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Non-Toy Gifts for Toddlers

Let me guess… You have an upcoming birthday or other celebration for a super special toddler in your life? Most likely, every body is going to be gifting the most popular toys so searching for unique non-toy gifts for toddlers is a great idea!

This post originates from a bittersweet story. Long story short, my best friend of over 20 years is moving far, far away from me. I’m super sad about it but at the same time, I am thrilled about the adventure that lies ahead for her and her family.

Ashlee lives a little over an hour from me. Between football, cross country, gymnastics, and dance, the five of our small children make it pretty difficult for us to get together. We manage weekly phone calls but there is something about her being over five hours away from me that makes me sad. 

Anywho, Maverick, her littlest, is turning the big THREE. Maverick is what Ashlee would refer to as “the cutest, worst behaved but sweet child; Truly a blessing but such a pistol.” But seriously, how could you not love this face?! I’m looking for the perfect non-toy gift for him since I know my best friends children literally have every toy on earth. She needs another toy to pack as much as she needs a box of rocks.

Here’s a round up of my FAVORITE non-toy gifts for toddlers. Maverick is so stinking cute, I just may have to get him one of each!

This post may contain affiliate links which mean I might make a few bucks if you purchase an item. There’s no extra cost to you, and I never endorse a product I do not love. Thanks for your support!

Piggy Bank

All of the toddlers I know LOVE putting money in a piggy bank! Learning about money is great for all ages and the Smart Piggy Trio Bank is designed to teach even the youngest tots about money. It has three compartments: one for spending (yay!), one for saving and one for sharing. I’d be adding a few bucks to each of the compartment as a little bonus!:)

Sleeping Bag

At the age of three, most toddlers have definitely stayed a night away from mom and dad. A trip away from home is more fun when you have a super cool sleeping bag to take along with you. I’m loving these sleeping bags from Wildkin. There are over 15 patterns to choose from and it even comes with a little pillow and storage bag.

Personalized Towel Set

Make bath time as fun as can be with a personalized towel set for your that special toddler! I am just drooling over these embroidered towel sets from Pottery Barn Kids. I should have known they would set the bar high! Personalized gifts are super special gifts because you know that the recipient will feel special receiving it and it will be around for a long time.

Books

A book is a thoughtful gift that is always appreciated. Consider purchasing a book instead of a card to go along with a toddler’s gift; a card costs upwards of $5 and is thrown away, but a book can be kept forever. Just sign the inside of the book as you would a card. A few of my favorite books for toddlers are “The Wonderful Things You Will Be”, “Beep Beep Go To Sleep” and “Take Heart, My Child: A Mother’s Dream”

An Experience

Although a physical toy or shiny object will last longer, sharing an experience creates a special memory that a child won’t forget. Movie passes, zoo tickets, bowling passes or memberships to a swimming pool or dance class will provide the toddler you love an experience that will be not only fun but will also create some great memories. Download my set of free printable coupons to gift your favorite toddler!

Other Non-toy Gifts for Toddlers Worth Checking Out

A fun flashlight like this one.

Socks and underwear. Can you ever have too many?

Artwork for their room. I am *in love* with Target’s line of Pillowfort decor for toddlers and kids!

Cool nightlight. This one is super fun and I kind of want one for my own bedroom.

Sensory boards. A busy board like this one has every gadget a toddler could ever dream of!

Magazine subscription. My almost 4-year-old is really enjoying her Highlights magazine!

Monthy subscription Box. Cratejoy has a HUGE selection of subscription boxes that would be appropriate for toddlers of all ages. They are bound to be filled with unique items a toddler would love!

Arts and craft supplies. Encourage them to explore their creative side with something like this busy box. Crayons, stickers, paper, and markers will also do the trick.

Rain boots. What toddler doesn’t like to jump in muddy puddles!? I’m loving these Croc rain boots. Perfect for any rainy day. And, there are about a dozen colors to choose from. Another perfect non-toy gift for toddlers!

Bedding. Target’s Pillowfort collection wins again. I am buying R the Fetching Florals collection for her big girl bed when she turns four here in a few months.

Jewelry box. Perfect for any sweet little girl these jewelry boxes are bound to make her feel super special. Especially when you can personalize them with her name!

Toddler Back Pack. Perfect for a toddler on the go! I got a backpack like this one for my daughter when she was two and she loved it from the start. I have also gifted it to a few of my favorite toddlers in my life. It’s the perfect size for a few books, some crayons, and even an iPad or Kindle.

Pajamas. There is something about a toddler in pajamas. Maybe it’s the fact that when they are in their jammies, mama knows that bed time is near?! Whatever the reason, pajamas make a great non-toy gift for toddlers.

Think outside of the box the next time you have to buy a gift for a toddler! There are many unique non-toy gifts that toddlers of all ages would love, and won’t just be tossed aside when the shininess wears off.

Did I miss anything? Comment below with your favorite non-toy gifts for toddlers!