Two is the age where toddlers want to do everything you do, touch every button, and open every lid in the house (whether you want them to or not).
So finding the best toys for 2 year olds means finding the ones where they get to be just like you! If your little one is still on the younger side of two, the best toys for 18 month olds covers the stage right before this one.
As a teacher, my whole thing was to “sneak the learning in.” I wanted lessons to be so much fun that my students didn’t notice they were learning.
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This updated list is built around what 2 year olds are actually working on, sorted into the 11 play categories I use for our toy rotation. Browse the pictures (that’s how I find ideas for my own kids) or read the notes to see how I use each one.
🚨 A quick safety note: always supervise play, and read the age labels. Anything that fits through a toilet paper tube is a choking hazard.
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Developmental Milestones for 2 Year Old Toddlers
The year between 2 and 3 is a big one, so I pulled from two lists here: the CDC’s 2 year checklist and the 30 month checklist from “Learn the Signs. Act Early.”
Think of the first as where your 2 year old starts the year and the second as where they’re headed by the halfway point.
Social and emotional
- Notices when others are hurt or upset, like pausing or looking sad when someone cries (2 years)
- Looks at your face to see how to react in a new situation (2 years)
- Plays next to other children and sometimes plays with them (30 months)
- Shows you what they can do by saying “Look at me!” (30 months)
- Follows simple routines, like helping pick up toys when you say it’s clean-up time (30 months)
Language and communication
- Points to things in a book when you ask, like “Where is the bear?” (2 years)
- Says at least two words together, like “More milk” (2 years)
- Points to at least two body parts when you ask (2 years)
- Uses more gestures than waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes (2 years)
- Says about 50 words, and puts two or more together with an action word, like “Doggie run” (30 months)
- Names things in a book when you point and ask “What is this?” and uses words like “I,” “me,” or “we” (30 months)
Thinking and problem-solving
- Holds something in one hand while using the other, like holding a container and taking the lid off (2 years)
- Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toy (2 years)
- Plays with more than one toy at the same time, like putting toy food on a toy plate (2 years)
- Uses things to pretend, like feeding a block to a doll as if it were food (30 months)
- Shows simple problem-solving, like standing on a small stool to reach something (30 months)
- Follows two-step instructions and knows at least one color (30 months)
Movement and physical
- Kicks a ball, runs, and walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help (2 years)
- Eats with a spoon (2 years)
- Uses hands to twist things, like turning doorknobs or unscrewing lids (30 months)
- Takes some clothes off alone, like loose pants or an open jacket (30 months)
- Jumps off the ground with both feet and turns book pages one at a time (30 months)
These milestones are a starting point. Here’s how those skills line up with my 11 play categories below:
| What they’re working on | Play Category | Jump to |
|---|---|---|
| Running, kicking, jumping with both feet, stairs | Gross motor | Gross motor |
| Two hands working together, twisting lids, turning pages | Fine motor, books, art | Fine motor, Books |
| Knobs, switches, buttons, simple problem-solving | Close-ended and STEM | Close-ended, STEM |
| Toy food on a toy plate, feeding a block to a doll | Pretend play and open-ended | Pretend play, Open-ended |
| Noticing when someone is upset | Nurturing | Nurturing |
| Pointing to and naming things, 50 words, two-word sentences | Books and music | Books, Musical |
| Stacking, knocking down, “look at me!” | Blocks | Blocks |
| Knowing a color, making marks on paper | Art and sensory | Art, Sensory |
🍎 Teacher note: about 75% of kids hit these by the listed age, so plenty of kids get there a little later. If something is nagging at you, bring it up with your pediatrician. You know your kid best.
How to Pick Toys for a 2 Year Old
Every toy here counts as an educational toy for 2 year olds. The learning is just hidden inside the play. Here’s what I look for so a toy actually gets played with:
- Toys you like too. You’ll spend a lot of time playing with them. If you think it’s awesome, your kid usually will too.
- Multipurpose. A shape sorter that’s also a dump truck. Two ways to play means twice the shelf life.
- Their interests, widened. My oldest has always loved blocks, so instead of steering him away, we stretched what “blocks” meant: Mega Bloks, Duplo, LEGO, Magna-Tiles, Squigz, Tinkertoys, and wooden construction sets.
- Durable brands. Every toddler parent has been burned by a cheap toy that broke on day two. I stick with brands I trust (you’ll see the pattern).
