The 55 Best Toys For 2-Year-Olds To Keep Busy Toddlers Entertained

We independently select all products and services. If you click through links we provide, we may earn a commission. Learn more Vetted Kids & Baby Gear The 55 Best Toys For 2-Year-Olds To Keep Busy Toddlers Entertained Korin Miller Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

Forbes Vetted Nov 8, 2023, 06:12pm EST Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Curious 2-year-olds are always eager to explore their environments—and always seem to be on the go to somewhere. This can make shopping for them a treat as they’re extra interested in new things. You can select the best toys for 2-year-olds by appealing to their natural inquisitiveness, activity levels and big imaginations.

For 2-year-olds, “play is critical—it’s how kids learn,” says Robert Keder, M. D. , a pediatrician who specializes in developmental behavior at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

In this age group, kids are big on imitating adults, he adds. “They watch you cook and then fake-cook, or put a ‘phone’ to their ear,” Keder says. “Play is such a great way for kids to understand how things work in the world.

” The best toys for 2-year-olds challenge their newfound skills and pique their natural curiosity. Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers This interest in imaginary play means that play kitchens and playhouses make great gifts for 2-year-olds, as well as developmental toys. Two-year-olds are gaining skills in “everything” at this age, Keder says, but are especially working on their fine motor skills 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 toys and bestsellers and gathering firsthand recommendations from other parents, I put together this story with the best toys for 2-year-olds. When you finish perusing these picks, check out more of our toddler favorites like the best toddler beds and night lights . MORE FROM FORBES VETTED The 9 Best Cleansing Oils, According To Experts By Stephanie Montes Contributor The 42 Best Early Black Friday Deals You Can Shop Right Now By Jordan Thomas Forbes Staff The Best Toys For 2-Year-Olds At A Glance Best Educational Toys For 2-Year-Olds: Jellycat ‘If I Were An Elephant’ Board Book , Petit Collage Follow + Spot Puzzle Around Town , Inno Pad Educational Tablet Toy , Guidecraft Grippies Builders Best Montessori Toys For 2-Year-Olds: Lily & River Little Climber , Mushie Stacking Cups Toy , Tegu Magnetic Wooden Block Set , Tender Leaf Toys Stacking Forest , Foamnasium Gymnasium Best Imaginary Play Toys For 2-Year-Olds: Little Dove Play Tent With Mat: Star Light Playhouse , Great Pretenders Unicorn Cape , iPlay iLearn Bouncy Pals Zebra Hopper , Step2 Little Helper’s Shopping Cart Best Outdoor Toys For 2-Year-Olds: Skip Hop Kids’ 3-In-1 Ride On Scooter And Wagon Toy , Green Toys Wagon , Strider Balance Bike , Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Giddy Buggy Flashlight Best Educational Toys For 2-Year-Olds A Touch-And-Feel Board Book Editor’s Pick Nordstrom Jellycat ‘If I Were An Elephant’ Board Book 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 sweet elephant or any other animal from a giraffe to a unicorn, your little one is sure to want to touch and feel it. A STEM Subscription Kit That’s Packed With Potential MOST POPULAR KiwiCo KiwiCo’s Panda Crate Subscription Buy From KiwiCo 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 month to match your child’s developmental stage, but each box encourages hands-on exploration and play for young kids. The Panda Crate comes with a grown-up guide, offering suggested activities for parents and kids to engage in together, too.

A Shape Sorter With An Added Challenge Amazon 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.

A Find And Seek Puzzle For Tots Amazon Petit Collage Follow + Spot Puzzle Around Town Buy From Amazon There’s 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.

This ‘Tablet’ Doesn’t Need A Wi-Fi Connection Amazon 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.

A Cool STEM Toy That Works With Small Fingers Amazon Guidecraft Grippies Builders 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- or 30-piece sets. This toy is rated for 18-months and up. A Multipurpose Educational Toy With Wheels Amazon 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 when the mood strikes.

This Irresistible, Colorful Toy Amazon 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.

A nice bonus: the quills go inside the hedgehog when playtime is over for easy storage. A Bedtime Book That’s Interactive Amazon 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 will see at bedtime, and encourages them to point out objects as you go along.

Read it before bed or any time for a fun bonding experience. This Book Plays Songs And Makes Noises Amazon 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.

A built-in handle makes it easy to tote around. Best Montessori Toys For 2-Year-Olds An Indoor Playground With A Reversible Slide USA-Made Maisonette Lily & River’s Little Climber With Rockwall This indoor playground offers toddlers a way to express all the indoor energy no matter the weather outdoors. They can climb, hang and slide with the reversible rockwall.

It’s made of natural birch in the U. S. with a l0w-VOC sealant.

