Looking for Pediatrician-Approved Gifts for Kids? Here's What Doctors Buy Their Own
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Time to Read: 8 min
The 2025 Guide to Pediatrician-Approved Gifts for Kids—A Science-Backed List of Toys, Books, and Tools That Inspire Healthy, Curious, and Kind Kids
By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi, MD—Board-Certified Pediatrician, Mom of Three, & Founder of Ahimsa
From fancy tech to robotic pets, holiday inventory is full of gifts children love. But what do pediatricians think? And what are some doctor-recommended kids’ toys sure to make the holidays happy?
Read on to learn all about the perfect present prescription and why a dose of old-fashioned play is the remedy for buyer’s remorse.
About Ahimsa
Founded by a pediatrician and mom of three
Stainless steel is the only kid-friendly material recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
We are guided by a Scientific Advisory Council comprised of environmental and medical experts, guiding us in creating the safest products, following the latest science and promoting policy to protect human health and our planet
Want to know more? Check out our story and our products.
The Technology Trap
It’s normal to like bright and shiny things (even as parents, we get excited about a new air fryer or a front-loading washing machine). Toys, however, are a bit different, as children quickly move on to the next invention. Walkie-talkies, handheld video games, and smartwatches often end up broken, discarded, and dumped in the trash.
This short-lived interest is harmful to Mother Earth; according to studies, 85% of electronic waste is put in landfills or incinerators, where it's burned, releasing toxins into the air we breathe. Of course, tech can be directly harmful to kids, too: Research suggests that excessive screen time impairs social and emotional intelligence, disrupts sleep, leads to social isolation, and shortens attention span.
This is why what pediatricians buy for kids differs from the gadgets and gizmos a’plenty available in the retail jungle of Amazon and other sites. Sustainable holiday gifts for families don’t just help nature; they help you nurture.
From Our Pediatrician Group Chat to Your Gift List
Hoping to avoid the trap of technology, pediatricians know how to buy gifts that matter. In fact, we’re some of the best gift-givers around for one main reason: Every purchase comes with built-in medical knowledge. That’s right: We merge an MD with TLC!
Now, with a little insider info, you can do the same.
The Present Moment: Gifts That Win the Holidays
Whether you’re shopping for gifts that foster brain development, creativity, and healthy habits or those that support education, environmental awareness, and emotional resilience, consider adding the following to your holiday list:
Lovevery Play Kits
Rooted in developmental neuroscience and inspired by Montessori play kits, Lovevery focuses on coordination, multi-sensory exploration, and repetition.
The benefits offered include the following:
Strengthened neural pathways
Improved attention and memory
Enhanced executive function skills
Why do pediatricians love Lovevery? It turns playtime into brain-time—naturally, joyfully, and without overstimulation and burnout.
Ahimsa Mindful Mealtime Set
Ahimsa was created after the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warned parents about harmful chemicals in plastic dishware. Colorful, non-toxic and pediatrician-designed, Ahimsa dishes are kid-adored and parent-trusted.
The benefits include the following:
Stainless steel that is inert, non-toxic, and free from harmful chemicals
Divided plates that visually teach variety, balance, and age-appropriate portions
Bright colors that encourage kids to eat their meals and make mealtime fun
Why do pediatricians love Ahimsa? Everyday meals become micro-lessons on health—reinforcing independence, balance, and environmental care—while keeping harmful chemicals off the menu!
KiwiCo Crates
KiwiCo Crates transform curiosity into tangible discoveries. Each crate blends STEM and artistic expression to invite focus, persistence, confidence, and creative problem-solving.
The benefits include the following:
Enhanced neural plasticity and fine-motor control
Activation of dopamine-driven motivation pathways
Strengthened cognitive flexibility
Why do pediatricians love KiwiCo? It welcomes curiosity and encourages persistence, two predictors of academic and emotional success.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Toys
Melissa & Doug Wooden Toys are among the best holiday gifts for toddlers. Practical, tactile, and timeless, these toys promote open-ended play, collaboration, and sustainability. Their simplicity also fosters imagination, inviting children to slay dragons, rescue princesses, and turn their bedroom floors into magic kingdoms (no grownups allowed!).
