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The Spruce / Zackary Angeline
Looking for engaging and interactive gift ideas that will keep your 2-year-old occupied and mentally stimulated? It can be a challenge, but we've done the research for you and found the best toys that meet the recommended age range, have appropriate safety features and offer educational value.
Our favorite picks include a hedgehog that fosters fine motor skills from Learning Resources, bristly building blocks from Battat, and an interactive gaming chair from VTech.
Here are the best toys for 2-year-olds.
Battat Big Red Barn – Animal Farm Playset
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Courtesy of Amazon
Travel Friendly
Large enough pieces for little hands
Easily closes for storage
Does not require batteries
Only Includes 4 farm animals
Does not make farm animal sounds
This childhood classic toy is ready to use right out of the box! No assembly is required. Barn doors open and close for simple access. Includes four farm animals and a farmer. Additionally, it expands into a larger toy and has a handle for small hands to easily carry. This toddler-friendly toy supports imaginative play and sensory learning.
Price at time of publish: $25
Depth: 31 in | Seat Depth: 21-28 in | Width: 28.8 in |Height: 29.8 in | Material: Faux leather, polyester |Weight: 41.6 pounds
Mega Bloks 80-Piece Big Building Bag
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Courtesy of Walmart
Reusable storage bag
Can be combined with other MEGA BLOKS bricks
Blocks do not secure tightly
This set includes 80 oversized blocks perfect for little hands to grasp! Little builders will enjoy stacking while developing their fine motor skills and exploring creativity. This traditional toy will grow with your toddler. From counting and color identification to size sorting. Playtime is guaranteed to be equal parts imaginative and educational.
Price at time of publish: $22
Dimensions: 5 x 12 x 14 in | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 12 months and up
Art Creativity Bubble Lawn Mower for Toddlers
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Amazon
Great battery life
Easy to assemble
Includes 3 bottles of bubble solution
Buying additional bubble solution is recommended
Toddlers adore endless bubble fun! As tots push the lawn mower, a stream of bubbles fills the air. A great way to keep them active and engaged for hours. Perfect for indoor and outdoor fun!
Price at time of publish: $22
Dimensions: 10.28 x 5.48 x 11.11 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 36 months and up
Little Tikes Shopping Cart
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Amazon
Promotes pretend play
Batteries not required
Easy to maneuver on indoor surfaces: wood, tile, and carpet
Assembly required
Toy accessories not included
Height not adjustable
This sturdy shopping cart promotes imaginative play and features a large basket for "groceries" and an open seat for a doll or stuffed animal. It's constructed out of durable plastic that's easy to clean and has four sturdy wheels that will glide over any indoor surface. Its small design is also great for new walkers!
Price at time of publish: $37
Dimensions: 16.50 x 12.50 x 23.00 in | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 18 months and up
Battat Bristle Blocks
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Amazon
STEM toy
Helps with dexterity and motor skills
Not as frustrating as normal blocks
Wheels aren't as intuitive
Packaging comes in a bag, not a box
A STEM-based building set that goes way beyond stacking blocks for hours of fun and imaginative play, this set includes 112 interlocking pieces in assorted sizes and vibrant colors. It's ripe for creating everything from towers and cities to boats and cars. Unlike traditional blocks, these won’t topple and cause frustration—they stay securely together until your child decides to start anew.
Price at time of publish: $15
Dimensions: 12.5 x 3 x 14 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 2 years and up
Learning Friends 100 Words Book
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Amazon
Educational and interactive
Promotes bilingual learning
Multiple ways to play
Pages are a little thin
Loud, no volume control
Help your child grow their ever-expanding vocabulary with this fun, interactive book. Three cute characters—Turtle, Tiger, and Monkey—come to life to introduce more than 100 age-appropriate words chosen by learning experts. As a bonus, all words, songs, and instructions can be heard in both English and Spanish for a fully bilingual experience.
Price at time of publish: $14
Dimensions: 9.4 x 9.2 x 1.9 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 18 months and up
Theo Klein John Deere Farm 2 In 1 Sand and Water Kids' Toddlers' Play Activity Table
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Amazon
Sand table and water table in 1
Great height for average 2 year old
Includes 2 removable basins used for sand and/or water
Includes 2 toy cows and 2 toy tractors
Adult assembly required
Does not include a cover
Indulge excavator-loving toddlers with this John Deere water and sand play table! Great for indoor and outdoor fun, this farm is equipped with drawbridges for tractors to cross and basins for digging sand and dirt! There's even a washing facility for cows to keep clean! You can rest assured this well-equipped play table features smooth and sturdy plastic to keep small fingers safe. Toddlers will have a ton of fun while honing their motor skills and understanding of cause-and-effect relationships.