- Ignore the pink and blue aisles. Your daughter might love trucks and your son might love dolls. The goal is a well-rounded kid who can build, lead, and take care of others.
- Variety. Nobody expects Beethoven on a toy piano at 2, but music, science, art, and books are how you find interests they don’t know they have yet.
Starting Independent Play
Two is a good time to start building independent play, a few minutes at a time while you fold laundry nearby.
And if naps are getting weird (none one day, three hours the next), the nap transition may be starting. It usually lands somewhere between 2 and 4, and our quiet time routine is how we kept that afternoon block.
One more thing: let them play without rules as much as you can stand it. Today the broomstick is a rocket ship, and tomorrow the books are building blocks. My oldest figured out on his own that brooms are for sweeping and books are for reading. Nobody needed to correct him.
Gross Motor Toys for 2 Year Olds
Running, kicking, climbing stairs, and (by 30 months) jumping with both feet. A 2 year old’s body wants to move all day long, rain or shine. Our gross motor toy guide has more ideas for small spaces.
Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike
As soon as my kids were walking, we had them on balance bikes. There are no pedals, so all they have to figure out is steering and balance while they push with their feet like they’re running. That’s the running and coordination on the 2 year old checklist. By 4, both of my boys were riding pedal bikes with no training wheels.
Strider 12 Sport, No Pedal Balance
As soon as our kids were walking, we had them on balance bikes! And by 4 both were riding pedal bikes with no problems and no training wheels!
The Cozy Coupe was my oldest’s favorite toy for years (driveway laps included). The Bilibo is a simple shell they can sit, rock, and spin in.
Little Tikes Cozy Coupe
I have the sweetest memories of my oldest zooming around the house and driveway in his Cozy Coupe. For years this was his favorite toy.
- Made in the USA. The Little Tikes Company is located in the heartland of America.
- GROWS AS KIDS DO. The removable floorboard makes this ride-on transition easily between parent-controlled and kid-powered modes
- Includes: working doors, steering wheel with working horn, moving, clicking ignition switch, gas cap open and closes, rugged, durable tires, front wheels spin 360 degrees
Fat Brain Toys Bilibo by MOLUK
These came out after my kids had passed the prime window, but we've played with similar sensory and gross motor toys so when I saw this one I knew it needed to make the list!
- ENCOURAGES IMAGINATIVE PLAY: The simplified design of these toddler outdoor toys allows kids to explore endless play possibilities, from a turtle shell to a hero mask, fostering creativity and imagination as 2 year old toys.
- PROMOTES ACTIVE PLAY: Children can use bilibo outdoor toddler toys as a spinning seat, stepping stone, or helmet, engaging in physical activities that improve motor skills and coordination.
- SUPPORTS OPEN-ENDED PLAY: bilibo''s versatile nature of outdoor toddler toys encourages problem-solving and creativity, offering a unique way to entertain and stimulate a child''s mind.
Fine Motor Toys for 2 Year Olds
Parents searching for brain development toys for 2 year olds usually want exactly this: simple learning toys that build hand skills.
Those little hand muscles are the same ones they’ll use for crayons and scissors later. More in our fine motor skills guide.
Battat Education Save and Count Piggy Bank
Honestly, I didn’t expect my kids to love it as much as they did. It’s great for kids who get frustrated with shape sorters, because a coin only has to go into a slot, not match a shape. It’s still my favorite Battat toy, and it made the first birthday list too.
Battat Save and Count Learning Toy
This was a surprise toy. I didn't think my kids would love it as much as they did. But boy did they! It's great to practice fine motor skills, as well as counting, color recognition, and more.
- Piggy Bank: Have a ton of educational fun with this piggy bank and play coin set
- 10 Coins: This learning toy comes with 10 numbered coins in bright colorsu2014great for practicing counting and color recognition
- Playbook Included: Discover educational play ideas and an illustrated story inside the playbook
Spike the hedgehog is simple and my kids still loved it way more than I expected. The Fiskars activity book is a gentle start with scissors. My oldest picked them up at 2 with zero explanation, and my youngest was past 4 before he wanted to try, so follow your kid.
Learning Resources Spike The Original Fine Motor Hedgehog
My kids loved this more than I would have expected for how simple it is!
- FINE MOTOR DEVELOPMENT: Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog helps toddlers strengthen hand muscles, improve coordination, and build the pincer grasp needed for future writing skills
- COLOR SORTING & MATCHING FUN: Practice color recognition, sorting, and matching with colorful quills that make this one of the most engaging color sorting toys for toddlers
- BUILD EARLY LEARNING SKILLS: Numbered holes encourage counting, sequencing, and problem-solving while supporting fine motor skills toys for toddlers through hands-on play
- PORTABLE STORAGE DESIGN: All 12 chunky quills store neatly inside Spike, making this toddler toy perfect for travel, restaurants, daycare, and learning on the go
Fiskars Toddler Activity Book with Safety Scissors
My first picked up a pair of scissors and needed no explanation (at 2 years old!) but my second was over 4 before he even wanted to try it. He couldn't coordinate the grasp. These scissors gave him confidence to cut and paste that eventually led to using real scissors.
- Fiskars Starter Scissors & Activity Book (Ages 2+) includes starter scissors and 30 pages of activities, along with tips and tricks to introduce young kids to using scissors
- Activity pages focus on simple snips and lines, helping kids learn how to close scissors blades, developed with pediatric occupational therapists
- Fiskars Starter Scissors have safe, plastic blades that cut paper with straight, easy-grip handles
- Spring-action design opens blades after each cut, allowing young children to focus on closing motion
Melissa & Doug Shape-Sorting Dump Truck
I love a multipurpose toy! This shape sorter is great for fine motor skills and closed-ended play, but also doubles as a dump truck that kids love for open-ended pretend play!
- Dual-Function Wooden Toy This sturdy wooden toy truck doubles as a shape sorter, featuring nine shaped holes that correspond to the colorful wooden blocks, offering a fun challenge for toddler toys
- Dump and Play Action The truck bed tilts to dump the blocks and the back door lifts, providing a satisfying and repeatable action that encourages fine motor skills and hours of engaging pretend play
Fisher-Proce Wood Stacking Shapes
Balancing blocks are great practice for kids to learn about loading, balance, coordination, and of course… gravity!
- u200bMontessori toy that helps strengthen concentration, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination for ages 2 years and older as toddlers and kids grasp, stack, and build different structures
- u200bFosters spatial awareness and problem-solving skills as kids discover how different shapes fit together and balance atop each other
- u200bExclusive tip card! Includes guided play tips from the child development experts at the Fisher-Price Play Lab
Open-Ended Toys for 2 Year Olds
Open-ended toys are the ones with no instructions, rules, or “correct ways to play with them.” At 2, that looks like “feeding a block to a doll” (a 30 month milestone). Our open-ended toys guide has more.
If you love Montessori toys for 2 year olds, the silks, wooden blocks, and real-life cleaning set are perfect for your collection.
Fisher-Price Little People Sets
My oldest wanted to be a garbage man for the longest time, so we have met a lot of garbage trucks. Little People sets are sized right for 2 year old hands. We have a lot of Little People at our house, and our Fisher-Price guide covers the rest of our favorites.
Fisher-Price Little People Fire Truck
This fire truck is a lot of fun with the lights and realistic sounds. The kids love to use the ladder to put out fires all over the house (pretend fires, of course!).
- Push-along toy fire truck with lights, music and sounds for toddler and preschool pretend play
- Manually lift and move the ladder to act out fun rescues
- Includes 2 Little People figures sized just right for small hands to grasp & move
Fisher-Price Little People Recycling Truck
My oldest wanted to be a garbage man for the longest time, so we have checked out many garbage trucks along the way!
- Push-along musical toy recycling truck and figure set for toddler-friendly pretend play
- Press the driveru2019s seat or lift the loader to activate fun songs, sounds and phrases about recycling
- Comes with 1 figure and 3 garbage play pieces to sort, lift and load into the truck
- Vehicle, figure and pieces sized for small hands to easily grasp & move, helping to strengthen fine motor skills
Fisher-Price Little People School Bus
Little People sets are fun for babies to explore, and for toddlers to learn imaginative play. The school bus has been a classic for my kids!
- Push-along toy school bus with lights, music and sounds for toddler and preschool pretend play
- Manually fold out the stop sign and open the bus door to load & unload passengers
- Includes 2 Little People figures sized just right for small hands to grasp & move
Play silks become capes, blankets, and roads. Our friends have a Nugget, and the kids turn it into forts, slides, and secret hideouts.
Newcotte 5 Set Magic Color Silk Scarf
One minute you're running these silks through your newborn's fingers for sensory play, the next your toddlers are wearing them as capes, tying them into ropes, building forts, and more.
