These fun, educational toys and games will help toddlers develop key skills.
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Ready to win the holiday season — at least, as far as your favorite 2-year-old is concerned? Shopping for toddlers can be fun, but it can also be challenging to find the ideal gifts for kids at this age. The best toys and gifts for 2-year-olds provide something extra for the little tot. Perhaps it's a stuffed animal that also teaches peek-a-boo, or a sorting toy that builds grip strength. Whatever direction you go in, it's important to consider what developmental stage children are in during this time of their lives. (Don't just buy a Barbie because it's trendy. They're not ready!)
"At two years of age, children are working on a host of skills across several developmental domains," says Elizabeth Fraley, M.Ed. and CEO of KinderReady Inc., a LA-based education program focused on kindergarten readiness and private school preparation. "Vocabulary is the most fluid as it is constantly evolving day-in and day-out. Typically, a two year old will use two-word phrases like 'bye mama,' nod and say yes, point, wave, blow a kiss, or wave goodbye. Within the cognitive milestone realm, a 2-year-old may be eager to flip the pages in a book, turn a knob, or push buttons on a toy. In the fine motor realm, they are usually seen clapping their hands, picking up and putting objects down."
The following toys are all recommended by Fraley, road-tested by this editor's (very picky) children, or raved about by online reviewers.
Perfect for novice puzzlers, this 4-pack of mini puzzles is made with recycled cardboard and vegetable-based ink, making it eco-friendly. Once your toddler has mastered one puzzle, they can move onto the next. Ages 2+
"Learning colors is a huge learning skill for 2-year-olds," says Fraley. "It also helps children learn to classify by colors and begin to work on their grip using the writing tool." Ages 2+
Little girls and boys are all about wooden train sets that latch onto each other with pegs. They can play with each car individually or arrange them together for the whole kit and caboodle. Ages 2+
Little kids love the Let's Record Music Player that records up to 30 minutes of silly sounds, singing, or speaking. It can also play 10 children's songs and 10 tunes to help them learn letters, animals, and more. Ages 18 months- 4 years
Surprise Powerz is all about empowering girls at a young age. María The Mathemagician is just one of four dolls in a line meant to encourage little girls to pursue their interests in science and tech. It's never too early! Ages 2-5
Play food should be a staple in any toddler's "kitchen." It's fun for them to play around with different combinations. But more importantly, the set introduces young eaters to a variety of toppings (including veggies). Ages 18 months+
It's hard to go wrong with a pair of Nikes — especially ones with Velcro closures instead of laces. The Air Max SYSTMs come in five colors, but black and white is a classic combo for both boys and girls. Sizes range from 2C to 10C (6-36+ months).
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Piano mats are a great way for parents to lose their minds toddlers to learn basic music notes. This one is battery-powered, comes with 10 keys, two activity modes, five instrument sounds, two songs, and easily folds up. Ages 2-5
Tots can work on color-matching, placement, and grip strength with these animal figurines and matching barns. One reviewer writes, "My 2-year-old has had them for 3 days, and they’re his favorite toys now. He loves moving the 'babies' from house to house. He’s already learning colors and animal names just by playing with them." Ages 1+
If the 2-year-old will be spending an extended period of time in the car or on a plane, travel-friendly toys are a must! Floss & Rock make fantastic portable water pads. This jungle edition is only one of many versions. Ages 18 months+
If you want to encourage pattern-following, try this stacking toy that comes with cards showing different combinations. They'll not only learn to place with pieces (a fine motor skill), they'll be challenged to think about their order (a cognitive skill). Ages 1+
Toddlers will learn about colors and how parts fit together with this set of giant, wooden nuts and bolts. Ages 1+
Let's get something straight: 2-year-olds are not to be trusted with pens and paint. This water doodle mat bypasses the mess by utilizing water pens that reveal colors as the kids draw on the mat. Ages 1+
There are a few different ways to play with this cool wooden toy. First, it's a vegetable patch with big and small carrots to place. Then, they can use the rabbit to pluck magnetic worms out of the garden. Finally, all the fruits fit into holes in the cart. So much to learn! Ages 2+
Looking for a gift that's a little more personal? This puzzle board has their name all over it — ha! Ages 1-3
"Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog is a must-have for children two and up," says Fraley. "This multifaceted toy works on color recognition, boosts counting and sorting skills, and even evokes conversations about the colorful hedgehog to strengthen early vocabulary. The spikes are grooved for easy gripping and grasping." Ages 18 months- 4 years
If you want a simple gift that will spark a toddler's imagination, look no further than the shadow puppets handmade by the woman-owned company Wildflower Toys. Put on a show and watch their eyes go wide. No age listed
Any book is a good gift, but this book does the reading for you. Not only does it verbally identify all the pictures, it can read the words in both English and Spanish. Ages 18 months+
If bath time is a struggle, make things fun with this motorized water pump. This is especially useful if the 2-year-old in question is beginning to mess with the real faucet. Ages 9 months+
Amazon reviewers praise this Montessori-style toy for being both educational and fun for little kids. Made of high-quality materials, the sorting box is great for occupational therapy. Ages 12 months- 6 years
After over a decade as a digital editor, Maggie Panos is navigating freelance writing and full-time parenting. She covered entertainment for POPSUGAR from New York and San Francisco before setting down roots in tree-covered Portland and focusing on local journalism. A self-proclaimed "okay baker", Maggie is interested in all things lifestyle — especially if those things involve Bravolebrities.
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Montessori Toys Factories After over a decade as a digital editor, Maggie Panos is navigating freelance writing and full-time parenting. She covered entertainment for POPSUGAR from New York and San Francisco before setting down roots in tree-covered Portland and focusing on local journalism. A self-proclaimed \"okay baker\", Maggie is interested in all things lifestyle — especially if those things involve Bravolebrities.