Shopping for 2-year-olds is especially fun because this toddler group is extra curious and eager to explore. The best toys for 2-year-olds appeal to their natural inquisitiveness, high activity levels and big imaginations. These include playhouses like this kid tent from Little Dove and developmental toys like Melissa & Doug’s wooden block set and the Spike The Hedgehog fine motor toy.
“Play is such a great way for kids to understand how things work in the world,” says Robert Keder, M.D., a pediatrician who specializes in developmental behavior at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. He says that the best toys for 2-year-olds help them work on their fine motor and cognitive skills, like picking up puzzle pieces and trying to figure out how things stack to make certain shapes. After speaking with Keder, researching top-rated toddler toys and gathering firsthand recommendations from other parents, I’ve curated a list of the 60 best toys for 2-year-olds in several key categories. (And for more toys that encourage imaginary play, check out our stories on the best play kitchens and best playhouses.)
Best Toys For 2-Year-Olds: Editor Picks
Best Educational Toys For 2-Year-Olds: Jellycat ‘If I Were An Elephant’ Board Book, KiwiCo Panda Crate, Petit Collage Follow + Spot Puzzle Around Town, Guidecraft Grippies Builders
Best Montessori Toys For 2-Year-Olds: Lily & River Little Climber, Mushie Stacking Cups Toy, Tegu Magnetic Wooden Block Set, Foamnasium Gymnasium
Best Imaginary Play Toys For 2-Year-Olds: Little Dove Play Tent With Mat: Star Light Playhouse, Great Pretenders Unicorn Cape, Step2 Little Helper’s Shopping Cart
Best Outdoor Toys For 2-Year-Olds: Skip Hop 3-In-1 Ride On Scooter And Wagon Toy, Green Toys Wagon, Strider Balance Bike
Best Educational Toys For 2-Year-Olds
Editor’s Pick
These sweet animal-themed board books from Jellycat engage curious tots with visuals and touch. Kids can feel the fuzzy (or sometimes scaly) animal faces and tails and trunks as you read. Whether you choose this adorable elephant or any other animal from a giraffe to a unicorn, your little one is sure to want to touch and feel it.
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AAPI-Owned
Start them early with a gift subscription box to this STEM-focused company. The KiwiCo Panda Crate delivers an age-appropriate activity kit to their door every month based on the birthday you enter for the child. The contents change each time to match your child’s developmental stage, but each box encourages hands-on exploration and play for young kids. KiwiCo’s website has a detailed description of each box, so parents will know exactly what’s on the way. There are three subscription levels: Essentials ($50 per crate), Plus ($80 per crate) and Deluxe ($90 per crate). The Panda Crate comes with a grown-up guide, too, offering suggested activities for parents and kids to maximize the fun.
Fat Brain Toys Shape Factory
Standard shape sorting toys are always fun, but little ones can outgrow them quickly once they understand how they work. This shape sorter from Fat Brain is a little different: You push the button to twist the top and change the shapes of the slots, challenging your child to think a little harder to make the objects fit. The shapes are chunky and contoured, making them easy for small hands to grasp.
There are just 10 large pieces in this lively Petit Collage puzzle, but there’s much to explore. Little fingers and hands can work to fit the pieces together and then to find all the suggested objects, letting them flex their hand-eye coordination, puzzle and fine motor skills. It’s all made on recycled paper with vegetable dyes.
Inno Pad Educational Tablet Toy
Inno Pad is a really cool toy you can get a lot of mileage out of. The STEM media pad features themed sheets your child (or you) slides into the tablet. Kids quickly learn to insert the sheet and press the star button—it tells the tablet which sheet is in—before interacting with the lesson. The tablet teaches kids about different occupations, weather patterns, animals and more. It’s also compact enough to fit into a backpack for on-the-go fun or as a travel day distraction. This might be the best gift my kids have ever received—and they all love to pass it around the car on road trips.
Guidecraft Grippies Builders 30-Piece Set
This STEM toy features magnets, so your little one can easily construct different geometric shapes. Each brightly colored piece features a comfortable grip in a different pattern for tactile play. Your child will love creating new designs and admiring their work, before wrecking it and starting over again. Choose from 20-piece or 30-piece sets—they all feature pieces that are a nice size for little hands to hold. This toy is rated for 18-months and up.