- More Fun Than You Realize: can use it as a game prop, play hide and seek with their friends, throw the handkerchief and more, offering a diverse range of open ended play experiences
- Versatile: we can use this play scarves as carriers, scarves, capes, grass for rocking horses dance props and even to build forts with play clips, and also can be a sling for a doll or stuffed animal, a decorative backdrop for a make faith scene, there is more fun waiting for you to discover
- Durable: our large square scarves are made of durable reusable satin chiffon fabric ideal for playing dress up, doll blankets, dancing and twirling, capes, activities and songs, Halloween costumes, picnics, traveling, movement, juggling, and more
- Promotes Motor Coordination: the flowing scarves are ideal for dance and movement activities helping to improve balance coordination and rhythm they can also for tossing catching waving and storytelling promoting physical development and boosting confidence
Nugget The Original Play Couch
Our friends have a Nugget couch and the kids love to build forts, make slides, secret hideouts, and just jump around on piles of cushions.
ECR4Kids SoftZone Climb and Crawl Playset
Kids love soft play (with foam building blocks and large cushions). Mine play with these at the gym, the library, and science center.
- Activity Playset: Five big, soft foam blocks for toddlers to use as they develop agility and improve important motor skills in a playroom or classroom; a thoughtful gift for birthdays or holidays.
- Motor Development: Assemble a fun beginner climber by connecting large square and ramp with stay-put fasteners; little adventurers will gain confidence while crawling and climbing across the pieces.
- Durable Materials: Dense foam core is covered in soft vegan leather; platform, wedge and half-moon shapes feature a non-slip base for stability.
- Certified Safe: This latex-free indoor play set is UL GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low VOCs, CPSIA compliant, adheres to CAL TB 117 requirements, and constructed with CertiPUR-US Certified foam.
- Product Dimensions: Platform 40in L x 16in W x 8in H; half-moon 16in L x 16in W x 8in H; rectangle 16in L x 8in W x 8in H; cylinder 16in L x 8in D; Adult Active Engaged & Direct Supervision Required.
Close-Ended Toys and Puzzles for 2 Year Olds
Close-ended toys have rules and steps that need to be followed like puzzles and board games. Puzzles can be a little boring for toddlers, so I love the ones that turn into something to play with when they’re done.
Our close-ended toys guide explains why these matter just as much as the open-ended ones.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Magnetic Ice Cream Puzzle
It’s a magnetic puzzle, and then the pieces stick together to build ice cream cones, so the puzzle turns into an ice cream shop. It’s one of the most-played toys in our whole Melissa & Doug collection.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Magnetic Ice Cream Puzzle
There is not enough room to write about all of the reasons why I love this toy so much. But let's start with the fact that it's a magnetic puzzle that kids love AND the pieces stick together to make icecream cones. My kids will play with this for hours!
- Build your own sweet treats! Piece together colorful ice cream sundaes, cones, and cups with this 16 piece interactive wooden puzzle and magnetic pretend play set
- Magnetic play meets puzzle fun u2013 Use the scooper to lift and stack magnetic ice cream scoops and toppings onto cones, cups, or a banana split sundae dish, helping kids build hand strength and coordination
- 2-in-1 Puzzle and Pretend Play u2013 This ice cream toy set blends the problem-solving of jigsaw puzzles with the hands-on fun of pretend food play, inspiring early learning and imaginative ice cream shop role play
Jumbo peg puzzles look easy, but even my 2 year old struggled with turning the pieces to fit, so they last longer than you’d think. The cube puzzle is tricky. I turned all the blocks to the same picture first so my younger ones could see how it worked.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Jumbo Peg Puzzle 2-Pack
These may seem super easy, but even my 2-year old struggled with orientation of the puzzle pieces. They can work on them for a long time before mastering the activity.
- Piece together early learning fun with a set of two Melissa & Doug 3-piece wooden jumbo peg puzzles
- House Pets features an adorable puppy, kitten, and bird in a house-shaped puzzle board
- Fish Bowl features a fish, turtle, and crab in a fishbowl-shaped puzzle board
- Pieces have easy-grip knobs, perfect for little hands just developing hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, and matching pictures underneath for easy solving
Melissa & Doug Farm Animals Wooden Sound Peg Puzzle
A fun puzzle that makes the animal sound every time you put the piece in the right spot.
