Best Toys for Babies & Toddlers to Begin Learning Your Favorite Hobbies
Pro gear for the next generation of stargazers, bakers and surfers.
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Published Sep 15, 2023|Updated On Sep 9, 2024
Published Sep 15, 2023Updated On Sep 9, 2024
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Babies and toddlers are experts at observing adults so that they can learn new skills. And in addition to being willing little helpers—with household chores & around the kitchen—they’d make a great buddy, too. All they need is a little encouragement and the right introductory gear. So we've rounded up our favorite toys for tiny enthusiasts that are practical, realistic & fun—so they can join you in the garden, under the stars, on a wave and wherever your favorite pastimes take you.
Sports & outdoor fun
Gear for budding athletes & little adventurers.
woom
Original
Biking: A toddler-sized ride that looks just like an adult's & is on our list of the best balance bikes.
Wonder & Wise
Good Wood Mini Golf Game
Golf: Putting practice with mini golf obstacles that are so fun, parents will want to play, too.
Munchkin
Fishin' Magnetic Baby and Toddler Bath Toy
Fishing: A magnetic toy to help the littlest anglers practice casting during tub time.
Roshambo Baby
Polarized Baby Shades with Strap and Case
Adventuring: Polarized eyewear that's lightweight, shatter resistant—and can float.
Dock & Bay
Kids Poncho Towels
Swimming: A towel that doubles as a cover for changing out of wet suits and swim diapers.
ArtCreativity
Bubble Lawn Mower
Lawn Maintenance: A pushable bubble machine that encourages little walkers with entertaining fun.
Lily & River
Little Climber
Rock Climbing: A petite gym with a reversible climbing wall & slide, crafted from sustainable bamboo.
Little Tikes
Sports T-ball Set
Softball: Get a leg up on your little league coaching skills with this tee-ball set for little batters.
Burton
Riglet Kids Snowboard
Snowboarding: For balance training at home: they stand, you pull—in your own backyard or living room.
Quicksilver
Toddler's 1.5mm Back-Zip Springsuit
Surfing: Why a tiny springsuit? Even before they can catch a wave, they'll want to join you near the shore.
Baghera
The Riders Ride-On Car
Racing: A 1950s-inspired model designed for speed (and collectors), featuring high-grade rubber tires.
Gaiam
Kids Yoga Mat
Yoga: A mini mat so they can practice downward dog & butterfly poses with grippy support underfoot.
Crate & Kids
Indoor Kids Bowling Set
Bowling: If knocking down pins is up their alley, this could be the game for them.
For nature lovers
Toys that teach about Mother Earth.
Insect Lore
Butterfly Pavilion
Pollinator Protection: A pavilion & live caterpillars, to teach budding butterfly conservationists about metamorphosis.
Terra Kids
Children's Binoculars
Bird Watching: Complete with a neck strap and carrying case, these itty bitty binoculars also have 4x magnification.
Uncle Milton
Moon In My Room
Astronomy: A night light that emulates the waxing & waning phases of the moon.
KiwiCo
Window Garden Book Set
Gardening: A real windowsill growing kit plus a colorful book about how plants bloom.
Peg Perego
John Deere Ground Force Tractor
Landscaping: This lifelike mini version is outfitted with a tiny trailer—so your little helper can enjoy pitching in with yardwork. (The foot pedal really works!)
Arts & crafts & cooking
Accessories & tools for encouraging creativity.
Nancy Nikko
Bookplate with Dragon Illustration
Reading: Sticky bookplates help early readers keep track of their books while sharing them with friends.
Crate & Kids
Wooden Kids Art Easel
Art: 1 wooden easel that supports 3 types of masterpieces: on paper, with chalk and on a whiteboard.
PlanToys
Lacing Board Toy
Sewing: This classic wood-and-shoelace combo lets little artisans practice needlework skills.
Loog
Mini Acoustic Kids Guitar for Beginners
Guitar: This 3-string version is made from real wood & comes with chord flashcards plus video lessons.
Wonder & Wise
Little Builder Workbench
Building: This mini workbench comes with a pretend hammer, wrench, pliers, hand saw & other tools, so you can work on your home projects "together."
Skip Hop
Farmstand Let The Beet Drop DJ Set Baby Musical Toy
DJ: Unleash the mini mix master in a little one with this fruit and veggie-themed turntable set.
For 1:1 quality time
Giftable items for enjoying your favorite things together.
Hedley & Bennett
Rifle Paper Co. Apron Bundle
Cooking: Matching aprons for home cooks & their tiny sous chefs = as adorable as they are practical.
Polaroid
Sport Action Camera 720p 12.1mp
Photography: A sporty camera that's durable, lightweight & compact enough to share with little hands, too.
Singstation
Portable Karaoke Machine
Karaoke: For passionate vocalists who want to entertain—and then pass the mic to—the next generation.
Radio Flyer
Flyer Via
Biking: This splurge-y electric bike = an enjoyable way to share the joy of cycling without overly straining your muscles (2 kids fit on the back!).
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