Food basket
A ‘gourmet food’ basket can also be a fun and useful gift for a toddler – tailored to suit the toddler’s tastes of course! Think things that are handy to have on-hand, such as boxes of sultanas, muesli bars, rice cakes, plain biscuits and fruit/yoghurt/custard pouches. Some handy storage containers or a little lunch box, drink bottle or packet of wipes for sticky fingers make great additions.
Messy play
Anything that makes a mess will be a hit at this age! Water-based paints, crayons, Playdoh and large pieces of chalk are always winners. As a side note, an art smock is a great addition to any messy play or craft gift, or is also great as a stocking stuffer.
Role play
A favourite game for many toddlers is doing the things their mums and dads do every day. There are so many toys that can let your toddler emulate everyday tasks, such as a toy kitchen with plastic food, toy shop, cash register and shopping trolley, dolls pram, change table and baby bath.
Ride-ons
Toddlers love anything that moves! And depending on your budget, there are many options including tricycles, wagons and pedal cars. A great gift idea is a balance bike (which is essentially a training bike without pedals, which allows the toddler to scoot along with their feet, as they learn how to balance their bike.
Experiences
If you are buying for a toddler who appears to have every toy available, then why not get them an experience? Passes for swimming lessons, toddler gym, a music class, trip to the zoo or even a toddler-suitable concert or show (think The Wiggles or Justine Clarke).
Stocking fillers: bath crayons, toothbrushes, crayons, PlayDoh, bath toys, balloons, bubbles , musical instruments, hat, bucket and spade.
