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Buying through the baby and toddler years can be difficult!
The first Christmas after Rosy was born, she was 6 months old. She couldn’t care less about Christmas gifts that year! She was interested in the wrapping paper and bags the gifts came in a little bit, but that was it!
Her second Christmas was a lot more fun! She showed slight interest in the gifts, but she actually played with and got use out of all of her toys through the year!
This Christmas, she will be two and a half and I feel like we’re finally to the sweet spot!
Christmas with a toddler will be so much fun!
She shows genuine excitement about surprises and treats in everyday life, so I know that Christmas gifts will be a ton of fun!
That being said, I don’t want to overwhelm her or give her sensory overload. We aren’t going overboard with Christmas gifts. Generally, we stick to the something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read principle.
While she’s not quite old enough to voice exactly what she wants this year, I know I want it to be something really exciting for her!
Here is our minimal gift guide for our 2.5 year old toddler this year!
Something you want.
This is the category that all of the purely “fun” stuff falls into.
I feel like this is the category that will become more specific as our kids get older. Right now, Rosy might be super pumped about a water bottle and not give two hoots about an expensive toy!
That being said, I still want to try to make this gift based off of her interests but also be really exciting and fun when she sees it!
Here are a few things that we are thinking about!
A Toy Vacuum
I really like that this one also incorporates counting (a favorite activity of our girl!) as well!
Small Trampoline
The winter months bring a lot of inside time that I’m not a huge fan of. That also meals A LOT of built up energy in toddlers! This is a great option to me, because it could let her jump like crazy and get her energy out while inside!
I think it would also help to build coordination, so that is a plus too!
Sit-n-Spin
I remember having a ton of fun on these whenever I was a kid! Again, another indoor appropriate toy that can let out some of that energy!!
A Toy Baby Stroller
We won’t be getting this for Rosy, because we already have one, but I can tell you that it was a HUGE hit for our little girl! She plays with her baby and stroller every single day! It’s a great toy that encourages creativity and make believe play. I love it!!
Something you need.
This is the category where it will be highly specific to your kid! Your child may need a new pair of shoes, a new water bottle, some sort of sport gear!
This year, Rosy needs a couple of things. Here is what we are thinking about.
Water Bottle
We are easing out of the sippy cup stage and into water bottle territory! I have always loved Camelback brand water bottles for myself, and I think Rosy would love having one to match!
They hold up to EVERYTHING! And this one is super cute!!
New Bedding
We are about to move Rosy into a big girl bed, so with that will come new bedding!
I love this pink ruffle comforter set that can grow with her into her tween years! I think making a big deal about her pretty blankets will make the transition a little bit easier.
Something to wear.
I love this category.
Little girl clothes are one of my favorite things to shop for in the world.
While I shop almost 100% thrifted and clearance the rest of the year, Christmas gifts are the time where I feel like I can get a little bit fancy!
Rain Boots
These Hunter rain boots are something I have had my eye on for a while! They’re super practical (what toddler girl doesn’t love to stomp around in puddles??), and completely adorable!
Puffer Coat
Rosy has a really cute coat already, but a puffer coat in a size up would last her through both this winter and next. I also think she would love to wear a fun new pink coat!
Sneakers
These Adidas sneakers aren’t something that I will be buying, because we already have them! I do totally recommend them if you need them though! They go with almost everything. Super durable. Easy to clean. We have had them in two sizes, and I plan on continuing to get them for her each year as her feet grow.
Something to read.
One of my favorite things to buy is books!
We get new books almost every week from the library, but there are some that we want to add to our permanent collection!
In the past, we have almost exclusively bought board books because they hold up to baby wear and tear. Now that Rosy is a bit bigger, she enjoys longer story books so that’s what I’m looking into this year.
Amelia Bedelia
These books are a little on the long side, but I think they would make great additions to our homeschool routine. A book that we read aloud a little of each day. I’m never afraid to buy books for her to grow into!
Harold and the Purple Crayon
This is a classic book that we don’t own! It sparks creative thinking and imagination and I love that!
Clifford Box Set
We are OBSESSED with Clifford around here. It’s one of the two TV shows that Rosy gets to watch, and she LOVES him! This book set would be a big hit at our house.
Pete the Cat Box Set
I do not know what it is about Pete the Cat, but kids LOVE it! This is a I Can Read set, so it’s definitely something for Rosy to use both now and in a little bit when she is learning to read!
That is what I’m thinking for Christmas for our toddler girl this year!
Like I said, we will be picking ONE item from each category to give our 2.5 year old. Four super intentional gifts are WAY better than 15 random ones.
I hope this helped you!