At Vivvi, we think a lot about how children learn — but we’re also parents and caregivers who know what actually gets played with at home. So when you’re shopping for gifts for your little ones, keep this rule in mind: the best gifts are the ones children return to — because they’re simple, flexible, and leave room for imagination. These are the things we actually use, love, and recommend to each other as parents and caregivers.
To help guide your shopping, we put together a gift guide of favorites from across the Vivvi team. These are the toys and tools we genuinely love because kids come back to them again and again — and because they support learning in ways that feel natural, joyful, and unforced.
Sensory Bottle (Petit Boum) — $18
Picked by: Sheila Daniel, Campus Success Manager
Best for ages: 3–12 months
Why we love it:
We use sensory bottles here at Vivvi in just about every classroom, but there’s nothing quite like seeing a baby captivated by one for the very first time. The gentle movement and swirling colors completely hold their attention. It’s calm, quiet, and genuinely magical.
Why it’s great for young learners:
Sensory bottles support early visual tracking, focus, and attention. With no right way to play, babies explore cause and effect entirely on their own terms.
Wooden Musical Instruments Set (Mentari Toys) — $42
Picked by: Analissa Woolford, Recruitment Manager
Best for ages: 18 months–4 years
Why we love it:
This is joyful noise in the best way. Kids love tapping, shaking, and experimenting with sound — whether they’re playing solo or putting on a full family concert.
Why it’s great for young learners:
Musical play supports coordination, rhythm, listening skills, and self-expression, while helping children understand cause and effect.
Personalized Photo Book (Pinhole Press) — from $39
Picked by: Lauren Hobbs, Chief Marketing Officer
Best for ages: Newborn–5 years
Why we love it:
Nothing gets more repeat reads than a book with familiar faces. Kids love spotting themselves and retelling memories, and these make meaningful gifts for grandparents.
Why it’s great for young learners:
Personalized books build language, memory, emotional connection, and early storytelling skills.
Do A Dot Art! Washable Dot Markers (Do A Dot Art!) — $20
Picked by: Jessica Pallay, Director of Communications
Best for ages: 18 months–4 years
Why we love it:
These make art time feel doable. They’re easy to hold, satisfying to use, and don’t require much setup or cleanup.
Why it’s great for young learners:
The dotting motion strengthens fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while encouraging creativity.
Glitter Heart Toilet Bombs – $18
Picked by: Anna Buning, VP of Finance
Best for ages: 2 –5 years (potty training age)
Why we love it:
Potty training can be a long haul, and this adds a little fun to the routine. Dropping a glitter heart into the bowl before flushing turns toilet time into something kids actually look forward to — and the grape scent doesn’t hurt either.
Why it’s great for young learners:
Potty training is about confidence and independence. A simple, playful ritual like this helps kids feel excited and in control, making the process feel positive instead of pressured.
“A Little Book About” Series (A Kids Co. x Penguin Random House) – $12.95 each
Picked by: Jade Francis, Learning & Curriculum Manager
Best for ages: 0–4 years
Why we love it:
These books are simple, warm, and easy to come back to. The topics invite meaningful conversations without feeling heavy, and they’re just the right length for reading together with little ones.
Why it’s great for young learners:
Titles like Feelings, Belonging, and Curiosity help children build emotional awareness and language in an age-appropriate way, supporting early social-emotional development.
Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Learn & Serve Coffee Café (Fisher-Price) — $17
Picked by: Lauren Perotta, VP of Partnerships
Best for ages: 18 months–3 years
Why we love it:
If your child loves watching you make coffee, this feels instantly familiar and sparks lots of pretend play.
Why it’s great for young learners:
Pretend play supports language development, sequencing, and social interaction, with stages that grow alongside your child.
Tea Set (Lalo) — $39.99
Picked by: Athena Papanicolau, VP of Client Success
Best for ages: 3–5 years
Why we love it:
This is a classic, screen-free favorite — just pouring, hosting, and serious tea party energy.
Why it’s great for young learners:
Open-ended pretend play encourages communication, cooperation, imagination, and social-emotional development.
Custom Imagination Stickers (Stickerbox) — $99.99
Picked by: Danielle Wilson, Event and Social Media Manager
Best for ages: 3–5 years
Why we love it: Kids are endlessly proud seeing their ideas turned into something real — and these end up everywhere.
Why it’s great for young learners:
Sticker play builds expressive language, fine motor skills, and creativity.
Magnetic Chalkboard & Dry-Erase Board with Letters and Numbers (Melissa & Doug) — $26
Picked by: Lauren Nilles, SVP of People
Best for ages: 3–6 years
Why we love it:
This comes out again and again for drawing, doodling, and early writing practice.
Why it’s great for young learners:
Supports early literacy, numeracy, creativity, and confidence through hands-on exploration.
Block Playset (Gathre) — $500
Picked by: Jill Duncan, Director of Client Success
Best for ages: 3–5 years
Why we love it:
This invites big-body play that kids don’t outgrow quickly — forts, ramps, and obstacle courses galore.
Why it’s great for young learners:
Climbing and building support balance, spatial awareness, problem-solving, and gross motor development.
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out:
Open-Ended Toy Gift Guide
Toy Gift Guide by Age