Price at time of publish: $82
Dimensions: 64 cm x 46 cm x 60 cm | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 18 months and older
Playskool Mr. Potato Head
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Walmart
Comes with a storage compartment
Easy to clean
Nostalgic design
Pieces are difficult to insert into holes
Mr. Potato Head is another classic toy that has passed the test of time. Toddlers love playing with all the different parts and pieces—eyes, ears, and accessories—to create fun characters with unique faces and expressions. When playing together, the toy provides a great chance to practice identifying different body parts. Don't worry about losing all the pieces: The toy comes with a convenient suitcase for stashing everything.
Price at time of publish: $23
Dimensions: 4.02 x 5.98 x 7.52 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 2 years and up
Melissa & Doug World of Animals Wooden Peg Puzzles
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Courtesy of Walmart
Sturdy wooden construction
Easy to grasp
Adult assembly not required
Pegs not suitable for larger hands
No sound
This bundle includes 3 of the most popular and best-selling puzzles: safari, farm, and pets. Little ones will practice hand-eye coordination, memory, and fine motor skills. As a trusted brand, Melissa & Doug delivers on high-quality durable construction backed by their Happiness Guarantee.
Price at time of publish: $20
Dimensions: 11.75" x 8.5" each | Material: Wood | Recommended Age: 2 years and up
Fisher Price DJ Bouncin' Beats Interactive Musical Learning Toy
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Target
Interactive toy
3 Smart Stages
Batteries included
No assembly required
Requires four AA batteries
This interactive music toy includes 75+ sounds, songs, and phrases for little ones to bounce, sing, and play with. They can even record and playback sounds and mixes!
Price at time of publish: $30
Dimensions: 13 In x 11 In x 7.5 In | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 9 months and up
Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog
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Amazon
Educational
Easy cleanup
High quality
Affordable
Toddlers may lose interest quickly
Toddlers will love learning valuable skills with Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog. The adorable critter has 12 removable quills to help toddlers practice their fine motor skills as they maneuver them in and out of the holes. Young ones can also practice counting and sorting with the different colored pieces with this educational toy. When playtime is over, place all the quills pack in Spike for easy cleanup.
The spikes are rubber, so you don't have to worry about hard pieces or sharp edges. Reviewers love how this high-quality toy is suitable for a variety of ages. Babies can practice grabbing the quills before graduating to placing them into the holes. Once they master that, use the numbers on Spike to begin practicing counting for a more advanced lesson. The only downside is some reviewers found their children go tired of the toy after a while. Still, Spike is worth it for toddlers to play, practice, and learn in an engaging and affordable way.
Price at time of publish: $13
Dimensions: 9.1 x 9.1 x 3.9 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 18 months and up
Little Tikes Go and Grow Dino Indoor Outdoor Ride On Toy
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Amazon
Can be used indoors or outdoors
Grows with your child
Cheaper and lightweight quality
Kids at this age love dinosaurs, and this trike features a friendly design that's liked by toddler boys and girls. This ride-on toy can be used indoors and outdoors, and it includes a wide front wheelbase and oversized rear wheel, making it easier to balance on and ride. Note that the max weight limit for this trike is 50 pounds.
Price at time of publish: $25
Dimensions: 15.5 x 22 x 16 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 1 year and up
Pottery Barn Classic Art Easel
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Pottery Barn
Includes one paper roll
Adjustable legs
Easy to assemble
Wipe clean
Additional paper rolls required for extended use
Little budding artists will enjoy this dual-sided easel. One side is for chalkboard fun and the other is for refillable paper doodling and painting. It also features a deep tray for large paint cups and art materials. Parents will enjoy the sturdiness and adjustable legs of this classic playroom staple.
Price at time of publish: $140
Dimensions: 21" x 16.75" x 43" | Material: Solid Wood | Recommended Age: 24 months and up
YGJT Baby Balance Bike
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Amazon
Kids can push themselves
Nice design that's fairly durable
Can be used indoors or outdoors
Wheels on the back are close together
Can be too small for some kids
Small and balanced by four wheels, this little bike can get your toddler more comfortable riding a bicycle on their own. Use the bike indoors—or out—to help little ones develop confidence and learn balance, plus the feeling of going both backward and forward. The toy bike comes in three fun colors, so you’ll find the perfect shade for your son or daughter.
Price at time of publish: $50
Dimensions: 19.29 x 9.76 x 7.09 inches | Material: Carbon steel | Recommended Age: 10 months and up
Fisher Price Little People World of Animals See 'n Say
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Courtesy of Target
Musical
Interactive
Batteries included
Must replace batteries after continued use
This classic interactive toy will take you down memory lane (think the 1970s)! It continues to teach children animal names and sounds by pulling down on the easy-to-pull lever. Tots can easily switch from farm animals to wild animals with the turn of the page.
Price at time of publish: $12
Dimensions: 1.56 x 8.66 x 8.86 Inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 18 months and older
Hape Pound & Tap Bench with Slide Out Xylophone
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Amazon
Great for developing hand-eye coordination
Can build musical appreciation
Xylophone is slightly off-key
Introduce your little one to the wonders of creating music with this high-quality wooden toy. The multifunctional instrument can be played in several ways: use it as a xylophone, or a keyboard, or shake the balls together like maracas. "This is one of the few toys my son plays with every day. Sometimes he taps the xylophone itself, but he really loves pushing the balls through their dedicated slots and putting them back in. He will even stand up and push the balls through the slots with his foot," said our tester. No matter which way you play, benefits abound, including helping them practice dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and cause and effect.
Price at time of publish: $28
Dimensions: 24 x 13.5 x 15 inches | Material: Wood, water-based paint, and metal | Recommended Age: 1 year and up
Battat Wooden Activity Cube
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Amazon
Farm theme
Durable construction
Multiple activities in one
Dull paint
May not be challenging enough for older toddlers
This expertly crafted, solid wood toy has five sides of fun to keep your toddler engaged longer. Depending on their mood, they can drive the tractor around, zig-zag the beads up and down, or move spinners to their heart’s content. You’ll love the toy’s rounded edges, which add an element of safety for children who aren’t fully steady on their feet.
Price at time of publish: $60
Dimensions: 13.4 x 11.81 x 17.72 inches | Material: Wood | Recommended Age: 1 year and up
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Servin' Up Fun Food Truck
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Amazon
Includes fun food and accessory toys
Clear instructions
Multiple ways to play
Might be small for some toddlers
Light, so can tip over
What child doesn’t love to play pretend, especially when there’s food involved? The Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Servin' Up Fun Food Truck offers two sides of imaginative play, complete with more than 20 removable toy pieces. Plus, it plays more than 125 songs, sounds, and phrases to promote speech development.
Price at time of publish: $70
Dimensions: 21.97 x 22.99 x 27.99 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 18 months and up
Pucci Pups Golden Dot Glam Bag & Cocker Spaniel Puppy Stuffed Animal
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Courtesy of Target
Includes plush pup, comb, and carrier
No batteries required for this toy
Soft and cuddly
Fabric bone not included
The perfect pet does exist! Save on vet bills and fall in love with this new furry friend! Plush cocker spaniel puppy comes in a sturdy carrying case with a mesh front for easy travel. Tots are sure to keep their new pup's golden locks well-groomed with the included comb. A wonderful toy for endless imaginary play!
Price at time of publish: $15
Dimensions: 9 in. x 6in. x 8in. | Material: Plastic, Fabric | Recommended Age: 2 years and up
Little Tikes Cozy Coupe
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Amazon
A classic favorite reimagined
Sturdy construction
Can be used indoors or outdoors
Instructions aren't clear
Lots of parts to assemble
A timeless pick in the toy world, these little cars are a household staple for a reason. Toddlers will feel empowered behind the wheel of this imaginative toy, thanks to a slew of fun features, like working doors, a steering wheel with a horn, a clicking ignition switch, a gas cap that opens and shuts, plus durable tires that spin 360 degrees. Ride-on toys are a great pick to use indoors and outdoors to burn off energy with your toddler.
Price at time of publish: $65
Dimensions: 29.5 x 16.5 x 33.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 18 months to 5 years
VTech Ring & Learn Cash Register
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Batteries included
80+ songs and sounds
10 Healthy food toys included with carrying basket and credit card
Little visitors will love this interactive grocery cash register. The register opens at a press of a button to hear fun sounds and encouraging food phrases. It will introduce numbers and colors, Parents report that v-tech has delivered on durability and design. The product can survive toddlers' release skills while maintaining its volume settings intact.
