How do you clean toddler toys?

The best way to clean most toys is to use mild dish soap diluted in warm water. Dip a microfiber cloth into the bucket, wring it out, and gently wipe down the toy to remove dust, dirt, grime, and the remnants of whatever those pint-sized rascals had on their sticky little fingers that got the toys so dirty in the first place. There’s no need to use cleaning products such as bleach. If you want to disinfect the toys, simply add a splash of white vinegar to the mix. If there’s any soap residue left on the toy surface, wipe it with a clean damp microfiber cloth and allow to air dry. Or you can disinfect a toy by wiping a mixture of vinegar diluted in water and allowing it to air dry.

What do toddler boys like?

Toddler boys are full of energy and find it hard to resist new shiny objects. Every kid is different, but toddler boys will generally appreciate toys such as illustrated picture books, animal figurine sets, finger puppets, brightly colored bath toys, alphabet blocks, crayon sets, and simple musical instruments like mini drums or xylophones.

What are must have toys for toddler boys?

Toddler boys enjoy fun toys and interactive toys that allow them to explore their curiosity about the world and learn new skills. Must have toddler toys include things like building blocks, simple puzzles, musical instruments, stuffed animals, robot toys, coloring books, pop-up books, or age-appropriate ride-on toys .

The 15 Best Toys for Toddler Boys of 2023

Experts, like Dr. Jody LeVos, chief learning officer for HOMER, say that play and learning are really one and the same in early childhood, so finding a perfect toy that also teaches an important skill is ideal for toddler boys.

We tested and researched the best toys available from top brands, considering each option's recommended age, longevity, and skills it'll teach your little one. Our top picks include an adorable ride-on tricycle from Fisher-Price and a charming cottage from Step2 for hours of imaginative play.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust the Spruce

4.5

Fisher-price-harley-davidson-tough-trike

Amazon

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Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Tough Trike Review

What We Like

Easy to assemble
Can be used indoors or outdoors
Customizable with stickers

What We Don't Like

Seat can be flimsy
Can be difficult to maneuver

If your boy has a lot of energy to burn, this trike is a perfect toy. The pedal-powered bike is decked out with the Harley-Davidson logo and customizable stickers, which makes it super cool for mom and dad as well. It has easy-to-grip handlebars, large foot pedals, and a wide, stable wheel base to keep your little one upright. And—bonus—an under-the-seat storage compartment provides a place to tote snacks and toys.

The setup is relatively simple except for a few of the parts, according to our tester. Still, the trike provides high entertainment value, especially since toddlers can ride it all by themselves. Little ones practice coordination, pedaling, and balance all while getting outside and staying active, earning it the top spot in this roundup. For especially small toddlers, the pedals may be a bit hard to reach, but this could be a great option to grow into. Compared to other ride-on toys, the price is very reasonable, especially for the iconic name and reputable brand.

Price at time of publish: $40

Dimensions: 29.5 x 22.5 x 22 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 2 years and up

Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Tough Trike — The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk

Amazon

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What We Like

Sturdy
Indoor or outdoor use
Suitable for a variety of ages

What We Don't Like

Can be difficult to assemble
Hard to pack and travel with

The joy and thrill of the playground move indoors with this slide, perfect for toddler boys. Young ones can slide into a ball pit, kiddie pool, or cozy carpet. Introduce little ones to a slide in a safe, fun, and easy way that can be enjoyed anywhere, thanks to its folding capabilities.

Price at time of publish: $31

Dimensions: 39 x 18 x 27.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 18 months and up

VTech-pop-a-balls-push-and-pop-bulldozer

Amazon

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What We Like

Interactive
Educational

What We Don't Like

Material can be flimsy

Keep toddlers engaged with popping balls and cheery music. Little ones can push around the bulldozer and watch as balls magically pop out of the front. Meanwhile, the buttons on the side help young boys practice colors and shapes and sing along to fun tunes.

Price at time of publish: $28

Dimensions: 6.2 x 6.2 x 6.3 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 1 year and up

Amazon

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What We Like

Reduces waste
Durable
Suitable for various ages
Usable in various environments

What We Don't Like

Flimsy packaging
Battery life can be short

Despite it being screenplay, this tablet is engaging, educational, and durable for toddlers. Kids can foster their creativity without creating waste or mess, wherever they play. This device makes it easy for young hands to sketch, color, and draw with ease—then start all over again.

Price at time of publish: $24

Dimensions: 11.22 x 7.68 x 0.75 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up

Melissa & Doug Pull-Back Vehicles, Soft Baby and Toddler Toy Set

Amazon

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What We Like

Soft and durable with no hard edges
Easy for kids to use
Interactive and engaging

What We Don't Like

Not usable on carpet or rugs

If you're looking for toys for an 18-month-old, this set of four pull-back vehicles will provide hours of fun. It contains a school bus, a family car, a fire truck, and a police car to help teach your toddler to identify some of the most common vehicles on the road.

Also, no batteries are required—simply pull the vehicle back to rev, let go, and watch it fly forward.

Price at time of publish: $23

Dimensions: 8.75 x 11.75 x 4.75 inches | Material: Fabric | Recommended Age: 9 months - 4 years

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

Blueâs Clues & You! Peek-A-Blue, Interactive Barking Peek-A-Boo Stuffed Animal, Dog, by Just Play

Amazon

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What We Like

Engaging
Easy to use
Good for practicing speech

What We Don't Like

Flimsy packaging
Different textures than expected

This is one stuffed animal that stands out from the rest because of its interactive features. Besides being super soft, when Blue's belly is squeezed, her ears pop up and down. Your youngster will love this game of peek-a-boo with their new plush friend.

Price at time of publish: $32

Dimensions: 110 x 6 x 13.5 inches | Material: Fabric | Recommended Age: 3 years and up

Amazon

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What We Like

Multiple activities in one
Educational
Durable

What We Don't Like

Tools needed for setup

This multi-use activity center allows toddlers to play their choice of two popular sports: basketball or soccer. No matter which game they choose, the light-up scoreboard keeps track of the score and plays fun sounds, like crowds cheering. The sides of the goal post feature a variety of buttons and levels that review shapes and numbers, phrases, and more than 50 songs for even more fun. This toy is suited for children ages 12 to 36 months.

Price at time of publish: $33

Dimensions: 16.54 x 22.83 x 24.02 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 1 year and up

The 36 Best Gifts for 3-year-old Boys of 2023

Walmart

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What We Like

Engaging
Good bonding activity

What We Don't Like

Can be complicated for younger kids

As your toddler starts to become more and more curious, a love of shapes and colors is sure to begin. This puzzle by Fat Brain Toys includes 10 different pieces that they must fit in the appropriate spaces. The blocks are large enough for tiny hands to grasp, making this a perfect toy for kids two and older.

Price at time of publish: $36

Dimensions: 7.48 x 7.48 x 7.99 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 2 years and up

These Are the Best Gifts to Help 1-Year-Olds Learn and Grow

Courtesy by Uncommon goods

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What We Like

Stimulating during mealtimes
Real life application

What We Don't Like

A bit expensive

Pair this fun, award-winning plate with the matching utensils (sold separately)—a bulldozer pusher, a forklift, and a front loader spoon—to encourage kids to explore their food and make mealtime more exciting. And, let’s be honest, with a plate this cool, who wouldn’t want to eat their broccoli?

Price at time of publish: $21+

Dimensions: 12 x 3 x 12 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: N/A

Wayfair

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What We Like

Can be used indoors or outdoors
Multiple uses
Interactive

What We Don't Like

Difficult to assemble
Bulky

A bit of a splurge, yes, but this fun playhouse has all the bells and whistles, like a working electric doorbell, a removable flower box for real or fake flowers, and indoor storage shelves for toys. Best of all? This roomy country cottage is big enough to go the distance; it’s suitable for kids as old as 6 years.

Price at time of publish: $542

Dimensions: 58 x 58.75 x 50.13 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up

Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table Playset

Amazon

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What We Like

Durable
Engaging
Available to kids of various ages

What We Don't Like

Can be difficult to assemble

The best toys for toddler boys let them get messy and have a sensory experience. Water tables are a great way to do just that, plus they can cool kids down on a hot day. This toy can be used in multiple ways, with water or sand, or you can even fill it with rice or pasta for a really fun sensory activity.

