What kinds of toys should a 2-year-old have?

"Two-year-olds are beginning to develop their pretend play skills," says Dan Mason , a licensed pediatric speech language pathologist at Positive Development. "Think about toys such as baby dolls and food/kitchen toys."

What educational toys are good for a 2-year-old?

Two is a key developmental age, so it’s a good idea to purchase toys that encourage toddlers to further their physical and mental skills. Consider toys like building block towers, crayons, puzzles, and other similar finds that'll promote toddlers to practice these skills.

What should you get for a 2-year-old who doesn't like toys?

Look to toys that don't involve pretend play. Tunnels and sports toys are great for active kids, while blocks and crayons will cater to 2-year-old's creative side. Age-appropriate puzzles and books can be fun, too.

The 44 Best Toys for 2-Year-Old Boys of 2023

The 22 Best Toys for 2-Year-Old Boys in 2022 — The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

When you're shopping for toys for a 2-year-old boy, you want to make sure any toy you pick out not only keeps him engaged and encourages development but is also durable enough to withstand their often very active lifestyle.

"Two-year-olds are developing their language and pretend play skills," says Colleen Mason, K0/K1 inclusion specialist with a Master's in early childhood education. "They love mimicking adult behavior and getting a chance to be in control, so toys like baby dolls, play kitchens, pretend lawn mowers or gardening tools can be really fun ways for kids to feel involved."

To help find the perfect toy for your toddler, we researched and tested the best options on the market, considering the educational value, durability, safety, and recommended age of each. Our top picks include a fidget toy perfect for little ones from Fat Brain Toys, a Thomas the Tank Engine ride-on from Fisher-Price, and Melissa & Doug chunky wooden puzzle designed for tiny hands.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust the Spruce

Courtesy of Target

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What We Like

Items can be stored in the drum
Comes with many accessories

What We Don't Like

Holster isn't adjustable enough to accomodate smaller toddlers

Get the rhythm going with this small drum set. With seven pieces, there are plenty of different things to tap together and sounds to be made. Once he's done making music and working on his coordination, all the accessories can be packed into the drum for later.

Price at time of publish: $25

_{Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 18 months and up}

Courtesy of Amazon

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What We Like

Contained pieces that won't get lost
Durable material

What We Don't Like

Example words could be too advanced for some kids

Toddler boys can put their hands to use while they learn their alphabet and numbers. One side of the spinning wooden blocks shows the number; flip to the other side and see an example word and illustration. And with all the blocks on rods in wooden frame, you won't have to go looking for missing pieces later.

Price at time of publish: $22

_{Dimensions: 12.5 x 9.75 x 4.5 inches | Material: Wood | Recommended Age: 2 years and up}

Courtesy of Amazon

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What We Like

Realistic-looking
Great for pretend play

What We Don't Like

Sound is a little loud

Everyone else is always on their phone, so of course, the little guy is going to want to be on his too. This one isn’t for scrolling through social media, but rather it’s full of all sorts of educational opportunities at the touch of a button. Don’t worry, they won’t be ringing someone in the middle of the night though. It’s all just pretend, which is great for inspiring imaginative play and saving your data plan.

Price at time of publish: $13

_{Dimensions: 5.95 x 3.27 x 0.91 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 2 years and up}

4.3

Pacific Play Tents Kids Find Me Multi Color 6 Foot Crawl Tunnel - Red, Yellow & Blue, 6'L x 19"T

Amazon

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The Pacific Play Tents Find Me Multi-Color Tunnel Is Fun

What We Like

Fun, physical play
Easy to set up

What We Don't Like

Wires might poke out from material

If your toddler loves exploring and playing peek-a-boo, this colorful tent is sure to be a hit. There's no complicated setup required, just take it out of the carrying case and undo the strings that keep it flat—it's ready for playtime!

