Gift ideas for a 2 year old?

[Pinky]

I'm already starting to think of Christmas ideas for my DD who will be getting close to 2 then. I think we're definitely going to get her a kitchen and we also got her an easel from Ikea that we've put back for Christmas.

I thought about maybe a small play tent or tunnel. I'm hoping to avoid a ball pit just because I'm afraid that those things are huge and that the balls will be everywhere.

Are there any other "big" toys that I'm missing that kids around this age really like? I guess I should also clarify that when I say "big" I don't necessarily mean in terms of space as I appreciate an item with a small foot print but I guess I mean something that will get a lot of use and provide creative play opportunities.

[essnce629]

DS2 turned 2 in May and got a wooden play kitchen with tons of Plan Toys food and the M & D shopping cart. And we already had a play tunnel and tent, but the one thing that he really loves is his Leapfrog Computer. He calls it his "Scout computer" because it has Scout the dog. He really likes it and always chooses to bring it in the car with him whenever we leave the house. This is it (they have a pink version too): http://www.amazon.com/LeapFrog-19150-My-Own-Leaptop/dp/B0038AJYSS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314308152&sr=8-1

He also likes to take pictures with my regular camera so I steer him towards DS1's vTech camera instead. He's actually really good at taking pictures already! This is the redesigned one (we have the original one but the price for that one is more than double!) http://www.amazon.com/VTech-80-106950-901-Vtech-Kidizoom-Camera/dp/B0027CS7DG/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1314308236&sr=1-1

He also really likes these small sets of puzzles (not peg puzzles) that come in a box. It's a set of 4 and each puzzle is just 6 pieces and he's able to do them by himself now. He really likes them and plays with them every day. I got them during the big Borders sale for $1. They are similar to these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006N8YFO

He also likes his M & D Beginner Pattern Blocks
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005O63Q

Oh, and he really loves his little toddler pool. I put it right outside the kitchen door when I'm making dinner and fill it with warm water from the kitchen sink. He loves it and will lay and play in there the whole time I'm cooking! This one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ONP8XY

[GvilleGirl]

Right now Maggie Lee (M&D) Dress Up Doll is a hit. http://www.melissaanddoug.com/maggie-leigh-magnetic-play-magnets

She loves puzzles and has a bunch of easy multi-piece puzzles that get done almost every day. She loves building towers with bristle blocks or mega blocks.

Also just coloring, water colors and paints are used a lot. Stickers too.

We have a play tent that she loves for me to get out but really doesn't play in it. I keep putting it away because it takes up so much space.

[essnce629]

Funny-- I have the boy M&D magnetic dress up doll in the closet to give to DS2 at Christmas!

Oh, and I totally forgot that the one thing that DS2 plays with every single day and multiple times a day are his Duplos!

Hmmm, didn't think of stickers. DS1 has a ton that are never used. I should break them out for DS2 and see how he likes them.

[katydid1971]

Snap 'n Style dolls. DD love them an they tons of super cute outfits.
http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=900000&e=storethumb&pcat=fps_toddler_snapNstyle

[BayGirl2]

Agree with the kitchen and art stuff. Ride ons are also popular here. We have a plasma car and a tricycle with push bar. DS also plays a lot with his sand & water table, although that my not work for xmas in some climates. He's really into trains and anything with wheels, but that may be more of a boy thing, some girls aren't as captivated. Also books, puzzles, still into little people.

[HonoluluMom]

DD just turned 2.

The gifts that she's been playing with the most:

- play kitchen
- easel
- play doh
- trike (she refuses to get in the stroller for neighborhood walks now)