Anyone who has ever been in close contact with a toddler will tell you that toddlers are the best.
These tots really are childhood – in all its glory. They are loud and funny and curious and playful and exhausting. They will ask you four million questions every day and still don’t have all the answers they are looking for. They will make you tear you hair out with their determination and stubbornness and they will at the same time be able to make it all better with just one, gloriously squishy hug.
But most of all; toddlers will play.
They discover the world through their play. They play to learn and understand and have fun, and watching them do so is just the most amazing thing.
Wondering what to buy a 2-4 year-old for Christmas? We think you can’t go too wrong with any of these:
1. Ride-On Racing Car
Tots are going to love this sleek racing car – and mamas, so are you – so stylish, you won’t mind this taking up permanent residence in the living room.
Vilac Ride-On Racing Car, €143, Smallable
2. You Are Loved Print
Let them know how much they are adored – with this gorgeous print from Irish Bold Bunny.
You Are Loved Print, €18, Boldbunny.ie
3. Fisher-Price Think & Learn Teach ‘n Tag Movi
Tots are going to love the new Teach ‘n Tag Movi, which encourages pre-schoolers to get their minds and bodies moving – with tons on fun ideas and instructions. Bonus? It also teaches them to follow directions and think critically about the world around them.
Fisher-Price Think & Learn Teach ‘n Tag Movi, €49,99, Smyths Toys
4. Fairy Unicorn Tea Set
Hours and hours of pretend picnics and teddybear tea parties with this gorgeous tea set.
Fairy Unicorn Tea Set, €15,99, Lovely Wall Letters
5. Paddington’s Big Suitcase Book
The Bear from Darkest Peru is continuing to win hearts all over the world, and we think your toddler is going to love this carry-case containing six lovely Paddington picture books.
Paddington’s Big Suitcase Book, €19, M&S
6. Duktig Play Kitchen
The classic, Scandi-chic play kitchen from Ikea sits in homes all across the globe, and for good reason. Not only is this wooden kitchen stylish enough for mums to want to have it adorn their living spaces, it is also perfect for all sorts of cool Ikea hacks if you fancy giving it an even fancier update.
Duktig Play Kitchen, €69, Ikea
7. Once StoryBook Torch
This delightful magnetic box, illustrated with mischievous mice and designed to look like a book contains a projector torch with five stories.
Once StoryBook Torch, €29,95, Arnotts
8. Sensory Learning Cards
Stimulate their minds with these gorgeous set of six circular animal cards.
This night sky set includes: A Giraffe (yellow), a Fox (orange), a Lizard (green), a Peacock (purple), a Whale (blue) and a Flying Fish (red). One side has a colourful high contrast image, and the other is embellished with word association and bold repetitive patterns.
Sensory Learning Cards, €14, Younghearts.ie
9. Melamine tableware with camping motif
Make meal times magical.
Melamine tableware with camping motif, from €3,99, Zara Home
10. FurReal Roarin’ Tyler
Your tots are going to fall head over heels in love with Tyler the playful tiger cub. With over 100 sound-and-motion combinations, he responds to voice and touch and is incredibly soft – almost like having a pet.
FurReal Roarin’ Tyler, €119, Littlewoods.ie