Price at time of publish: $46

_{Dimensions: 2.6 x 20 x 20 inches | Material: Polyester | Recommended Age: 3 years and up}

Pacific Play Tents Find Me Multi-Color Tunnel — The Spruce / Michelle Piccolo

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What We Like

Teaches numbers and colors
Cars have magnets to stay secure to track

What We Don't Like

Material is a little flimsy

This small racetrack ramp is perfect for small hands and little explorers. At just a foot tall and about 2 pounds in weight, kids can handle it independently — no huge setup required. To keep things manageable, the cars are made with small magnets to help them stay on track while they roll to the bottom.

Price at time of publish: $24

_{Dimensions: 8.86 in. x 3.81 in. x 10 in. | Material: Beechwood and polypropylene | Recommended Age: 18 months and up}

Kidodido

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What We Like

Able to pick and choose what elements you buy
Quality material

What We Don't Like

Requires adult supervision

This toy does double duty as an arch and a rocker. The set is customizable so you can get one of each of the arch, rocker, pillow, and ramp, or pick and choose to get only the components you want. The arch comes in two sizes, so you can get what you think will be best for your exploring kiddo.

Price at time of publish: $89

_{Dimensions: 44 x 21.5 x 27.5 inches | Material: Wood | Recommended Age: 18 months and up}

Fisher-Price

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What We Like

Large library of sounds, songs, and words to teach
Multiple levels for learning

What We Don't Like

Some customers claim it stops working

With over 100 words and more than 75 songs, this Plush Puppy by Fisher-Price will entertain toddlers for hours. Touch is interactive thanks to the different light-up parts of the pup. There are three Smart Stages of learning for you to pick from so the learning is at the appropriate level.

Price at time of publish: $30

_{Dimensions: 44 x 21.5 x 27.5 inches | Material: Wood | Recommended Age: 18 months and up}

Lillian Vernon

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What We Like

Able to be personalized
Packs up for easy storage

What We Don't Like

Limit of 12 characters for customization

Little boys can play on the wild side with this barn animal soft toy set. With four sets of animals — one adult and one baby — there's plenty of pretend play potential. Everything can be packed up and stored in the soft red barn for safekeeping.

Price at time of publish: $38

_{Material: Fabric | Recommended Age: All ages}

Courtesy of Amazon

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What We Like

Well-constructed
Endures rough toddler play

What We Don't Like

Screws don't go into holes properly

A hammer, screwdriver, and saw usually aren't appropriate for tots, but this set features kid-friendly tools to keep your little one occupied. The toolbox has four holes on each side that kids can screw and hammer the nuts and bolts into. Also, everything is made from 100 percent recycled plastic and they're even dishwasher safe.

Price at time of publish: $30

_{Dimensions: 11.75 x 4 x 6 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 2 years and up}

LeapFrog

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What We Like

Variation in ice cream, toppings, and syrups
Comes with activity cards for learning

What We Don't Like

May be too complicated for some toddlers

A kid that loves ice cream (and isn't that every kid?) will love this ice cream cart. Little boys can serve up all combinations with four kinds of ice cream, three toppings, and three syrup flavors. Activity cards and the cart's features introduce colors, numbers, and flavors while they play pretend.

Price at time of publish: $50

_{Dimensions: 20.31 x 8.54 x 24.88 Inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 2 to 5 years}

Melissa & Doug Wooden Take-Along Sorting Barn Toy with Flip-Up Roof and Handle

Amazon

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What We Like

Good for small hands
Durable

What We Don't Like

Wooden pieces can call out while putting other pieces in

Melissa & Doug created this small wooden farmhouse that lets kids play pretend and work on their shapes. The toy comes with 10 wooden farm-themed pieces including a tractor, farmer, and all kinds of animals. The flip-up roof allows for quick access to the wooden pieces once your toddler has pushed them through the corresponding holes.

Price at time of publish: $33

_{Dimensions: 7.5 x 6.5 x 8 inches | Material: Wood | Recommended Age: 24 months to 5 years}

Maisonette

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What We Like

Available in two sizes
Machine washable

What We Don't Like

Specific dimensions aren't available for the sizes

Let kiddos "roar" to their heart's delight with this lion cape. A tail at the back and paws at the front that kids can slide their hands into complete this animal dress-up look. With the only closure at the neck, boys should be able to wear it for several years before they grow out of it.

