Toddlers are engrossed in the world they live in fully. They use their five senses to navigate their surroundings, are always on-the-go, and require round-the-clock supervision. They fall in love with things quickly but also reject them with the same enthusiasm that they once adored them.
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Buying for toddlers doesn't need to be challenging. There are timeless gift ideas that appeal to almost every little person. Stocking stuffer ideas for toddlers are numerous and fitting because smaller-sized items fit well in tiny hands.
From items that encourage them to be big boys and girls to toys and games that help them develop critical skills, there is something for everyone on the list. Toddlers can benefit from any of the gifts listed here. They'll love the experience of getting into their stockings on Christmas Day before tearing into the presents Santa brought to them.
This guide makes shopping for little tykes fast and easy. It offers some of the hottest stocking stuffers to date and why they make appropriate gifts for toddlers. Choosing a few from the list allows you to play the role of Santa effortlessly.
Delicious Snacks
Pocket-sized snacks are always a hit with little ones. They're easy to carry, packed with flavor, and able to be managed independently by a toddler. The best snacks are ones that come in resealable containers and packaging. That way, there is less waste and far less fussy toddlers to deal with.
Think fun-size boxes of cereal, fresh fruit such as apples and bananas, and squeezable fruits and vegetables are always winners. Non-refrigerated items such as juice boxes are a great idea, too. You can experiment with putting different smaller-sized snacks in the stocking to see which ideas work best.
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Comfortable Socks
Let's face it. Socks go missing all the time. The more socks you buy for a toddler, the better. They have a habit of losing one or both socks regularly. This gift from Santa may be practical, but it's certainly necessary. Tiny socks fit well in stockings when rolled, too.
One of the great things about socks is that they come in a variety of colors, patterns, and materials. If the child has a favorite character, they likely won't have any objections about putting on the socks that have the cartoon image on them. They'll wear the socks with enthusiasm.
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Finger Puppets
The perfect way to encourage imaginative and interactive play, finger puppets allow you to spend quality time with your toddler. The soft toys come in a range of characters and materials. Best of all, they don't take up much space so they can be packed in an overnight bag for a trip to see the child's grandparents or go on vacation with toys in tow.
Some finger puppets are for the bath. They can easily be cleaned in the washing machine so that the child is never without them. Terrycloth finger puppets dry quickly on their own without the need to put them inside the dryer.
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Toys for the Bath
Bathtime is the perfect time to engage in play. Getting toddlers to get into the water is the easy part. Having them get out is harder because bath toys make the experience much more fun. Look for items that are waterproof and serve functions such as scooping, squirting, and pouring water.
Small buckets, tug boats, and watering cans are good examples of bath toys. You may find plush toys meant for the bath, too. The playthings consist of the same absorbent material as bath towels and bathrobes, which make them ok for getting wet.
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Bibs
Wholly necessary for keeping clothing clean, toddler-sized bibs are a must-have. Available in many colors, patterns, and materials, they're a lifesaver when your little one eats. They'll get less on their clothing and bodies because of the added protection you've provided.
Bibs aren't just practical. They're cute, too. You can coordinate them with the child's outfits and carry them with you in your travel bag whenever you dine out.
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Crayons for the Bath
Let your child's inner artist emerge. Bath crayons are non-toxic and washable. They allow children to decorate the tub and tiles with flair. Best of all, a simple rinse gives the toddler a clean slate to work with the next time they take a bath.
You may have a baby Picasso in house. The bath is one place where coloring outside the lines is encouraged. You won't spend hours painting over the artwork your child created because the bath crayons come off quickly without a lot of elbow grease.
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Games That Focus on Memory
Memory games are perfect for toddlers. They help them learn to match colors, patterns, and images. Working with the children daily on their memorization skills helps prepare them for pre-K and kindergarten. They'll be able to recognize the similarities and differences between objects much more easily.
Memory games typically have a theme. Some may be shapes while others deal with colors. Some are strictly animal-related, while others may even be in a different language so you can teach your toddler to be bilingual.
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Bubble Bath
Bathing may be a bit of a problem for little ones. They may loathe it. You can make it a more calming and enjoyable experience by including a bubble bath in your child's stocking this year. With its pleasant scent and lathering abilities, little kids have a blast playing in the bubbles.
Small bottles of bubble bath are good for one or two uses. If it's something that the child doesn't take a shine to, you're not forced to store a big bottle of bubble bath. You can use the small bottles quickly and not need a lot of space to keep them.