Price at time of publish: $43
Dimensions: 5.24 x 15.75 x 12.01 Inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 12 months to 36 months
Melissa & Doug 20 Wooden Animal Magnets in a Box
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Amazon
Well-built and sturdy
Helps promote strategic thinking
Comes with storage case
Pictures can peel off slightly
Storage case doesn't come with cover
A simple yet engaging toy with plenty of educational benefits, your child will love arranging their very own set of 20 wild and domestic animals, whether it's on the floor or a magnetic surface like the refrigerator. For the most valuable learning experience, play together, naming each animal and imitating their sounds. When you’re done, tuck everything into the sturdy wooden storage case.
Price at time of publish: $12
Dimensions: 5.5 x 2 x 8 inches | Material: Wood | Recommended Age: 2 years and up
Intelex Hippo Warmies
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Amazon
Can be heated or frozen
Stays warm for long periods of time
Light lavender scent
Lavender pouch is not removable
Caution hot spots after microwaving too long
Not machine-washable
The best bedtime buddy exists in this microwavable plush. It's filled with wheat grains and French lavender for soothing and comfort. It offers great colic relief and reduces anxiety. The relaxing scent is also a great sleep aid for toddlers!
Price at time of publish: $22
Dimensions: 5 x 2 x 9 inches | Material: Plush | Recommended Age: 24 months and up
LOVEVERY Play Kits
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Lovevery
Backed by healthcare practitioners and academics
You can skip or cancel subscriptions at anytime
One-time purchases unavailable
Academics, researchers, and healthcare practitioners carefully customize these Lovevery play kits according to your child’s specific age bracket, ensuring each toy is right on target in terms of skill set, development, and interest. Subscription boxes include items like puzzles, matching games, and mini science experiments, which are divided into 3-month age ranges to guarantee your child is getting them right when they're at the appropriate developmental stage.
Price at time of publish: $80
Dimensions: Not listed | Material: Sustainably harvested wood, organic cotton, nontoxic paint, and baby-safe plastics | Recommended Age: 1 year and up
SmarTrike 4 in 1 Adjustable Baby and Toddler Tricycle Push Bike with Canopy
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Amazon
4 Configuration for different stages
Effortless Steering technology
3-point safety harness and safety bar
Sun canopy included
Cumbersome assembly configuring to stages
This innovative smarTrike grows with your child; configures to four stages of independence. Enjoy the perfect ride with peace of mind thanks to its safety features and foldable footrest. No bump is too rigid for the front-wheel shock absorber. There's even a toy basket for their treasures!
Price at time of publish: $80
Dimensions: 14.57 x 6.97 x 15.83 inches | Material: Plastic and fabric | Recommended Age: 15 months and older
Kiwico Subscription Box
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Courtesy of Kiwico
Hands-on learning
Includes everything needed for craft
1, 3, 6, or 12-month subscriptions available (includes shipping)
Expedited shipping available
Shop and grab items available on site
Gift-wrapping not offered at this time
Adult supervision advised for crafts
Free shipping with subscription only
Crate from store, minimum purchase of $49 for free shipping
Choose between two innovative and developmentally designed projects: Panda Crate (ages 0-24 months) or Koala Crate. If you choose a subscription, a themed package will be delivered every month with a fun surprise of toys and activities that are expertly chosen to engage little ones. Each box passes rigorous safety standards for their designed age group, however, parental supervision is advised for projects. Also comes with idea cards for parents to stretch activities and eliminate guesswork from educational play!
Price at time of publish: $17 per month
Dimensions: Panda Crate 9 x 14 x 4.5 in. | Koala Crate 7 x 11 x 3.5 in. | Material: Varies | Recommended Age: 0 years and up
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Busy Boombox
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Target
STEM toy
Interactive, lights up
Batteries included
3 Smart stages
Only 2 volume settings
This retro-inspired boombox will have toddlers engaged in learning the alphabet, colors, shapes, and even counting in English and Spanish! The easy-to-grip handle is perfect for toddlers to carry around. Who can resist a toddler with a boombox?
Price at time of publish: $20
Dimensions: 13 x 3.4 x 12.5 in. | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 6 months to 36 months
The Learning Journey My First Match It
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Amazon
Educational toy
Large size puzzle pieces
Self-correcting puzzle
Must be placed on a flat surface to assemble
Let your toddler explore the world of animals with these simple puzzles designed to introduce problem-solving skills. The easy-to-handle pieces with rounded edges are self-correcting. After your tot has mastered the puzzle, simply flip over and use it as a memory game!