Price at time of publish: $42

_{Material: Polyester | Recommended Age: 2 to 6 yearsMaterial: Polyester | Recommended Age: 2 to 6 years}

LEGO DUPLO My First Number Train 10847 Learning and Counting Train Set Building Kit and Educational Toy for 2-5 Year Olds (23 Pieces)

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What We Like

Building toy
Encourages role-play

What We Don't Like

Wagons don't stick together when picked up

Kids can stack and build with this train set that helps them count from zero to nine. Each brick has a number and tots can stack them on one of the three locomotives. There are even two Lego figures, including a cat, in the set.

Price at time of publish: $42

_{Dimensions: 13.94 x 7.52 x 3.58 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 1 year and up}

The 51 Best Toys and Gifts for 2-Year-Olds of 2023

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Pull & Play Wagon

Amazon

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What We Like

135+ songs, sounds and phrases
Also has activities for sitting

What We Don't Like

Noisy

Get those feet moving and bodies grooving with this wagon that plays music. Little walkers can drag the wagon behind them, complete with blocks, learning toys, and a doggy friend, or babies can explore it while seated or standing. There are three stages of lessons so you can set the toy to the appropriate level for the 2-year-old.

Price at time of publish: $49

_{Dimensions: ‎11.42 x 16.54 x 9.45 inches | Material: Plastic | Weight: 5.99 pounds | Age range: 6 to 36 months}

Amazon

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What We Like

Usable indoors and outdoors
Sturdy

What We Don't Like

No accessories included

Kids can play house with this cottage from Little Tikes. Two working doors, two working windows, and a mailbox provide various ways for kids to engage with the house — besides playing pretend in it. It's easy to assemble and a screwdriver is the only tool required. It's safe for indoor use and outdoor use.

Price at time of publish: $140

_{Dimensions: ‎142.75 x 35 x 49 inches︱Weight: 32 pounds︱Recommended Age: 2 years and up}

Amazon

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What We Like

Rainbow colors
Solo activity for staying busy

What We Don't Like

Limited intrigue

This kind of push-and-pop toy has gained a lot of popularity recently as an option for occupying curious kiddos. It's lightweight, reusable, and washable, and made of a safe silicone. Bonus for parents — there's really no popping noise at all. It's a small sound, but nothing that would become irritating.

Price at time of publish: $8

_{Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 1 inches | Material: 2.39 ounces | Recommended Age: 3 years and up}

Fat Brain Toys

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What We Like

Creative take on the classic doll house
Has multiple rooms yet is still compact

What We Don't Like

Only comes with three accessories

Little boys can practice caregiving and fine motor skills with this little raccoon doll and her acorn house. A button makes the inside of the house spin and reveal a new room. Store the raccoon and accessories inside and the acorn house can be taken on the go!

Price at time of publish: $25

_{Dimensions: 5.51 x 9.45 x 5.51 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 2 to 4 years}

Power Wheels

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What We Like

Ride-on toy
Grows with your child

What We Don't Like

Small track

Most vehicle-themed toys are too small for toddlers at this age, but this Fisher-Price Thomas engine is designed for your child to ride on for hours of fun. He can cruise around in a circle on the included track, and once he's ready to start maneuvering the train on his own, he can venture off track—making it a perfect option that grows with your child.

Price at time of publish: $165

_{Dimensions: 27.75 x 13.1 x 17.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 1 year and up}

The 25 Best Indoor and Outdoor Ride-on Toys for Toddlers

Learning Resources Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog

Amazon

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What We Like

Quills can be stored inside
Allows for learning through play

What We Don't Like

Requires a 12V battery

Little boys can practice fine motor skills with this sweet little hedgehog that lost its quills. Peg-shaped quills must be inserted into the corresponding hole along the hedgehog's back. With many quills in many colors, concepts like counting and sorting can be introduced. The quills and hedgehog can be wiped clean and it all stores together in the hedgehog's back.

