Xmas presents for a 1 year old keen to discover her world

[Wills]

Hi, dd2 is a discovery type personality whereas dd1 was away with the fairies deep into her imagination. We learnt that the best presents for dd1 where props for her imagination like animals and dolls and dresses and doll houses etc etc. Whereas dd1 will look once and put down, dd2 really spends time looking at things. Anyone with any good toys that encourage exploring and discovery? dd2 is 14 months and will be 16 months at Xmas. Thanks

Wills - one thing that my 2 adored as children (copied from the Montessori toddlers group we went to) was a treasure box.

We got a big wooden box and filled it with interesting things (nothing plastic) IIRC things like a tin whistle, small purse, pieces of different textured fabrics e.g. velvet, satin, organza, acorns, pine cones, old beaded necklaces, scarves, hats, shawls, miniture brass ornaments - especially kettles and teapots etc, china ballet shoes, china animals, polished stones, rings, miniture cymbals, leaves, little wooden ornaments, feathers - you get the idea!

This used to keep them occupied for hours and costs virtually nothing!

In terms of things to buy, I think shape sorters are excellent for this age group!

We have just bought this for ds who will be 8 months (in the full expectation that dd (2.8) will get more use out of it to start with)

A good old fashioned box of bricks, different shapes and colours, is good for the exploratory types.

oooh, thanks prufrock that looks great - i think our DS (12mths) may well be getting one of those now!

love the idea of the treasure box too.

my DS sounds a lot like your DD2 Wills - he will spend ages with one thing looking like he's really trying to figure it out. At the moment he really loves his stacking cups and his shape sorter and is just getting into the wooden jigsaws with the really big pieces. We got a lovely one for his birthday (ELC?) which makes a noise as each piece is fitted.

I love the treasure box idea - have been struggling for ideas for my DD2 as she has all of DD1s old toys (and new ones if she can get there fast enough). Will definitely suggest that one to her generous auntie who ahs been asking.
Will keep an eye on this thread for other suggestions..

I like those "peekaboo" bricks from Fisher Price (I think ELC might do them too) that are stackable but have all sorts of interesting little things inside.

Love the treasury box and the block recommended by prufrock. Have wondered about building bricks as she loves unpacking and packing things (is forever doing the washing machine ). Bought those peekaboo blocks - loads of them thinking she'd like them and .... she doesn't . Wish I'd just bought a couple first.