10 Best Gift Ideas For Toddlers And Kids

The best Christmas gifts for 3, 4, 5 and 6 year-olds are those that inspire them to tap into their imaginations, encourage hands-on exploration, teach how to connect and play well with others as well as express themselves creatively!

Here, we have compiled 10 of our favourite toys and gifts from Melissa & Doug for the kids in your life, that will also make sure they keep coming back for more! Kids at this age are little sponges, and these are the toys that will reward their curiosity again and again as they come up with their own unique ways to play.

Plus, you can find even more Gifts That Wow and Stocking Stuffers for all ages in our Melissa & Doug one stop shop!

1. Deluxe Wooden Standing Art Easel

Age: 3+
Why it’s a great gift for kids: With a chalkboard on one side, a dry-erase board on the other, a paper roll holder, plastic storage trays, and four easy-grip clips, this easel has everything. Kids can hone their artistic skills and develop fine motor skills at the same time. Check out the video >
Sweet detail: Features child-safe paper cutter
Skills: Fine motor, creativity, confidence

HOW TO WOW: Make a statement with the easel set up amidst other presents. Place a bow on it (or draw one on the chalkboard) and include a sweet holiday greeting! Don’t forget the Easel Companion Accessory Set with paints, paper, and more!

2. Grocery Store

Age: 3+
Why it’s a great gift for kids: So many realistic details, including a hand-crank conveyor belt, a card-swiping machine, a keypad/calculator, and a cash drawer. Kids can take turns being the grocer or the shopper. Don’t forget the Fresh Mart Grocery Store Companion Collection to help stock the shelves and add to the playful purchasing experience. Check out the video >
Sweet detail: The scanner really beeps!
Skills: Creative thinking, confidence

HOW TO WOW: Stock up the shelves with the 70-piece Fresh Mart Grocery Store Companion Collection to add even more realistic flavor to the experience!

3. Toy Shopping Cart

Age: 3+
Why it’s a great gift for kids: With sturdy metal construction and pivoting front wheels, this kid-size metal shopping cart toy is easy to maneuver, fun to fill, and built to last for years of pretend play!
Sweet detail: Features a folding seat for your child’s favorite stuffed animal!
Skills: Gross motor

HOW TO WOW: Fill the cart with Fridge Food or Pantry Products.

4. Chef’s Kitchen – Charcoal

Age: 3+
Why it’s a great gift for kids: Easy to assemble, this play kitchen includes a refrigerator/freezer and ice maker, an oven and stovetop with dials that turn, a microwave with turning plate, a sink with moving faucet and handle, a grocery checklist, movable hooks, and ample storage. Budding chefs and home cooks are sure to enjoy years of make-believe meal-making! Check out the video >
Sweet detail: Features an innovative working ice dispenser and two “ice cubes.”
Skills: Creative thinking, problem solving

HOW TO WOW: Fill the cupboards with Let’s Play House – Grocery Cans, then slip a special gift message into the frame on the refrigerator door.

5. Get Well Doctor Activity Centre

Age: 3+
Why it’s a great gift for kids: The doctor will see you now! This wooden play space has everything kids need for imaginary visits to the doctor’s office! Kids can be the patient or the doctor, the receptionist, or the nurse. Not only is this kind of role play excellent for easing kids’ fears about doctor visits, it also encourages empathy.
Sweet detail: Kids can sign in and check out with a credit card reader and card and fill out a reusable patient file! BONUS: There’s an easy-to-follow assembly how-to video!
Skills: Social-emotional development

HOW TO WOW: Make sure your little doctor has all the equipment they need to fix bumps and bruises with this 25-piece Get Well Doctor’s Kit Play Set.

6. Dust, Sweep & Mop

Age: 3+
Why it’s a great gift for kids: Kids love imitating grown-ups, and this realistic 6-piece cleaning set will have them tidying up in no time!
Sweet detail: The dust pan snaps onto any of the handles!
Skills: Gross motor development, confidence

HOW TO WOW: Round out the clean theme with the Spray, Squirt & Squeegee Play Set and the Wash and Dry Dish Set.

7. Astronaut Role Play Costume Set

Age: 3-6 years
Why it’s a great gift for kids: Houston, we have a costume. Kids will be over the moon when they get to step into the jumpsuit, slip on the stretchy silver gloves, and top it all off with the shiny helmet! There’s even a reusable nametag that proudly IDs your little space explorer, then wipes clean so another astronaut can have a turn.
Skills: Imaginative thinking

HOW TO WOW: Add this roomy Rocket Ship Indoor Playhouse so your adventurer can blast off into space on a galaxy adventure!

8. Smoothie Maker Blender Set 

Age: 3+
Why it’s a great gift for kids: Kids can get creative whipping up their blender concoctions! Use the wooden knife to slice wooden fruits and vegetables, toss in other healthy ingredients, like kale or protein powder, blend it all up! Add a dash of pretend milk, spin the dial to blend, pour into a cup with lid and straw, and serve!
Sweet detail: There’s a double-sided reusable menu card for taking orders, and cup inserts to add realistic color to smoothies.
Skills: Fine motor, language development

HOW TO WOW: Set kids up to run a deli by adding the Slice & Stack Sandwich Counter!

9. Mine to Love – Jenna, Jordan or Gabrielle Baby Dolls

Age: 18+ months
Why it’s a great gift for kids: The 12-inch Mine to Love baby dolls feature soft, cuddly bodies, a removable outfit and matching cap, and eyes that open and close.
Sweet detail: The dolls can suck their thumb or the included pacifier.
Skills: Social-emotional development, empathy

HOW TO WOW: Add a doll-size cradle, high chair, or stroller!

10. Pots & Pans Set

Age: 3-8 years
Why it’s a great gift for kids: The shiny, stainless steel cookware is just like the real thing, but smaller (5-inch diameter). Kids will love the realistic touch this set gives to their restaurant and kitchen pretend play!
Sweet detail: Includes two hardwood utensils and a convenient storage rack!
Skills: Creative thinking, social-emotional development

HOW TO WOW: Satisfy hungry imaginations with the Combine & Dine Dinners (17 piece set), Red or the Combine & Dine Dinners (18 piece set), Blue These realistically detailed food sets are perfect for making memorable make-believe meals, while also learning about nutrition and the importance of eating balanced meals. 

Happy shopping!

Happy Christmas!