The holiday season is finally here! Christmas is a magical time for kids, especially the youngest ones. They need toys that are not only fun and encourage creativity, but that also help them learn and grow.
If you’re looking for Christmas gifts for kids under 5, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a list of 60 stockers stuffers and must-have gifts to get the shopping season started.
6 Things to Consider When Buying Christmas Gifts for Kids Under 5
Two words: safety first. Safety should be your first priority when you’re buying Christmas toys for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. If you’re not sure what to look for, we’ve gathered a list of 6 things you should consider before buying Christmas gifts for kids under 5 years old.
- Think bigger – When buying toys for kids under 5 years old, it’s a good idea to think bigger. Look at the overall size of the toy and check to see if it includes any small parts. If a toy or one of its parts can fit into a child’s mouth, then it becomes a choking hazard. The label is a good point of reference if you’re not sure whether or not the toy has any smaller parts that could be dangerous.
- Consider the chewers – Whether the child you’re buying for is teething or loves to put things in their mouth, you want to make sure the toy can withstand chewing. The toy should be strong and unbreakable, without any sharp edges. You also want to avoid long strings, or small parts like buttons, wheels, or eyes. A child could easily bite them off and potentially choke on them.
- Avoid toxic materials – You always want to read the label on a toy. Unfortunately, you can’t tell if a toy is made from toxic materials just by looking at it. Kids under 5 tend to put their toys in their mouth, so you want to make sure that the materials it’s made from are nontoxic. Manufacturers are required to list on the product label whether the materials are potentially toxic.
- Be careful with crib toys – If you’re buying a toy for a child’s crib, such as a mobile, sound machine, or something that will go inside the crib, you want to make sure it is safe. Look for small parts to avoid a choking hazard, and make sure the toy doesn’t have the potential to entrap, strangle, or suffocate a child.
- Choose the right stuffed toys – Not all stuffed toys meet child safety standards. If a toy has come from a place where safety isn’t regulated, such as a fair, carnival, or vending machine, think twice before giving it to a young child. There may be sharp edges or loose parts, and the fabric may be toxic.
- Choose safe riding toys – When choosing a toy that a child will be riding on or in, such as a wagon or a rocking horse, you need to ensure that it is safe. Check the packaging to find out if it’s safe for a child who cannot sit up unsupported. Also be sure to look for safety harnesses or straps meant to keep the toy stable.
35 Best Stocking Stuffers for Kids Under 5
- Scribble Scrubbie Safari
- Jellycat Soft Cloth Book
- Crayola Twistables Crayons
- Lollaland Sippy Cup
- My First Brain Quest Cards
- Building Bath Pipe Toys Set
- Colgate Magik Smart Toothbrush
- My ABC’s Ring Flash Cards
- Angel Dear Blankie
- Magnifying Glass
- Jellycat Puppy
- HABA Bubble Bath Whisk
- Smarty Pants Card Game
- Melissa & Doug Stamp Set
- Nino Percussion Egg Shakers
- B. Toys FunKeys
- Fubbles
- Swimming Penguin
- Soft Plush Animal Finger Puppets
- I Spy Board Book
- Munchkin Letters and Numbers
- TruKid Bubble Podz
- Crayola Palm Grip Crayons
- First 100 Words Sticker Book
- Mini Sticker Set
- Learning Resources Helping Hands
- Plui Rain Cloud
- Magic Baby Bottles
- Melissa & Doug Flashlight
- LEGO Duplo Ladybug
- Bumkins Utensils
- SoapSox Bath Toys
- Reversible Octopus Plushie
- Laugh and Learn Controller
- Wooden Rainbow
25 Best Christmas Gifts for Kids Under 5
- Sorting Surprise Pirate Treasure – With every turn of the key, your toddler will unlock a toy prize hidden inside. This toy is not only great for building fine motor skills, it also helps them with sorting, matching, and identifying different colors and shapes.
- Do a Dot Art! Markers – Let their imaginations run wild without the cups, brushes, or mess! These washable paint markers provide endless amounts of fun while allowing them to express themselves through art.
