If You Have A Toddler In Your Home You Might Want One Of These 44 Items

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16-02-2025

Helllooooo parents, my name is Heather, and at the time I'm writing this, my son is 2 and my daughter is 9 months old (I'm out here truly in the trenches). So, a lot of these items I've personally tested out! I can happily tell you *all* about what has worked for my family, but kindly wanted to note that I'm aware every kid is different! So, what worked for me may not work for you. But hey, it's worth a shot. Right?
1. A car seat buckle release tool that'll save both your nails and your precious time! No one wants to struggle to open those (thankfully) extremely secure buckles while their kiddo is hitting a pitch that could likely break glass.
This gadget doesn't attach to the car seat, so no need to fret about kiddos unbuckling themselves while you're driving. UnbuckleMe is a small business!
Promising review:"Love that my kindergartner can unbuckle himself. It makes morning school drop-off SO MUCH EASIER! And he likes the independence of being able to do it himself!" — Lauren
Get it from Amazon for $12.59+ (available in seven colors).
2. A custom name stamp tool to label your tyke's coat in hopes it'll stop getting mixed up with their daycare bestie's jacket that just so happens to be the exact same color. Their teachers will thank you too.
Amazon
It'll also work great on lunchboxes, backpacks, and water bottles! The ink is nontoxic, odorless, and will stay put on clothing being put through the wash several times. Label Land is a small business!
Check out Amazon reviewer's video review to see the stamp in action here!
Get it from Amazon for $11.95 (available in nine styles).
3. A leave-in conditioning spray for curly hair free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates you can count on to revive your mini-me's precious curls after an eventful night of rolling around like a wild thing. (How do they get such intense bed head?!?)
www.amazon.com
Reviewers say this spray will leave wavy or curly hair (from 2a–4c hair) shiny, soft, and bouncy. SoCozy is a small business!
Promising review:"This leave-in conditioner spray has worked so well with my daughter's hair. It smells amazing after her showers! Definitely a must have." — Diana Beger
Promising review:" This stuff is fantastic for curly girls! I spray it in my daughter's dry hair in the morning, run my fingers through her ringlets (never ever comb or brush curly hair dry), then clip the top back. It smells amazing, and the price on Amazon is better than other national retailers I've found it at. The price is worth it. Minimizes frizz and keeps curls soft and natural looking. My daughter has soft/fine thick hair." — Carolyn Smith
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a two pack).
4. A grape cutter because who on earth wants to spend their precious time cutting grapes??? This lil' gadget will ensure your kiddo's favorite fruit is the perfect size without costing you an entire afternoon.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:" Must have if you have toddlers. Wish I knew of this sooner. Has made it so much easier to cut grapes for my toddler. Now can do it one-handed when my LO won't let me set him down to cut the fruit. I have also used it to cut blueberries and blackberries." — Crystal Albertin
"If your toddler loves grapes, this is a MUST-HAVE! So much easier than cutting into 4ths with a knife." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $8.38.
5. And an apple corer and cutter for when your oh-so-precious toddler says "I don't want grapes, I want apple!!!!!" It'll pop out 16 snackable slices with just a push — a must have for any apple lover, TBH!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Good for anyone who cares for children! I love this thing! Makes preparing lunches and snacks so much faster! It was hard to find this size, but my kids prefer the smaller apple slices and this works great. Just center over the apple and push down; when it gets close to the bottom flip the gray part under it, set it on the counter, and push down. Perfect apple slices pop out easily!" — mom of 3 busy kids
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four colors).
6. A quirky tape measure, level, and protractor all-in-one for kids who would love nothing more than to be able to lend a hand the next time you decide to take on a home improvement project. It measures up to eight feet (!!!) and has a built-in kid-safe retraction (no tears, please). Next, you'll have to teach them the age-old motto: "measure twice, cut once."
Handy Famm is a small business!
My toddler is forever eager to help my husband build anything and everything, so this was a no-brainer stocking stuffer for him this past Christmas. The second he sees Dad's tools out, he runs to grab his own measuring tape to get involved. The bird's face on the measuring tape is funny to me because he looks as tired as I feel. All jokes aside, this little item has been great for quick measurements and showing my son how to use a level! It's super kid-friendly, and I'll absolutely keep it in mind to suggest to other parents with tykes who want to help/learn about building!
Promising review: "My grandson was forever playing with his dad's metal measuring tape, so I purchased this for his birthday. He loves it and it can't cut or harm him. Great purchase for curious kids who want to be like dad!" — Barb A.
Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in three colors and in dog versions).
7. A Boon folding toddler tower you can stow away when your tyke isn't begging you to use it. (So, never?) It's sturdy, has grippy nonslip feet, an adjustable height, and is exactly what your dying-to-always-be-hands-on kid needs to partake in nightly cooking or daily crafting.
My son is 2 and extremely interested in being involved and independent, which is a bit exasperating. We didn't have the right tools to let him help safely in the kitchen until this toddler tower was introduced to our lives. It's not bulky, which is great because we have enough kid stuff all over our home, and I love that at the end of the day, I can fold it up and put it aside. It's very sturdy, but I had my son practice climbing up and down on his own in a carpeted area for good measure (he did so like a pro). It can easily be wiped clean (love) and holds up to 50 lbs, so it'll be useful for quite some time!
Promising review:"The standing pad is large and slip-proof, providing a sturdy and safe place for toddlers to stand. The bar is great to keep toddlers secure and contained on the stand. The bar folds down, and the tower stores it conveniently. The white color is chic. The materials are high quality. I looked months for a toddler tower and I am extremely satisfied I purchased this one because of the quality, safety, and convenience to store." — Paige M.
Get it from Amazon for $129.99 (available in white or grey).
8. And a set of plastic knives, because if you give a toddler a tower they're going to want to help more in the kitchen. Exhausted parents might appreciate even the smallest bit of help prepping dinner anyways — and it'll keep kiddos entertained so you can get the rest of the meal ready.
Note: Children still need supervision while using them, of course.
Tovla is a small business that makes kid cooking products. My son has these and I'm honestly surprised at how well they cut. They aren't sharp to the touch, but they easily slice through fruits, veggies, and toast! He loves feeling like he's helping in the kitchen and it keeps him busy so we can get the rest of the meal done at the same time. He often uses them to cut bell peppers, which stain the knives a little bit. I simply toss 'em in the dishwasher and they come out good as new!
Promising review: "Highly recommend these for safety, sturdiness, quality, and life skill reasons. These have been amazing for practicing cutting for my daughter. She's been using them almost two years now since she was 2 years old. A must-purchase if you're looking to introduce a practical life skill especially to a young child!!" — Ciandra
Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.95 (available in two color schemes).
9. Divided plates with extra suction on the bottom to prevent your headstrong tyke from hurling their waffle across the room. 🫠 They're also delightfully microwave- and dishwasher safe.
I recently replaced my son's plates with a set of these and have been so pleased! The colors are lovely (always a nice bonus), but most importantly, the suction is fantastic, and they wash up beautifully in the dishwasher.
Promising review:"These plates are excellent for a little one who likes to throw things off of their highchair. The four suction cups are strong, and put the plate in place. The material is flexible silicone. I throw in the dishwasher to wash. The slots for food are deep enough to fit plenty of food into and still large enough to allow little hands to reach in and grasp items." — davsat
Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.95.
10. And a trio of bowls that also have a suction feature so when you turn your back for a second to grab a paper towel to wipe their hands with they can't swat their sweet potatoes all over the room.
I bought a set of these bowls during the most recent Prime Day and have been very pleased with them! They wash well in the dishwasher (and, honestly, a quick rinse in the sink), really do have a great suction, and stack nicely together in my cabinet. I equally use them for both my toddler's snacks and my baby's pureed meals. Love their price point and cute color options well!
Promising review:"They are sturdy. I love the colors, perfect size for the little hands, and the suction works great. I would recommend." — Jessica
Get them from Amazon for $9.99 (available in four sets).
11. And Zulay kids stainless silverware that'll make them feel like a "big kid" when they finally agree to sit down for a meal with the fam. Fingers crossed they actually pick up a vegetable tonight.
Promising review:"Wow, these are great, simple, pretty. Love the stainless steel. I hate how plastic ones always get so greasy and nasty over time, so I was happy to find these. Very durable." — D. Welch
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $12.99+ (also available in a pack of eight).
12. A pack of spill-proof Munchkin snack catchers so your kiddo can grab a lil' treat whenever the mood strikes without making a crumbly mess all over your rug.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"After having my 18-month-old crush her graham crackers in the bag and then toss it all up in the air covering herself and everyone and everything in graham cracker powder (including the interior of my car), I had enough. These cups are a godsend! They are the perfect size for her hand and she can't just yank the top off. She likes the independence they grant her and my husband likes not having to strip her car seat and have the car detailed over cracker crumbs." — Shawny
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $5.96+ (available in three color combos and in two count sizes).
