Wooden Pounding Bench with Mallet

~$17 typical price

A wooden bench with chunky pegs that a toddler hammers through with a wooden mallet, then flips over to start again.

Why it makes a great gift

It gives a toddler's urge to bang things a proper outlet, and it builds hand-eye coordination along the way.

Similar gift ideas

~$20

Melissa & Doug Natural Play Playful Pals Wooden Puzzles

Builds early matching and fine motor skills in a durable form.

Puzzle LoversHomebodies

~$22

Aurora Breyer Clydesdale Plush Horse

A cuddly gift for a young animal lover.

Horse LoversArtists & Crafters

~$25

Melissa & Doug Cutting Food

Encourages pretend cooking and the large pieces are sized for toddler hands.

Home Cooksfun

~$12

Lamaze Pile and Play Cups, 8-Piece

A cheap, durable classic that teaches size order and holds up to years of tossing.

funpractical