For Ages 2-8
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Best outdoor gifts for toddlers (1, 2, and 3-year-olds)
Top picks for outdoor gifts that encourage active playtime for toddlers.
Ali Y.
Editor-in-chief
The toddler years are some of the sweetest, but they can also be exhausting, too. You think you have a good activity in mind, but your little one will be ready to move on to something else within 15 minutes. The best outdoor gifts for toddlers keep them engaged for long periods and promote active playtime day after day.
In a hurry? Here are just the top picks for every age:
- Best outdoor gift for a 1 year old: Sandbox
- Best outdoor gift for 2 year olds: Sensory table
- Best outdoor gift for 3 year olds: Big wheel tricycle
- Top gift for toddlers who love the outdoors: Picnic set
- Top outdoor gift for Christmas: Inflatable bounce house
For a wider age selection, check out: Best outdoor gifts for kids of all ages.
Outdoor gifts for toddlers: All 13 top picks
1. Sandbox
We didn’t have the right set up to put in an in-ground sandbox, so this guy was the MVP of our outdoor toys for years. We received one as a gift from my sister-in-law and a second one as a hand-me-down from our next door neighbor. Fill it with play sand from the local hardware store and throw in some sand castle molds for infinite outdoor play time.
Not sure if this is an approved use, but on hot summer days we’ve been known to fill one up with a tiny amount of water (it has to be clear of sand) to cool off and splash in, so your sandbox can do double-duty as a mini splash pool with close adult supervision.
Naturally Playful Sandbox and Sand Activity Play Pit for Toddlers
Buy on Amazon
$109.99
12/22/2024 04:49 pm GMT
2. Sensory table
Speaking of outside toys that get a ton of repeat use, sensory tables can occupy toddlers day after day, both outdoors or indoors. Put in a little kinetic sand and some water to start things off. If eventually your son or daughter gets bored, introduce additional toys like animals, trucks, or sand molds.
3. Toddler-size roller coaster
Here is an outdoor gift idea that is a proven winner. Take one look at this kid-friendly roller coaster and you can almost hear your little one say, “Weee!” The coaster goes down the track for just the right amount of excitement and they’ll be running back to the beginning for a redo.
4. Little splash pad
It’s a hot summer day and you need an outdoor gift idea that can help you beat the summer heat. This splash pad provides a quick way to cool off with the little one. It hooks right up to your hose and even has enough room for a parent (or two).
5. Bubble mower
What is it about toddlers and push toys? If your kids are used to seeing you mow, they’ll want to emulate your behavior. A bubble mower is a great outdoor kids’ toy that gets toddlers moving, pushing, stretching those legs.
6. Baby balance bike (best for ages 1-2)
Balance bikes are a fantastic way to teach kids early biking skills before they are ready for the real thing. This version is meant for younger kids and is a perfect entry-level bike before they graduate to a two-wheeled balance bike option. Take your baby balance bike out for a ride on your driveway or patio, and help them develop their balance and coordination.
7. Tricycle with handle (best for 18 months - 3 years)
We received both a big wheel and a tricycle with a handle as gifts when my kids were younger. While they may seem redundant, they serve entirely different purposes.
Big wheels are perfect for when you’re sitting outside and your kid wants to tool around the driveway or sidewalk independently. The push-along tricycle is a great option for longer walks when your kid is too old for a stroller, but too young to ride their bike for long periods. Parents are often big fans because they don’t have to stop constantly, and instead can keep the pace up if they want to get their own steps in.
8. Big wheel (best for age 3 and above)
It’s hard to beat a classic. Your kid will get hours of endless fun riding a big wheel. Plus, this is one of those gifts that will take several years to outgrow. We held onto ours until my daughter was in first grade and it got a second life when we passed it down to a younger family.
9. Inflatable bounce house
Bounce houses can be an amazing source of outdoor fun even if it’s not one of those commercial-grade ones. If your child is really little, the junior is probably the better gift option. If you’re looking for an outdoor gift idea that can outlast the early childhood years, check out the jumping castle and get ready to become the “fun house” of the neighborhood.
For Ages 2-8
For Ages 3+
10. Basketball hoop
A basketball hoop promotes physical activity, both indoors and outdoors, and is a gift that can grow with your child beyond the toddler years. You can place it on an outside flat surface like a driveway, or, if the weather isn’t ideal, bring it inside to ‘shoot’ some hoops.
11. Toddler sled
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to be stuck indoors with your small kids. This toddler sled might just be the winter gift idea you’ve been looking for. It has a 3-point harness and is perfect for kids aged 6 months to 3 years.
12. Picnic set
Get your little one outside with a cute picnic set, a blanket, and some child-sized utensils for a picnic and pretend play. This set is the ideal outdoor gift for imaginative play where children imitate real-life situations and create their own stories.
13. Sidewalk chalk
Some classics will never die. Get your kiddos outside and let their artistic skills run wild covering your driveway or sidewalk in chalk. Chalk also provides a great way to practice learning numbers, letters, and colors while spending time outside. I like that it’s super affordable and a box like this will last for years.
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