Screen-Free Toddler Gifts Under $25
Updated: Oct 9
You do not need to spend a lot for a gift that gets played with. Everything here was under $25 when we checked (prices change, so look before you buy).
A small budget does not mean a small gift. Some of the toys toddlers play with longest are the simplest: blocks, puzzles and pretend food. Everything here was under $25 when we checked, but prices change often, so look before you buy.
Our picks
1. Melissa & Doug 100 Wooden Building Blocks
Why we like it: A classic set of 100 wooden blocks in a storage box. Blocks grow with your child for years, from stacking to building whole towns.
Try this: Build the tallest tower you can, then count the blocks.
2. LEGO DUPLO My First Animal Train
Why we like it: A small DUPLO train with animals to build, push and rebuild. It is a great first DUPLO set and a sweet small gift.
Try this: Make each animal's sound as the train goes by.
3. Melissa & Doug Wooden Cutting Fruit
Why we like it: Wooden fruit held together with fasteners, plus a wooden knife. Toddlers love the sound of the slice, and it is perfect for pretend cooking.
Try this: Make a pretend fruit salad and count the pieces.
4. Melissa & Doug Occupations Magnetic Dress-Up
Why we like it: Magnetic dolls with outfits for firefighters, doctors and more. It is a quiet-time favorite and a great way to talk about jobs.
Try this: Ask your toddler what they want to be when they grow up.
5. Battat Wooden Pounding Bench
Why we like it: A wooden pounding bench for first hammer practice. Kids love the noise, and it builds coordination.
Try this: Count each peg out loud as it goes down.
6. Melissa & Doug Beginner Wooden Pattern Blocks
Why we like it: Chunky wooden shape blocks with picture boards to fill in. It is a gentle first puzzle and early math in disguise.
Try this: Name each shape as your toddler places it.
7. Peaceable Kingdom Shimmery Hoot Owl Hoot Floor Puzzle
Why we like it: A shimmery 49-piece floor puzzle of the owls from Hoot Owl Hoot. It is big enough to build on the floor together.
Try this: Start with the corners and work in.
8. Melissa & Doug Building Site Jumbo Floor Puzzle
Why we like it: A 48-piece construction-site floor puzzle with big, sturdy pieces. Great for little truck fans.
Try this: Find all the trucks first.
9. Lift-the-Tab: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Why we like it: The classic Brown Bear story with flaps to lift. It is a sweet small gift that toddlers can "read" by themselves.
Try this: Let your toddler lift each flap and name the animal.
10. Learning Resources Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog First Words
Why we like it: The hedgehog quill game with first words added. It builds fine motor skills and vocabulary at the same time.
Try this: Name each picture as your toddler pushes in a quill.
For a classic that never misses, go with the 100 wooden blocks. They grow with your child for years.
Shop the whole list
Want it all in one place? Shop this whole list on our Amazon storefront or on ShopMy. Every pick is also in our Store, along with the books and supplies we use on the show.
More gift guides
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