Price at time of publish: $16

_{Dimensions: 9.1 x 9.1 x 3.9 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 18 months to 4 years}

4.9

Fat Brain Toys

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What We Like

Sensory toy
Can be used as a bath toy

What We Don't Like

Might not be engaging enough for toddlers who need more stimulation

Small and lightweight enough to play on the go, this silicone bubble fidget toy provides entertainment anywhere, anytime. You can let your toddler bring it to bath time, or hand it to him when he needs to calm down or keep his hands busy. It's a simple concept, but it's brought hours of fun to users.

While there are a ton of counterfeit versions of this fidget popping toy, this model from Fat Brain Toys is the original. It's BPA-Free, and the bright, colorful bubbles are made of 100 percent food-grade silicone. Weighing at just under 5 ounces, this sensory toy can help baby build fine motor skills and understand cause and effect anywhere he goes.

One thing to note is that some toddlers may require more stimulation than this toy can provide. Still, it is great to have in pinch in case of tantrums or short car rides. Your toddler can also graduate to more complex fidgets if this pick is too simple.

Price at time of publish: $13

_{Dimensions: 5.51 x 4.72 x 1.18 inches | Material: Plastic, silicone | Recommended Age: 6 months and up}

Baby Einstein and Hape Magic Touch Piano Wooden Musical Toddler Toy, Age 6 Months and Up

Amazon

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What We Like

Easy to clean
Wooden toy for toddler

What We Don't Like

Music sheets aren't as engaging

This little wooden piano toy will help him develop musical skills during play. It includes volume control buttons, music sheets, and two modes of play: compose your own songs or play along classic music. Babies will adore the colorful keys on the piano, which sit at a perfect height when sitting or squatting.

Price at time of publish: $35

_{Dimensions: ‎12 x 5 x 9 inches | Material: Wood | Recommended Age: 6 months and up}

4.2

Courtesy of Amazon

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3 Bees & Me Magnet Boat Bath Toys Review

What We Like

Engaging bath toy
Can endure rough toddler play

What We Don't Like

Needs to be cleaned constantly

At the end of a sweaty, sticky day, toddler boys need to hit the bath, but getting them into the tub isn’t always the easiest feat. This fleet of brightly colored boats, however, will have them begging to dive right in. Four boats come in a pack, and they each have magnets so they can hook to one another to form a bathtub boat parade. They can also be used in a pool, sink, or even on dry land for hours of imaginative play.

Price at time of publish: $18

_{Dimensions: 4 x 2.35 x 2.35 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 2 years and up}

3 Bees & Me Magnet Boat Bath Toys — The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk

The Best Bath Toys to Keep Babies and Toddlers Engaged

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What We Like

Durable material
Lots of play potential

What We Don't Like

Magnets could be frustrating for some young children

The 24-piece magnetic wood block set enhances the play building. Kids can work on pattern recognition, balance, building, and imagination with this building set that offers unlimited potential.

Price at time of publish: $70

_{Dimensions: 4 x 2.35 x 2.35 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 2 years and up}

Melissa & Doug Safari Wooden Chunky Puzzle

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What We Like

Wooden toy for toddler
Easy-to-grab pieces

What We Don't Like

Paint starts to flake with use

Need an interactive gift for a 2-year-old boy? At this age, they'll start to fine-tune some of their fine motor skills and some will be able to identify shapes, animals, and such. Why not indulge all of these new milestones with a fun wooden puzzle that will have them saying "roar" and more.

Price at time of publish: $13

_{Dimensions: 8.86 x 11.81 x 0.79 inches | Material: Wood | Recommended Age: 2 years and up}

The 21 Best Jigsaw Puzzles of 2023

4.7

Amazon

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What We Like

Adjustable height
Stand provides some storage for bats and balls

What We Don't Like

Requires adult supervision

Play ball! Get boys engaged in sports with this T-ball set. The height of the "T" is adjustable so it will fit your kiddo no matter their height. Once they're hitting the ball on the T, you can move to giving it a toss. The ball, stand, and bat are all plastic to keep the ouchies to a minimum and the fun at a maximum.