13. Little Tikes Story Dream Machine Starter Set, which will absolutely buy you some time to take a breath (maybe even rest your eyes?!) while your toddler is enamored by projections of classic stories.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
My toddler is obsessed with this toy. He makes us close his curtains and turn off the lights so he can shine the projection on the wall and really see the lighting effects. I love that it actually reads the story out loud and that it's simple enough to operate — my 2-year-old has no issue playing with it on his own. It also doubles as a white noise night-light and has built-in cartridge storage on the side. I'm planning to gift this to the other toddlers in my life for the holiday season. This starter kit comes with three Little Golden Book stories and one display character (which adds lighting effects in nightlight mode). My son also loves the Trolls Special Day Story Collection and the World of Eric Carle The Very Story Collection.
Promising review:"Love this! My toddlers ages three and four are obsessed with reading, Though they normally enjoy us reading to them, they really loved this! It is the cutest little projector that is easy for them to use by themselves, it is durable, And the picture quality is great! Easy to adjust when blurry." — Mikaela Laughlin
Get it from Amazon for $49, and check out the entire collection here.
14. Washable dot markers, so the next time your tyke demands to paint you won't have to mentally prepare yourself for a next-level mess. Hand 'em over to your little artist and relax while they craft you something beautiful.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"My 2-year-old loves using these. Very easy to use, no cleaning needed, they work great and their colors are vibrant. Definitely recommend!" — Tori
Get them from Amazon for $21.27.
15. A Nugget couch featuring four adjustable pieces your kiddos can arrange into all kinds of creations — a rocket ship, a ramp, a castle, whatever! If you're lucky maybe they'll even take a nap on it...dream big.
Nugget
Every parent in my life swears by this, so if you have enough room in your home definitely consider ordering one. The cushion covers are machine washable (a must for any item a child is going to lounge on) and come in SO many colors you'll absolutely be able to find one that matches your decor. I have one in my playroom and it gets A LOT of action. We use it to lounge (my sister has slept on it for a week haha), make forts, create slides, etc. It's the best.
Psst: Nugget also came out with a circle version called the " Chunk" that parents love because it can double as a coffee table!
Promising review:"What a great product! Perfect addition to our son's room as it can be furniture, fort building blocks and an extra bed if you need it for a friend. Love our nugget!" — Kristen N.
Get it from Nugget for $249 (available in 19 styles).
16. And a cloth panel designed to transform their play couch into something entirely new like a coffee shop, a post office, or a food truck (just to name a few). You can use it to encourage kids to try out some exciting imaginative play instead of saying "I'm boooooored."
Couch Swag is a small business!
Promising review:"What a brilliant idea to transform a play couch! We got these as a stocking stuffer for the kids (ages 3 and 1). Great quality and easy to use. The best thing is this gives so many versatile options for playtime to use their imagination! Would definitely buy more." — Endy
Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in six themes).
17. A Toniebox Audio Player Starter Set, which is essentially a tiny stereo toddlers can control all on their own just by swapping out which character magnetically sits on top of it. Each individual figure tells different stories and sings different songs — it's a great way to keep kids entertained without a screen.
This toy has bought me so much time. My son adores his — even though he's only 2 and he has had no problem understanding how to turn the Toniebox on, change the volume, and place different characters on top to tell various stories. He's a big fan, as am I! It can also be used while it's charging, so there's no need to worry about your toddler having a meltdown if they want to play with it while the battery is drained (phew). This specific kit comes with the Toniebox as well as Tonies figures of Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Playtime Puppy
There are so many different Tonies you can add to keep the fun going — check 'em out.
Get it from Amazon for $139.99 (available in two colors).
18. A Magna-Tiles set that'll surely be a big hit with any budding architect. They can use it to build all kinds of cool 3D structures, then knock 'em down and start again the next day. My son loves sorting all the tiles by color and then building rainbow-colored towers, in case you're in need of some easy-to-build inspo. ✨
The set comes with translucent magnetic pieces to build 3D creations all day. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
My 2-year-old is a BIG fan of Magna-Tiles and, honestly, so am I. They're really fun to play with! There's so much you can build with them! You can choose to follow the guidebooks that come with the sets or go rogue and make your own masterpiece. We're also loving the new glittery Magna-Tiles castle (it comes with a dragon! My favorite thing about them is how easy they are to clean up. While we *also* love Lego, they are a serious pain to clean. The Magna-Tiles take seconds to clean up because you can quickly stack them all magnetically then put them away. I've made my life (and clean up) much EASIER by getting this Magna-Tile storage bin (which also comes with a cool play mat).
