DTC Mom's holiday gift guide: Toddler edition
You may have heard that shopping for toddler holiday gifts means embracing quantity over quality—but why not both? Now is the time to appreciate their taste in simple things (like an empty cardboard box), while also delighting them with big surprises (while celebrating low cost-per-use).
Here are some of my favorite direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands selling toddler goodies that you’ll want for the holidays. Check for discount codes and sales using the links below.
>>> Looking for baby gift recommendations? Check out the DTC Mom 2022 holiday gift guide for babies.
Gift picks for toddlers they won’t throw a tantrum over
Sorry, that’s extremely misleading. Of course they’ll throw a tantrum. Anyway, here’s the list—happy shopping!
All affiliate links are 100% DTC-mom-approved brands or products, and I get a little somethin’ somethin’ for sharing (no cost to you).
Slumberkins emotional intelligence kits
If you ever wished your kid’s favorite stuffy could teach them EQ lessons, well, Slumberkins is your new BFF. This mom-created brand offers the cutest, cuddly creatures with a side of storytelling to tap into big feelings like loneliness, being yourself, transitions, and more. The limited-edition holiday collection picks make great gifts, too. Save 30% sitewide and up to 60% off on select items during their Black Friday sale.
Psst: Slumberkins is now a show on Apple TV+!
Lalo Play Kit table and chairs set
The dad-founded and owned DTC kids mealtime and playtime brand Lalo has the best table and chairs set, which we love at our house. The Play Kit is a stylish and minimalist option in a market full of bright colors and plastics. The wooden accessories are great for open-ended play, especially for families who embrace all things Montessori (or just have a sophisticated style). Shop the big sale for up to 40% off sitewide and save $130 on The Play Kit.
Tea Collection clothes
We LOVE Tea Collection for my toddler’s day-to-day outfits (especially when there’s always a good sale!). It’s so fun to shop globally inspired designs, dressy clothes, and even preloved clothing powered by Kidizen. Shop the holiday sale now to score your kid’s Monday-Sunday best.
The Nugget play couch
Do you Nugget? I don’t mean the kind that goes with Chick-fil-A sauce. We just got a Nugget play couch for my kids in the mango-y Brightside color that was supposed to go in the playroom but ended up in our living room as extra play/nap/fort space. It’s perfect for high-energy kids who do alllll the wrestling (my kid) or the calm ones who like to read inside a fort (please, Jesus). Plus, you can make a full-on Christmas tree with it.
Little Sleepies bamboo pajamas
I added Little Sleepies as a must-have baby gift, but it belongs on the toddler list, too. Grab matching PJs made from the softest bamboo material for the whole family. The best part is that it’s stretchy and washes like new every time (no horrible shrinking). Pretty sure my oldest son wore one pair for over a year—that’s impressive!
Ten Little sneakers and boots
I’m not a sneakerhead, so you won’t see me ordering the latest mini-Air Jordans. That’s why we only buy Ten Little shoes for our toddler. We love Ten Little because I know they’re supportive without artificial arches, have a wide toe box, and are so easy for my kid to velcro himself. We get a new color every time we order the next half-size up, so that’s fun, too. Snag some cheetah socks to go with it, or shop their full marketplace of baby and kids’ gear.
Peeka & Co. marketplace picks
I’m not saying you have to be the favorite auntie or grandparent, but there’s a high chance you will be after snagging a playroom staple from Peeka & Co. This is a new marketplace for sustainable baby and kids’ play items like balance boards and ladders, open-ended play toys and more. Every purchase supports mom- and BIPOC-owned businesses, which helps the world go round. All products are ethically made in North America and ethically make you the favorite family member.
Stocking stuffer ideas for toddlers
Look, no one is judging you if you only get stocking stuffers for your toddler. I mean, that’ll be their favorite stuff anyway, right? Here’s some inspo:
Hot Wheels (for obvious reasons)
A deck of matching cards or small toddler games
Socks or slippers
Big kid underwear in their favorite character print
An ornament to remember one of their interests from the year (like this Blaze one we’re giving)
Snacks like fruit pouches, an orange, or toddler-safe candy
Name Bubbles for daycare, preschool, and just-because labeling
I hope you found one or two new ideas to give your not-so-little one a cheerful boost this season. Let me know your top toddler picks for this year!
Want more helpful parenting content you can actually relate to? Sign up for my newsletter, The Cluster Feed, on Substack or follow DTC Mom on social media.
