Toddler Tried, Tested and Approved Gift List

With endless kid gift ideas left, right and centre, it is, arguably, harder than ever for indecisive (and exhausted) parents to play Santa. That’s why, this year, we’re heading to a true one-stop-shop for all our holiday shopping: Indigo has the top toys little ones want, tried and tested by our very own wee one ahead of the big holly jolly day! See what four-year-old Esme has to say about each of these playful picks—and happy shopping! —Noa (and Esme) Nichol

vtech myla magic unicorn. For the four-to-six-year-old set, Myla ($70) is truly magical! This colourful robotic unicorn toy glitters with lights as she moves, talks, sings and interacts with the help of a "magic" wand, butterly palette and microphone. "I like decorating Myla in different colours, changing her unicorn horn and brushing her long hair," Esme says. "When I patted her she told me a lucky colour!"

osmo little genius kit. Three-to-five-year-olds will love this kit ($84), as will their moms and dads! Osmo learning games makes it fun for children to learn and develop a wide range of skills, from creativity to problem-solving to science, technology, engineering, math and art. "I like school but this is even more fun," says Esme. "I liked the art games. Maybe we can show this to my teacher?"

paw patrol super paw team jet. This toddler "10" ($80) harnesses the popularity of the Paw Patrol franchise, and transforms from a "flying" jet into a mobile command centre for the pups! It comes with one figure—Ryder—who Esme explains "is on the case! But Mama," she adds, "there’s room for all the pups in this ‘airplane,’ so Ryder shouldn’t be all alone. Maybe Santa will remember to bring the rest of them on Christmas Day." (Lucky for this elf, other figures are sold, though separately.)

leapfrog rockit twist. For toddlers who are becoming big kids (four up to eight years old), this rockin’, rotatable, single-player game system ($49) boasts four sides of colorful, light-up controls like buttons, dials, a spinner, slider, switch and D-pad to provide a totally unique way to play exciting video games that help kids learn skills including literacy, math, problem solving, science and creativity all while having fun! "My favourite game is the the pet game," says Esme. "My pet hatched and grew from an egg so I can take care of it now!"

kindi kids snack time friends. Another one for kids three to five years, this adorable doll ($37), dubbed Marsha Mello, is full of fun and play. "Mama, watch, she can eat her cake pop just like me, when we go to Starbucks!" Esme says, demonstrating how Marsha takes a bite out of her treat when it’s pushed up to her mouth. "And look, she’s making the marshmallows move up and down in the straw!"

schleich rider café. For kids a little older (between five and seven years of age), this hand-painted café ($60) provides tonnes of imaginative fun, with furnishings, figurines and even tiny menu items included. "I wish I had a horse, too," says Esme, who has been asking for riding lessons since summer. "I could ride it to Starbucks [there’s a bit of an obsession here] and get a hot chocolate, just like these toys!"

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