Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Toddlers 12-18 Months

Oh my goodness gracious, if there’s one holiday I love just for the sake of pure sweetness, it’s Valentine’s Day. I used to kind of hate Valentine’s Day – a holiday created by marketers? Come on, you can’t fool me that easily. But then I got a boyfriend. And then a fiance. And then a husband. And now a baby. And I JUST CAN’T HELP MYSELF! Every holiday is now the most fun holiday ever because somehow, someway, kids just do that to you. Last year was Adeline’s first Valentine’s Day and I will forever cherish the little messy footprint craft she made me at daycare. And I will forever cherish how squishy she was, and how gosh darn cute she looked in her heart dress I made her wear all weekend. This year though, she’s a full fledged toddler and celebrating Valentine’s Day with her is going to be a bit more involved! She’s all about toys, and things, and stuff, but after the Christmas season, the last thing we need is more stuff. We certainly don’t want Adeline to learn that she gets gifts for every holiday, but it sure is fun treating her to a little something festive alongside a sweet card (that she can’t even read yet.)

Today I’m teaming up with my friend Kylie, over at Rose & Co, to give you our picks for cheap and easy Valentine’s Day gift ideas for toddlers. Kylie’s son, Sawyer, was born just 5 days after Adeline, and we have journeyed through first time motherhood together. Seriously, if it weren’t for her, I’m not sure how I would have survived those first few months! Advice to all you future mamas out there – find yourself a pregnant buddy who’s due around the same time as you and latch on like a leech! You will NEED that support!

After you read my girl picks, head on over to Rose & Co to read Kylie’s picks for the boys!

1. Toddler Dinnerware Set – You can’t go wrong with a new place setting! Adeline is at the age where she’s really starting to learn to eat food off of her own plate (and pour it all over the floor), so adding a fun new place setting might keep her a little more engaged, and excited for meal time. I love this bamboo mermaid set – too cute!

2. Valentine’s Jammies – Holiday pajamas are always practical, and just, fun! Who doesn’t need another pair of fresh jammies? Carter’s always has a great selection, and even though hearts scream Valentine’s Day, they’re still simple enough to wear through the remainder of winter.

3. New Bow or Tutu – I mean, why not?? So these aren’t necessarily needs, but they’re totally practical. Right?? You can never have too many pink bows (is anyone else’s diaper bag or purse like a black hole?) and little girls can only wear tutus for so long. After Valentine’s Day, throw it in her costume box for future play days! P.S. I have several of these Cat and Jack bows from Target, and they are fabulous!

4. Valentine’s Book – One of my favorite traditions so far is giving Adeline a book that coordinates with whichever holiday we’re on! Reading is something we don’t take lightly, and I’m so passionate about making sure my girly loves to read! I actually picked up this Sesame Street book for Adeline already and I know she is going to LOVE it. Books are always a good idea, and are a great way to spend even more time together.

5. Unique Bath Toys – Now that Adeline’s out of her bath-boycotting stage, bath time is suddenly SO much more fun! Not gonna lie though, our foam toys are starting to get a little icky, so I figure now’s a good time to introduce another fun toy that might last a little longer. How adorable is this teapot set?! Literally dying. Cupcakes in the bathtub? Yes please.

6. Healthy Snack Basket – Valentine’s Day is totally about candy and chocolates and sweets, but for toddlers, they really don’t need all that sugar. I think making a little basket with all of your girly’s favorite fun snacks would be a great way to teach her healthier habits, while again, being practical. Throwing in things like snack bars, puffs, mum-mums, rice cakes, etc. would be super easy. If you kept everything in the pink/red color family, that would be even more festive!

7. Supplies for Craft Time with Mommy – Like I mentioned earlier, the little footprint craft that Adeline made at daycare last year is something I will always cherish. For Father’s Day, we did a painted frame for her Daddy, and at Christmas, we made reindeer feet. Spending time together crafting is something that’s so simple, yet so meaningful. Pick up some art supplies, and set aside some time to let her go crazy and get messy! Make memories, and let her create her own masterpiece for Valentine’s Day! You could even make 2 or 3 different things and start teaching her the importance of gifting to others.

I hope this helps you think outside the box for Valentine’s Day with your little one! Don’t forget to check out Kylie’s boy picks!

For any dads or dudes reading this, Valentine’s Day is February 14. Just a friendly reminder 😉

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