The benefits include the following:
- Activation of empathy and storytelling centers in the brain
- Natural textures that promote sensory grounding and reduce overstimulation
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Durability that teaches responsibility through care and reuse
Why do pediatricians love Melissa & Doug? Wooden toys slow children down in all the right ways, helping them stay curious, get creative, find joy in the little things, and connect to the world around them.
Slumberkins Plush + Story Sets
Slumberkins Plush and Story Sets combine psychology, storytelling, and snuggles to help kids learn emotional regulation and resilience. Each of these emotional learning plush toys and storybooks is built around a core social-emotional skill, such as bravery, gratitude, or self-worth, inviting kids to name their emotions.
The benefits include the following:
Strengthened prefrontal regulation
Enhanced attachment and empathy
Lowered stress hormones
Why do pediatricians love Slumberkins? Emotional learning becomes accessible and effective, turning storytime into a predictable routine and a mental health practice.
Books
When it comes to healthy development, books are a pediatrician’s go-to prescription. A love of literature—from wild things to wizards—improves vocabulary, verbal skills, problem-solving abilities, emotional understanding, empathy, and sleep quality.
Our pediatrician-approved picks include the following:
Ada Twist, Scientist (sparks curiosity and perseverance)
The Rabbit Listened (teaches empathy and emotional awareness)
Thank You, Omu! (celebrates kindness and community)
Cuddle + Kind Hand-Knit Dolls
Cuddle + Kind dolls offer an easy way to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate; each doll purchased provides 10 meals to children in need while teaching empathy through tangible giving.
The benefits include the following:
Giving triggers dopamine and oxytocin, reinforcing kindness
Altruism builds empathy and social connection
Purposeful play nurtures gratitude and emotional maturity
Why do pediatricians love Cuddle + Kind? Joy with a purpose offers a lesson that is both healing and heartwarming.
Intentional Gifting: Shop Like a Pediatrician
Pediatricians don’t shop with trends in mind—we shop with intention, making the holidays not only merry but mindful.
From science-backed kids’ toys to plastic-free dishware, every gift on this list supports healthy bodies, curious minds, and compassionate hearts.
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
More Ahimsa Gift Ideas
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use stainless steel instead of plastic? Is stainless steel better for health?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in July 2018 suggesting ways that families can limit exposure to certain chemicals at mealtime, including “the use of alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.” The report explained that “…some additives are put directly in foods, while “indirect” additives may include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard”. Further, “Children are more sensitive to chemical exposures because they eat and drink more, relative to body weight, than adults do, and are still growing and developing.” While stainless steel items meet the recommendation to avoid plastic products in children, Ahimsa® products have the obvious advantage of not breaking like glass.
Is stainless steel better for the environment than plastic?
According to the Steel Recycling Institute, steel can be recycled over and over and over again without losing its integrity and requires less energy to recycle than to make anew. Most plastic unfortunately ends up in landfills and it is estimated to take 700 years to decompose. Our special coloring process that allows Ahimsa® products to be fully metal is environmentally friendly, so it does not produce toxic run-off into the ecosystem.
Will Ahimsa products break or peel?
No. Our steel is durable, so it won’t break or shatter with everyday use, like glass. And it won’t peel, like other colored stainless steel products you’ve seen. We use a special process that allows the colors to naturally occur in the metal.
Which Ahimsa products are best for my little one(s)?
Our products are meant to last, you can use Ahimsa at ages 1, 8 and 18! We thoughtfully design our products to be safe for little ones and our planet while reducing consumption. Once your child outgrows the Starting Solids Set and can use regular cups and utensils, the training cup is the perfect size rinse cup in the bathroom, the infant spoon doubles as a tea stirrer and the bowl is great for snacks or as an additional compartment to our modular divided plate. Our plates are great for any age as they encourage choosing a variety of healthy foods at each meal and help visualize portion sizes easily. It’s the lasting beauty of stainless steel - grows with your child and reduces waste.