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Dimensions: 12 x 11 x 22 inches| Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 18 months to 6 years}

Courtesy of Walmart

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What We Like

Talks and sings
Nostalgic toy

What We Don't Like

Body is made of hard plastic, not stuffed plush

What toddler doesn't love Elmo? Gift him this cute cuddly guy that loves to receive and give hugs. Simply squeeze Elmo and he asks for a hug. And when Elmo's tummy is squeezed, he raises his arms and asks for a hug. He also sings and talks!

Price at time of publish: $47

_{Dimensions: 5.25 x 11 x 18 inches | Material: Stuffed toy, plastic | Recommended Age: 18 months and up}

Amazon

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What We Like

Adjustable height is great for growing with child
Can be played with kids of various ages

What We Don't Like

Flimsy hoop

This oldie but goodie will have him shooting hoops like a pro in no-time or he'll at least just love attempting to make baskets. We love that this toy will get him moving and working on his coordination skills.

Price at time of publish: $36

_{Dimensions: 23.75 x 22 x 61 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 18 months and up}

LECAMEBOR Finger Crayons for Toddlers 12 Colors Paint Crayons Sticks

Amazon

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What We Like

Safety hole to prevent against choking
Washable

What We Don't Like

Doesn't store conveniently

Instead of letting your toddler struggle to use tiny crayons, get these larger ones with a palm grip. The more scribbling, the more fun! The crayon will go all over the paper, but not their hands since these crayons are made not to get little hands dirty.

Price at time of publish: $17

_{Dimensions: 5 x 3.5 x 1 inches | Material: Wax | Recommended Age: 3 months and up}

Courtesy of Amazon

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What We Like

Fun and friendly design
Can fit a small lunchbox and clothes

What We Don't Like

Too small to fit medium-sized folders

While not really a toy, this backpack is the perfect size for most 2-year olds. He can store all of his toys in here when he goes to grandma and grandpa's house or use it for daycare. No matter the use, he'll enjoy having a bag of his own.

Price at time of publish: $22

_{Dimensions: 11 x 5 x 12 inches | Material: Polyester | Recommended Age: Not listed}

These Are the Best Kids' Backpacks for All Ages

Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table Playset

Amazon

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What We Like

Indoor and outdoor toy
Additional toys and accessories included

What We Don't Like

Some users needed to use a power drill to assemble

A water table is a gift that keeps on giving. They'll enjoy this toy from around 18 months and well towards eight years old and possibly beyond. They can use their imagination while playing solo or with a buddy to create waterfalls and watch the parts move and spin.

Price at time of publish: $90

_{Dimensions: 39.02 x 24.02 x 32.01 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 18 months and up}

Press Here (Interactive Book for Toddlers and Kids, Interactive Baby Book)

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What We Like

Interactive book
Can endure rough play

What We Don't Like

Can use a stronger binding

Books are always a great gift. This favorite teaches kids about following directions and the importance of cause and effect. Though it's a children's book, the entire family can enjoy this.

Price at time of publish: $12

_{Dimensions: 8.75 x 0.5 x 8.75 inches | Material: Cardboard | Recommended Age: 2 years and up}

Amazon

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What We Like

Great outdoor fun
Easy to clean

What We Don't Like

Doesn't perform well in sand

Boys (and girls alike!) are fascinated by trucks. Why not indulge their interests with a toy dump truck that they can play with for hours on end? This dump truck will help them work on their gross motor skills as they zoom around the house and try to figure out how to dump the "trash" out.

Price at time of publish: $17

_{Dimensions: 10 x 7.5 x 7 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 1 year and up}

Micro Kickboard - Mini Original 3-Wheeled, Lean-to-Steer, Swiss-Designed Micro Scooter for Preschool Kids, Ages 2-5, Blue

Walmart

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What We Like

Can be used right out the box
Comes in various colors

What We Don't Like

Not easy to make turns

If he is pretty stable on his feet, why not push his gross motor skills even further with a scooter? This favorite has three wheels so it balances well for small users. He can zip around the neighborhood with ease and perhaps speed up your walks around the neighborhood.