Melissa & Doug Classic ABC Wooden Block Cart
Learning your ABCs can be a chore, but this toy can make it fun. It features 30 1-inch wooden blocks neatly arranged in a rolling cart that your child can pull around. All sides of the blocks feature different drawings, letters and numbers your toddler can experiment with and arrange in order. And, of course, they can also simply use the blocks to build towers and other structures to knock down when the mood strikes. This is a durable toy, too: My now-10-year-old had this when he was little, and his toddler sister still enjoys playing with it.
Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog
Help your little one work on their fine motor skills with this hedgehog toy. Each “quill” is contoured for an easy grip, so your child can pull it out and rearrange them to their liking. You can also use the toy to work on color recognition, counting and sorting skills, and the whole thing has rounded, toddler-friendly edges. A nice bonus: The quills go inside the hedgehog when playtime is over for easy storage.
Find It Bedtime: Baby’s First Puzzle Book
Highlights is known for its fun hidden picture puzzles, and the brand has board books for the younger set, too. This option focuses on things kids see at bedtime and encourages them to point out objects like pajamas and the moon as you go along. Read it before bed or any time for a fun bonding experience.
LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book
This Amazon bestseller features characters Turtle, Tiger and Monkey, who help walk kids through 100 early words across a range of categories including animals, food and colors. Toddlers hear words spoken when they touch them, along with sound effects and fun facts. It’s perfect for car trips and when you’re not immediately available to read a story. A built-in handle makes it easy to tote around.
This colorful set from Mudpuppy, a beloved children’s toy and puzzle brand, includes four puzzles in one. Each offers just four to 12 chunky pieces so as not to frustrate little puzzlers—and it’s all rated for ages 2 and up.
The Ditty Bird series of books offer toddlers a button to press right in the book you’re reading to them—magic for little ones. They’ll hear animal sounds and farm-themed songs in this one, offering them an early lesson in animal names and plenty of language skills.
We love a good multipurpose toy, as well as any baby gear that can pull double or triple duty in this case. The Hape wooden pound bench set comes with a xylophone they can play and a tambourine to shake or tap, along with the ever-popular hammer and trio of balls.
Best Montessori Toys For 2-Year-Olds
MOST POPULAR
Lily & River’s Little Climber With Rockwall
Poor weather makes it tough for kids to burn off energy. This indoor playground offers toddlers a way to get it out, no matter what’s happening outdoors. They can climb, hang and slide with the reversible rock wall. It’s made of natural birch in the U.S. with a l0w-VOC sealant. As they get older, they can express their creativity by trying out different formations with this modular playset.
Melissa & Doug Solid Wood Building Blocks (60 Pieces)
These solid wood building blocks from Melissa & Doug encourage open-ended playtime, and they’re just the right size for toddlers’ hands. I’ve had these blocks in my house since my firstborn was 1—he’s now 10, and his three younger siblings have all continued to play with them. Younger kids will enjoy stacking them, while older children can use them to make ramps and buildings for toy cars and dolls.
The wooden Lovevery Montessori Playshelf isn’t a toy exactly, but it does allow for easier access and organization of all their favorite playthings—which are likely starting to multiply at this age. This isn’t an inexpensive purchase, but what we especially love about it is the hidden storage compartment in the back. This makes it easier to stow toys away and rotate them in and out of playtime. It might just encourage independent cleanup time too. It doesn’t come with toys, but it does come with two storage trays and two bins.
Mushie 8-Piece Stacking Cups Toy
Little cups come in handy during all types of children’s play and games. They can stack them, carry other toys with them, scoop water in the bathtub and more. This eight-piece set made in Denmark is also BPA, PVC and phthalate-free, and it comes in a range of colors. These versatile stacking cups tend to sell out, but they’re in stock at the moment at a number of retailers.
Your toddler gets three tunnels with this set that can be configured in different ways. Stand them up, lay them down, connect them to each other or play with them apart. Each tunnel has a mesh panel for peek-a-boo fun, along with a removable lid. They also fold up small for easy storage.
My sons obsessed over the sweet book “Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site” when they were little, and their toddler sister now loves it, too. Make it a complete gift set by adding Pottery Barn Kids’ toy tool belt kit (sold separately). It comes with wood and plastic toys, and watch your kids create their own “construction” projects inspired by the beloved book.
Got a budding musician on your hands? Little ones can create sounds using a keyboard that plays piano, guitar, organ and drum sounds. Kids choose from among five background tunes and use a slider to adjust the tempo. The record makes realistic scratching sounds and, yes, there’s an off button for when you need the artist to take a break.
