Since this is already a popular landing page on the blog, I’ve decided to update it annually with my latest toy recommendations/gifts for crunchy babies and toddlers {updated 10/31/2023}..
Whether you’re a crunchy mama yourself, or you’re buying for someone that doesn’t want the latest whizzing plastic gizmo in their kids’ toy room–you’ve stopped by the right place. We are a low-tech, outdoorsy, crunchy family, and I love choosing thoughtful, long-lasting toys made of natural materials for my children.
These are our favorite crunchy gifts for toddlers from over the years, in addition to the ideas I have for my kids this year (at the moment, I have one and two year boys, plus an older child). If you have any suggestions to add to this list, drop them in the comments! I love learning about new products or companies.
Crunchy Gift Ideas For Babies (Under 1)
- Lovevery play kits: A subscription to boxes of toys–but it’s not consumerist as it sounds. Most of the toys are classic wood Montessori-style toys and I can vouch that they last. Our drop boxes, stacking cups and more are on child #3! It’s on the more expensive side per box, so you can also look at the contents of the boxes (which are grouped by age) and try to find cheaper toys elsewhere.
- Sensory table: This table has SO many uses and is the perfect size for older babies/young toddlers!
- Kitchen helper stool: The perfect solution for getting kids involved in the kitchen and meal prep. This one is very reasonably priced and gets great reviews.
- A Pikler triangle and ramp: This is the most-used toy in our house by all three kids, but it’s especially good for babies as a place to test their physical abilities. We have a set from this company on Etsy (it’s less expensive than others because you have to assemble it yourself). But they’re sold at many different price points.
- cuddle+kind dolls: These stuffed animals are SO beautiful. They are handmade and entirely cotton, so you can feel fine about your little one cuddling it constantly.
- Alpine Baby Co. clothing: If you’re looking for a small kids’ clothing company to support, this one is it. Their leggings are gorgeous and handmade in Montana. I’ve purchased from them both for my own kids and as gifts, and I’ve never been disappointed.
Crunchy Gift Ideas for Toddlers (1-3 Years)
- The StoryPod: You can read my full review of the StoryPod here. It’s still a favorite item one year on.
- Gender-neutral dollhouse: Last year I bought this wooden dollhouse for our playroom (it was actually on sale at Amazon for $99 at the time, so keep an eye out if you’re interested). It is a great price for a furnished wooden dollhouse and they play with it constantly (although usually, it’s a house for their cars–I have boys, after all!).
- Heirloom wooden barn: This barn is incredibly high quality and it packs up for easy toting around.
- Wooden train set: This is my middle child’s big Christmas gift for this year. It’s adorable and a fantastic price!
- Wooden play kitchen: This was my 2-year-old’s birthday gift this year. It gets so much use and besides one of the oven dials (which fell off from excessive yanking), everything still looks great. And might I suggest buying real kitchen tools to go along with it? They’re wayyy cheaper but just as much fun.
- MagnaTiles: On the offhand chance you don’t already own MagnaTiles, they are perfect for this age range. They require less dexterity to put together than Duplo and other building toys.
- Honeysticks: Crayons made of 100% beeswax and food-grade dyes, so they’re safe if your child takes a bite. They last forever and the colors are as vibrant as a normal box of crayons. Disclaimer: not safe for kids under 1.
- WikkiStix: The perfect art activity to take on-the-go. My kids love these!
- Dress-up costumes: I also put this on my gift guide for 4-year-olds. We recently started a dress-up box and my kids love it, especially my 2-year-old. I love the Great Pretenders brand from Maisonette as they’re super high quality. However, you can buy dress-up clothes in many places at different price points.
- Play silks: On the same theme as above, these are beautiful, 100% silk squares that make a great addition to a dress up box. They can be capes, togas, belts, bags, etc–the sky is the limit. The company is a small, family-owned business so you can feel good about putting your money here, too.
xx Claire