We love to use the holidays and other gift-giving occasions to focus on giving our three daughters items in the categories of “something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read.” We have found this to be a helpful way to organize gift giving, and set boundaries and expectations. Here’s our holiday gift ideas for 0-3 year olds, with ideas in each category for the littlest kids!

Gift Ideas for 0-3 Year Olds

Gift Ideas for Kids 0-3

Related: Need MORE gift ideas for 0-3 year olds? Check out our Amazon Storefront shopping list!

Something You Want

We like to use the “something you want” category to choose a fun, developmentally appropriate toy or activity to engage our kids in PLAY! Here are some fun play ideas for 0-3 year old kids.

The Block Set

The Block Set

This block set features solid wood building blocks and shapes that all fit into a wooden storage box. Kids can get YEARS of creative play from this one amazing block set. (also available at Amazon and Target)

The Play Kits

The Play Kits

This subscription play kit provides stage-based play essentials for your child. We love that these curated kits take the guesswork out of choosing developmentally appropriate toys.

Animals on Wheels

Animals on Wheels

This cute wooden animal set includes 3 animals on wheels. Kids can move them, roll them, and it’s a fun way to work on hand-eye coordination. If you purchase from the Skillmatics website you can use code TIDY20 for an extra 20% off. (also available at Amazon)

Sortin Puzzles

Sorting Puzzles

This puzzle set includes animal puzzle pieces and three different habitat boards. Kids follow visual clues to sort each animal into their habitat and place them in the correct locations on the board. If you purchase from the Skillmatics website you can use code TIDY20 for an extra 20% off. (also available at Amazon)

Something You Need

We like to use the “something you need” category to gift our kids a practical item they will use. It is an opportunity to choose needed items in a fun way! Here are some “need” gift ideas for 0-3 year old kids.

Hooded Towel

Hooded Towel

This soft, plush hooded towel is thick, warm, and absorbent. It comes in infant size and toddler size, so you can choose the best fit for your little one. This is a practical item they will use every day! (also available at Amazon, Target, Walmart)

The Regulars Bundle

The Regulars Bundle

This 3-piece set includes Everyday Lotion, Hair + Body Wash, and All Over Ointment. We like to use gift giving occasions to restock quality bath time essentials that we use every day. Shop our Tubby Todd link to automatically get an extra 10% off your purchase (no code needed).

Baby Proofing Straps

Baby Proofing Straps

If you have a young child at home, it is important to keep certain items out of reach. You can grab a set of baby proofing straps, add them as an easy stocking stuffer gift, and keep your little one safe!

Stain Treater

The BEST Stain Treater

This stain treater spray makes it so easy to quickly treat stains when you’re on the go. We also keep the travel wipes in our diaper bag, work bag, car, and more! If you have kids, you need this! It also makes a practical stocking stuffer gift.

Something To Wear

Kids are constantly growing and changing sizes of clothing, socks, shoes, and accessories. We like to use the “something to wear” category to gift a few items in their current or upcoming size. Here are some “wear” gift ideas for 0-3 year old kids.

Pajamas and Sleep Bag

Pajamas and Sleep Bag

These footed pajamas are made of a soft bamboo fabric that is stretchy, comfortable and cozy. The alpine village print is fun for winter! The coordinating sleep bag is like a wearable blanket, and will keep your little one warm all night.

Clothing Basics

Clothing Basics

Core styles like simple solid onesies and coordinating jogger pants can be the building blocks of your baby or toddler’s closet. If you’ve never ordered from Primary before, you can use code TIDYDAD20 for 20% off your first order, plus FREE shipping.

Best Shoes for Toddlers

BEST shoes for toddlers

These shoes are designed to support natural growth in little feet. They come in a variety of colors and are perfect for walking, running, or climbing at the playground. The image inside the shoe even teaches kids their left and right foot!

Non-Slip Socks

Non-Slip Socks

These socks have grips on the bottom so that kids won’t slip while they crawl, walk or run. If you choose the set that comes in all solid colors, you also don’t have to worry about matching socks!

Something To Learn/Read

We like to use the “something to learn/read” category to gift some new books or a learning activity. Here are some “learn/read” gift ideas for 0-3 year old kids.