- Interactive Animal Puzzle Play u2013 8-piece wooden peg puzzle plays realistic farm animal sounds when pieces are lifted and replaced, encouraging hands-on exploration and sensory engagement
- Skill-Building Fun u2013 Encourages fine motor development, hand-eye coordination, auditory processing, and early problem-solving skills in a fun, screen-free format designed for independent play
Melissa & Doug Pets Wooden Cube Puzzle
Lay the blocks in the storage tray to reveal one of six puzzles. This can be tricky, even for older kids. For my younger ones, I would turn the blocks all to the same puzzle side so it was easier to see how the pieces fit together.
- Includes 16 cube-shaped puzzle pieces in a sturdy wooden tray.
- Six different puzzles to complete, featuring six adorable pets
- Border design gives visual hints to each puzzle!
Blocks and Building Toys for 2 Year Olds
Are blocks creative toys? Engineering? Fine motor? Gross motor? Yes. Blocks are sneaky like that. We have so many at my house that my head might explode. Our building toys guide breaks down the different kinds.
When they’re ready for the next step, our DUPLO and LEGO guide shows which sets to buy in what order.
Mega Bloks First Builders Building Bag
These were the very first building blocks we owned. We’ve graduated to LEGO since then, and my kids still play with these. The big pieces snap together easily, so a 2 year old can build, knock down, and build again without needing you. The bag doubles as storage, which is my kind of cleanup.
Mega Bloks First Builders Building Bag
These were the first building blocks we owned and our kids will still play with them (even though we've graduated to LEGOs!).
- PERFECT FIT FOR LITTLE HANDS: Easy to grip, stack and pull apart, our blocks are designed for little hands
- FIRST BLOCKS IN HOME: Features 150 big building blocks including special shapes
- CREATIVE LEARNING PLAY: TODDLERS can build anything they imagine and learn colors
Wooden unit blocks don’t stick together, so kids have to learn to balance. We play with these at the library. Blockables snap together to make little scenes, and every family we’ve gifted them to loves them.
Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid Wood Building Blocks
We play with these at the library. Kids have to learn to build without blocks that stick together (like LEGO, Duplo, or Mega Bloks). It's a different building process and sparks a lot of creativity.
- Build, Stack & Imagine: Create towers, bridges, roads, and cozy u201chomesu201d for their favorite toddler toys, to practice balancing, sorting, and freestyle construction for open-ended, screen-free play
- Classic Montessori Toys: Includes 60 natural-finish unit blocks in multiple shapes & sizes, precisely cut from smooth hardwood & packed in a portable wooden toy storage tray for quick & easy cleanup
- Supports Developmental Learning: Strengthens fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination & shape recognition, with preschool learning activities that foster early math concepts like counting, sorting & comparing
Melissa & Doug Blockables Dinosaur Wooden Building Block Toy Set
These are new toys since my kids were at the right age, but we've gifted tons of these to friends and the love them! The blocks are easy to snap together and they make great pretend play scenes or let you mix and match to create new characters.
- Dinosaur Play Set Includes 33 blocks, 29 connectors, 5 felt pieces with built-in connectors, 2 arm connectors, and illustrated instructions for putting together a T-rex, apatosaurus, pterodactyl, plesiosaurus, triceratops, stegosaurus, a volcano, and more
- Like all Melissa & Doug toys, Blockables are designed to promote and support important developmental benefits for kids: They encourage fine motor, problem-solving, and matching skills, introduce storytelling, and help build self-esteem as kids build and create their own toys again and again
Melissa & Doug Blockables Farm & Farm Friends 2-Pack Bundle Set
We've gifted tons of Melissa & Doug Blockables and our friends have nothing but glowing reviews! Create the scenes on the box, or use your own imagination!
- This 2-pack Blockables bundle includes the 57-piece Farm Play Set and the 16-piece Farm Friends Play Set, each with solid wood blocks, connectors, felt pieces, play figures, and illustrated instructions; build animals, equipment, unique creations
- Blockables are designed to promote and support important developmental benefits: They encourage fine motor, problem-solving, and matching skills, introduce storytelling, and help build self-esteem as kids build and create their own toys again and again
Melissa & Doug Blockables Rescue City Wooden Building Toy Set
I really wish these were around when my kids were smaller, I think they would have loved them! They are super interactive (moreso than traditional building blocks) and let you make the scenes on the box or create your own. Everyone we've gifted them to loves them!