Promising reviews:"These magnets are great for independent toddler play! My 3-year-old loves building and creating with these. I suggest you buy a larger set. We have a set with over 100 pieces, but I bought this set as a Christmas gift! He is always wishing he had more pieces to finish his masterpieces." — Kayla M
Get it from Amazon for $49.99 for a 32-piece set or $119.99 for a 100-piece set.
19. A Little People farm set complete with a farmer (duh) and a bunch of animals to spark hours of playing pretend — it makes fun sounds, has an exciting hayloft to drop figures through (which will, inexplicably, entertain tykes to no end), and has three stage settings for a variety of play options.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
My 2-year-old got this as a gift for Christmas and it has been such a hit with both he and my 9-month-old. We're biiiiig on Little People (of course) but this specific set has quickly become so beloved. It features fun farm sounds, animals, and a working bell that even my baby has figured out how to play with. We've arranged a "town" complete with this farm, a Disney Princess castle, a cute little house, and a car wash that my kids can't get enough of.
Promising review:"Every kid needs a farm set and this one is perfect! No assembly required, just pull it out of the box and it's ready to go. We've had it for 1.5 years and it has held up great. I also recommend buying the little Fisher Price green tractor to go with it!" — Jenny Jenny 8675309
Get it from Amazon for $39.97.
20. A Ms. Rachel Speak & Sing Doll that boasts 4 songs and 16 phrases — all of which have been embedded into parents' brains already. If you *don't* know all the words to "Icky Sticky Sticky Sticky Bubble Gum" you're about to. 😉
My kids (aged 2 and 9 months) are equally obsessed with our savior, Ms. Rachel. I've been using the fantastic Ms. Rachel Speak & Sing Doll to help get us through the crankiest times of the day (one click of it changes my daughter's entire persona, it's wild). It's been crafted by Gund, so you know it's a quality plush item. My son immediately wanted this doll to sleep in his crib — we just turned the sound off for the evening and told him Ms. Rachel needed some rest (haha). He is also loving the Ms. Rachel Melissa & Doug Letter, Number, and Game Wooden Learning Blocks and my daughter loves grabbing at this Herbie Sensory Take-Along Toy while in her car seat.
Promising review:"I love the size, color, and design of this doll. Not only is it easy to use, but the quality of the material is impressive. The detail they've put into this toy is just astonishing. My 2-year-old is absolutely obsessed with it. The interactive features are a huge hit. It's such a cute doll that fits perfectly in the little ones' hands. This has quickly become a favorite in our home!" — williamsclan
Get it from Amazon for $29.97.
21. Ms. Rachel's "Potty Time With Bean" book — a must-have for toddler parents who are in the midst of tackling potty training. The book features a sweet, motivational story about a little bear who is learning to use the potty (with Ms. Rachel for support, of course). It has reward stickers in the back and tips/tricks for parents!
We're in the potty training trenches here, and this board book has been an integral part of our process. My son adores Ms. Rachel (who doesn't?) and recognized Bean when we passed the book in a store. So, we tossed it in the cart and took it home to start this ever-stressful endeavor. Anytime my son sits on the potty he asks me to read "the Bean book" and whenever he successfully goes he gets rewarded with one of the stickers from the book. There's even a handwashing song in it that he's taken to heart and sings every time he washes up after using the potty. If you want to take things to the next level there's also a Potty Time with Bean toy coming out on February 28th!
Promising review: " The quality of this is great, and the books are nice and tough, so littles won't be able to rip them or anything. It's very good quality and it is a book made to last! It's also fantastic and is really helping with teaching the littles in your life how to use the potty. Thank you Ms. Rachel!" — End Up Here
Get it from Amazon for $6.99.
22. A toddler-friendly pretend doctor kit so they can give everyone in your house a checkup, since it's the middle of winter and your entire family is likely sniffling or coughing anyways. It'll encourage them to use their imagination and *ideally* make them less fearful of the actual doctor's office.
Amazon
My toddler has a similar kit and loves to give all of us regular check ups as well as all his stuffed animals. It's so cute and an easy game to play all the time. This set comes with a play stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, hearing tester, syringe, scissors, tweezers, rolling forehead thermometer, reflex hammer, otoscope, eye cover, tongue depressors, bottles, ID badge, activity cards, and more.