- Cloud B Sleep Sheep – This soothing sound machine has four different sounds to help your little one drift off to sleep. It’s great for the crib and has a convenient velcro strap so you can take it on the go.
- Mudpuppy Search and Find Puzzle – Putting the puzzle together is just the beginning. Once they’re done, they can explore colorful artwork to find more than 40 different items.
- Hohner Kids Toddler Music Band – Great for babies and toddlers, this music set helps your little one get into making music. Every piece is easy to hold and play with and it comes with a storage box when playtime is done.
- Melissa & Doug Puzzles Set – This classic puzzle set has pieces big enough for little hands to grasp and they will love the colorful illustrations. Color-coded pieces and a carrying case make playtime easy.
- Munchkin Bath Crayons – Make bathtime fun with these nontoxic bath crayons made from beeswax and soy wax. They’re easy for little hands to hold and come in seven colors that wipe off easily.
- Green Toys Stacking Cups – A set of six stacking cups made from 100% recycled milk jugs are perfect for playtime or bathtime. Kids will have fun stacking and filling these cups while they learn basic counting skills.
- Magna Doodle Drawing Board – Kids will love watching their creations magically disappear! They can use the pen or stamps to write, draw, play games, or practice their numbers and letters.
- Melissa & Doug Water Wow Books – These “painting” books are perfect for little hands. Simply fill up the pen with water and watch as beautiful colors and pictures are revealed.
- Moonlite Storybook Projector – Bedtime is much easier with this storybook projector. Each story reel connects your child to a beloved book, and there are plenty of story options to choose from.
- Basic Cooking and Baking Set – This set includes everything they’ll need to help you cook and bake. With a rolling pin, apron, measuring spoons, an oven mitt, and more, it’s also a great set for pretend play.
- Fat Brain Toys Dizzy Bees – Magnets help little ones stack the silicone bees on their honeycomb base. They’ll love to spin them, pull them apart, and watch them wobble.
- Thomas and Friends Minis – For any Thomas fans, or those who just love trains, this set is guaranteed to please. Magnets connect the train cars and allow kids to use their imaginations by creating their own chain of train cars.
- My First Bananagrams – This award-winning spelling game is geared for pre and early readers. Colorful tiles help them build words and strengthen their reading skills.
- Wooden Domino Set – This is more than a traditional set of dominoes. It has more than 100 pieces, including a bell, a bridge, and obstacles that will encourage even the smallest of engineers.
- Crayola Less Mess Painting Kit – Imagine an art kit with paint that won’t spill. Then add to it plenty of stickers, stencils, stampers, brushes, and paper to make it all complete.
- B. Toys Elemenosqueeze Blocks – These squeezable blocks come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. They’re great for stacking, teaching colors and numbers, and hand-eye coordination.
- Wooden Race Track – Little ones will love watching the small cars race down four different race tracks. They can improve their hand-eye coordination while they push them along and place them in the parking lot.
- Pretend and Play Cash Register – Kids can gain early math and money skills with this fun to use cash register. They’ll enjoy counting bills and coins and using the cash register while they play.
- Magna Tiles – This huge magnetic building set is worth every penny. Kids can build their own city and structures, or create towers while they strengthen their math and science skills and gain spatial awareness.
- Dinosaur World Road Race – Your tiny dinosaur lovers will enjoy hours of fun while building a track through their own dinosaur world. It’s sure to spark their imaginations and encourage creativity.
- Little Tikes Trampoline – Kids have plenty of energy to burn, and this trampoline does the trick. A handlebar and large jump surface help with stability and safety while they jump.
- Infantino Textured Ball Set – This set of colorful sensory balls will become your toddlers favorite. They’ll love the different tactile surfaces and the soft material is safe for teethers.
- Pet Vet Play Set – It’s the perfect gift for any little animal lover. This set includes tools for testing and treating as well as pretend medicines to help their favorite stuffed animal feel so much better.
Now it’s time to get busy shopping with our list of 60 stocking stuffers and Christmas gifts for kids under 5.
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