As they get older, they’ll likely express their creativity by trying out different formations with this modular playset. This Classic Wooden Block Set Amazon Melissa & Doug Solid Wood Building Blocks (60 Pieces) These natural finish 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 nearly 10, and his three younger siblings have all continued to play with them.

A Smarter Toy Storage Organizer With Hidden Storage Lovevery Lovevery Montessori Playshelf Buy From Lovevery 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, too.

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. Stackable Cups With Endless Play Options Amazon Mushie 8-Piece Stacking Cups Toy Little cups will come in handy during all types of games.

They can stack or carry other toys, scoop water 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 Amazon, Target and Nordstrom right now.

An Active Play Tool That Stores Easily KiwiCo Peekaboo Play Tunnel Buy From KiwiCo 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. Bring The Popular Book To Life Pottery Barn Kids Construction Gift Set Pottery Barn Kids My sons obsessed over the sweet book Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site when they were little, and their toddler sister now loves it, too. This set features wood and plastic toys and a canvas tool belt kids can use to create their own “construction” projects inspired by the beloved book.

Indulge Their Love Of Music Pottery Barn Kids DJ Musical Keyboard Buy From Pottery Barn Kids 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 some quiet.

Perfect For Busy Climbers Pottery Barn Kids 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.

Choose from multiple colors. A Self-Contained Block Set Maisonette Kid Kraft Llama Pinata Building Bricks Wooden Table Buy From Maisonette 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. Magnetic Blocks For Hours Of Fun Amazon 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. A Mess-Free Way To Paint Amazon 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. A Whimsical Toy With Plenty Of Spacial Learning Potential Amazon 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. This Busy Board Is Especially Handy On Road Trips Amazon Guolely Busy Board Buy From Amazon 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 folds up and has handles for easy carrying. A Balance Beam And Colorful Stepping Stones Avenlur 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 and is just the thing to get them moving on a rainy day. Best Imaginary Play Items For 2-Year-Olds This Magical Play Tent Amazon 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.

It’s rated for ages 24 months and up. Barbie Dreamhouse For The Younger Crowd Fisher Price 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. A Sturdy Doll With Plenty Of Accessories americangirl. com Bitty Baby Doll Buy From American Girl 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. Choose from a huge range of skin and hair colors, and then pick up clothes and accessories, like the Dress Your Baby set . A Train Set For Little Hands Amazon 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. Take Your Seating To A New Level Maisonette Little Creatives Play Sofa Buy From Maisonette 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. An Indoor-Friendly Ride-On Toy Maisonette Wheely Bug Ladybug Buy From Maisonette 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. Choose from this sweet ladybug, along with mouse and bee designs. Instant Transformation With A Rainbow Cape Maisonette Great Pretenders Unicorn Cape Buy From Maisonette 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.

This Play Kitchen Is Chic Amazon Chelsea All-In-1 Toddler Play Kitchen Buy From Pottery Barn Kids Many kids gravitate toward pretend kitchens, and it’s easy to see why—they’re imagination centers. 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.

A Duplo Playground With Plenty To Explore Amazon 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.

A Fun ‘Pet’ That Helps Work Off Extra Energy Amazon iPlay iLearn Bouncy Pals Zebra Hopper Buy From Amazon The iPlay Zebra Hopper is a near-guaranteed jaw-dropping gift—and yet, it’s fairly affordable at $34. This toy is inflated with the help of an included hand pump before kids can hop on top. It’s also covered in a removable and washable plush cloth cover that’s soft to the touch.

A Shopping Cart To Carry All Their Favorite Things Amazon 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. The large handle and molded wheels also make for easy pushing.

This Plush Chair Is Perfect For Cuddling And Reading Pottery Barn Kids My First Lamb Critter Chair Buy From Pottery Barn Kids A stuffed animal and chair in one, this cozy plush is perfect for cuddling up and having quiet time. My daughter has 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 and the chair provides plenty of support for little ones to sit in. A Beautiful And Silly Puppet Barnes & Noble 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.

This Farm Set Is Packed With Fun Features Amazon Fisher-Price Little People Caring For Animals Farm This sweet set has a bunch of elements toddlers love. 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.

Once playtime is over, just close the farm and carry it with the built-in handle. CoComelon To The Rescue Amazon CoComelon Official Musical Checkup Case Many pretend doctor kits have a minimum age of 3. This CoComelon kit feature’s the show’s musical checkup case, along with four play pieces—a stethoscope, thermometer, needle and hammer.

Press the button on the outside for a fun song. Take This Truck Just About Anywhere Amazon Little Tikes Dirt Diggers Mini Dump Truck A good dump truck can haul toys, sand, dirt and more for little ones. This mini truck has a back flap that flips up to release goods, along with wide wheels that can roll through just about anything.

At just 6. 5 inches long, it’s small enough to toss in a backpack and take to the park. A Crime-Fighting Skye Amazon Gund Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie Skye Buy From Amazon This new 9-inched stuffed animal from Gund is straight from the pups new movie— Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie .

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 or Chase into their many fun scenarios. Best Outdoor Toys For 2-Year-Olds A Ride-On Toy That Grows With Its Owner Amazon 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 3-year-old last year, and she’s used it as a rider and scooter. It’s incredibly easy to pop the seat on and off, allowing her to switch between the two stages. A Tricycle That Converts From Pushing To Pedaling Editor’s Pick Amazon 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. A Wagon They Can Pull Themselves USA-Made Amazon Green Toys Wagon 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. This Balance Bike Is Toddler Friendly Amazon 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. A Pretend Mower With A Hidden Storage Compartment Amazon Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Snappy Turtle Lawn Mower That grass isn’t going to mow itself. Allow this cheery Melissa & Doug mower to do the work as your child pretends to aid your lawn work.

The mower 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. A Flashy Ride-On Toy For Indoor Or Outdoor Play Pottery Barn Kids Fire Truck Ride-On Buy From Pottery Barn Kids 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 them across the floor with this ride-on toy, 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. This Soft, Colorful Ball Is Easy For Tots To Throw And Kick Amazon 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.

A Sturdy Sandbox That’s Incredibly Cute Walmart 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.

A Highly Interactive Water Table Amazon 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 will love the hand pump, dump and splash section, waterfall and 10 accessories. It’s so fun and inviting, you’ll want to join in.

Bubbles In A Fun, Refillable Package USA-Made Maisonette 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. Keep in mind that these are rated for ages 3 and up per the manufacturer, so you’ll need to ensure supervision. A Flashlight That’s Just Right For Small Hands Amazon 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 goes on and off with the touch of a button, making it simple to operate. It’s also adorable.

A Playhouse You Can Use Inside And Outside Amazon 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, 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. A Bounce House For The Younger Set Amazon 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. Why Trust Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted has an extensive history of compiling gift guides for kids of all ages, from 1-year-olds to teens . In the baby and kids gear category , we prioritize safety, taking into consideration any recalls, health and federal guidelines and potential hazards before considering an item.

We use our firsthand experience as parents to look at what toys and gifts our own children have liked, and we speak to experts in the field and other parents for further guidance and recommendations. We also look at reviews of products and take note of any consistent positive or negative feedback. To choose the best toys for 2-year-olds, I consulted with child development specialist Dr.

Keder and real parents for their top picks. I’m also the parent to four children under the age of 10. I’ve tried a number of these toys with own family, and I included that testing feedback throughout the story, as did my editor, Rose Gordon Sala , who frequently attends industry events to review the latest toys.

She is also the parent to three children ages 10 and under. This article is also regularly reviewed. We most recently updated it in November 2023.

How We Chose The Best Toys For 2-Year-Olds I developed this list based on personal experience, expert input and consumer reviews. Ease of use, durability—these are 2-year-olds, after all—and overall cost were also factored in, as was age appropriateness when considering safety but also the kids’ interests and available skills as described by Dr. Keder.

We only included toys deemed safe for children ages 2 and up. What Can I Get For A 2-Year-Old Girl? It can be difficult to base gift decisions on gender alone—Keder says it’s really more about the individual child and their interests (and they do have them at this age). With that, you can get a 2-year-old girl the same type of gift as you’d get for a boy of the same age.

In general, Keder says that kids of this age are all about exploring things with their hands. Pretend phones, dress-up clothes and ride-on toys should all be considered. If you’re not sure, just ask the child’s parents.

They should be able to offer up some insight. What Gifts Do 2-Year-Old Boys Like? Gift options for a 2-year-old boy are a lot of the same as what you’d consider for a 2-year-old girl. Kids at this age are working on their fine motor skills, so you don’t want anything that’s too complicated.

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 the child’s favorite color or colors.

What Is The Best Gift For Your 2-Year-Old Son? The best way to figure out a great gift for your son is to see what he already plays with. If he has a favorite car or ride-on toy, something similar should be a success. If he likes to build things, consider an expansive block set or stackable cups.

Another way to find ideas? See what your son gravitates toward on play dates, where he’s exposed to new toys. Depending on how verbal your son is, you could also ask him. What Toys Are Appropriate For 2-Year-Olds? There are a few things to consider when picking out an appropriate toy for a 2-year-old.

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 consult that if you’re unsure if a particular product is a good fit for a 2-year-old. More Toy Stories To Shop Best Toys For 6-Month-Olds Best Toys For 18-Month-Olds Best Toys For 3-Year-Olds Best Toys For 5-Year-Olds Best Toys For 6-Year-Olds Best Gifts For 7-Year-Olds Best Gifts For 8-Year-Olds Best Dollhouses Best Children’s Books Coupons Kiwico Link to Coupon Korin Miller Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions.