9 gifts toddlers + preschoolers will play with again and again

Looking for a gift your toddler will actually like more than the box?

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Here are the nine gifts that are virtually guaranteed to delight from the moment they’re opened.—

1. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Easel + Accessory Set Bundle

Craft time is about to get an upgrade. This colorful art set will inspire any budding artist, and the standing easel will make them feel just as professional as Picasso. Start clearing room on the fridge now-you’re going to nee

Pro tip: The Melissa & Doug Art Essentials Artist Smock and Drop Cloth make clean-up a breeze!

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2. Rody The Horse Hop & Ride On

You know that toddler who seems to be perpetually bouncing off the walls? (So, um, every toddler?) Rody is the perfect way to harness that energy in a fun and safe way. This yellow horse promotes balance and a fun workout for little wiggle worms, and bouncing is totally encouraged.

Pro tip: Add the Rocking Base Ride On to make the horse more stable for a younger child.

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3. Magna-Tiles 100 Piece Set

These colorful blocks are great for encouraging open-ended, creative play and developing math, science, spacial and fine motor skills. The magnetic sides will inspire beginning builders and help more experienced builders think “outside the box.” Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to play with them after the little ones go down for the night!

Pro tip: Stash a few in your purse for trips to a restaurant to keep wait time peaceful.

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4. VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX

If your little is envious of your Apple Watch, this is the gift for them. This smart watch has everything from a camera to take pictures and videos (and they’re downloadable!), both digital and analog clock faces to teach time, and interactive games. Wait, is it too late to trade for your Apple Watch?

Pro tip: Best for ages 4-9 but we know some crafty 3 year olds that figured it out quickly!

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5. GeoSafari Jr. My First Microscope

This fully functional dissecting microscope allows for up-close examination of rocks, leafs, and more (with up to 8x magnification)—no slides needed!—and the two extra-large eyepieces are perfect for preschoolers. Complete your little Einstein’s collection with a Lab Coat, Science Lab Set and the Mix + Measure Set.

Pro tip: The microscope requires 3 AAA batteries so don’t forget to stock up.

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6. LEGO DUPLO My First Deluxe Box of Fun

We’ve all bought our kids toys that they played with for an hour before getting bored and moving on. The LEGO DUPLO box is not that toy. The bright pieces will inspire hours of creative play, whether solo or with you playing contractor.

Pro tip: Purchase expansion packs to add on to the original set to keep the fun going long past New Year’s.

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7. Strider bike

Have a super-active toddler who needs to burn off energy? (Yes?!) Teach her balance and coordination, and she’ll quickly learn to speed around on a Strider. She’ll also develop the necessary skills to eventually ride a big girl bike—all without relying on training wheels to get her going. Sit back, relax and watch that little ball of energy ride circles around you.

Pro tip: The Strider not a traditional bike, but your little one will need a helmet, too.

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8. A teepee to call your own

Building forts and camping out (even in the safety of your very own living room) is a rite of passage of childhood. But why not give your children a tent that you wouldn’t mind hanging out in, too? The Land of Nod’s striped kids Teepee is chic and sturdy and makes a marvelous place for hide + seek, book reading, or good old fashioned alone time.

Pro tip: Just add some blankets, pillows, and books for a cozy corner ready on Christmas morning—decking it our with white holiday lights can also give it a magical feel.

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9. GiftLit Subscription

For a child, there are few things better than getting a gift in the mail. Except maybe getting a gift in the mail every month! With a GiftLit subscription, you can send a toddler in your life a monthly read from a customized list of books expertly curated by a team of experts. Subscriptions are available in 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month increments so you can keep giving all year long.

Pro tip: After activating the subscription, create a list of books that your child is interested in to help guide the collection they receive.

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