Promising review:"As a nurse myself, I can say that this set is not only adorable and very durable but also has so many things that look almost exactly like the real tools kids might see in an actual doctor's office or hospital. This set can be a great resource to help familiarize kids with medical equipment and procedures that might otherwise be foreign and scary to them. We have practiced giving my son's stuffed animals several 'shots' and checking their vital signs, too. I highly recommend this set as well as the dental play set, which is also very detailed and kid-friendly!" — Christine Clossey
Get it from Amazon for $27.97.
23. A dual cup holder that'll ensure you always have a spot for your emotional support coffee *and* your phone — attaches easily to strollers, bikes, wheelchairs, and scooters (one reviewer even attached it to their lawn mower!). It's so sturdy your drink won't go flying even if you absentmindedly roll over a HUGE bump in the sidewalk.
One of my mom besties had this on her stroller and I immediately was like, "Welp, NEED." I ordered one and never looked back — it attaches tightly and can be adjusted to any angle. In a desperate attempt to keep both my baby and my toddler content I spent the majority of my maternity leave on walks around my neighborhood — it was ESSENTIAL to have a solid spot to put my drink and also my phone (we needed music, of course). This one was so great I've already ordered a second one for our other stroller.
Promising review: " I ordered this with low hopes because I feel like stroller cup holders are always so flimsy. I'm extremely impressed with the quality of this cup holder! You can attach it to any bar, no matter the direction it goes as it is adjustable. It was easy to attach. It holds my large 42-oz cup with no problem. I do have to remove my wallet from my phone to put in the phone compartment. I'll be ordering another for our leisure stroller!" — Jeanette Rojas
Get it from Amazon for $9.98 (available in 26 colors).
24. An elephant sprayer you'll adore because it'll keep your kiddo entertained for the duration of bath time and provide you with an easier way to wash soap off of them/ out of their hair — however, considered yourself warned they can potentially turn this adorable hose on you at any given moment. 😅
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
See it in action on TikTok!
This gadget is both a blessing and a curse. On the very positive side, my son loves it! He uses it to fill up cups, "clean" his toys, and tickle his own feet (adorable). I've used it to thoroughly wash his hair and rinse soap suds off of him in a bubble bath. However, I gotta warn any fellow parents that there is a VERY high chance you are going to get sprayed by your child at SOME point. If you don't mind getting a little wet on occasion, this toy is a 10/10.
Promising review:"A baby registry must-have! I saw this item on TikTok and knew I had to have it! It's great for all ages! My 3-month-old loves it, and so does my 5-year-old! All you need are batteries and then you're good to go!" — brittany
Get it from Amazon for $24.95+ (available in five colors).
25. A hypoallergenic bubble bath from Tubby Todd that, while it isn't technically a "toy" per se, will provide your kiddos with all the fun in the world. Who doesn't love a good bubble bath?! They'll have the best time making faux beards with the suds while you use that time to clean 'em off.
Tubby Todd
I use this bubble bath in my son's nightly baths and I *think* it may be his favorite part of the routine. He's constantly reaching for the bottle and wanting to pump the soap into the tub on his own. Tubby Todd products are great for sensitive skin, are designed for all ages, and have been clinically Dermatologist and Pediatrician tested. Additionally, Tubby Todd is a family-owned small business.
Get it from Tubby Todd for $17+ (available in two sizes and three scents).
26. A sandwich cutter and sealer that'll make it easier than ever to make Smuckers Uncrustables copycats at home — perfect for when your kid goes through a "crusts are the enemy" phase. And when they all-out refuse to eat the yummy sandwich you've just made, you can relive your childhood as you chow down on it instead.
I took the plunge and ordered this lil' kit and it is SO easy to use. It takes two seconds to use and was a *very* easy way to *~mix things up~* for lunch time.
Promising review:" A must-have. As a mom of two, ages 2 and 5, who HATE crust this is a lifesaver! It saves so much money to buy these instead of Uncrustables." — Baleigh W
Get it from Amazon for $15.97.
27. A ball pit — it features soft sides, 200 balls, a chic design that won't take away from your home's decor, and not nearly as many germs as the one you buried yourself in at McDonald's in the '90s. Tykes will have the time of their lives jumping in and out of this new addition to their playroom.
I got one of these for my son for his first Christmas and he was elated the moment we plopped him inside of it. They come in an array of stylish colors, so you can select one that'll go nicely with your giftee's home decor. The set comes with the foam pit and 200 crush-proof balls. Little Big Playroom is a family-owned small business that sells a variety of kids' items like ball pits, slides, and furniture — they've had their own daughter test every single product they've made!
