🎁 Christmas gifts for 1 and 2-year-olds
📢 This article contains advertising through affiliate links to Guttelus and Babybanden. The advice is our own.
Little children often get lots of presents at Christmas, and much of it ends up unused. The best gifts for 1 and 2-year-olds are simple things that can be used every day and can survive being thrown, chewed and taken into the bath.
Here are the ideas we would choose ourselves – from play to practical things and experiences.
Updated 10 November 2026
🪵 Wooden toys that last
Stacking toys, shape sorters, pull-along animals and simple knob puzzles are great from around age 1. Wooden toys are tough and can be handed down to siblings.
🍳 Play kitchen and pretend play
From around age 2, many children love to "cook" like the grown-ups. A small set of cups, pans and play food gives years of play.
🧱 Blocks to build with
Big stacking boxes and blocks suit children from around age 1 – first for knocking towers down, later for building. Duplo suits children from around 18 months and can be added to for years.
🧸 A soft toy to sleep with
A soft toy or comforter can become a loyal friend at nursery and in bed. Choose something that can be washed.
🛁 Bath toys
Stacking cups, floating toys and a watering can make bath time the highlight of the day. Choose toys without holes, or ones that open, so they do not go mouldy inside.
🐑 Wool clothes – the gift parents love most
Wool base layers and wool suits are expensive, worn every day all winter and quickly outgrown. Consider buying one size up. See also our guide to winter clothes.
🎟️ An experience instead of a thing
A baby swimming course, a trip to the theatre or an annual pass to a museum are gifts that give time together. Many museums in Oslo are free for the youngest, so a pass for the adults may be enough.
Questions and answers
What is a good Christmas gift for a 1-year-old?
Simple wooden toys like stacking toys and shape sorters, a soft toy, bath toys or practical wool clothes. One-year-olds are busy exploring – the box is often as exciting as the gift.
What is a good Christmas gift for a 2-year-old?
Duplo, a play kitchen, pretend play and picture books are great. Many two-year-olds love copying the grown-ups.
What can you give instead of toys?
An experience together, like baby swimming, the theatre or a museum trip. See our free activities guide for ideas in Oslo.