Price at time of publish: $10
Dimensions: 5.2 x 5.2 x 0.1 inches | Material: Cardboard | Recommended Age: 24 months to 5 years old
Manhattan Toy Playdate Friends Alex Doll
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Amazon
Let kids explore their nurturing side with this soft, high-quality baby doll. It’s an especially great choice for any toddler welcoming home a sibling, as it’s a great introduction to caring for and playing with a baby. It's machine washable and dryer safe; perfect for weekly washing!
Price at time of publish: $17
Dimensions: 14 inches | Material: Fabric | Recommended Age: 12 months and up
Comes with removable clothes and animal companion
Promotes nurturing skills
No plastic
Removable items easily lost
eKids Cocomelon Karaoke Machine
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eKids
Comes preloaded with recognizable songs
Can connect your own devices via Bluetooth
Lightweight design
May become annoying to parents after a while
If your child can't get enough of Cocomelon, they'll love this adorable karaoke machine inspired by the show. The machine comes preloaded with their favorite Cocomelon songs to sing along with the included microphone. You can also connect your own smart device via Bluetooth to play additional songs for you and your child to belt and duet again and again. The lightweight machine easily stores and transports for play dates and parties.
Price at time of publish: $50
Dimensions: 12 x 4 x 1 inches | Material: Not Listed | Recommended Age: 18 months and up
VTech Touch and Swipe Baby Phone
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Courtesy of Walmart
Durable for toddler play
Touch screen is interactive, not just decorative
"Swiping" feature is really a lever mechanism
Now your toddler can have a more kid-friendly copy of your own phone. The touch screen mobile has 12 light-up pretend apps that are just like the ones you have installed, like a pretend calendar, clock, weather, and more. There’s an educational component, too, as the interactive device plays a variety of songs that help teach ABCs, 123s, and first words.
Price at time of publish: $14
Dimensions: 0.98 x 2.83 x 5.51 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 6 months and up
PigPigPen Kids Tunnel
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Amazon
Mesh for easy sight-lines
Folds flat for easy storage
Promotes gross motor skills
Wires may poke through due to overuse
A great toy for indoor and outdoor play! This portable toy is easy to set up and has mesh sides for easy parental supervision. Tots will love to crawl and hide in this versatile tunnel. And the fabric lends itself to easy cleanup with the help of mild soap and a damp towel.
Price at time of publish: $20
Dimensions: 17.5” (Diameter) x 67” (L) | | Material: Polyester | Recommended Age: 24 months up
VTech Mix and Match-a-Saurus
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Walmart
Builds toddler appreciation for music
Helps promote emotional intelligence
Might be scary for some toddlers
This silly little dinosaur is like a pet, but better because you won’t end up taking care of it. It talks, moves, walks, and dances based on the tiles you put into its back. The 27 possible tile combinations include a range of emotions, music choices, and characters to help your child identify and understand their feelings and how they affect their behavior.
Price at time of publish: $29
Dimensions: 4.64 x 11.18 x 11.68 inches | Material: Plastic and metal | Recommended Age: 2 years and up
TOP BRIGHT Race Track Set
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Courtesy of Amazon
Can help kids learn numbers and colors
Cars come with little magnets to stay on the track
Material is a little flimsy
This simple, high-quality wooden toy teaches cause and effect, plus promotes dexterity and hand-eye coordination as children watch their car zoom down the varying tiers to the finish line. Each car is numbered one through four and painted a different color, so you and your child can practice counting and identifying colors, too.
Price at time of publish: $22
Dimensions: 8.86 in. x 3.81 in. x 10 in. | Material: Beechwood and polypropylene | Recommended Age: 18 months and up
Fat Brain Toys MiniSpinny & Whirly Squigz Toys
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Courtesy of Amazon
High-quality silicone smooth surfaces (great for teething tots)
Promotes fine motor skills, cause and effect learning, hand-eye coordination
No batteries required
Gears on the MiniSpinny may get stuck with too much inertia
Save big on this Fat Brain Toys bundle that includes two of the brand's most popular sensory toys! Whirly Squigsz suction toys are safe for teething. They double as bath and high chair toys! Easily suction on smooth flat surfaces and keep toddlers engaged for hours. Introduce the MiniSpinny for cause and effect learning. Toddlers will fixate on the gears spinning freely.