Price at time of publish: $77

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

Amazon

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What We Like

Sturdy and durable
Strong suction
Can be used in many environments

What We Don't Like

Difficult to clean

Bath time is also playtime. This fun STEM-inspired toy lets kids build their own little creations where they can pour water through the pipes and watch it come out the other side. For parents who want to start getting their kids to shower, this is a fun toy to get them excited about it, but it also works well in the bath.

Price at time of publish: $17

Dimensions: 6.5 x 2.05 x 2.76 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 1 year and up

Walmart

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What We Like

Adjustable for different heights
Sturdy
Easy to assemble

What We Don't Like

Products can be flimsy

You may remember this basketball set from your youth—and there's a reason it's still around today! This toy can be used for children ages 18 months and up, helping them work on their coordination and keeping them active.

Price at time of publish: $36

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

4.9

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Servin' Up Fun Food Truck

Amazon

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What We Like

Suitable for various ages
Entertaining
Interactive

What We Don't Like

Can be difficult to assemble

Why not have him start his own food truck with this adorable playset? Here, he can "prep" his food, present a menu, "ring" up food, and "wash" dishes in the sink. This set is so adorable, mom and dad might also want to play along as well.

Price at time of publish: $90

Dimensions: 22.99 x 21.97 x 27.99 Inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 1 year and up

4.2

Radio Flyer in 1 Off-Road EZ Fold Wagon with Canopy

Amazon

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What We Like

Long lasting
Sturdy
Easy to travel with

What We Don't Like

Pricey

Cruise around the neighborhood in style with this clever wagon which you can load up with some snacks and have a picnic at the local park. Your toddler boy will get a kick out of this wagon and who knows, he might want to pull this around too.

Price at time of publish: $119

Dimensions: 42 x 18.5 x 33 Inches | Material: Fabric | Recommended Age: 18 months and up

Recommended Age

Whenever you’re shopping for a toddler, check the age range of the toy you choose before you buy it. Certain products may contain small pieces or other parts that can be dangerous for small children—particularly those made for children aged 3 and over, says Kristin Morency Goldman, senior advisor of strategic communications for The Toy Association.

Skill Development

Toddlers learn so much in these key developmental years, so you may want to look for a toy that helps improve their skills. Certain toys focus on motor skills or walking, while others help develop language skills or critical thinking. Pick one that's right for your toddler's development level.

Longevity

During their first few years, children grow, learn, and develop at an astounding pace, so it’s always beneficial if you can find a toy that’ll keep their interest as they progress. Toys that encourage open-ended play and can be tailored to a child’s development level are perfect, as they can often be used for several years.

FAQ

How do you clean toddler toys?

The best way to clean most toys is to use mild dish soap diluted in warm water. Dip a microfiber cloth into the bucket, wring it out, and gently wipe down the toy to remove dust, dirt, grime, and the remnants of whatever those pint-sized rascals had on their sticky little fingers that got the toys so dirty in the first place. There’s no need to use cleaning products such as bleach. If you want to disinfect the toys, simply add a splash of white vinegar to the mix. If there’s any soap residue left on the toy surface, wipe it with a clean damp microfiber cloth and allow to air dry. Or you can disinfect a toy by wiping a mixture of vinegar diluted in water and allowing it to air dry.
What do toddler boys like?

Toddler boys are full of energy and find it hard to resist new shiny objects. Every kid is different, but toddler boys will generally appreciate toys such as illustrated picture books, animal figurine sets, finger puppets, brightly colored bath toys, alphabet blocks, crayon sets, and simple musical instruments like mini drums or xylophones.
What are must have toys for toddler boys?

Toddler boys enjoy fun toys and interactive toys that allow them to explore their curiosity about the world and learn new skills. Must have toddler toys include things like building blocks, simple puzzles, musical instruments, stuffed animals, robot toys, coloring books, pop-up books, or age-appropriate ride-on toys.

This article was written by Julie Evans, a writer who has been researching home products for The Spruce since 2017. She has extensive experience covering products for children, including toys and gifts. We also consulted Dr. Jody LeVos, chief learning officer for HOMER, and Kristin Morency Goldman, senior advisor of strategic communications for The Toy Association, for their take on what makes for a great toy for a toddler boy.