I often see essential gear for 0 to 1 years, does anyone have essential gear lists for 1 to 2 years, 2 to 3 years? What is the essential gear for toddlers?

I am about to have baby #3 and I am very disenchanted with the options for a "bouncy seat" and swing. I'm looking for one that doesn't have all the "crap" on it and all the over-stimulation. I've been looking at the Svan bouncer and wondering if anyone has any experience with this seat?

Bugnbirdie--
I agree and didn't want too much on the bouncy seat. Don't know about the Svan bouncer, but we went with the Maclaren Rocker (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2628980). It's more "rocker" than "bouncer" but you can make it stationary by putting the feet down. Now she can make it rock on her own a little by moving around in it. It vibrates and our 5 month old has loved it since birth. There's a canopy with a bar of hanging stuffed animals, but you can remove it. For a swing we went with the Graco car seat and you can get a swing base for it (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2583976). It folds up and isn't some huge, overwhelming thing. It swings, it vibrates, it has music (which we have never used). Simple and baby loves it.

We got a hand-me-down Baby Bjorn bouncy seat. It is a very simple design with an optional toy bar with wooden bears. No vibrating, no music, and it folds up pretty flat.

Natibuda,
The Baby Bargains people also do a Toddler Bargains book...that would be a good start for you.

My youngest is about to turn two and I would say large-item essentials for 1 to 2 are:
sturdy stroller that's easy to fold
child-sized table and chairs
ride-on toy of some type
small slide for indoor or outdoor
booster seat with tray for taking along to meals at friend's homes

for 2 to 3:
booster seat or junior chair for at home if high chair doesn't convert
potty or potty seat
kitchen set
tricycle
step-stool(s) for bathroom, kitchen

thanks for the advice, I will definitely check out your suggestions...

Does the graco swing thing accomodate other brands? We bought the Chicco Keyfit this time around.

Thanks again!

Those lists aren't as common because toddlers vary so much in likes/dislikes.

-After mine started walking, he wouldn't sit in a stroller for more than 10 minutes. Our strollers are useless. However, wagons are fun! More work for mommy and daddy, but tots can push and pull them on flat trails. -Climbing equipment is necessary because kids need to climb and *will climb at some point*. Step2 makes really easy-to-assemble indoor-outdoor climber-slides.
-Imaginative play set. Somewhere around 18 months or earlier your toddler will start to pretend, so either a play kitchen/BBQ or maybe a toolset gararge set.
-Interesting bath toys. Whether or not you make baths a daily nighttime routine, your kid has to take baths sometimes, so you need a good nonslip mat, interesting water toys like water wheels, squirties, bath paint or crayons, bubble machine (can be used outdoors for fun, too).
-large blocks for building towers and other large structures at home
-art supplies -- at some point your kiddo will dive into the world of crayons, markers, finger paints, etc.