Price at time of publish: $80

_{Dimensions: 24 inches tall | Material: Aluminum | Recommended Age: 2 years and up}

The 15 Best Toys for Toddler Boys of 2023

WowWee Baby Shark Official Singing Bath Time Bubble Maker

Amazon

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What We Like

Recognizable caracter
Interactive

What We Don't Like

Parents may not enjoy playing this song over and over again

Baby Shark (still) isn't going anywhere. Indulge his love for this addictive song with a puppet that lets you change the tempo of the song so you can play it again and again!

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Dimensions: 113.8 x 8.3 x 6.9 inches | Material: Plush | Recommended Age: 2 years and up}

4.2

Amazon

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Mega Bloks 80-Piece Big Building Bag Review

What We Like

Building toy
Large pieces

What We Don't Like

Blocks don't fit together securely

A staple in playrooms everywhere, these Mega Bloks are a perfect first foray into the world of block building. It comes with 80 brightly colored blocks for tons of building fun, and clean-up is easy as they come in their own storage bag. Made for little fingers, they’re perfectly sized for stacking, building, and smashing, then starting all over again. They can create towers, buildings, creatures, and whatever their little minds can dream up.

Price at time of publish: $25

_{Dimensions: 5 x 12 x 14 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 1 year and up}

Bluey

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What We Like

Accessories back into the travel bag
Made of durable material

What We Don't Like

Stickers can only be used once

Let your little boy play pretend and practice his caring skills with the Bluey Cloud Bag Doctor Set. With seven play pieces, kids can "take care" of Bluey, you, and themselves.

Price at time of publish: $25

_{Dimensions: 2.76 x 8.73 x 8.11 inches | Material: Plastic, paper, metal, PVC | Recommended Age: 36 months to 15 years}

Playskool

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What We Like

Dome keeps the balls from flying
Comes with batteries

What We Don't Like

Price may be too high

Make music and play with balls with Playskool's Pop-a-Tune. Every time little boys tap a key, a colorful ball with fly. Choose from classic piano sounds or funny, silly noises. Only two AA batteries are required for hours of musical fun.

Price at time of publish: $40

_{Dimensions: 13.97 x 7.48 x 9 inches | Material: Plastic and wood | Recommended Age: 12 months and up}

Kid Kraft

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What We Like

Comes with many accessories

What We Don't Like

Requires assembly
High price tag

With this Foody Friends set, there's nothing a 2-year-old boy won't be able to "cook." He can practice his shapes and fine motor skills while combining different plastic ingredients to make something delicious. An apron and chef's hat seal the deal on this fun pretend-play and learning toy.

Price at time of publish: $85

_{Dimensions: 24.61" x 17.32" x 18.35" | Material: Wood and plastic | Recommended Age: 2 to 4 years}

Maisonette

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What We Like

Durable
Teaches colors, numbers, and shapes

What We Don't Like

Pieces can get lost

This award-winning educational wooden puzzle acts as a fun introduction to mathematics and counting skills. Match the numbered squares to the dots on the base of the puzzle and then count the brightly colored discs as they are placed onto their individual pegs. 55 pieces are included to help develop dexterity and concentration. Made from high quality, responsibly sourced materials and conforms to current US safety standards.

Price at time of publish: $30

_{Dimensions: 4.3 x 16.7 x 4.5 inches | Material: Wood | Recommended Age: 2 years and up}

Step2 Spill &amp; Splash Seaway Water Table

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What We Like

Large accessories great for smaller hands
Comes with an umbrella

What We Don't Like

Messy

This two-tier water table is perfect for staying busy on a hot day with some cool fun. While many water tables are recommended for ages three and up, this one is suitable for kids as young as 18 months. Eleven accessories ensure there's plenty to play and experiment with. Use it indoors by the filling the interior with balls or dried beans.

Price at time of publish: $86

_{Dimensions: 43.27 x 25 x 22.52 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 18 months to 8 years}

Walmart

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What We Like

Good for working on fire motor skills
Easy for small hands to grip

What We Don't Like

May be difficult for younger children

This "shape factory" by Fat Brain Toys is like a 3D puzzle. It comes with 10 shapes that fit into specific spaces in the dome. Plus, you can press the knob on the top and it'll spin, moving the shape openings to different locations.

