Christmas Gifts for Toddlers: 12 Ideas (Plus One Starring Them)

In short: Good Christmas gifts for toddlers are simple, sturdy and hands-on: stacking and building toys, a ride-on, board books, a play kitchen, a first art set or a cozy soft toy. For toddlers turning three and up, a picture book where they are the hero makes Christmas morning extra special. For delivery before Christmas, order printed books by November 30.

Toddlers don't need much to be happy on Christmas morning – often the box is as exciting as the toy. The best gifts are the ones they can grab, push, stack and come back to every day.

12 Christmas gift ideas for toddlers

1. Stacking cups or a shape sorter – classic first puzzles.
2. Big building blocks – towers to build and (best of all) knock down.
3. A push or ride-on toy – for wobbly first steps and zooming around.
4. Board books – sturdy pages for little hands, especially lift-the-flap.
5. A play kitchen or toy food – toddlers love copying what grown-ups do.
6. Chunky crayons or washable paint sticks – a first art set.
7. A soft toy friend – a cuddly companion for bedtime.
8. A toddler drum or musical toy – loud, happy and festive.
9. Bath toys – boats, cups and squirters.
10. A toddler-sized table and chairs – their own place to play and draw.
11. Christmas-themed books – short, rhyming stories to read together.
12. A personalized book (age 3+) – a story with their own face and name.

Safety note: for children under three, avoid toys with small parts, button batteries and small magnets, and always check the age label.

A Christmas book starring your toddler (ages 3+)

Our stories are written for ages 3 to 7. For a toddler turning three – or an older sibling – a personalized book is a lovely Christmas gift: the child is illustrated from one photo, with their name on every page, and you can add a Christmas dedication.

• Lights Up the Night – a starry bedtime adventure, perfect for Christmas Eve.
• The Empty Soup – cooking Grandma's birthday soup and tasting every vegetable.
• The Very Big Carrot – a garden adventure with Grandma, a dog and a cat.

You see a free cover preview before you pay. The hardcover ($44.90) is sturdiest for little hands; paperback $34.90, e-book $12.99. Free US shipping. More on our personalized Christmas book page.

When to order for Christmas

Printed books are made to order and usually arrive in about 2–3 weeks (12–15 business days). We recommend ordering by November 30. See our Christmas order deadlines.

More ideas: best gifts for 3 year olds and stocking stuffers.

Questions parents ask

What is a good Christmas gift for a toddler?

Simple, sturdy, hands-on toys: building blocks, a ride-on, board books, a play kitchen or a soft toy. For toddlers aged 3 and up, a personalized book where they are the hero.

Are Fablewish books suitable for toddlers?

Our books are written for ages 3 to 7. Younger toddlers usually do better with board books.

When should I order a personalized book for Christmas?

We recommend ordering printed books by November 30. They usually arrive in about 2–3 weeks (12–15 business days).