Some links in this article are affiliate links: if you buy through them, Dobibe may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. How that works.
Busy parents, finding the best toddler toys can save you time and stress. This guide offers practical tips and gift ideas tailored to your toddler’s age and interests, helping you make informed choices for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
Always check toy labels for the recommended ages! Some toys may look appealing but aren’t suitable for your child’s developmental stage. Read the recommendations listed beside the toys or on the package.
Occasion: Birthday, Christmas, Hanukkah, Get Well, Valentine’s Day, Easter
🚶♂️ (About 1 1/2 Years)
At this stage, your toddler loves to be on the move and enjoys toys they can push, pull, and manipulate. They also like to mimic adult activities.
Active Toys
Vtech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker – 9 mos to 2 years
Push/Pull Toys
Consider push toys with handles, pull toys for steady walkers, and large-sized trains, trucks, and cars for small hands.
Ride-On Toys
Little Tikes Cozy Coupe
For more gift ideas, check out our Best Baby Gifts article.
From About 1 1/2 Years
Wagon (low, open, and child can fit into)
A small rocking horse (handle rather than reins, knee height)
Ride-on toys propelled by feet (four or more wheels and non-electric)
Outside toys
Tunnels
Balls
Large balls (1 3/4″ minimum. Do not buy anything they can easily fit into child’s mouth)
🧩 Manipulative Play
First Builders Big Building Bag
Lightweight stacking blocks (15 to 25 pieces)
Solid wood blocks (check out the recommended ages)
Large hollow blocks
Large plastic blocks
Nesting cups (round with few pieces. At 1 1/2 years, can use other shapes)
Stacking toys and rings
LeapFrog LeapBuilders ABC Smart House – Insert the 20 double-sided learning blocks into the interactive Smart Star to hear sounds and phrases that introduce letters and numbers. 2+
Pop-up toys (operated by pushing a button or knob)
Puzzles (3 to 5 pieces with knobs)
Snap beads
Stringing beads (large beads–at least 1 3/4″ or bigger if the child can put easily into his mouth. Fewer than 10)
Number counting board (1 1/2 years or older. 1-5 with large pegs)
Pounding/hammering toys
Shape sorters
Disney Minnie Mouse Inflatable Playland Ballpit – 6 mos to 24 mos
🎭 Make Belief
Toy phones
Play tools (hammer, drill, pliers)
Dolls (soft body or all rubber. No hair or moving eyes or limbs. 5-6 inches.)
Doll accessories (bottle, blanket)
Simple doll carriages
Stuffed toys (Watch for choking hazards–no bows, bells, buttons, whiskers. Very soft with thin limbs. Check out age recommendations)
Simple housekeeping toys for 1-3 years
Cooking tools for 1-3 years
🏭 Manufacturers
Dora, Sesame Street, Barney, and Blue Clues items for 1-3-year-olds.
Fisher-Price toys for 1-3 years
Playskool toys for 1-3 years
VTech toys for 1-3 years
🏖️ Sand And Water Toys
Simple floating toys
Small pail and shovel
Sponges
Links in this article may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Older Than 1 1/2 Years:
nesting tub toys
funnels
colanders
Learning Resources Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog -18 mos+
Toddler Toys That Play Music
Cymbals
Drum
Xylophone
Rhythmic toys (make noise when shaken)
CDs
Nursery rhymes
Lullabies
Rhythmic children’s songs
Toddler Videos
“Barney” series
“Winnie the Pooh”
“Beauty and the Beast”
“Arthur” series
“Giggle bugs”
“Baby Songs”
“Thomas the Tank Engine”
Toddler Books For 1-Year-Olds
Stiff cardboard
Vinyl
Cloth
One word
Read to a child: (about 18 mos.)
“Anybody at Home” by H. A. Rey
“Cat in the Hat Dictionary” by Dr. Seuss
“The Golden Song Book” by Katharine Wessels
“Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown
“Look At Me Now” by Watson, Switzer, & Hirschberg
“Mother Goose”
“The Rooster Crows” by Maud & Miska Petersham
“Chicken Soup and Rice” by Maurice Sendak
“The Runaway Bunny” by Margaret Wise Brown
“Pat the Bunny” by Dorothy Kunhardt
VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Launch and Chase Police Tower -1 to 5 years
🎁 Gift Ideas For Toddlers
- ✅ Building blocks for creativity and motor skills
- ✅ Soft stuffed animals for comfort and imaginative play
- ✅ Musical instruments like xylophones or drums for auditory stimulation
Remember, some links in this article may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. Thank you for supporting Dobibe Home & Family!