Price at time of publish: $35
Dimensions: Whirly Squigz 8.78 x 1.57 x 9.06 inches; MiniSpinny 3.25 x 3.25 x 8.25 inches | Material: BPA-Free Silicone and Plastic | Recommended Age: 10 months and up
Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table Playset
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Amazon
Easy assembly
Sturdy construction
Suitable for various ages
No pre-drilled holes
Screws can cause slight leaking
Promote hours of summer fun with this interactive water table. It’s a great choice for children with siblings, as there’s plenty of room for all, plus it's suitable for a wide range of ages from 1 and up. The 13-piece kit includes features like maze-like spinners, ramps, and buckets for tons of beneficial STEM play.
Price at time of publish: $79
Dimensions: 39 x 24 x 32 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 1 year and up
Squishmallow Ultrasoft Plush Toy
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Courtesy of Amazon
Ultra Soft
Comes in many designs (over 1,000)
Budget-friendly
Not flame retardant
Avoid sharp objects or result in accidental damage
Machine-wash and dry not recommended
This ultra-popular high-quality stuffed animal is a favorite among kids (young and old). This large 14" plush is the ideal loveseat size for toddlers. Also comes in a variety of characters and sizes; it makes the perfect lovey for endless snuggles through car rides, nap time, and movie nights.
Price at time of publish: $20
Dimensions: Varies by character and size (14" shown) | Material: Polyester, Prop 65 compliant | Recommended Age: 2 years and up
Hand2Mind Color Mix Sensory Fidget Tubes
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Amazon
Sensory toy promotes sight, sound, and touch
Easy-to-grip bottles
Suitable for independent play
Light scratches reported from overuse
Toddlers will be mesmerized by the movement of this unique yet simple sensory toy. A neat way to learn colors and color mixing. Easy to hold and durable. Parents report a great calming effect for toddlers and adults alike.
Price at time of publish: $25
Dimensions: 8 x 7 x 2 inches| Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 2 years and up
VTech Level Up Gaming Chair Preschool Game Station Learning Tablet
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VTech
WiFi not required
Doubles as seat with tray
Tons of interactive learning activities
Can be used up to 4 years old
Takes up a good amount of space
VTech proves that it's never too early to start gaming with this adorable gaming chair and learning tablet perfectly sized for toddlers. The 2022 Toy of the Year finalist features a WiFi-free tablet, swivel chair, joystick, and pretend headphones. The tablet comes complete with games and lessons, teaching words, letters, numbers, and more. It's easy to remove the tablet and use the chair as a workstation for coloring, reading, or eating. Plus, your child can grow with this chair that's suitable for up to 4 years old and 110 pounds.
Price at time of publish: $31
Dimensions: 17.95 x 19.53 x 20.2 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 18 months and up
iPlay, iLearn Bouncy Pals Dairy Cow
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iPlay, iLearn
Deflates for easy storage
Easy to inflate
Soft, yet durable
Can tip over easily when not in use
Unlike other ride-on toys, this adorable cow plush for iPlay, iLearn inflates easily for tons of fun, then deflates for easy storage in small spaces. The durable rubber covered by moisture-wicking fabric ensures your toy lasts for a long time and proves safe for your child's skin. If your 2-year-old isn't into cows, opt for another cute creature including unicorns, horses, dogs, and more.
Price at time of publish: $34
Dimensions: 21 x 12 x 24 inches | Material: Rubber, fabric | Recommended Age: 18 months and up
Coco Village Montessori Rocker Climber
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Coco Village
Multiple ways to play
Suitable for solo play
A great way to burn energy indoors
Takes up a lot of space
For rainy days when kids need to let out some energy, this climber from Coco Village is perfect. The minimalist toy allows babies and toddlers to crawl, climb, and rock around indoors. The possibilities for creativity for kids and parents are endless; you can create a fort, reading nook, obstacle course, and so much more. Kids challenge their fine motor skills while playing independently or with siblings. Just be sure to place this toy over a carpet for added safety.