- Blockables City Deluxe Play Set includes sturdy storage bin with reversible play lid, 51 wooden blocks, 58 connectors, felt traffic arm and felt car wash flaps with built-in connectors, 4 play figures, 12 wheels, recycle truck arm, fire engine ladder, and illustrated instructions for 9 builds
- Like all Melissa & Doug toys, Blockables are designed to promote and support important developmental benefits for kids: Fine motor, problem-solving, matching skills, storytelling, and self-esteem as kids build and create their own toys again and again
These Bristle Blocks stick together easily, so toddlers can learn to build independently.
Battat Bristle Blocks
These blocks are great for following the patterns and designs (close-ended play) or making your own creations (open-ended play). They stick together really easily, so kids won't get frustrated trying to piece them together.
- Building Blocks: Featuring soft, interlocking bristles that stick together at almost any angle, Bristle Blocks are designed for easy assembly!
- 80-piece Set: This set includes building blocks, toy characters, and functional wheels u2013 everything your toddler needs to create!
- Developmental Toy: Kids can get creative, build fine motor skills, and improve their concentration as they play!
- Storage Included: All the pieces fit neatly inside the handy jar for convenient storage.
Infantino Press & Stay Sensory Blocks
These blocks are easy to stick together because of the bristles. They are great for sensory play with the bristles too.
- PRESS, STACK & STAY: When little builders have big ideas, Press & Stay blocks make it easier to bring them to life.
- The interlocking pattern connects without perfect alignment, so children can press the blocks together, pull them apart, and keep building with less frustration
- DISCOVERY THEY CAN FEEL: High contrast colors and interesting textures give little hands more to explore. Pressing, connecting, stacking, and separating the sensory blocks encourages hands-on discovery through every build
LEGO DUPLO Fire Truck
Children can build the fire truck (close-ended) or make their own creation (open-ended). The sets are also fun to play with after building.
- BUILD STORYTELLING SKILLS u2013 Toddlers can practice pretend play as they imagine being everyday heroes, helping their firefighter figure navigate quickly to fight fires and save the day
- ENCOURAGE CREATIVE PLAY u2013 Includes a fire truck model with detachable trailer, a firefighter figure, LEGO DUPLO squirrel, and axe and wrench accessories to encourage imaginative save-the-day play
LEGO DUPLO Town Construction Vehicles
Children can build the fire truck (close-ended) or make their own creation (open-ended). The sets are also fun to play with after building.
- 6 VEHICLE TOYS INCLUDED u2013 Bricks assemble to make 2 tow trucks with different hooks, a loader, scissor lift, dump truck or excavator toy with a flexible arm
- PRACTICE FINE MOTOR SKILLS u2013 This toddler learning toy encourages young boys and girls to focus and figure out how to combine the construction trucks' functions to find new ways to play
- ENCOURAGE CREATIVE PRETEND PLAY u2013 Includes 2 builder figures that toddlers use to drive, direct and operate the vehicles to get the job done
Books for 2 Year Olds
Pointing to things in a book, naming them, and turning pages one at a time are all on the CDC lists for this year. Books are always out at my house.
If you think your 2 year old just isn’t into books, you may not have found the right ones yet.
Melissa & Doug Poke-a-Dot Books
I’ll admit I was skeptical. At first glance it looked like someone glued a pop-it into a board book. Then we read one, and the popping is actually part of the story: finding pictures, counting, “crossing off” items as you go. We now own four and counting.
My youngest didn’t engage with books at all. He tried to tear pages and chew spines. Then he found one of his big brother’s Pop-Up Peekaboo books, and that was it. We own ten or more now. Pro tip: borrow a few kinds from the library first, see what your kid likes, and then invest in that series.
Melissa & Doug Poke-a-Dot Old MacDonald's Farm Book
I will admit I was skeptical about this book series. At a first glace it seemed like just adding a "pop-it" to a book page (I didn't see the value). But after reading, I realized the popping is an interactive part of the story (sometimes finding pictures or words on the page, sometimes "crossing off" items, etc.). Now we are the proud owners of 4 of these books and counting! My kids love them!
Pop-Up Peekaboo! Under the Sea
We probably have 10+ books from the Pop-Up Peekaboo! Series. My youngest struggled to engage with books, but these classic pop-ups got his attention right away. As he got older he started lifting the flaps himself too.
DK Books Baby Touch and Feel Animals
We must have 2 dozen touch-and-feel books from DK. They are great quality and have a lot of different textures (where some brands have the same textures in every book).
