Life with Lenny

Must-have Christmas gifts for Toddlers in 2023

The challenge of finding the perfect Christmas gift for a toddler! If you’re like me then you already think your child has enough toys. Probably more than they even play with. However, the joy of Christmas on a kids face is, I think, what keeps us going back for more.

I know people say it all the time, but seeing things through your child’s eyes is really the best joy you can feel as a parent. That child like spirit, the endless imagination, and the pure bliss on their faces as they see and experience something for the first time.

I love an aesthetically pleasing toy as much as the next parent, however just as important is the developmental stage and creativity it sparks.


That is why I chose these top 5 gifts, from Amazon, for your toddler. So let’s dive in!


1. The Magnetic Drawing Board

Ignite a love for art and learning with a toy that’s as mess-free as it is fun! Magnetic doodle boards offer a world of creative exploration for little hands, sparking imaginations and building essential skills along the way. Here’s why they’re a must-have for any budding artist:

Tiny hands, big skills:

  • Pencil grip mastery: The chunky magnetic stylus guides little fingers towards a proper grip, laying a foundation for future writing and drawing skills.
  • Early learning made fun: Explore numbers, letters, shapes, and patterns together on the captivating screen, fostering cognitive development through play.
  • Visual-spatial awareness: Swipe the screen clean and start anew, encouraging experimentation and visual understanding as they watch their creations come to life.
  • Color recognition: Vibrant hues ignite their senses as they explore a rainbow of possibilities, building color recognition and expression.

A canvas for endless creativity:

  • Limitless imagination: Freehand doodles, silly faces, or imaginative masterpieces—the only limit is their boundless creativity!
  • Game time: Join in the fun with drawing challenges, shape hunts, or letter practice games that delight and educate.

Bonding moments for parents and kids:

  • Creative connections: Share smiles and giggles as you create side-by-side, fostering a love for art and building cherished memories together.
  • Joy for all ages: 1-year-old scribblers, 2-year-old explorers, and 3-year-old artists alike will find endless joy in this open-ended toy.

Say goodbye to messy cleanups and countless sheets of paper. Embrace a world of effortless creativity and joyful learning with the magic of magnetic doodle board

2. Indoor Toddler Trampoline


A toddler trampoline is a fantastic gift that delivers both fun and fitness in equal measure. Filled with endless bouncing energy, it’s the perfect outlet for those boundless toddlers bursting with energy. While they jump, climb, and land, they’re not just having fun, they’re also developing their gross motor skills, improving balance, coordination, and agility.

Not only that but the trampoline also gives:

  • Brain Boost: Enhances spatial awareness, problem-solving, and cognitive development.
  • Mental Wellbeing: Releases endorphins, promoting happy moods and reducing stress.
  • Sensory Stimulation: Provides engaging visual, auditory, and tactile experiences.
  • Family Bonding: Creates opportunities for shared laughter and active play together.
  • Indoor & Outdoor Fun: Available in various sizes and styles to fit any space and weather.
  • Durable & Long-Lasting: Provides years of enjoyment and active play.
  • Safe & Secure: Opt for trampolines with safety enclosures and nets for worry-free bouncing.
  • Developmental Milestones: Helps toddlers reach key milestones like jumping and balance.

3. Play Kitchen

Ignite Your Toddler’s Inner Chef: The Wonderful World of Play Kitchens

Toddler play kitchens are more than just toys; they are portals to a world of imagination, creativity, and learning. These miniature culinary havens spark a love for cooking and offer a treasure trove of benefits for your little one.

Play kitchens are a stage for endless culinary adventures. Toddlers can whip up imaginary feasts, role-play as chefs and customers, and concoct unique dishes limited only by their imagination.

Nurturing Early Learning: Play kitchens are learning laboratories in disguise. Toddlers explore colors and shapes while sorting and stacking ingredients, practice counting as they “measure” ingredients, and develop language skills as they discuss their culinary creations.

Building Fine Motor Skills: Stirring, pouring, and manipulating kitchen tools like pots, pans, and utensils strengthen hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Encouraging Social Interaction: Play kitchens are natural magnets for siblings and friends. They can collaborate on recipes, share pretend meals, and engage in imaginative play together, fostering social skills and communication.

Inspiring a Healthy Interest in Food: Play kitchens provide opportunities for toddlers to explore different foods and cooking techniques, potentially igniting a lifelong passion for healthy eating and culinary exploration.

Promoting Independence and Confidence: Mastering kitchen tasks like stirring, pouring, and washing dishes builds confidence and a sense of independence in toddlers.

Creating Happy Memories: Play kitchens are often the backdrop for countless laughter-filled moments and cherished memories as toddlers discover the joy of pretend play and culinary exploration.

Whether your toddler dreams of becoming a Michelin-starred chef or simply enjoys playing pretend, a play kitchen is a gift that keeps on giving. It’s an investment in their development, creativity, and imagination, and a surefire way to ignite their culinary passion early on.

4. Balance Bike

Balance bikes are a fantastic choice for toddlers who are eager to explore the world on two wheels. These no-pedal bikes focus on the fundamentals of balance, steering, and leaning, preparing your little one for a smooth transition to a traditional bike without training wheels.

Beyond the obvious fun factor, balance bikes offer a host of developmental benefits:

  • Improved balance and coordination: As toddlers scoot and balance themselves, they develop crucial motor skills and spatial awareness.
  • Increased confidence and independence: Mastering the ability to ride gives toddlers a sense of accomplishment and boosts their confidence.
  • Enhanced muscle strength and tone: Pushing and balancing the bike strengthens core muscles and leg strength.
  • Encourages outdoor play: Balance bikes are a great way to get toddlers active and enjoying the outdoors.
  • Promotes social interaction: Riding with friends or family provides opportunities for social interaction and play.

With their lightweight design and user-friendly features, balance bikes are perfect even for toddlers as young as 18 months. So, if you’re looking for a fun and rewarding way to encourage your child’s development, a balance bike is definitely worth considering!

5. Drum Set

Unleash the Inner Rock Star: The Perfect Drum Set for Your Toddler!

magine your little one transforming into a rock star, wielding their drumsticks and creating their own musical world. This captivating drum set with realistic sounds will not only spark their imagination but also nurture their budding musical talent.

  • Immersive Experience: The authentic drum sounds transport your child into a world of music, igniting their creativity and encouraging them to explore different rhythms and beats.
  • Spark Musical Interest: This exciting instrument is perfect for introducing your child to the joy of music and fostering a lifelong passion for the art.
  • Develops Musical Talent: Playing the drums improves hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and rhythm awareness, laying the foundation for future musical development.
  • Safe and Durable: Designed with toddlers in mind, the set is made with safe materials and features a sturdy construction to withstand enthusiastic drumming sessions.
  • Interactive and Engaging: The colorful drums and cymbals, along with the realistic sounds, provide endless hours of fun and interactive play.
  • Promotes Creativity and Expression: Whether playing along to their favorite songs or creating their own musical masterpieces, this drum set empowers your child to express themselves creatively.

More Than Just a Toy:

This drum set goes beyond mere entertainment. It’s an investment in your child’s development, fostering important skills like:

  • Fine Motor Skills: The act of gripping the drumsticks and striking the drums improves dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
  • Gross Motor Skills: Pushing the pedals and moving around while drumming strengthens large muscle groups.
  • Rhythm Awareness: Learning to play along with music enhances their sense of rhythm and timing.
  • Cognitive Development: Listening and responding to the sounds helps develop their auditory processing and cognitive skills.
  • Social Skills: Playing with others or performing for an audience develops social skills and confidence.

Gifting the Joy of Music:

This drum set is the perfect gift for any budding musician, offering a fun and engaging way to learn and explore the world of music. It’s a gift that will bring joy, laughter, and countless hours of entertainment for your child and the entire family. So, unleash the inner rock star in your little one and let the music begin!

Now that you have the list of gifts, you can confidently shop by clicking on the image!