Price at time of publish: $350
Dimensions: 20 x 38.5 x 17.25 inches | Material: Wood | Recommended Age: 1 year and up
Fisher-Price Barbie Little DreamHouse
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Fisher-Price
Small figures fit small hands
Affordable play set
Lights, sounds, phrases
Batteries not included
Introduce your 2-year-old to their first Barbie dream house with this toddler-friendly play set from Fisher-Price. The included two Little People figures fit easily in small hands as kids activate lights, sounds, and over 45 phrases. There's a ton to explore before your child graduates to traditionally sized Barbies and a larger play set. This one fosters imaginative play and fine motor skills and even accommodates more than one child for extra bonding time.
Price at time of publish: $53
Dimensions: 5.25 x 24 x 16 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 18 months and up
Micro Kickboard Mini Deluxe 3 Scooter
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Amazon
Three wheels and wide base help toddlers balance
Fun color combinations
Adjustable T-bar
Some assembly required
Lean and steer could be difficult for beginners
Take neighborhood walks to new heights (and—win for parents—burn more energy!) by gifting your child their very own scooter. Though your little one will still need to wear a helmet, this one is more toddler-friendly, thanks to low-profile wheels, a wide standing board, and a sturdy, adjustable handlebar. It’s a way to help your child gain confidence on wheels and practice their balance and coordination skills.
Price at time of publish: $95
Dimensions: 12 x 21 x 17 inches | Material: Aluminum, polyurethane, and fiberglass | Recommended Age: 2 years and up
Manhattan Toy Double-Decker Celestial Star Explorer
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Manhattan Toy
Multiple ways to play
Stunning design
Fosters motor skills
Must be aware for slightly sharp edges
Explore the galaxies from the comfort of your living room with this stunning activity center from Manhattan Toy. The wooden structure features four different areas of play with wire bead runs, spinners, and more to challenge toddlers' dexterity and problem-solving skills. The multiple elements are sure to entertain little ones for hours while it doubles as nursery decor when not in use.
Price at time of publish: $210
Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 27.5 inches | Material: Wood | Recommended Age: 1 year and up
Slumberkins Snuggler & Board Book
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Courtesy of Amazon
Plush is machine washable
Foster emotional learning
Bonding activity for kids and parents
Developed by licensed therapist
Not suitable for solo play
Slumberkins combine adorable plush toys with educational story books to promote an important lesson in kids of all ages. This fuzzy alpaca teaches children about stress relief and anxiety management in a digestible way for kids and families. The toy helps promote valuable routines for little ones and parents to foster emotional learning at a young age. Plus, we love that the plush is machine washable for when messes inevitably occur.
Price at time of publish: $52
Dimensions: 13.8 x 6.6 x 3.2 inches | Material: Minky fabric, polyester fill | Recommended Age: 0 year and up
Mudpuppy Dog Days Can You Spot? Puzzle
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Mudpuppy
Made with recycled materials
Two activities in one
Adorable design
Young kids may need help completing
Puzzles are a great activity for young ones to complete with parents while practicing problem-solving skills and dexterity. We love this one from Mudpuppy that features adorable puppies when completed. The 12 large pieces are suitable for little hands to put together and take apart over and over again. Once complete, the fun doesn't end. The puzzles doubles as a finding game with five hidden images for 2-year-olds to discover and admire, before graduating to more pieces and more challenges.
Price at time of publish: $12
Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.5 inches | Material: 90 percent recycled paper | Recommended Age: 2 years and up
Pottery Barn Kids Farm Animal Shape-Sorter Pull Toy
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Pottery Barn Kids
Fosters fine motor and sorting skills
Doubles as nursery decor
Many ways to play
Pricey for a wooden toy
Pottery Barn Kids makes gorgeous, high-quality, wooden toys that look beautiful in a nursery and provide tons of educational fun for kids. With this cute truck, 2-year-olds sort different wooden farm animals and place them in the correct slots for a lesson on shapes and problem-solving without them ever knowing. It also doubles as a pull toy, perfect for little ones practicing walking and exploring new spaces.
Price at time of publish: $59
Dimensions: 17.5 x 5.25 x 6.5 inches | Material: Wood | Recommended Age: 18 months and up
WowWee Baby Shark Official - Singing Bath Time Bubble Maker
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Amazon
Timeless toy
Sings the classic "Baby Shark" tune
Durable
Have to keep moving the puppet to keep the song playing
Could be louder
"Baby Shark" fans, including toddlers and their parents, will have hours of fun playing with these puppets. Simply slip your hand into the back of the doll to move the puppet’s mouth up and down to play the beloved tune. The song plays at varying speeds, depending on how fast or slow you move your hand, providing fun for the whole family. You can collect all three song puppets, including Baby Shark, Daddy Shark, and Mommy Shark.
