It’s too early for holiday shopping, or is it? I’ve finished buying gifts for my girls and according to an instagram poll, it seems like most of you are doing your shopping early this year, too. I typically shop in November, but this year, decided to make things easy and placed my orders last week. 😬 Before I dive into the gifts I bought for the girls and some of our most-used, must-have toys, let’s unpack why I did my Christmas shopping in September. Here are my 2021 holiday gift ideas for toddlers.

 

2021 Holiday Gift Ideas for Toddlers

 

Shop the rest of my gift guides here! 

To those of you who say to enjoy this season and talk about rushing things, I’m not rushing anything. I didn’t frantically place these orders and shopping (or not shopping) does not change the holiday season for me. I spent a few hours perusing some of my favorite online shops while watching TV, ordered some toys, and I’m done. I’m not sitting here in a cashmere sweater by the fire next to a Christmas tree. Also, long live dresses and sandals.

There are lots of reasons to shop early. 

The holidays are not about gifts, and ordering now vs. in November changes nothing. It just means I’m prepared and won’t have to worry about gifts arriving in time. It’s something that’s now (mostly) done and I can fully focus on holiday cheer with my family. 

Placing these orders now helps small businesses owners.

I heard from a few who thanked me and said this makes things so much easier and less stressful for them. This is especially true for small shops, and I’m hoping to support some of our favorite small businesses this year. Some of the things I looked at ordering are on backorder or will not ship until late October/early November. I’d rather be first in line when these items are ready to ship. 

Waiting until November makes things harder for the people who deliver our gifts (USPS, FedEx, UPS etc).

Hannukah falls on November 28th this year! 

What I bought:

Tender Leaf Toys

General Store

These first two gifts are the big ones – a big but not too big general store/farmer's market since my girls love play food.
Shop now

Tender Leaf Toys

Bread Basket

Shop now

Tender Leaf Toys

Vegetable Basket

Shop now

Domestic Objects

Playhouse

Another big one, this play house is large but we don't have to leave it up all the time. Margot is always playing in her outdoor play house, so I think this will be fun to have indoors all winter.
Shop now

Le Toy Van

Wooden Ice Cream Set

Wooden food toys are Margot's favorite thing. It took forever to find this set since it's always sold out
Shop now

Crate and Kids

Felt Picnic Set

Margot loves a pretend picnic and this set (complete with floor pillows) is just darling.
Shop now

I See Me!

Personalized Night Before Christmas Book

This just arrived and it's so, so sweet. You can add up to five children's names (parents too!)
Shop now

Peppa Pig

Wooden Family Home

I love that this is on the smaller side, and that it's not made of plastic.
Shop now

Lalaboom

Montessori Beads

I love toys that grow with babies and these are recommended for 10 months - 4 years!
Shop now

Ooly

Temporary Tattoos

My 3 year old is on a big temporary tattoo kick right now, so I got a few of these for her stocking
Shop now

Our most-loved toys:

Toniebox

Audio Player Starter Set

This audio player is one of our most-used toys. Bonus: it's the perfect quiet time toy for toddlers who aren't consistent nappers. Keeps them busy without being too stimulating.
Shop now

Maileg

Beach Mouse

We love all things maileg in our house. I ordered a sled, and some furniture for our dollhouse.
Shop now

Maileg

Mini Tea Set (for mice)

This is teeny tiny (3+) and is one of Margot's favorite toys.
Shop now

Janod

Chunky Wooden Puzzle

We have a handful of these. They're great puzzles for younger toddlers and the pieces double as toys since they stand up!
Shop now

Magnatiles

Metropolis Magnet Tiles

Not the first time I shared our beloved magnatiles and it won't be the last. These are a must-have for every home.
Shop now

PIDKids

Folding Tower and Play Table

We have this one, too, and it's pretty awesome. It can be used as a standing tower or table (seats 2).
Shop now

More Toys for Toddlers:

We either didn’t need or have a similar version of the toys below

Wonder and Wise

Indoor Gym

Shop now

Playforever

Toy Car

Shop now

Way to Play

Road Toy

Shop now

Doudou et Compagnie

Doll

Shop now

Crate and Kids

Buffalo Check Chair

We have a different version of this chair but these are always fun (Kate loves hers!) and I really like the pattern.
Shop now

Wonder and Wise by Asweets

Mini Golf

Shop now