Promising review:"We got this ball pit bundle for my son's first birthday, and he absolutely loves it. It's nice and soft but keeps its shape nicely. I do wish it came with more balls, but other than that it's great!" — Katelin E.
Get it from Little Big Playroom for $198 (available in 17 styles).
28. A personalizable lap tray your kiddo can use for coloring on the floor comfortably or enjoying one of their 9,000 snacks of the day. Although, there's nothing stopping you from it yourself to enjoy breakfast in bed on a lazy Sunday after sending your kids to their grandparents for the day.
Kristina Gia Designs / Etsy
Kristina Gia Designs is a small business that sells various kid-focused items (think lap trays, key chains, pencil cases, etc).
My son has had one of these since his first birthday (admittedly, because, full disclosure, this shop is run by my best friend of 25+ years), and it has been SO nice to have on hand. We've crafted on it, stored coloring utensils in the side pockets, had snack time on it while watching our beloved Ms. Rachel, and used it extensively while "playing pretend" with his toy kitchen. I've personally used it plenty of times as a spot to safely place my iced coffee that *isn't* my carpet (haha). It's super lightweight, makes for a great gift, has held up to quite a bit of toddler abuse, and has so many uses you definitely won't regret adding it to your cart.
Promising review:"I bought the lap tray as a Christmas gift for my grandson. I was sent a preview to approve which was great ! Delivery was prompt and item was well packaged. The tray is well designed and will last a long time. I would definitely purchase again." — Suzanne Gates
Get it from Kristina Gia Designs on Etsy for $36 (available in six tray colors).
29. Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray you'll be very glad you bought when your kiddo transforms from a "buttered noodle kid" to a full-blown sauce guy overnight.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"My 1-year-old has taco meat stains ALL over the sleeves of his shirt. The stains were 2–3 days old, too. I sprayed the shirt, let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then washed the shirt with regular laundry soap. Almost every bit of the stains came out. Definitely buying bulk in this product!" — Sloan Avery
Get it from Amazon for $7.97+ (available in a variety of quantities)
30. A 3-in-1 Frida Baby Infrared thermometer with a built-in sensor that'll make taking your tyke's temperature a breeze. You can also remove the tip and use it as an inner-ear thermometer and use it to take your own as well! Perfect for any parents who err on the side of caution and find themselves checking their kiddo's temp anytime they look a bit flushed (ahem, me).
Amazon, www.amazon.com
My son is prone to getting *very* high fevers, so I've always needed to have a reliable thermometer on hand. I truly love the Frida Baby one (and, honestly, everything the brand makes), as it can be used in more than one way. I like having the option to take his temperature on his forehead and in his ear, then compare the two to feel like I have a pretty accurate reading. It lights up green if the temperature is good and red if it's a bit too high (or low)! It's so easy to use. My 2-year-old has learned how to use it on his own (he likes to check his stuffed animals for fevers, haha). I've literally never had to change the batteries, and I've had it for over a year!
Promising review:"So easy to use!! Popped it straight out the box and was able to use without instructions. In fact even my 3-year-old was able to use it on her own without my help. Definitely a must-have!" — Nichelle
Get it from Amazon for $39.99.
31. A portable car vacuum that'll help you battle the seemingly endless amount of dirt, sand, and cracker crumbs that have made themselves right at home in the hard-to-reach crevices of your toddler's car seat. Yuck.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I bought this product for my mini van and the messy little humans that ride in it. It does an EXCELLENT job cleaning up after them. This product can get in the little crevices and tiny places and it comes with a brush that I used to be able to round up all the hair and random things that a normal vacuum would leave behind. It's easy to empty, easy to clean and it does a great job." — Jillian Barr
Get it from Amazon for $34.99.
32. Bellabu Bear pajamas feature playful patterns and a super soft, breathable bamboo material your toddler will love snuggling up in for bedtime. They're so stretchy they might be able to pull them on all by themselves (which will elicit cheers from the entire household).
Bellabu Bear
I have so many sets from Bellabu Bear for my baby and toddler. They've washed so well — no pilling after MANY washes. All stains have come right out! My toddler loves that he can manage to pull the shirts on himself (we're in our "I do it!" phase right now). There are so many cute styles to choose from and since they're so stretchy they've fit for way longer than cotton pajamas.
Get them from Bellabu Bear for $39 (available in sizes 18–24M, 2T–5T, 6Y–14Y, and 12 styles).
