toddlers by adding your picks and reviews below!
American Girl Bitty Baby
The American Girl Bitty Baby is a soft, cuddly doll designed for nurturing play, complete with age-appropriate accessories that inspire imaginative care and companionship.
Sarah Calamita said: We gifted our 2 year old her first Bitty Baby on her 2nd birthday. She loved playing with it then and it is still her favorite doll! The store is magical for kids!
Melissa & Doug Sound Puzzle
These wooden puzzles are fun gifts for 2-year-olds, since there are sound effects for each piece!
Petit Collage Ferris Wheel
The Petit Collage Ferris Wheel is a colorful, whimsical wooden puzzle that assembles into a charming Ferris wheel, encouraging hands-on play and developing fine motor and problem-solving skills.
Gathre Playmats
Premium leather mats designed for everything from changing diapers to playtime. These waterproof, stain-resistant mats offer exceptional durability and styleand come in a variety of sizes and colors.
Jennie Utsinger said: My newest favorite baby gift for moms who already have all the necessities is a Gathre playmat. These gorgeous leather mats are super soft, waterproof, wipeable, and come in several sizes, so they can function as a changing mat or as an indoor or outdoor playmat. Made of vegan leather on the top and flocked suede on the bottom, they're tasteful enough to last far beyond the baby years.
Pinhole Press Custom Board Book of Names & Faces
Create your own board book through Pinhole Press with up to 21 photos and bold text.
Kelly R said: Create your own board book through Pinhole Press with up to 21 photos and bold text. The theme possibilities are endless, but I love this as a way to present photos and names of family members and pets!
Green Toys Dump Truck
Kelly R said: Green Toys' recycled plastic toys are durable and environmentally-friendly, and wonderful for years of creative play. This working dump truck is a perfect toy for the playroom and sandbox alike.
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Pounding Bench
Classic wooden toy that lets kids hammer colorful pegs through a bench, promoting hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and hours of constructive play.
Kelly R said: My toddlers got a LOT of use out of this classic toy. It's an upgrade from the one I used a child, because as each peg is hammered down, its neighbor will seesaw up.
Cultured Pearl Starter Necklace
Sarah Calamita said: One year olds have so many toys (and honestly can be amused with a box and pans!) so I like to give a non-toy gift for this special birthday. An add a pearl necklace is a great idea. Reach out to your favorite jeweler and purchase a chain with one pearl and gift one pearl every year on their birthday. When they are old enough to care, they will have a full pearl necklace full of memories.
Primary photo: Upparent
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.