Nothing beats the excitement of those first few Christmases! Watching your toddler’s eyes light up with the wonder of all things merry and bright for the first time is a memory you’ll cherish forever.
We all know that, for toddlers, the right gifts can make Christmas extra special! But with so many to choose from, finding the perfect present for your one-, two-, or three-year-old can feel like an impossible task. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you!
From imaginative play toys to educational gifts to develop those early skills, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for toddlers. These gifts will keep them entertained, active, and learning throughout the festive season and beyond.
In this guide, we cover:
The best gifts for one-year-olds
The best gifts for two-year-olds
The best gifts for three-year-olds
How can toddlers benefit from outdoor toys?
Find the best Christmas presents for toddlers at Outdoor Toys
The best Christmas present ideas for one-year-olds
At one year old, your toddler is likely just starting to explore the world around them with greater curiosity. This is the perfect age to introduce toys that encourage independent movement, exploration, and sensory play.
Sandpits and sand play tables
Sandpits and sand play tables are ideal for sensory development and imaginative play. Whether indoors during the colder months or out in the garden, these tables offer endless possibilities for digging and building.
These toys are fantastic for encouraging sensory play; in fact, they’re one of our 12 Sensory Outdoor Activities for Kids. They also help toddlers develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, making them an excellent gift for one-year-olds.
PolarPlay wooden activity toys
PolarPlay wooden toys are a wonderful choice for one-year-olds, blending simple designs with engaging features. Crafted from durable, eco-friendly materials, these toys are as safe for your little one as they are for the environment.
From the Interactive Garage to the Tactile Sorting Set, PolarPlay’s toys encourage toddlers to explore textures, shapes, and movements. These explorations can promote the development of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive ability.
Swings with a baby swing seat
A swing with a baby seat is the ultimate outdoor gift for one-year-olds, who will love the gentle rocking motion. Designed with safety in mind, baby swing seats will keep your child snug and supported as they enjoy their first swinging experience.
What makes this gift even more special is that it can grow with them to offer years of enjoyment. As your child grows, you can easily swap out the baby seat for a toddler seat and, later, a regular swing seat. Better yet, a 3-in-1 growable swing seat combines all three!
It’s never too early for your child to start enjoying the benefits of swings, so start them young and treat them to a swing set this Christmas.
The best Christmas present ideas for two-year-olds
At two, toddlers are full of energy and ready to explore new ways to play. Gifts that challenge their growing independence while supporting their sensory and physical development are a great choice.
Mud kitchens
A mud kitchen is the ultimate gift for toddlers who love messy play, allowing children to get creative with natural materials and engage in imaginative roleplay.
Mud kitchens are excellent for sensory development, learning through play, and promoting imaginative thinking. Plus, they make snow days extra fun - think snow cakes! Check out our guide, The Benefits of a Mud Kitchen for Kids, for more reasons why we love these outdoor toys.
Toddler trampolines
Bouncing on a trampoline is fun for every age, so why not start your little tigger young with a toddler trampoline? Not only are they sure to get your little one laughing, but they also support muscle development and balance. Read about the benefits of trampolining for kids for more reasons to get your child bouncing.
With safety features like padded edges and easy-grip handlebars, mini toddler trampolines are perfect for active two-year-olds. Best of all, whilst trampolining is an ideal outdoor activity for the summer months, it can also be brought inside to keep your toddler entertained throughout the cold winter.
Ride on cars
Ride on toys are a exciting gifts that toddlers will adore. From ride on tractors for the little farmers to miniature BMW and Mercedes models for the two-year-old who wants to be just like mum or dad, our range is second to none!
Ride on cars give toddlers a sense of independence and can help to develop their motor skills (no pun intended!) For two-year-olds, choose a parent-controlled model that’s easy to mount.
Read our comprehensive ride on toys guide and guide on how to store ride on toys to learn more about these toys and find out which would best suit your toddler.
The best Christmas present ideas for three-year-olds
Three-year-olds will love to try out new skills and explore new styles of playing. Three is the perfect age to encourage creative play, so gifts that provide a space for this will go down a treat!
Playhouses
Imaginative play takes centre stage at this age, and a playhouse is the perfect setting for all kinds of pretend games. Whether it’s a cosy cottage or a fairytale castle, a playhouse offers endless opportunities for roleplaying fun. Best of all, a playhouse will be the star of your child’s activities for years to come, becoming the perfect adult-free hangout spot for older children.
Balance bikes
A balance bike is an excellent introduction to cycling for a three-year-old. These pedal-free kids' bikes help toddlers build strength, coordination, and balance as they learn to steer and glide. They’re a fantastic way to boost confidence ahead of transitioning to a pedal bike later on.
Our lightweight, adjustable balance bikes are designed with toddlers in mind. They’re a perfect, safe introduction to cycling that will have your little one zooming around the garden in no time!
The Outdoortoys 12" Unisex Kids Balance Bike, just £27.99!
Slides
If there’s one thing three-year-olds love, it’s a slide! At this age, kids are full of energy and always eager to challenge themselves, making slides the perfect gifts to get them moving and giggling.
Sturdy slides, like our Rebo models, are ideal for this age group. They provide year-round entertainment and are a brilliant way to keep your little one active.
Many of our slides are part of other outdoor toys, like climbing frames with slides and swing and slide sets, creating a fun space that your toddler can discover more of as they grow.
How can toddlers benefit from outdoor toys?
Outdoor toys offer so much more than fun and games. At this age, toddlers are developing essential motor skills, learning to balance, and exploring the world around them. Outdoor toys support their development while keeping them off screens and enjoying fresh air.
Here are a few reasons why outdoor toys make the perfect Christmas gifts for toddlers:
- They promote active play, which helps with coordination and muscle development
- They encourage social interaction and communication
- Pretend play develops imagination and creativity
- They keep children off screens and help them to connect with nature
For more insight into the advantages of playing outside for children, read our guide: The Benefits of Outdoor Play for Children: A Parent's Guide.
Ready to help your toddler develop through play? Discover our favourite Christmas gifts for each age!
Find the best Christmas presents for toddlers at Outdoor Toys
At Outdoor Toys, you’ll find an incredible range of gifts to make your toddler’s Christmas morning unforgettable.
From sandpits and wooden toys to playhouses, swings, and balance bikes, you’ll find everything you need to spark their imagination and support their development. And don’t forget to check out our bestselling climbing frames, bikes, kids' scooters, and trampolines!
If you’ve got older children to buy for, let our helpful Christmas gift guides be your North Star! Make sure to read these next:
- The Best Christmas Gifts for 4-6 Year Olds
- The Best Christmas Presents for 7-9 Year Olds
- The Best Christmas Presents for 10-12 Year Olds
With 48-hour delivery, you can be sure your presents will arrive quickly, meaning more time to focus on creating magical memories with your little one.
Shop the best toddler toy collection today and prepare to make this Christmas extra special!