33. An over-the-door stuffed animal organizer, because somehow at the age of two, your child has accumulated a concerning amount of plush pals. This will *attempt* to keep 'em contained and hopefully save your back from lots of bending to put them back in a basket on the floor.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Honeyera is a small business that sells items specifically designed to keep kids' toys organized.
Promising review:"This holds a ton of stuffed animals. I bought it for my two girls, who share a room, and their beds are overrun with stuffies. This holds so much so they can still be on display; it's easy for them to get them in and out except for the top basket, and it matches their room colors. Great quality and easy to use." — The Word Of A King
Get it from Amazon for $30.95 (available in nine colors).
34. Crayola Color Wonder Frozen Coloring Pages and Markers, so kids can color to their heart's content without also creating a rainbow of chaos all over themselves and your home — the markers *only* color on the special paper that comes with the kit.
Heather Braga / BuzzFeed, Amazon
My mom got these for my son (who is 2 at the time of this writing), and it has been SUCH a game changer for us. He loves to color and paint, and demands to do so often, which usually results in a lot of setup, a lot of cleanup, and only about 10 minutes of him actually being entertained. With this kit, we can leave the markers out alongside the coloring book, and he can come and go to it as he feels fit. Thankfully, they really do ONLY color on the magic paper. It's become a must-have item in our home, and I'll totally be gifting it to other toddler parents.
Get it from Amazon for $7.49 (available in three themes).
35. Jumbo Crayons even the tiniest of hands will be able to grasp and create absolute masterpieces with — by which I mean scribbles that *hopefully* end up on paper not your walls.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"My 1-year-old has drawn on our cabinets and a variety of other places. I was able to wipe away easily with baby wipes. It's also a great size for my son's little hands and writes as well as any other crayon that is not washable. Highly recommend." — jalisa
Get a pack of 18 from Amazon for $11.97.
PS — you might also want to pick up a coloring roll to give 'em plenty to of space to draw.
36. A Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller 2.0 for any toddler parent who recently expanded their family and now has two tiny humans to tote around.
Mockingbird
I recently got this stroller in anticipation of an upcoming trip to Disney World and, so far, am very impressed. So many double strollers are bulky and cumbersome, but this one has an easy one-handed folding option that makes it a cinch to stow away. I love that it can be changed back and forth between a single stroller and a double! It's also super easy to clean, has a deep basket for storage, and *very* smooth ride. It also comes in a variety of fun colors so when we do tote it along to Magic Kingdom, we'll be able to find it in a sea of similar strollers.
Promising review:"Literally did so much research on a double stroller that was affordable and worked with my life! Couldn't have asked for a better stroller. Love that there are different positions for the seats and how much you can carry in the basket!" — Sarah O.
Get it from Mockingbird for $450 (available in five colors, two patterns, and two frames).
37. Some reusable pouch tops that'll fit any you've purchased from the store — yes, even that VERY specific brand that's the only one your kiddo will seemingly CONSIDER eating. It has a no-spill control valve, so when your tyke eats one in the car, they won't be able to squeeze it with all their might and create an apple sauce volcano in your back seat.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
ChooMee is a small business based in Northern California, owned by a mom, that specializes in innovative products that solve everyday feeding challenges.
Promising review:" A MUST-HAVE FOR TODDLERS. My son is a little over 1-year-old and I wish I got these sooner! He gets moments of extreme excitement when it squeeze's the crap out of his pouches and it gets EVERYWHERE. Since having these I have had zero messes! I ended up buying four more because I wanted to keep one in every possible place I'd need one. It seems pretty darn secure if you do it following the directions. It fits Plum Organics, Earth's Best, and Happy Baby pouches for sure." — Amazon Customer
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $7.99 (available in five color combos).
38. Sink extenders so you won't need to muster up Herculean strength every time your surprisingly dense toddler wants to wash their sticky little paws.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
We're working on potty training my toddler, which comes with the added routine of constant handwashing. He's itching to be independent in all ways (yay) so I knew it was time to add these to my cart. They slip over the two very different faucets in my bathrooms and have truly made it easier than ever for my son to wash his hands (with the help of a step stool, of course). These should be mandatory in every toddler's home!
Promising review:" Must-have for toddlers and small children! LOVE this! My 1- and 3-year-old love washing their hands now and my back gets a nice break. Adding the faucet extenders and a stepstool to our bed time/morning routine has been a godsend. Great bargain for the price." — TeaBea21
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $6.59.