Foamnasium Gymnasium
Some toddlers just love to climb. Indulge that love with the massively popular Foamnasium Gymnasium. It features four foam pieces—a block, toddler steps and two wedges—that kids can use however they want. My younger kids like to climb up and down the stairs and wedges, while my older ones use the block and wedges for Nerf gun wars and car obstacle courses, giving us plenty of mileage out of this toy. Choose from multiple colors.
Building bricks are always fun to play with, but they tend to get strewn all over the place. This Kid Kraft piece features 50 toddler-friendly bricks that secure easily to a llama-themed table. Once building time is over, simply flip the table for a smooth surface they can use to draw.
42-Piece Tegu Magnetic Wooden Block Set
I bought this block set for my kids on the recommendation of a friend, and it’s a toy that gets plenty of repeat use. The wooden blocks are magnetic, allowing little hands to build precarious structures without fear of them easily falling down. There are magnetic wheels that roll too. The pieces are large enough that you don’t have to worry about younger siblings accidentally swallowing them. All Tegu sets work together, so you can add to your child’s collection over time.
Crayola Easy-Clean Fingerpaint Set
Painting is so much fun for little ones, but it unfortunately usually ends in a mess. This genius kit from Crayola keeps everything contained under a snap-on lid. Just dab on your paint, close the lid and let your child go to work. They get the feel of finger painting without you having to do a massive cleanup afterward. Once they’re done, simply rinse off the toy and stow it away. It’s perfect for those moments when you need a quick and easy busy activity.
Tender Leaf Toys Stacking Forest
This stacking toy is so adorable, children don’t even realize they’re learning. It features 19 wood animals that can be stacked and rearranged to make cool scenes. Bonus: It doubles as décor when it’s left out, as we’ve discovered in my house.
Buckles, laces and buttons—little kids just have to play with everything, and this board is stacked with must-touch features to keep them busy. It entertained my toddler for a solid 20 minutes on a road trip, and she loves to go back and use it again and again. It also has learning opportunities, like a movable clock and animal-inspired letters. This kit folds up and has handles for easy carrying.
Avenlur Majesty Balance Beam Stepping Stones
There’s something about a balance beam, even one this low to the ground, that’s hard to resist for kids. The Avenlur beam is made from 100% birch and finished with eco-friendly paint. It comes with several colorful stepping stones and a 10-year warranty. The beams also make great spots for racing cars and hosting tea parties with dolls. It’s just the thing to get them moving on a rainy day.
Two-year-olds always want to help, but as caregivers, we worry about them hurting themselves in every which way. This wooden Learning Tower with its safety rails, sturdy base, climbing steps and four adjustable heights lets little ones get up close to the action, including in the kitchen, but with smart supports to keep them from toppling over.
Best Imaginary Play Toys For 2-Year-Olds
Little Dove Play Tent With Mat: Star Light Playhouse
This indoor playhouse is large enough to accommodate a sibling, as well as all their playthings, from dolls to stuffed animals to tea or car sets. We expect plenty of exciting rainy and cold days to be passed in this play tent, which also comes with a coordinating banner and fun star lights. It’s rated for ages 24 months and up.
Fisher-Price Little People Barbie Toddler Playset
It’s no secret that Barbie is having a moment right now. Little ones can get into the action with this toddler-friendly version of the iconic Dreamhouse. It’s designed for Little People toys and features a working elevator, pool with slide, kitchen and bathroom with a toilet that makes flushing sounds. My 4-year-old can play pretend for long periods of time with this house, while my toddler just loves pressing all the buttons.
Bitty Baby dolls are considered starter American Girl dolls. My daughters play with one that belonged to my now-17-year-old niece, so I can personally attest to their durability. My kids are especially fond of changing the fabric diaper for a “real” baby feel. Choose from a huge range of skin and hair colors to get the baby doll that appeals best to your child. This one comes with a few extra accessories, including a bottle, bib and changing accessories.
Brio My First Railway
Train sets can be complicated and overwhelming, but this well-crafted option from Brio is anything but. It features easily assembled tracks that can be rearranged however your toddler likes, along with a locomotive and caboose. The track pieces have rounded edges and the train is easy for smaller hands to grip. Bright colors make this set approachable and fun. Brio train sets are high-quality and let fans expand their track setup with additional pieces and trains as they build a collection.
Score playroom seating and a tent-builder in one with the Little Creatives play sofa. This couch is made from eight cubes and two cylinders kids can arrange and rearrange as desired. There’s even an attachable tent roof. Worth noting: The slipcovers are stain-resistant and machine washable. When your child gets older, you can focus on using the couch design.
