Maybe it’s because I was a bit of a tom-boy growing up, but planning for Ryan’s birthdays and Christmas in the first few years of his life felt so much more natural to me than planning for Natalie’s and Emily’s.
But I’m happy to say that after a few years of raising girls under my belt, I feel confident sharing some of my favorite toys for girls, specifically for the 2-3 year old age group.
Between Christmas and Natalie’s birthday, she and Emily (who are only 16 months apart) are set for what seems like it could be the next few YEARS of fun.
Today, I’m going to share some of Natalie’s favorite gifts that she has played with nonstop. And many of these Ryan and Emily have loved too!
- Micro Mini Deluxe Kick Scooter (found here)
- Little Cosmetics Pretend Makeup (found here)
- Play Foam (found here)
- Candy Land (found here)
- Disney Minnie Mouse Junior Cruiser (found here)
- Melissa & Doug Necklace Making Kit (found here)
- Our Generation Doll (list of all available dolls found here)
- Our Generation Salon Chair (found here)
- Our Generation Ice Cream Truck (found here)
- Melissa & Doug Grocery Store (found here)
- Melissa & Doug Grocery Store Accessories (found here)
- Melissa & Doug Shopping Cart (found here)
- Melissa & Doug Pet Vet Play Set (found here)
- Minnie Bowtique Shopping Cart (found here)
- Disney Frozen Sing Along Microphone (found here)
I would have said that age 3 is the perfect age for giving a scooter, but Emily (at 20 months) rode Natalie’s scooter the first night she got it- hah! So I’d say this particular scooter is perfect for age 2 or 3 and adjusts as they get older. Ryan is 4.5 and loves his still! (found here)
I did not know this even existed, but it is GENIUS. Natalie loves getting ready with me and using my lip gloss and blush brush, so now she has her own little mess-free makeup bag. It is the cutest. (found here)
I also didn’t know about this fun play-doh alternative. It is sticky-free and easy to clean up. All three of our kids love it! (found here)
I was so impressed with how well Natalie did with Candy Land! I would have originally suggested this board game for age 4, but she was rocking the numbers and colors and loved playing the game. And of course Ryan loved it too! (found here)
This has been an indoor toy all week for us because of the crazy rain we’re getting in Atlanta, but I’m actually really glad it worked out that way because Natalie (and Emily) have used it SO much and love it. It took Natalie a day or two to really get the hang of pedaling and steering, but I love this option for younger kids before they learn how to ride a bike. And if you can handle having it in the house initially, I think it really helps them to practice on a smooth surface. (found here)
This is such a cute idea. Both Natalie and Ryan loved making necklaces with these kits, and Emily tried too, but it didn’t hold her interested quite as long. 😉 It’s a great way to practice fine motor skills and practice creativity! (found here)
Funny story, I ordered this doll for Natalie because I thought it looked most like her out of all of the options, and then noticed on the shipping label when it came in the mail that it is their Hispanic doll. Hah! Natalie loves the jewelry that comes with this doll and that she can put earrings in her pierced ears.
I will say, I have heard that the American Girl dolls are totally worth the money when your girls get a little older because the hair holds up much better, but for the cost, I think the Target versions are perfect for age 3. Target has tons of options for the Our Generation dolls, so I linked those here.
Natalie LOVES these two accessories for the Our Generation dolls. She has done her doll’s hair over and over again, and Emily and Ryan have been quite the helpers, haha. It is so cute and so affordable! (found here)
I mean, this ice cream truck is so much fun. Emily actually gets in it every time we play, which is hilarious, and all 3 of our kiddos love it! (found here)
Natalie got this grocery store for Christmas and all 3 of our kids have played with it every day since! The checkout belt moves, the scanner lights up and makes a noise, and there’s a little pen that you can write on the key pad screen to sign for your purchase. It is so cute! Matt’s parents were the sweetest to put this together for her as her grand finale gift on Christmas Day, so we didn’t assemble it ourselves, but all of the reviews say it’s super easy to put together, so that is a major bonus. (found here)
The accessories for the store are a must. 🙂 (found here)
We’ve had this shopping cart for quite some time now and it doesn’t get old. The kids love loading it up with food and toys and pushing it around the house. It’s one of their favorites for sure! (found here)
This is such a cute little toy. All 3 kids love playing doctor with the puppies. It’s a great alternative to a traditional doctor kit. (found here)
If your girl is a Minnie lover, this little shopping cart is so adorable. It comes with some Minnie groceries inside (5 little things I think) and is the perfect height for 18-months old and up. Natalie and Emily both love it! (found here)
This Frozen microphone sings the “Let it Go” song (and one other song), and doesn’t actually project the kids’ voices, but they don’t notice the difference and LOVE singing along with the song. Emily was 18 months old when Natalie got it for Christmas, and she picked it up one day and said, “Let it Go!” so loudly. It was her first phrase, hah. So I might have a personal connection to this toy 😉 but I think your Frozen-loving girls will love it too! (found here)
Okay, that’s wrap! I hope this was helpful! I’m happy to answer any questions- just leave a comment below or message me on Instagram. Happy shopping!
