As this is a brainy crowd (and Christmas approaching), thought I’d ask. At first my head went to gifts that stimulate growth or build specific skills but anything that you’ve found merit in would be great to hear about.
Ask HN: What are the best gifts you've given your toddler?
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Re: Ask HN: What are the best gifts you've given your toddler?
#2You probably know this already but one on one uninterrupted attention, interaction and play are at the very top of the list. Along with consistent calm attitude toward their curiosity, impulse for exploration, their developing sense of self, and expression of their emotions and feelings.
A toddler growing up with a sense of confidence, trust and belonging has lifelong advantages in all areas of life.
Re: Ask HN: What are the best gifts you've given your toddler?
#3Bongos.
From the music store.
Re: Ask HN: What are the best gifts you've given your toddler?
#4upside down pot from the kitchen.
wooden spoon.
you sitting next to them on the floor, engaged and interested, paying attention to them.
Re: Ask HN: What are the best gifts you've given your toddler?
#5Magna-tiles are great. A very tactile building toy, accessible and safe for younger kids (ie no small parts / choking hazards).
https://www.magnatiles.com/product/magna-tiles-classic-100-p...
Re: Ask HN: What are the best gifts you've given your toddler?
#6You probably know this already but one on one uninterrupted attention, interaction and play are at the very top of the list. Along with consistent calm attitude toward their curiosity, impulse for exploration, their developing sense of self, and expression of their emotions and feelings. A toddler growing up with a sense of confidence, trust and belonging has lifelong advantages in all areas of life.
I've found that my toddler really loves to do stuff together, anything really, one on one like you describe: Changing a light bulb is a major event, doing dishes, sweeping, really anything she can help with or be a part of is a lot of fun for her.
Something we did a few weekends ago that I will be repeating: We went to a local thrift store and bought a bunch of old magazines and books with lots of pictures. Looked and read through them together, cut out our favorites (mostly from magazines, like old Nat Geo's because we can re-read the books), glued them to the back of some upcycled cardboard, and finally hot glued a couple of magnets to the back and put them on the fridge.
~$5 for a couple hours worth of fun, high quality time together. Got to practice reading, identifying animals and nature, practiced cutting and gluing. It was great.