Five gift ideas for a two year old

Laken’s second birthday is approaching and it has me in all the feels. I can’t believe that Kyler and I will have a two-year old!!! They said the first year goes by quick but I think the second year goes by quicker. I’ve been planning her party for  a little over two months and am so excited to see it all together, and write a post about it! Be on the lookout for that the beginning of September.

The biggest question we’ve gotten lately is all about what Laken wants for her birthday. Our family is the type that will either listen and get exactly what you want, or will ignore everything you said and get what they want. There is no in-between. I don’t mind receiving toys for Laken at all because she’s still a toddler, but toys take up sooo much space and they only keep her busy for 15-20 minutes. Since she is a total girly-girl and loves pillows and clothes as much as me, it’s been easy on us to make some big changes in her room and her wardrobe, and have those be her presents. She radiates happiness no matter what she’s gifted and is always super appreciative so we truly can’t go wrong.

Within the next year I really want to focus on her gifts being experiences. It is so important to me that Laken has memories with her family. We aren’t cutting toys out completely because let’s be real, that just won’t happen. Haha. I also feel that second birthday gifts are a little weird! What do you get this little person that has literally every toy possible?

So, I’ve put together a list of gifts that are perfect for a two-year old. Practical AND fun! I’ve also added exactly what we are gifting her.

. . .

PLAY KITCHEN

I feel like this is a toddler given and every toddler deserves a play kitchen. Amazon has the best choices of all the sites I’ve visited and a lot of their play kitchens had amazing reviews. My preference when it comes to toy kitchens is to get one that is gender neutral. I’m turning on to pink and I love it, but down the road if we have a little boy I want to be able to have a big toy that can work for both!

Melissa and Doug kitchen toys – These products on Amazon are my favorite in how cute they are and how durable they are. I believe they also sell them at Target but they’re the most life-like toys I’ve ever seen. Laken loves helping when I use the big Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer so I know we’ll be getting the small mixer.  Pots and Pans, Slice and Bake Cookie Tray, Party Cake, Mixer.

Kitchen sets – White retro kitchen, White Ultimate corner kitchen, Natural Wood kitchen. All of these look beautiful and the reviews help a lot. My biggest think to look for with toy kitchens is to see how sturdy the door hinges/how thin the wood being used for the door is. We have a little lady that is super aggressive when it comes to doors. lol.

Big kid bed

This is Laken’s big girl gift from Kyler and I! I will be doing a whole blog post over her bed(big girl room transformation coming soon) so I don’t want to give too much away but I seriously think this is the best gift to give. It’s practical and they will think it’s so cool!

Here is a little sneak peek of what we did for Laken’s bed.

Bed Frames – Bed frames are ridiculously expensive no matter where you go and what size you look at. This bed frame is from Overstock (you can get the exact frame here), but I also love looking at Joss and Main and Amazon.

Throws & Pillows – I’m a pillow snob. 100%. I have the best luck with pillows at World Market(I always wait for a good sale) and occasionally TJ-Maxx.

Bedding – Target or TJ-Maxx.

 

 New wardrobe pieces!

Laken thinks everything from hats to shoes is sooo cute!! and makes this a super easy one for us. Laken grew what felt like a foot in three months. We’ve had to replace all of her dresses and long pants for her long legs. I totally take advantage of this because she needs clothes and shoes that fit and with the season change she’ll get some new fun shoes.

Here are some awesome wardrobe gift options for little boys and girls.

Rain boots (Hunter, London Littles, Target) – Something about boots make little girls (I don’t know how little boys are with them) crazy obsessed with them. Boots are suddenly the biggest part of an outfit and the home can’t be left unless boots are on the feet!

Kid Friendly Shoes (Natives) – Laken loves  to do things herself and putting on shoes is challenging and investing in a pair of shoes that she can do herself is totally worth it. Natives are a favorite of mine because they are the best shoes for little boys and girls. They’re light weight, don’t smell, are breathable, and are awesome for the beach/pool/day-to-day life.

Season Friendly Clothing – Buying a whole wardrobe for a new season can get a little expensive. For this gift I try to stick with basics that I know Laken will love! With the fall coming up, we will stock up on sweatshirts and comfy clothes that I know she’ll love wearing every day. Zara is my favorite place for items like this!

 

Crafts (messy & mess free)

If your little one is anything like mine, they have to touch EVERYTHING! We got super lucky with Laken not wanting to put everything in her mouth so we have upgraded to more advanced crafts that aren’t as messy.

Art  Easel – this half chalkboard/half whiteboard is perfect for our little artists!

Washable Paint – You can use these in the bathtub!!!!! Make sure it’s non-toxic, safe to be on skin, and water based so it comes off easily!

Kinetic Sand / Moon Sand – we tried Play-Doh and it was an immediate no-no. It got everywhere and I kept finding pieces of it after we cleaned it up.  Kinetic sand on the other hand doesn’t dry out. If some of it gets on the floor it can be easily vacuumed up and because it’s so different it is guaranteed to keep them busy.

Play Scissors – Okay, hear me out. I have read that it’s super important to keep our little ones continuously using their fine motor skills. These scissors are 100% plastic and are meant to be used on construction paper. They make designs in the paper just like our adult zig-zag scissors, but these can’t cut fingers!

Practical Toys

It’s impossible to give up toys entirely and I still want Laken to have some fun. So, I’ve really been watching what she likes and have gone off of that to decide what toys to get.

 

Bitty Baby – Babies are a must for little ones this age. Laken has been carrying around my Bitty Baby that I got when I was five so we decided this year she got her own. Also, how cute is this pram?! I’m a sucker for little baby doll accessories

Wooden lace toys (Cheese, Lacing beads, Lace & Trace toys) – I absolutely love toys like this. They are quite toys that keep our little’s hands and minds busy. We will probably get Laken the Lace & Trace Toys for Christmas.

Play Tee-pee – For most this isn’t practical, but for us it totally is. We actually store all of Laken’s toys in her tee-pee inside an organized bin! It helps hide her toys and doubles as the coolest play area in the house. I have also moved her tee-pee outside for fun picnics in the backyard and for movie nights in the living room!

Play Makeup & Play Vanity – This is a toy I don’t mind at all getting for Laken because she is super into all my makeup and can’t go a day without it. She has her own set of makeup brushes and a blush that is all hers. She Also has her own vanity in my beauty room/office. (so not spoiled lol)

 

 

 

*This post contains affiliate links.

---

xx-Kendra