Toddlers want to be busy all the time; otherwise they will get bored easily. Playing lays the perfect foundation for their physical and emotional development, and is necessary for mastering general life skills. So, it is important that you choose toys which incorporate learning into fun and excitement. Pretend play has a vital role in social skills development. Books with puzzles and sounds are very popular with toddlers. Simple blocks can entertain them for ages, and helps to learn about sizes and shapes. Toys that will give them the freedom to use their imagination such as play doh, farm animals, and non-toxic paints are also ideal birthday gifts for toddlers.