39. And a pack of brilliant light switch extenders that'll let tykes turn them on all on their own! Don't be surprised if you catch them humming Kelly Clarkson's "Miss Independent" soon.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
These install in minutes on standard light switches.
Promising review:" Must-have for toddlers! Perfect solution! As my toddler's independence soars, so do frustrations. This light switch extender pack was a great buy. He can now turn on the lights in his room and bathroom. Installation was easy and works as expected." — AW
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $13.99.
40. Magnetic locks you won't need to be a handy man to seamlessly install — you stick 'em in and then use a provided magnet to lock/unlock your cabinets as needed. Easy peasy.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
The set comes with locks (with strong 3M double-sided tape on the back) and two keys.
Promising review:"These are awesome! I spent hours with a drill and screwdriver installing push down locks on cupboards five years ago. I now have another crawling baby, and those ones are all broken. I was dreading installing new ones and saw these. They literally go on in seconds, the bracket means it lines up perfectly, and the adhesive is strong! My older kids think the magnet key is super fun. Baby stays out of the chemicals, and I put one on the trash door so the dog stays out of the trash so everyone gets to live longer. Win-win. I also love that you can 'turn' them off and on so when my kids are bigger we can flip the switch but if little kids were visiting, we could put them back on." — Joseph J. Krakker
Get them from Amazon for $37.98 (available in five quantities).
41. A scavenger hunt you can count on to keep your little ones busy during bad weather days without exhausting yourself in the process — the prompts are easy enough to follow, like "Can you find a pot?" and "Can you find a book?"
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Mollybee Kids is a small business! We have these in my home and my toddler loves them! They surprisingly keep him entertained for quite some time. He gets a real kick out of searching the house for the items on the cards — which has been great during the cold winter months. The cards are durable (my 9-month-old has chewed on them a few times) and will definitely be used for years to come.
Promising review:" A must-have. My 2-year-old son is obsessed. Always asks to play the 'find you' game LOL. Then we play it and every option on the game he actually thinks really hard then says 'come on mommy' and runs me through the house to find the object. Highly recommended from a mom of four." — Britney bansley
Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in preschool edition, Spanish edition, and an outdoor edition).
42. National Geographic stepping stones made of soft foam that kids can place indoors or outdoors to hop, hop, hop between in an exciting balancing act. Just try not to trip over them as *you* make your way to grab a snack from the pantry. Remind yourself it'll help your kiddos work on their balance and gross motor skills.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
These tend to slip, so if you do want to use them on smooth surfaces, grab some grip tape.
Promising review: "I purchased these as a gift for my grandchildren's obstacle course. They are well-made, and I think they will hold up very well. More importantly, I discovered that they are fabulous for seniors who are having balance problems! They would be a great addition to any therapy. As a former yoga instructor, I am considering buying these for myself!" — Lerns
Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $49.99.
43. A roll of road tape your kids can use to turn the house into a Formula 1–level racetrack. Might as well put the many (many!) cars they've accumulated to good use — watch out, Lewis Hamilton!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Several reviewers said they used this tape on airplane tray tables to entertain their kids while traveling. PlayTape is a small business!
Promising review: "I was so excited to gift this tape to a 4-year-old boy and to see how it was. It's very light and stuck to a table very nicely. It left no residue on the table and could tear easily to make a turn in the road. You could put this anywhere in your house and not be worried about damage. Very cool!" — Courtney S.
Get a 30-foot roll from Amazon for $9.47 (available in multipacks).
44. And, of course, a jar of internet-beloved The Pink Stuff, which is an all-purpose cleaning paste that'll help you tackle all of your kid-made messes but make it *~pretty in pink~* at the same time. Don't even think twice, just add it to your cart immediately (you'll thank me).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:" A must-have for toddler moms! My 3-year-old recently decided to channel his inner Van Gogh on our stairwell wall, and red crayon was EVERYWHERE. I tried every possible cleaning solution, and nothing was getting it off. I heard about the Pink Stuff on TikTok and decided it was worth a shot. This stuff is a miracle worker! With a sponge and some elbow grease, I was able to remove all the crayon within 10 minutes. There's absolutely no trace of the crayon left, and it didn't ruin my paint!" — Casey Blaine
" If you have toddlers, this is a MUST! This stuff is amazing. It gets out crayon, ink, permanent marker, literally whatever way your toddler decides to unknowingly destroy your home — this stuff cleans it up. Will be giving this to all expectant parents as a gift from now on. Forget that cute onesie. They need this. 10/10" — Diana
Get it from Amazon for $5.97.
Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.