The best toddler gifts: from ride on toys to imaginative play

the best toddler gifts

If you’re looking for a gift for your toddler, we’ve made it easy by rounding up some fun toys and games that make the best gifts for toddlers in 2018. From family favourite character toys like Thomas The Tank Engine and Teletubbies to outdoor play areas and activity centres, we have done the hard work for you, because let's be honest, if you have a toddler, you deserve a rest!

Our top pick for best toddler gift this season has to be the Thomas & Friends Ride On Train And 22 Piece Track Set , not only will the train set itself entertain creative little ones who love to build, but the ride-on Thomas is a sure fire way to entertain toddlers for hours without any grown-up intervention (you're welcome).

If it's an outdoorsy toddler you have on your hands, the Chicco Goal League football goal is great gift for toddlers who love a kick-about, with the added benefit of being great for co-ordination and group play, too. If you are looking to go all-out on a gift for the garden, look no further than the TP Toys Early Fun Play Centre, a garden play set that should last them until they are 5 or 6.

For anyone hunting down an interactive gift to stop your toddler grabbing at your iPhone each time you tap it to check the time (sigh), the Paw-Patrol Tablet not only features the ever-popular Paw Patrol characters but it's education too.

Check out the full list below for more toddler gift inspiration.  

Thomas & Friends Ride On Train And 22 Piece Track Set

1. Thomas & Friends Ride On Train And 22 Piece Track Set

A ride on toy for hours of fun

Reasons to buy

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Large track 

Thomas the Tank Engine is a classic character kids love, and so this ride on train set will allow them to become the driver of one of their favourite trains. The battery powered ride has a simple one-button operating, which will then move around the 22 pieces of track. It’s easy to build and set up, and safe for toddlers of 12 months +. Users have been very pleased with how it works and kids have not been disappointed in their new ride.  

Paw Patrol™ Tablet

2. Paw Patrol™ Tablet

An interactive game

Reasons to buy

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Fun and educational 

If your toddler is a massive fan of Paw Patrol, then they’ll no doubt be glued to this interactive tablet that provides a range of games to play. They’ll be able to learn about numbers, letters and colours while having fun, which makes this a great gift for personal development. It’s colourful and engaging, ideal for keeping them quiet while you’re trying to watch the telly.  

Taf Toys Car Wheel Toy

3. Taf Toys Car Wheel Toy

Make ca journeys a breeze with this plastic steering wheel

Reasons to buy

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Easily attaches to car headrest 

Long journeys with a toddler can be daunting, but with this plastic steering wheel toy, you can keep them entertained from A to B. the wheel features a gear stick, mirror, sounds, lights buttons and music which are guaranteed to make them feel like they are in the driver’s seat. This is also a great toy to help encourage motor skills and imagination. Parents who bought this toy say it’s great for keeping kids amused and long journeys are no longer a struggle. It’s easy to detach and clean whenever necessary. 

Teletubbies Po Ramp Style Safety Helmet

4. Teletubbies Po Ramp Style Safety Helmet

A protective helmet for those outdoor activities

Reasons to buy

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Suitable for 2+ 

This Teletubbies helmet is a fun yet sensible gift for any toddler learning to ride a trike, bike or scooter, and will protect them from injury when playing outdoors. Teletubbies are still very popular on kids channels at the moment, and Po is one of the fun loving characters that they can embody when wearing this helmet. It’s fully adjustable and suitable for ages 2 and above. The foam padding and quick release buckle make this helmet comfortable to wear. You certainly won’t lose sight of your little Po in the park with the antenna on top, either.  

Chicco Goal League

5. Chicco Goal League

Bend it like Beckham with this interactive football net

Reasons to buy

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Gets kids active 

This electronic football net is great for playing both with others and independently. It can also be used both indoors and outdoors for football fun all year round. It features lights and sounds and is a great way for toddlers to practice their coordination skills. You can set different challenges with 5 levels of difficulty so your children can grow with this toy and have years of fun with it. 

Little Tikes Princess Horse and Carriage

6. Little Tikes Princess Horse and Carriage

Make your toddler feel like royalty with this horse and carriage toy

Reasons to buy

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Children can be pushed or walk 

For little princes and princesses, this horse and carriage is the perfect way to get around in style. You can either push them in it or the floor panel can be removed so kids can use their feet to move the carriage. This is great fun for the garden and encourages imagination. It also features horse clopping sounds for effect and a fully functioning driver’s seat door for easy access. 

TP Toys Early Fun Play Centre

7. TP Toys Early Fun Play Centre

A play structure for the kids to enjoy in summer

Reasons to buy

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Great for playdates 

This play centre is a great gift idea for summer if you have a garden. It features a swing and a slide as well as climbing apparatus that your toddler and their friends can enjoy hours of play on. It is made from strong timber which has been treated so it will wear well, all it needs is staining yearly and it can be left out in the garden all year round. It also features a sandbox so kids can get creative. An investment gift they can enjoy for years to come.  

Plum Surfside Sand Pit And Water Wooden Picnic Table

8. Plum Surfside Sand Pit And Water Wooden Picnic Table

Your toddler can enjoy fun in the sun with this outdoor picnic table

Reasons to buy

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 Great for gardens 

Public sandpits may not always seem like the safest place for kids to play, but with this picnic table sandbox, your toddler can play safely in your own back garden. It’s comfortable to sit on and has room for 4 or 5 kids and the water box will provide everything they need to build sandcastles and get creative. It’s not too big so it’ll fit in even the most compact of gardens, but be warned it does take some patience to assemble.  

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What about our guide to the best gifts for boys?

Check out our list of the best gifts for girls, too.