Classic Holiday Gifts for Toddlers

Old-Fashioned Christmas & Hanukkah Presents for Young Children

Oct 24, 2008

Fire trucks, wagons, Duplo blocks, doctor's kits, and jigsaw puzzles are some of classic toys toddlers loved years ago that still bring holiday joy.

These days, a trip to the toy store means a trip to the commercialized world of Disney princesses, Dora the Explorer, Lightning McQueen, and countless variations of Tickle Me Elmo. With all the publicity that these toys get, toddlers go clamoring for these items. However, if you're looking for an alternative to the mass merchandising racket, classic, old-fashioned toys are still available – and the joy that kids get from playing with these timeless toys is still there. And happily, most of these toys can be purchased for cheap – much more so than complicated gadgets adorned with Spider Man and Cinderella!

Here are some classic toy suggestions for one-year-old and two-year-old children that never go out of style, and that still bring plenty of holiday magic to little ones on Christmas or Hanukkah.

Fire Engines and Fire Hats

What is it about these bright red, noisy trucks with long ladders that ignites the imaginations of little boys and girls alike? Whatever it is, Lightning McQueen can't hold a candle (or extinguish one) to an old-fashioned fire truck. And while fire engines are the perennial favorite, other vehicles – like dump trucks, bulldozers, and cranes – will amuse a curious toddler for quite some time.

Wagons

Can you think of anything that says "childhood" more than a little boy or girl pulling along a big red wagon? Wagons are terrific presents because they serve multiple purposes – as a device to pull a child, and as a device for the child to use to pull toys, dolls, compliant pets and siblings, and all kinds of things.

Doctor's Kits

Toddlers often feel a little apprehensive about going to the doctor, and this inexpensive, old-fashioned toy can be a way to help kids get over this. Okay, Mommy, it's time for your shot! Remember, it only hurts for a second, and then you get a sticker.

Realistic Baby Dolls

Most little girls just love babies – and so do little boys, if they're willing to admit it! Skip the Barbie and the Bratz dolls and purchase a doll that looks like a real baby. (Cabbage Patch Kids are a good choice, and they've been around long enough that they mostly count as classic!) If a toddler is about to become a big sister or brother, a baby doll can be a good way to help prepare.

Duplo Blocks

Toddlers aren't quite ready for Legos that come with small parts, but the larger version are perfect for little hands who like to build things. Duplo sets can be purchased with pieces that resemble cars, animals, and all kinds of things.

Xylophones

Yes, toy xylophones have been annoying parents for generations, but they're so much fun for kids! Sadly, Fisher Price doesn't make the vintage kind that kids can drag around with a string (although these can be purchased on eBay), but there's plenty of newer models available. Toy pianos are also toddler crowd pleasers.

Jigsaw Puzzles

Obviously, puzzles with lots of little pieces are dangerous and too complex. However, it's easy to find puzzles with larger pieces. These toddler-pleasing activities teach important spatial and concentration skills.

Go for the Classics!

In our consumer driven world, it's hard to avoid toys that promote children's TV shows and movies, especially when toddlers see these toys in commercials and on the shelves and ask for them. However, today's toddlers don't need Diego and SpongeBob and Thomas the Train to have fun, just like toddlers of yesteryear did not. Introduce a child to a classic toy, and they're bound to have every bit as much fun as their parents and grandparents did years ago.