Two-Year-Olds
Always check toy labels for the recommended ages! Two-year-olds prefer action toys. Between 2 1/2 to 3 years has good hand coordination and enjoys playing with small objects.
Active Play
As mentioned above, one-year-olds plus
Riding horses
Wagons
Pull toys with strings
Push toys that look like adult equipment-vacuums, mowers, etc.
balls
1-piece rattle & roll cart
about 2 1/2 year
tricycles and other pedal toys
Manipulative Play
As mentioned above, one-year-olds plus
Color or picture dominos
Simple lotto matching games
Cubes for lacing, hooking, buttoning, etc.
Make-Believe
As mentioned above, one-year-olds plus
Playhouses, farms, etc.
Child size equipment-stoves, refrigerators, workbenches, etc.
Large trucks
Cars with removable figures
Play22 Wooden Train Set 12 PCS – Train Toys Magnetic
Simple trains with simple coupling, no tracks
Simple planes
Outdoors
As mentioned above, one-year-olds plus
Small backyard gym equipment
Sand And Water Play
As mentioned above, one-year-olds plus
Nuby Octopus Hoopla Bathtime Fun Toys -18 mos+
Bathtub activity centers
Creative
Sidewalk chalk
Non-toxic clay
Crayons
Coloring books
Finger paints
CDs
Marches by Sousa
Folk songs by Burl Ives, Woody Guthrie, and Pete Seeger
Baroque music
“Play Your Instrument and Make a Pretty Sound” by Ella Jenkins
YOTTOY Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus Soft Toy -or use it as a pillow. 12 mos+
Toddler Books For 2-Year-Olds
“Let’s Be Enemies”
“A Flower Pot is Not a Hat”
“Are You My Mother?” by P. D. Eastman
“Blueberries for Sal” by Robert McCloskey
“Caps for Sale” by Ezphyr Slobodkina
“The Carrot Seed” by Ruth Kraus
“Harold and the Purple Crayon” by Crockett Johnson
“Curious George” Margaret & H. A. Rey
“Harry the Dirty Dog” by Gene Zion
“Play with Me” by Marie Ets
“The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats
“The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter
“There’s a Nightmare in My Closet” by Mercer Mayer
“Who Knows the Little Man” by Walburga Aflenberger
“Corduroy” by Don Freeman
“Noah’s Ark” by Peter Spier
❓ Questions People Ask
What Are The Best Toys For Two-Year-Olds?
The best toys for two-year-olds include active play toys like riding horses, wagons, and push toys that mimic adult equipment. They also enjoy manipulative toys such as color dominos and simple lotto games, as well as make-believe toys like playhouses and dress-up clothes. Outdoor equipment and creative toys like sidewalk chalk and non-toxic clay are also great choices.
What Should I Look For When Buying Toys For A Two-Year-Old?
When buying toys for a two-year-old, look for items that encourage active play, manipulative skills, and imaginative play. Ensure the toys are safe, durable, and appropriate for their age. Check the toy labels for recommended ages and safety warnings.
Are There Any Toys That Two-Year-Olds Should Avoid?
Two-year-olds should avoid toys with small parts that could be a choking hazard, toys with sharp edges, and toys that are too complex for their developmental stage. Always supervise playtime and choose toys that are specifically designed for their age group.
Note: Some links in this article may be affiliate links.
📚 Keep Reading
💛 You Might Also Like
Gifts For Coffee Lovers Beyond Another Mug
Discover unique gifts for coffee lovers that go beyond the usual mug. From gadgets to experiences, find the…
Top Gifts To Please Nature Lovers
Find the perfect gift for the nature lover in your life with our curated list of thoughtful and…
Chic And Comfortable Clothing For Trendy Tweens
Find the perfect chic and comfortable clothing for trendy tweens. Discover stylish and age-appropriate fashion options that will…