Price at time of publish: $17
Dimensions: 13.8 x 8.3 x 6.9 inches | Material: Plush | Recommended Age: 2 years and up
Little Tikes Jr. Jump n' Slide Bouncer
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Courtesy of Amazon
Sturdy construction
Mesh sides for added safety
Slide at one end
Parental supervision is highly recommended
Requires continuous inflation, very noisy
Adult set up required
Keep your couch and toddler safe with this enclosed bounce house! The compact design saves on space but is built for two children to play and bounce at once. It also includes a storage bag and a heavy-duty blower for continuous inflation. This hassle-free bounce house easily inflates in 10 seconds and deflates in 5 minutes! Guaranteed post-bouncing naps for active toddlers!
Price at time of publish: $198
Dimensions: 10' x 7' x 5' total inflated size | Material: heavy-duty vinyl| Recommended Age: 24 months to 6 years old
nutty toys 8 pk Pop Tube Sensory Toys
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Courtesy of Amazon
Sturdy
Strengthens fine motor skills
No batteries needed
Not designed as a teether
This unique toy is such a fun stocking stuffer! Their perfect design allows toddlers to explore and strengthen their fine motor skills. Tots will love stretching, bending, and pulling these colorful tubes.
Price at time of publish: $8
Dimensions: 9.88 x 8.31 x 1.69 inches | Material: Plastic| Recommended Age: 1 8months and up
AquaDoodle Draw N Doodle Classic Mat
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Courtesy of Amazon
Mess-free
Soft-fabric border for comfort
No art supplies required
Pen requires water refills
Keep little ones from doodling on walls, couches, and clothes! This magical mat is large enough for two little artists. Doodles will disappear once the mat dries. Best of all: no clean-up!
Price at time of publish: $30
Dimensions: 16 x 13 x 2 inches | Material: Fabric | Recommended Age: 24 months and up
What to Look for in Toys for 2-Year-Olds
Recommended Age
Always consult the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended age. This guideline will help you determine whether the toy is safe and engaging enough (or too complicated) for your child, notes Kristin Morency Goldman, senior advisor of strategic communications for The Toy Association.
Safety
When shopping, keep an eye out for toys with small parts that can be a choking hazard—generally, these toys are labeled 3+, suggests Morency Goldman. Though 2-year-olds seem much more advanced than babies and younger toddlers, they’re still too young to handle toys with small parts.
Longevity
As any parent knows, babies and toddlers grow into new stages, and their interests change in a flash. Consider how long they’ll be able to use the toy you buy. And, whenever possible, look for toys with multiple applications since these items will be more likely to hold your little one’s attention for a longer time.
Educational Value
Similarly, your 2-year-old is rapidly developing all kinds of important language, social, cognitive, and motor skills. Look for toys—ones with letters, colors, numbers, and other educational components—that help foster the skills they’re working on when you begin shopping.
"As toddlers get older, they begin to enjoy pretend play sets, trikes and scooters, puzzles, building sets, coloring books, basic craft supplies, early games, trains and racetracks, and musical instruments," says Dr. Natasha Burgert, a pediatrician in South Overland Park, Kansas. Why? These toys can help your toddler develop motor skills and social play before they start school.
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What are must-have gifts for 2-year-olds?
Two-year-olds are new to life and love novelty. You can never predict what any kid will end up becoming obsessed with, but 2-year-olds are generally fans of illustrated children’s books, animal figurine sets, finger puppets, brightly colored bath toys, alphabet blocks, crayon sets, and simple musical instruments like mini drums or xylophones.
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What do you gift a 2-year-old boy?
Two-year-old boys are bustling with energy and curious about life. Give them something fun and interactive that will allow them to explore and learn new skills. Like an age-appropriate ride-on toy, building blocks, simple puzzles, coloring books, a musical instrument, or a whimsical pop-up book.
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How do you explain gift giving to a 2-year-old?
The act of gift-giving is self-explanatory and does not require language to be understood. But you can help ritualize the act of giving and receiving by wrapping presents to create suspense, using simple language to let them know you are giving them a special gift, and encouraging them to say thank you.
Why Trust the Spruce?
This roundup was written by Brigitt Earley, who has written and edited hundreds of gift guides for various publications over the course of the last 10 years. Additional research was done by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Before that, she covered similar topics including toy reviews, product round-ups, interviews with experts, and more.