Ride-on toys are always fun, but they’re often best for outdoors. The Wheely Bug is specially designed to be friendly to hard floors, with casters and rounded corners that make it safe for indoor use, including accidental bumps. Choose from this sweet ladybug, along with mouse and bee designs.
Tots will thrill to throw on this cozy and sparkly unicorn cape that makes dress-up a breeze with little ones. There’s just one Velcro clasp, no fussy ties or snaps and your child is transformed. We have found that this brand runs a little small, so you may want to size up to ensure it lasts. It’s also machine washable.
Many kids gravitate toward pretend kitchens, and it’s easy to see why—they’re imagination centers. The Pottery Barn Kids Chelsea All-In-1 Play Kitchen comes in a range of colors, so you can match it to your home’s décor. It also has cabinets and knobs that work like “real” ones, along with a level of craftsmanship you’ll both appreciate. This set looks so good, you won’t mind leaving it out.
Lego Duplo Town Dream Playground
This new action-packed Duplo set offers plenty for toddlers to check out. There’s a seesaw, a doggie to walk, a slide and swing and even a little skateboard. After the 75-piece chunky set is assembled (you might need to help), little ones can use their imaginations to create exciting scenes with the included figures. All Duplo blocks work together, so your child can build their collection.
The iPlay Zebra Hopper is a near-guaranteed jaw-dropping gift—and yet, it’s fairly affordable at $29. This toy inflates with the help of an included hand pump before kids can hop on top. Anti-slip feet and a low center of gravity lower the risk of accidental falls. It’s also covered in a removable and washable plush cloth cover that’s soft to the touch.
Step2 Little Helper’s Shopping Cart
Kids love cruising around at home with this brightly-colored shopping cart. It’s roomy enough to hold essentials like pretend groceries, stuffed animals, books and more, while low enough to the ground for little ones to push around. The cart also comes in a pink scheme if that’s more your child’s speed.
A stuffed animal and chair in one, this cozy plush is perfect for cuddling up and having quiet time. My daughter has a similar one in her room, and it’s her go-to spot for “reading” and other leisurely activities. It also doubles as a pretend friend, taking part in occasional tea parties. The plush is incredibly soft to the touch but also durable, and the chair provides plenty of support for little ones to sit in. Plus, you can choose to monogram it with your tyke’s name.
Folkmanis Funny Frog Hand Puppet
Keder is a big fan of Folkmanis puppets for their quality construction and approachable appearance. Kids can control the mouth, expressions and front legs of this frog using their hands—and imagination. The puppet is also soft enough to use as a cuddly plush toy on demand.
This Little People sweet set has a bunch of elements toddlers love, which is possibly why it is sold out at a number of retailers. The barn has room for a slew of animals to play, along with pretend carrots and hay they can snack on. The set comes with five figurines—four animals and a farmer—and has several spots that make noise. Worth noting: It’s also compatible with other Little People toys and figurines, so kids can mix and match. Once playtime is over, just close the farm and carry it with the built-in handle.
Cocomelon Official Musical Checkup Case
Many pretend doctor kits have a minimum age of 3 for the smaller pieces, but this Cocomelon kit is rated for ages 2 and up. The kit features the show’s musical checkup case, along with four play pieces—a stethoscope, thermometer, faux needle and hammer. Press the button on the outside for a fun song.
This little truck is ready to get to work in the sandbox, sidewalk and beyond. It’s just 6.5 inches long, making it the perfect size for little hands. The fire truck also features interactive parts, like a ladder that rotates. Little Tikes makes additional mini trucks, so your little one can form a collection.
Gund Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie Skye
This new 9-inched stuffed animal from Gund is straight from the pups’ new movie—Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie—which heavily features Skye. If you have a little Paw Patrol fan on your hands, this is a great gift for them to snuggle with but also pretend play as they work the fearless Skye, Chase, Liberty or any of the new super-powered pups into their many fun scenarios.
Skip Hop Zoo Stack And Pour Buckets
This versatile set of five animal-themed buckets are sized perfectly for little hands. They can use them in the bath and watch the water sprinkle out the holes in the bottom, dump them over or pour them out. I love that they’re PVC and phthalate-free with easy-to-grasp handles. We’ve taken this set to the beach and used for backyard fun (of course, then they’re a designated outdoor toy).