Price at time of publish: $37

_{Dimensions: 7.25 x 7.25 x 7.9 inches | Material: Plastic | Age Range: 2 years and up}

4.8

Courtesy of Fat Brain Toys

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What We Like

Made of durable plastic
Suction cups on the bottom for safety

What We Don't Like

Sufficient weight is required to get the suction cups to "pop"

Get active with this unique toy from Fat Brain. Built like a small inverted dome, kids can sit on it to rock back and forth or try to stand on it to work on their balance. The suction cups on the bottom of the board keep kids 2 years old and up safe while they test out their own physical abilities.

Price at time of publication: $60

_{Dimensions: 7.25 x 7.25 x 7.9 inches | Material: Plastic | Age Range: 2 years and up}

Courtesy of Amazon

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What We Like

No art supplies required
Mess-free

What We Don't Like

Only comes with one pen

This is the one time it's okay for kids not to keep their drawings on paper or the sidewalk. The AquaDoodle mat comes with a special water-based pen that allows kids to create drawings that will disappear after a while as the water drawings dry. Each quadrant of the mat shows a different color when the "pen" is used on it.

Price at time of publish: $30

_{Dimensions: 16 x 13 x 2 inches | Material: Fabric | Recommended Age: 24 months and up}

LeapFrog Smart Sizzlin' BBQ Grill Learning Toy With Food and Tools

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What We Like

Teaches numbers and words
Easy to assemble

What We Don't Like

Wheels don't roll smoothly

This isn't just a play kitchen set, but one that's highly interactive for kids. The grill recognizes which foods are placed on top of it and says phrases like, "lets grill for three seconds" or "purple eggplant." Kids don't just learn about food but also numbers.

Price at time of publish: $62

_{Dimensions: 9.88 x 20.79 x 17.13 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 2 years and up}

The Best Play Kitchen Sets for Kids to Engage in Pretend Play

Recommended Age

Make sure you check to see if the product’s age recommendation includes two-year-olds. This guideline is there to help you gauge how safe and engaging the toy will be, says Kristin Morency Goldman, senior advisor of strategic communications for The Toy Association.

Safety

Similarly, you should avoid any toys with small parts that pose a choking hazard—generally these toys are labeled 3+, says Morency Goldman. You should also consider material and size—avoid items that are too hard and heavy, as well as those that are long and unwieldy.

Durability

Toddlers tend to throw, drop, and generally run their toys ragged. Look for toys that are particularly durable—those made of thick plastics or solid wood—as they’ll better withstand frequent and rigorous use.

Educational Value

Development-focused toys can be based on physical skills, like a tricycle to help with balance and gross motor skills, says Dr. Natasha Burgert, a pediatrician at Pediatric Associates in South Overland Park, Kansas. They can also be learning-based, like puzzles or building sets. Tactile toys, like finger paint or magic sand are also really fun for older toddlers and help them explore texture and build fine motor skills.

FAQ

What kinds of toys should a 2-year-old have?

"Two-year-olds are beginning to develop their pretend play skills," says Dan Mason, a licensed pediatric speech language pathologist at Positive Development. "Think about toys such as baby dolls and food/kitchen toys."
What educational toys are good for a 2-year-old?

Two is a key developmental age, so it’s a good idea to purchase toys that encourage toddlers to further their physical and mental skills. Consider toys like building block towers, crayons, puzzles, and other similar finds that'll promote toddlers to practice these skills.
What should you get for a 2-year-old who doesn't like toys?

Look to toys that don't involve pretend play. Tunnels and sports toys are great for active kids, while blocks and crayons will cater to 2-year-old's creative side. Age-appropriate puzzles and books can be fun, too.

This article was written by Julie Evans, a writer and editor who has worked with a host of diverse companies including Microsoft, USA Today, Realtor.com, Brit + Co, CafeMom, and SheKnows among others. She started writing for The Spruce in August 2017.