I feel like this is the question I am always asking myself when buying a toy for my toddler, how long is she actually going to play with this? Here are our tried and true favorite toys that my toddler always wants to play with, even after having them for at least a year (some for 2 years). **This post may contain affiliate links. A small commission may be earned.**
Some of these items aren’t “toys” per say, but they are things we use everyday multiple times a day and really make it worth the price! As I write this, my daughter is 3 years old and my son is 18 months – I’ll specify when she got each item and how often they play with them. I’ll also include some of our current favorite toys (that we haven’t had for quite a year, but I suspect they’ll be long time toys).
Toy Kitchen – We got this for my daughter when she turned 2 and it has been THE toy. Both toddlers are playing in the kitchen daily. For this Christmas we are adding a couple new wooden pots and a wooden togo coffee set
Mega Bloks – We have had these for over 2 years and my toddler loves to build with them every time we rotate them in the play area.
100 Words – We also have 100 Animals. We were gifted one of these for my toddler’s 2nd birthday. We actually keep them in the car for long car rides, but they always save the day in the car. Both kids love when they get their books!
My First Balance Bike – My son uses this everyday. We tend to keep it inside, but occasionally he’ll take it outside. Usually my daughter rides her tricycle and he rides this balance bike! He is wanting to upgrade to the tricycle, but he’s not quite big enough yet.
Toddler Tower – There is also this cool foldable one! We have the big one that stays out in the kitchen at all times. It is a bit of an eye sore but the use we get out of it is amazing. My toddlers love to help in the kitchen and we use it for certain crafts we are doing on the kitchen island.
Sensory Table – There is also the super trending one – I do love that is has the paper roll holder, but for the price, I’d do the dupe! We use our little table all the time. I love that you can use it as a regular table, or use the bins for sensory!
Toddler Balance Bike – My 3 year old got this for Christmas last year. She loves to practice this and uses it whenever we go outside. It has a lot of room for growth so they can use it for a long time for sure. I think I want to upgrade her to a big bike this year, but we’ll see.
Tricycle – We keep my toddler’s tricycle inside typically, but it can obviously be used outside too. She loves it and loves it even more now that her brother is on his balance bike with her.
Magnatiles – We have a bunch of the various kits and my three year old loves them (honestly the 18 month loves them too, he’s just not able to build as easily as her). Some of our favorites kits: Micro Travel Magnets, Spaceship, Downhill Duo Racers, Builder XL, Dinosaurs
Water Table – My toddler has always been a lover of water, so it was no surprise that she would love a water table. We have this foldable one and love it for travel and storage. It does sell out pretty fast in the summer so it could be a great gift for Christmas!
Easel – If I didn’t have 2 under 2, I think this easel would be more used (but I think that means it’s day to shine is coming soon. I love to set it up for games and coloring with my 3 year old when the 1 year old is napping, but we’ve not perfected the both of them use it… yet!
Toys we haven’t had for a year, but I suspect they will be winners:
Kinetic Sand Kit – I was late to the party for Kinetic Sand, but my toddler of course loves it!
Balance Beam – These are so easy to store and so fun for my toddler. You can create different shapes and your toddler can practice their balance.
Cloud Castle and Foam Builders – We have been loving our Cloud Castle Fort for building! I love the different shapes and that the covers come off for easy washing.
Bike with Training Wheels – This is just one I think I’m getting my toddler for Christmas that she will love and use for a long time!
I hope these gifts are helpful in your search for gifts for your toddler. If you’re still shopping for anyone else in the family and need ideas – here’s a bunch of gift guides for everyone! xx Ciara