My First Library

My First Library

This set is a perfect addition to any home library. It includes 10 colorful board books on a wide range of learning topics, including ABC, Numbers, Shapes, Colors, Wild Animals, Farm Animals & Pets, Birds, Fruits, Vegetables, and Transport.

My Quiet Book

My Quiet Book

This book is full of interactive activity pages to help the giraffe get ready for the day. It is designed to help kids learn to tell time, tie laces, fasten buckles, use a button and a zipper, and build key fine motor skills. If you purchase from the Skillmatics website you can use code TIDY20 for an extra 20% off. (also available at Amazon)

First 100 Animals

First 100 Animals

This set of double sided flash cards features realistic images of animals. It includes wild animals, underwater animals, farm animals, insects, and birds. The cards can be used to talk about the different animal names, sounds, habitats, and more. If you purchase from the Skillmatics website you can use code TIDY20 for an extra 20% off. (also available at Amazon)

Board Books

Board Books

These boards books are great for little ones to hold and touch. The Night Before Christmas is a padded board book that is fun to read during the winter season. Baby Dinosaurs and A Big Day For Dump Truck both have “touch and feel” pages that make them engaging for young kids.

I hope this roundup inspires you to consider some gift ideas for 0-3 year olds in the categories of “something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to learn/read”. It can be a great way to organize your gifting!

Thanks for pinning: Gift Ideas for 0-3 Year Olds

gift ideas for 0-3 year olds

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission for purchases made, with NO additional fee to you.

Related: Need MORE gift ideas for 0-3 year olds? Check out our Amazon Storefront shopping list!

Need ideas for other ages?

More Ideas from the Archives:

Hi, I'm Tyler!

I'm a NYC teacher, writer, and dad of 3 girls. My wife and I live with our daughters in a
750-square-foot apartment in New York City. I'm on a journey to tidy up my life. I share practical, routine-driven approaches to tidying, because I believe the process of tidying can make space for what matters.

November 4, 2023

Gift Ideas for 0-3 Year Olds

We love to use the holidays and other gift-giving occasions to focus on giving our three daughters items in the categories of “something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read.” We have found this to be a helpful way to organize gift giving, and set boundaries and expectations. Here’s our holiday gift ideas for 0-3 year olds, with ideas in each category for the littlest kids!

Gift Ideas for 0-3 Year Olds

Gift Ideas for Kids 0-3

Related: Need MORE gift ideas for 0-3 year olds? Check out our Amazon Storefront shopping list!

Something You Want

We like to use the “something you want” category to choose a fun, developmentally appropriate toy or activity to engage our kids in PLAY! Here are some fun play ideas for 0-3 year old kids.

The Block Set

The Block Set

This block set features solid wood building blocks and shapes that all fit into a wooden storage box. Kids can get YEARS of creative play from this one amazing block set. (also available at Amazon and Target)

The Play Kits

The Play Kits

This subscription play kit provides stage-based play essentials for your child. We love that these curated kits take the guesswork out of choosing developmentally appropriate toys.

Animals on Wheels

Animals on Wheels

This cute wooden animal set includes 3 animals on wheels. Kids can move them, roll them, and it’s a fun way to work on hand-eye coordination. If you purchase from the Skillmatics website you can use code TIDY20 for an extra 20% off. (also available at Amazon)

Sortin Puzzles

Sorting Puzzles

This puzzle set includes animal puzzle pieces and three different habitat boards. Kids follow visual clues to sort each animal into their habitat and place them in the correct locations on the board. If you purchase from the Skillmatics website you can use code TIDY20 for an extra 20% off. (also available at Amazon)

Something You Need

We like to use the “something you need” category to gift our kids a practical item they will use. It is an opportunity to choose needed items in a fun way! Here are some “need” gift ideas for 0-3 year old kids.

Hooded Towel

Hooded Towel

This soft, plush hooded towel is thick, warm, and absorbent. It comes in infant size and toddler size, so you can choose the best fit for your little one. This is a practical item they will use every day! (also available at Amazon, Target, Walmart)

The Regulars Bundle

The Regulars Bundle

This 3-piece set includes Everyday Lotion, Hair + Body Wash, and All Over Ointment. We like to use gift giving occasions to restock quality bath time essentials that we use every day. Shop our Tubby Todd link to automatically get an extra 10% off your purchase (no code needed).

