I found myself scrolling through the most popular toy websites at a loss for Christmas gifts for my toddler. I didn’t want to buy toys that will be played with for a day just to be broken, lost, or ignored. I wanted toys that will last or be meaningful. I decided to ask a few of my Knoxville Moms girls for their favorite Christmas gifts over the years. I haven’t put an age limit on the toys below because several of their children still play with these toys years after receiving them. In no way are we making any money off these items; these are just real life experiences with our favorite and most practical toys.
- The Fisher-Price Crawl Around Car. This was great for my little one learning to stand and then walk (or better yet run) right over to it. The radio plays actual music, the horn beeps, and the steering wheel works. We loved this toy and played with it well beyond the age range. Click Here
2. Bristle Block Stackadoos. Check out Natalie’s endorsement of this toy: “I bought these for my first son when he was three. All my kids still play with them and love making robots and forts. He’s 11 if that show you how well the toy is made and how much the kids love playing with it.” Click Here
3. Learning Resources Pretend & Play Teaching Cash Register. Again from Natalie: “I bought this also for my youngest and now it’s made it’s way to child number three. They buy and sell all sorts of items in our house” Click Here 
4. Strider Balance Bike. Several of us recommended the balance bike. I was even the “cool mom” and I will let him ride this in the house. Click Here
5. Play Kitchen. This was another crowd favorite. There are so many different types of kitchens to choose from and we all seemed to have great things to say about them all. Another perk is different accessories can be gifted for future birthdays and holidays. Click Here
6. PlayBuild Kids 4 in 1 Play & Build Table Set. I love this particular table. It’s very budget friendly when comparing to other Lego tables. The best feature is that the table top comes off and storage is underneath. The table top is also double-sided; one side is for Legos and the other is hard plastic (my favorite). I looked at wooden versions but knowing we have had spilled milk, yogurt, paint, playdough, and more on this table makes, the plastic makes it that much more worth it as it makes easy clean up. Click Here
7. iPad. This may be the most controversial item on the list, but yes, my three-year-old uses my old iPad. I truly believe he is advanced in his vocabulary due to Cocomelon and Dave and Ava. I will let you decide how to monitor your child with these electronic device, but I am no longer shameful about his iPad and wanted to share how wonderful it has been for him (in strict moderation). Click Here
8. Experiences. One of our favorites (and a general consensus with all the moms). These experiences can range from Dollywood passes, zoo passes, a day trip to the aquarium, or a night at Wilderness in the Smokies. The best thing about experiences is that they can be specific for your family. 
9. Train Table. We LOVE our train table. We bought this for him last Christmas (at the age of two) and we are now really getting into the pretend play. Train Table
10. The Nugget or Member’s Mark Kids’ Explorer Sofa (budget friendly version). Several recommended the nugget saying that it’s “worth every penny.” Click here for Nugget. The Member’s Mark is currently sold out, but I have seen it in stores.
These are only a few of our favorites. I would love for you to share what toys have been a huge hit in your home. Have you started shopping yet?
 in your life this holiday season? Check out this gift guide for suggestions!){kind=link}