The Best Holiday Toys and Gifts for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Expect big smiles and lots of giggles on Christmas morning when your kiddo unwraps one of these hot toys for tots.

Whether they've seen older siblings build and create with their beloved Lego or they're discovering the wonderful world for the first time, this playhouse set will be a favourite. It's got all the fun details that kids love, like windows that open, fun accessories and boats. $45,thebay.com

Crayola Color Wonder markers and paints only work on special Color Wonder paper—so your table tops, furniture, walls, and anything else they might want to decorate (like a younger sibling, perhaps) are perfectly safe. The colouring sheets come with designs of all their favourite characters (like Anna and Elsa, Bubble Guppies, and Paw Patrol) too. We love the Stow and Go Studio, which keeps everyhitng handy and contained for car trips and outings. $12.39,shop.crayola.ca

If the kiddos adored their personalized ‘Lost My Name' books, it's time for the latest and greatest intergalactic adventure. The personalized bits go beyond merely the child's name—the book even features a satellite image of their home! Lots of other fun adventures make this a book they'll always adore. $39,lostmy.name

This ice cream counter comes with 20 pieces—including eight scoops of ice cream, six toppings, cones, cups, spoons, a menu and a counter. We love that it's all made out of wood—Melisa and Doug toys are always the best quality. $60, chapters.indigo.ca

It's an awesome pop-up play space, which the kids adore. It's also a play van that fits half the neighbourhood, which is also great for creative games. And then here's the part that the parents adore: it's a VW camper van that fits in perfectly with our nostalgic yearnings. Can we have one, too? $80, chapters.indigo.ca

Thomas zips around the track, around loops, up an elevator, and over a bridge—flying 2 feet in the air!—and lands right back on the track like magic. So cool. $85,toysrus.ca

If you've got an Our Generation fan in the house, this hot pink 4x4 jeep is the coolest accessory for your kiddo's favourite dolly. $55,mastermindtoys.com

This is a toy that they will truly get years of play. It starts on a ride-on vehicle perfect for the toddler that wants to move. Then it switches to a stable 3-wheeled scooter with a high or low handlebar for their first ride! There's an excellent steering system and smoothness to the rolling that makes it a positive experience for the little scooting wonder. $100, toysrus.ca

This is a cause-and-effect caterpillar, aka teachable moment while having fun. Each segment indicates a different degree of direction, so by rearranging the links, the direction changes. With the lights, sounds, and blinking eyes, kiddos will feel like they have their very own robot. $70, chapters.indigo.ca

A doll stroller is actually one of those toys that they will spend hours playing with—especially when they're still learning to walk and love to toddle around. This one flips from high chair to stroller to bassinet, and comes with a matching doll to tuck inside. A sensor in the stroller plays different music and sounds depending on the position—lullaby's as a bassinet, for example—and comes programmed with sing-a-long songs about counting, letters, colours, places, and animals. $55, toysrus.ca

It's like a barbershop for minions. What wacky and creative hairstyles can your kiddos create from play-doh? $17,walmart.ca

For your Paw Patrol super fan who you just know would spend hours reenacting scenes and playing. $60, available at canadiantire.ca.

Tsum Tsum's are plushy, small characters based off of Disney's most beloved characters. You'll find old friends like Pooh, Mickey and the gang, and new characters like the cast of Moana, to name a few) They're small and collectible and oh-so-cute—the perfect new it thing if you're tired of stepping on Shopkins. $5.95,disneystore.com

The newest and coolest Disney princess? Elena. And if you act fast and stow her glam dress under the tree this year, you'll be the coolest too. $32,thebay.com

Little ones can style and play with Poppy's hair all day. (Just keep the scissors away!). $30, available at canadiantire.ca.

Paw patrol, Paw patrol, whenever you're in trouble. Paw patrol, Paw patrol, will be there on the double. This Paw Patroller is sure to make any pup's year. No job's too big! No pup's too small! $70,canadiantire.ca

Especially energetic tots will love jumping and dancing from spot to spot as they follows the sounds and phrases their musical mat sings to them—over 50 different songs to follow along to. $35,leapfrog.ca