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Eating Utensils
Toddlers enjoy being independent. They want to do things on their own. Purchasing them big boy/big girl utensils encourages them to eat with a fork or spoon opposed to their hands. It helps them develop hand-and-eye coordination and become better at feeding themselves without assistance. It builds self-confidence and encourages them to try other activities on their own.
Choosing utensils made of silicone or soft plastic is ideal because they're easy to clean and sanitize. It's also safer for little mouths. Children won't injure themselves while using toddler utensils the way they would metal or hard plastic cutlery.
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Bubbles
A small bottle of bubbles can provide hours of fun. The soapy solution can be a bit messy, so make sure all caps are put back onto the bottle tightly. Bubbles come with different shapes of wands that reflect the shape of the bubbles. Round bubbles are classic, but you'll find all sorts of shapes to choose from to appease your child.
Big bottles of bubbles can be purchased and used to refill smaller bottles. Small bottles are ideal for stockings. You can keep a child entertained all year; however, by choosing to buy the big bottle of bubbles and refilling the toddler's bottle, you save money.
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Color Drops for the Bath
Non-staining colors for the bath transform ordinary water into whatever scenario the toddler can imagine. It's a great way to get little ones to want to bathe. They can even mix and match colors to create their color blend. The non-toxic drops don't stain which makes them the ultimate stocking stuffer for little ones.
Color drops come in small and large packages. If you have more than one toddler, you can split up a set. That, or you can put up part of them for future use.
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Dispenser for Snacks
A portable container for treats goes wherever the toddler goes. They're never without snacks and a whole lot less fussy because they're seldom hungry. The best dispensers are the ones they can access themselves by pulling or shaking out a treat. It's a great item to send to daycare or a grandparent's house, too, because it keeps little ones busy.
There are all types of shapes for dispensers. Some are long like a bottle with a shaker top. Others are square or circular with a lid that you can remove.
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Pouches for Food
A way to make soft foods squeezable and easier for the little one to handle, food pouches are a lifesaver. You can make purees and let the toddler eat them while on-the-go. You don't need a fancy set up with plates and utensils, either. Just keep some napkins available.
Food pouches can be washed and used repeatedly. It's a mess-free way of providing the toddler with a snack on-the-go. Most of the pouches can be frozen, too, to help the food inside them stay fresh longer.
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Mittens
The cold weather months of the year call for mittens and gloves. Like socks, there's always a chance your toddler may arrive somewhere with one missing. Finding a warm pair of mittens or gloves to put into the child's stocking gives you peace of mind. It keeps their hands from becoming cold while spending time outdoors.
Mittens and gloves serve as protection from the cold. They can be bought to match a coat or have a pattern that the child loves on them. They'll want to keep the hand protectors on when they realize how cute and comfortable they are.
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Children's Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Developing good daily habits is easy with the right tools. Children mimic what they see you doing. Getting them a child's toothbrush with toothpaste allows them to work brushing their teeth into their daily routine. It helps you by preventing costly dental bills due to cavities, too.
Children's toothbrush and toothpaste sets come in a variety of characters. Choosing one that a toddler loves is the greatest way to make toothbrushing a success. The right flavor of children's toothpaste also helps as all toddlers have their preferences.
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Play-Doh
Soft, squishy, and available in a rainbow of colors, Play-Doh is among the most imaginative toys that there is. The child can make it into any object they dream of. The toddler can mold and remold it hundreds of times. As long as you keep the lids on the containers of Play-Doh, it won't dry out.
Play-Doh comes in a variety of colors and scents. Small containers ensure that children don't forget large amounts of the modeling dough and let it dry out. It's less of a waste that way.
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Hair Bows, Headbands, and Barrettes
Every little girl loves to play dress-up. You can give her the accessories of her dream in her stocking. Toddler girls can't get enough of hair bows, headbands, and barrettes. They love how they look when they're all dolled-up. You can help fix their hair so that their new hair accessories stand out.
Toddlers who enjoy having their hair done will love having something pretty in their hair. They'll like picking out their bows and headbands to wear. Giving them a variety of options help you keep their hair in place, too, as it grows out.
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The best stocking stuffer ideas for toddlers listed throughout the guide include ways that the child can use the items and why they're a fitting gift for little ones. Choose a few that you like the most to surprise your child with. They'll love opening up their stocking and seeing all the goodies stashed inside of it.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com.