Gives Back
The handmade animal dolls from Cuddle + Kind make an extra special, heirloom-quality gift for young kids. They’re knitted by hand in Peru and Nepal with OEKO-TEX certified cotton. For each doll sold, the company, which also employs local artisans, donates 10 meals to children in need, so you can feel good about this splurge. Available in two sizes—13 inches or 20 inches—kids are often attracted to the extra soft fabric, sweet details and friendly animal and doll faces.
Best Outdoor Toys For 2-Year-Olds
Skip Hop Kids’ 3-In-1 Ride On Scooter And Wagon Toy
Skip Hop is known for its adorable animal-themed gear, and this toy doesn’t disappoint. It features the face of the brand’s beloved dog cartoon on the front of a ride-on toy your little one can use for years. Stage one lets your child use it as a walking accessory, and stage two is a seated rider they can scoot around your living room or driveway, making it a great outdoor toy for 2-year-olds, too. For stage three, simply pop off the seat to turn the toy into a scooter. The handlebars easily adjust up and down with your child. This was gifted to my 4-year-old last year, and it’s been passed down to her little toddler sister. It’s incredibly easy to pop the seat on and off, allowing them to switch between the two stages.
Editor’s Pick
Radio Flyer Deluxe Steer And Stroll Ride On Trike
Many 2-year-olds aren’t quite ready to pedal, but this Radio Flyer tricycle has that all figured out. Little ones can practice their riding position while a caregiver pushes (and steers) them using the removable handle. This is a big hit with my daughter when we’re out for walks—it allows her to feel like she’s “biking,” even though she doesn’t quite have the endurance for longer distances. Once your child is ready to try it solo, remove the rear handle and kids can zoom along on their own. They’ll likely love ringing the little bell, as well as filling the rear trunk with their favorite possessions or new finds picked up during their ride.
USA-Made
Light enough for a toddler to pull (it’s less than a pound), this Green Toys wagon can be used indoors or outdoors for all sorts of play. We love that it’s even dishwasher safe but also made in the U.S. and free of BPA, phthalates and PVC. Another perk: Unlike more traditional wagons, there’s no heavy handle that could crash down and injure little toes.
Strider 12-Inch Classic Balance Bike
Balance bikes are now the preferred method for teaching kids how to ride, so if you have an extra active 2-year-old they might be ready for this Strider bike, which is great for beginners. Both the seat and the handlebars adjust up and down, allowing parents to get the perfect fit for their toddler. Choose from three different bright colors.
That grass isn’t going to mow itself. Allow your child to pretend to aid in the lawn work with this cheery Melissa & Doug mower. The toy features a roomy storage compartment for toys, along with dials that turn and make noise, a pull-cord that makes a motor sound and even a plastic fuel can to pretend to fill up.
This Fire Truck ride-on toy is sure to make them feel grown-up as they drive themselves from one imaginary emergency to another. Toddlers can use their own feet to push themselves across the floor, because it sits low enough to the ground. The ladder and bell details are also nice, and its steel wheels with rubber tires mean it may last through several siblings. It’s also gorgeous to look at.
ArtCreativity Rainbow Playground Ball
This outdoor toy is incredibly simple, but that’s part of its charm. At this age, Keder says that kids are happy to kick and throw a ball around—and it helps work on their motor skills. The ArtCreativity playground ball is made of a sturdy PVC that can stand up to rough play, while a patterned exterior is easy for little hands to grip. My kids received this for Christmas a few years ago and still use it to play kickball, dodgeball and just toss around the yard. It’s soft enough for little ones, too.
Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox
This sweet sandbox has been a fixture in my backyard for several years. It easily withstood snowstorms, rain and even a hurricane. The shell-slash-lid goes on securely to keep out the elements (and critters) and extend the life of your sand. There’s also enough space between the sand and lid to keep some toys inside, so your child can start playing ASAP. This sandbox sold out for some time over the summer, but Little Tikes seems to have restocked it.
Step 2 Pump And Splash Discovery Pond Water Table
Most kids love to splash around in the water, but this table from Step 2 has multiple layers and interactive elements to keep them busy for a long time. Toddlers can get hands on with the hand pump, dump and splash section, waterfall and 10 small accessories that are that just-right size for little ones. It’s so fun and inviting, you’ll want to join in.