Baby Proofing Straps

Baby Proofing Straps

If you have a young child at home, it is important to keep certain items out of reach. You can grab a set of baby proofing straps, add them as an easy stocking stuffer gift, and keep your little one safe!

Stain Treater

The BEST Stain Treater

This stain treater spray makes it so easy to quickly treat stains when you’re on the go. We also keep the travel wipes in our diaper bag, work bag, car, and more! If you have kids, you need this! It also makes a practical stocking stuffer gift.

Something To Wear

Kids are constantly growing and changing sizes of clothing, socks, shoes, and accessories. We like to use the “something to wear” category to gift a few items in their current or upcoming size. Here are some “wear” gift ideas for 0-3 year old kids.

Pajamas and Sleep Bag

Pajamas and Sleep Bag

These footed pajamas are made of a soft bamboo fabric that is stretchy, comfortable and cozy. The alpine village print is fun for winter! The coordinating sleep bag is like a wearable blanket, and will keep your little one warm all night.

Clothing Basics

Clothing Basics

Core styles like simple solid onesies and coordinating jogger pants can be the building blocks of your baby or toddler’s closet. If you’ve never ordered from Primary before, you can use code TIDYDAD20 for 20% off your first order, plus FREE shipping.

Best Shoes for Toddlers

BEST shoes for toddlers

These shoes are designed to support natural growth in little feet. They come in a variety of colors and are perfect for walking, running, or climbing at the playground. The image inside the shoe even teaches kids their left and right foot!

Non-Slip Socks

Non-Slip Socks

These socks have grips on the bottom so that kids won’t slip while they crawl, walk or run. If you choose the set that comes in all solid colors, you also don’t have to worry about matching socks!

Something To Learn/Read

We like to use the “something to learn/read” category to gift some new books or a learning activity. Here are some “learn/read” gift ideas for 0-3 year old kids.

My First Library

My First Library

This set is a perfect addition to any home library. It includes 10 colorful board books on a wide range of learning topics, including ABC, Numbers, Shapes, Colors, Wild Animals, Farm Animals & Pets, Birds, Fruits, Vegetables, and Transport.

My Quiet Book

My Quiet Book

This book is full of interactive activity pages to help the giraffe get ready for the day. It is designed to help kids learn to tell time, tie laces, fasten buckles, use a button and a zipper, and build key fine motor skills. If you purchase from the Skillmatics website you can use code TIDY20 for an extra 20% off. (also available at Amazon)

First 100 Animals

First 100 Animals

This set of double sided flash cards features realistic images of animals. It includes wild animals, underwater animals, farm animals, insects, and birds. The cards can be used to talk about the different animal names, sounds, habitats, and more. If you purchase from the Skillmatics website you can use code TIDY20 for an extra 20% off. (also available at Amazon)

Board Books

Board Books

These boards books are great for little ones to hold and touch. The Night Before Christmas is a padded board book that is fun to read during the winter season. Baby Dinosaurs and A Big Day For Dump Truck both have “touch and feel” pages that make them engaging for young kids.

I hope this roundup inspires you to consider some gift ideas for 0-3 year olds in the categories of “something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to learn/read”. It can be a great way to organize your gifting!

Thanks for pinning: Gift Ideas for 0-3 Year Olds

gift ideas for 0-3 year olds

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission for purchases made, with NO additional fee to you.

Related: Need MORE gift ideas for 0-3 year olds? Check out our Amazon Storefront shopping list!

Need ideas for other ages?

More Ideas from the Archives:

November 4, 2023

Gift Ideas for 0-3 Year Olds

About me

Hi, my name is Tyler Moore. My wife and I live with our three young daughters in a 700- square-foot apartment in New York City. I began my tidying journey when an early-30’s crisis invited me to reflect upon, challenge, and change my patterns of daily living. I quit my job as a school administrator, returned to teaching, and started Tidy Dad to help others tidy, simplify, and find joy in their lives. I firmly believe the tidying process can transform your life. I’d love for you to join me in exploring ways that tidying can make room for what’s important in life. 


tidy home

Are You Ready
To Transform Your
Cleaning Routine?

free Download

welcome to the tribe!

i'll be sending you an e-mail soon!
so be on the lookout in your inbox!