Gift guide
The Wigiwama Christmas Gift Guide
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PlayFaire Gift Guide: Christmas Gifts for 1–2 Year Olds
Finding the Perfect Gift for Little Explorers
The first few years of childhood are filled with wonderful little discoveries. From wobbly first steps and new words to imaginative games and endless curiosity, children aged one to two are beginning to explore the world in exciting new ways.
Choosing a Christmas gift for a toddler can feel overwhelming, especially when there are so many lovely toys and activities to choose from. The secret is to think about what captures their attention — whether that's stacking colourful blocks, copying everyday routines, exploring sounds or finding new ways to move and play.
At PlayFaire, we believe the most thoughtful gifts are those that encourage little moments of discovery, creativity and connection, while fitting naturally into family life.
Whether you're shopping for your toddler's second Christmas, choosing a first birthday present or looking for something special for a little niece, nephew or grandchild, our guide brings together Christmas gift ideas for 1–2 year olds to help you find something they'll love.
Table of contents
12–15 Months: Little Steps, Big Discoveries
Movement, exploration and learning through hands-on play.
The months after a first birthday can bring lots of new adventures. Some toddlers are taking their first steps, while others are becoming more confident crawling, cruising around furniture and exploring everything within reach.
At this age, simple toys that encourage movement, coordination and cause-and-effect play can be particularly appealing. Little ones are beginning to discover how their actions change the world around them, whether they're pushing a toy, dropping a ball or watching something move.
PlayFaire Top Pick
Activity tables and baby walkers
For toddlers who love exploring how things work, an age-appropriate activity table can offer plenty to discover. From moving beads along tracks to turning gears and exploring different activities, these toys invite little hands to investigate at their own pace.
A suitable baby walker can also be a lovely option for toddlers who are ready for supported movement and enjoy exploring their surroundings. Look for stable designs intended for their developmental stage, and always supervise play.
Gift ideas to explore:
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Activity tables: An engaging way to explore moving parts, shapes and simple hands-on activities.
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Stacking toys: Encourage little ones to experiment with balance, size and movement using age-appropriate pieces.
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Push-along toys: A fun option for toddlers who are ready to practise moving with a suitable, stable toy.
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Musical toys: Simple instruments offer opportunities to explore sound, rhythm and cause and effect.
Our gifting tip: Choose toys that encourage exploration without requiring little ones to follow complicated instructions. At this stage, discovering what a toy does can be just as exciting as playing with it.
15–18 Months: Little Hands, Busy Minds
Building, sorting and discovering new possibilities.
As toddlers become more confident in their movements, their curiosity often seems to grow by the day. They may enjoy carrying objects from one place to another, putting things into containers, stacking pieces and repeating activities to see what happens.
This is a lovely stage for gifts that offer opportunities to experiment. Simple construction toys, stacking games and activity toys can keep little hands busy while encouraging problem-solving and coordination.
Repetition is an important part of toddler play, too. Knocking down a tower and building it again might seem simple to us, but for a toddler, every attempt offers another opportunity to explore.
PlayFaire Top Pick
Stacking and construction toys
Stacking toys make thoughtful gifts for little builders. They offer plenty of ways to play, from arranging pieces and experimenting with size to building small towers and watching them tumble.
As children grow, familiar toys can take on new possibilities. What begins as stacking and sorting may eventually become more imaginative building and creative play.
Choose products specifically designed for the child's age, with appropriately sized pieces and clear safety guidance.
Gift ideas to explore:
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Stacking towers: Encourage children to explore size, movement and cause and effect.
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Age-appropriate building blocks: Simple blocks offer opportunities to arrange, stack and build.
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Shape sorters: Introduce different shapes and spaces through hands-on exploration.
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Activity cubes: Different features and textures provide several ways to investigate one toy.
Our gifting tip: Look for toys that can be played with in more than one way. Versatile toys often remain interesting as little ones become more confident and curious.
18–21 Months: Growing Independence
Everyday adventures, creative discoveries and doing things themselves.
As toddlers approach their second birthday, they may begin showing stronger preferences for particular toys, activities and ways of playing. They might want to choose their own books, help with familiar routines or repeat a favourite activity until they've mastered it.
This growing independence makes it a lovely time to introduce gifts that allow children to make little choices and explore at their own pace.
Creative activities, interactive toys and simple pretend-play pieces can all provide opportunities for discovery. The best choice will depend on the individual child, their interests and the products they're ready to use safely.
PlayFaire Top Pick
Creative and interactive play toys
For toddlers who love to investigate, interactive toys can offer a rewarding way to explore movement, textures, colours and sounds.
Simple creative activities can also be introduced where the products are specifically suitable for their age. The focus should be on exploration rather than producing a finished picture or following a particular result.
These gifts can be especially lovely when shared with a parent or grandparent, creating opportunities to play together while allowing little ones to take the lead.
Gift ideas to explore:
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Interactive activity toys: Encourage little ones to discover what happens when they turn, move, press or arrange different features.
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Toddler-friendly musical toys: Explore rhythm, sounds and movement through simple play.
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Board books: Familiar pictures and short stories can encourage pointing, naming and shared reading.