USA-Made
American Bubble Company Original Refillable Bubble System Bottle (4-Pack)
Bubbles are a crowd-pleaser. This four-pack from American Bubble Company features eco-friendly, non-toxic bubble solution housed in recyclable aluminum bottles that can be washed in the dishwasher and refilled. The wand is attached to each bottle cap, torpedoing the odds they’ll get lost. Each bottle includes a spot to write the child’s name to prevent sibling squabbles. Keep in mind that these are rated for ages 3 and up per the manufacturer, so you’ll need to ensure supervision.
Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Giddy Buggy Flashlight
This flashlight has been such a hit in our family that we bought several. It has a large body and easy-grip handle that small hands can hold with no issues. The flashlight is also incredibly durable, withstanding multiple drops with ease. The light goes on and off with the touch of a button, making it simple to operate. It’s also adorable.
Step2 Neat And Tidy Cottage Homestyle Edition
Step2 playhouses are known for their sturdy construction that can be passed down between kids. This adorable house has a swinging door, built-in faucet, ourdoor grills, doorbell and mail slot. There’s even a window box you can fill with real flowers. Another nice element: You can move it inside when cold weather hits.
Little Tikes Jr. Jump ‘N Slide Bouncer
Many bounce houses are designed for kids who are at least 3 years old; This option from Little Tikes Jr. accommodates children as young as 2. It features mesh sides to keep kids safely contained while allowing you a full view of the action, along with a wide slide. The whole thing is lower profile when compared to big kid bounce houses. Anchors allow you to firmly secure it in place in your lawn, while the included blower ensures this house is always at the ready. My sister bought this for her now-teenagers years ago and recently passed it down to my kids—it still works well, despite years of bouncing.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted’s team of parenting and kids gear editors has an extensive history of researching and compiling toy guides and gift guides for kids of all ages, from 1-year-olds to teens.
Our editors prioritize safety in the baby and kids gear category, taking into consideration any recalls, federal health guidelines and potential hazards before considering an item.
Our staff used firsthand experience as parents to inform our selection of the best toys for 2-year-olds. I—Korin Miller, author if this story and regular Vetted contributor—have tried a number of these toys with my four children, who are under the age of 10, and included relevant testing feedback. Deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala, who oversaw the editing of this piece, is also the parent to three children ages 10 and under. An industry veteran, she frequently attends industry events to review the latest toys and kids gear.
We often speak to experts in the field for further guidance and recommendations around toddler toys. To choose the best toys for 2-year-olds, I consulted with child development specialist Robert Keder, M.D., a pediatrician who specializes in developmental behavior at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.
Our staff regularly reviews this article for freshness and accuracy under Sala’s oversight. It was most recently updated in February 2024 by kids and baby gear writer Fran Sales.
How We Chose The Best Toys For 2-Year-Olds
I curated this list of the best toys for 2-year-olds based on a combination of firsthand experience, expert input, and consumer reviews. I took note of any consistent positive or negative feedback and prioritized toys with an average rating of 4 stars or higher.
I factored in each toy’s ease of use, durability and overall cost.
I also considered age appropriateness in terms of safety, 2-year-old kids’ particular interests and their available skills as described by pediatrician Dr. Keder. I only included toys deemed safe for children ages 2 and up.
What Toys Should My 2-Year-Old Be Playing With?
In general, Keder says that toddlers of this age are all about exploring things with their hands. Two-year-olds are still working on their fine motor skills, though, so you don’t want a toy that’s too complicated. Pretend phones, dress-up clothes and ride-on toys should all be considered. Blocks, magnetic toys and trucks are typical winners, especially if they’re in fun shapes or colors. Another surefire hit that’s also budget-friendly? A ball. Snap one up in your 2-year-old’s favorite color—we like this multihued one from ArtCreativity.
Which Toy Would Be Most Appropriate For A 2-Year-Old Child?
There are a few things to consider when picking out an appropriate toy for a 2-year-old—and safety is a big one. Toys shouldn’t have areas that could pinch little fingers or small parts that can become choking hazards. (Kids of this age usually start to segue out of mouthing things, but this can still be an issue.) Often, toys will have a recommended age range on the package; it’s a good idea to check if you’re unsure whether a particular product is a good fit for a 2-year-old.
What Do You Get A 2-Year-Old For Their Birthday?
The best way to figure out a great gift for your toddler is to see what they already play with. If your 2-year-old has a favorite car or ride-on toy, something similar should be a success. If your tot likes to build things, consider an expansive block set or stackable cups (like these ones from Mushie). Another way to find ideas? See what your child gravitates toward on play dates, since it’s a time they’re exposed to new toys. Depending on how verbal your 2-year-old is, you could also ask them what toy they’d like.