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Age-appropriate creative toys: Look for products designed specifically for toddlers, following all age guidance and supervision instructions.
Our gifting tip: Let your toddler set the pace. Some children love exploring a new toy straight away, while others prefer watching an adult demonstrate it before joining in.
21–24 Months: Imagination Takes Shape
Pretend play, familiar routines and little personalities.
As children approach their second birthday, you may begin to notice more moments of early pretend play. They might imitate everyday routines, pretend to feed a favourite doll or copy the things they see adults doing.
These little moments are the beginnings of imaginative play, making this a lovely stage for gifts that encourage children to explore familiar experiences in their own way.
Dolls, suitable role-play toys, simple puzzles and interactive play pieces can all offer opportunities to practise new skills and create little games.
Every child develops differently, so some toddlers may already love pretend play, while others are still happiest exploring objects and repeating simple activities. Both are perfectly natural.
PlayFaire Top Pick
Little Dutch dolls and pretend-play toys
For toddlers who enjoy copying everyday routines, age-appropriate dolls and pretend-play toys can become lovely companions for simple imaginative games.
A doll might join them for a pretend meal, a little outing around the house or a quiet moment alongside their favourite books. These familiar scenarios give children opportunities to explore the world they see around them.
Little Dutch offers a charming range of toys and accessories that can inspire thoughtful gifting. When choosing dolls, doll furniture or role-play pieces for younger toddlers, check the recommended age carefully, as some accessories may be intended for older children.
Gift ideas to explore:
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Age-appropriate dolls: A lovely starting point for simple nurturing and pretend-play activities.
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Simple puzzles: Encourage toddlers to explore shapes, matching and problem-solving with suitable, larger pieces.
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Pretend-play toys: Familiar objects and simple role-play sets can inspire little everyday adventures.
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Interactive books: Stories with recognisable objects and everyday situations can become part of a toddler's favourite routines.
Our gifting tip: Choose toys that reflect your toddler's interests. Whether they love animals, vehicles, dolls or books, familiar themes can make a new gift especially inviting.
More Ways to Choose a Toddler Gift
Not sure which developmental stage best describes the little one you're shopping for? Sometimes it's easier to begin with the kind of gift you'd like to give.
Gifts for Curious Little Minds
For toddlers who love exploring how things work, consider stacking toys, activity tables, shape sorters and interactive toys. These offer opportunities to experiment, repeat activities and discover new possibilities.
Gifts for Busy Little Movers
If the toddler you're shopping for is always on the go, look for age-appropriate push toys, movement-based activities and toys that encourage safe exploration. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations and supervise play as directed.
Gifts for Quiet Moments
For slower moments at home, board books, simple puzzles and suitable soft toys can make lovely additions to a toddler's everyday routine. These gifts also create opportunities for shared play and connection.
Gifts for Little Imaginations
Dolls, familiar role-play toys and interactive stories can inspire early pretend play. Choose items that suit the child's current interests and developmental stage, with particular care around small accessories.
Practical Gifts for Growing Toddlers
Not every Christmas present needs to be a traditional toy. A useful addition to a play space, a child-friendly book display or a carefully chosen nursery accessory can be a thoughtful gift for the whole family.
Keepsakes for a Special Christmas
A toddler's second Christmas is another lovely opportunity to choose something meaningful. A favourite book, a special toy or an item for their play space can become part of the memories associated with this stage of childhood.
What to Look for When Buying Gifts for Toddlers
Whatever their age, a toddler's safety and individual needs should always come first. Before choosing a Christmas gift, keep these considerations in mind:
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Check the age guidance: Choose toys designed for the child's age and abilities, and follow all manufacturer instructions.
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Avoid choking hazards: Toddlers still explore objects with their mouths. Avoid toys with small parts or detachable components that could pose a choking risk.
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Consider supervision: Some toys and activities require close adult supervision. Follow the product's safety instructions and warnings.
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Think about their interests: A toy that reflects what a child already enjoys may be more engaging than something chosen purely for its appearance.
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Look for opportunities to explore: Toys that encourage hands-on discovery, repetition and simple problem-solving can offer plenty of ways to play.
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Consider your space: If you're buying a larger toy or piece of furniture, check the dimensions and think about where it will be used and stored.
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Remember that every child develops differently: Age ranges are useful guides, not deadlines. Choose something that suits the individual child rather than expecting them to reach a particular milestone.
The most thoughtful gift is one that feels right for the toddler and their family, without adding pressure to their development or routines.
A Little Something for Every Stage
From first steps and busy little hands to the beginnings of imaginative play, the years between one and two are full of exciting discoveries.
For younger toddlers, simple toys that encourage movement, stacking and exploration can offer hours of hands-on interest. As children approach their second birthday, interactive activities, books and age-appropriate pretend-play toys can become part of their growing interests.
Whether you're shopping for a first birthday, a toddler's second Christmas or a special surprise for a little one you love, the best gifts are those chosen with care and suited to the child receiving them.
At PlayFaire, we believe the smallest moments often become the most treasured memories. Discover our collection of thoughtfully chosen toys and gifts to find something special for your little explorer this Christmas.