- Touch and feel books help children who are not interested in books engage in books
- The sensory experience of seeing a picture, hearing you read the words, and feeling the texture is perfect for early development
Baby Einstein Amazin Animals Sound Book
Even my 6 year old still loves books with buttons. Interactive books are great for getting kids who are hesitant to read into books.
Musical and Multimedia Toys for 2 Year Olds
Buttons, knobs, and switches are catnip at 2 (it’s on the checklist), and music gives them a reason to press them over and over while they pick up words from songs. Our musical toys guide covers instruments and audio players.
VTech KidiBeats Kids Drum Set
We play this at home all the time. It has two very different modes. Follow the beat as the drum pads light up (close-ended), or switch to what we call “jam band mode” and make up your own beat (open-ended). Every hit is a little cause and effect lesson.
VTech KidiBeats Kids Drums
We play this at home all the time. Follow the beats as each drum pad lights up (close-ended), or turn it to "jam band mode," as we call it, and make your own beat (open-ended).
- Kids learning toy has three drum pads and cymbal each with its own unique sound for sensory development
- Toddlers can play along to 9 melodies in styles including rock, dance and pop; music toy teaches letters, numbers, and music
- Kids drum set has 4 modes of play: Free Play, Letters, Numbers, and Follow-Along; each drum features a unique LED light
The Lil’ Rockers guitar has real strings to strum, and both my kids loved that part. We have the karaoke machine (ours has Cocomelon branding), and the microphone actually works. It also works as a Bluetooth speaker for the grown-ups.
Battat Lil' Rockers
We had a prior version to this, but one thing both kids loved was the actual strumming feature. You can run your fingers across the strings (hello sensory!) and it creates the sound.
- 3 Modes: Play along to 7 pre-recorded songs in song mode or create your own musical masterpiece in electric and acoustic modes!
- Songbook Included: Learn to play 7 nursery rhymes with the songbook!
Ms. Rachel Bluetooth Karaoke Machine
We have this exact model, although ours was branded as Cocomelon. It can be used as a bluetooth speaker too, so it's great for the whole family. The microphone actually works. Sing along to the pre-recorded tracks, or use the USB or bluetooth features to sing to your own favorites.
- Built-in Music: Features 20+ built in songs, including u2018Hop Little Bunniesu2019, u2018Bingou2019, u2018Iu2019m So Happyu2019, u2018ABCu2019, u2018Old MacDonaldu2019, u2018Wheels on the Busu2019, u2018Can You Say Mamau2019, and more.
- Kid-Friendly Design: Includes a headphone jack, so you can listen to your content without disturbing others. Portable and rechargeable, you can take this karaoke machine for kids anywhere (charging cable included)
Fisher-Price Wooden Ocean Musical Instruments Set
These instruments develop fine motor skill and provide sensory feedback. They are perfect for little ones to learn about music.
- u200bIntroduces kids to different musical sounds, tones, volumes, and rhythms
- u200b6 pieces! Includes guiro, shaker, castanet, recorder, drum, and mallet u200b
Fisher-Price Classic Record Player
I remember playing with this toy at my grandma's house as a child. It is super fun and sensory while encouring a love of music.
Little Tikes Story Dream Machine & Headphones
I'm increasingly impressed with this product, although we haven't personally owned one. I love that children can listen to books and/or watch the pages on any flat surface. It makes books come to life. They also have an increasingly large amount of books to choose from!
- BRING STORYTIME TO LIFE. Watch, listen, and read along to bedtime stories as they magically unfold through screen-free wall projection, colorful lights, and sound effects.
- 6 STORIES AND 2 CHARACTERS. Enjoy 6 new PAW Patrol stories: All Star Pups, Save the School Bus, Puppy Dance Party, Rubble to the Rescue, Save the Dinosaurs and Mission Paw. Chase and Rubble character figurines add to the story with fun light effects in nightlight mode.
- INCLUDES HEADPHONES. Comfortable, kid-friendly headphones plug straight into the projector for on-the-go storytelling.
- BUILDS READING SKILLS. Story projection helps develop your childu2019s word recognition and beginning reading skills. Children can follow along easily and learn new words as a narrator reads their selected story aloud.
- EASY TO USE & STORE. Simple, kid-friendly controls allow children to change the volume, fast forward, and rewind the story with ease. When storytime is over, store cartridges easily in the slots on the side of the projector.
- WHITE NOISE SETTING. Doubles as a white noise nightlight to soothe your child to sleep. Choose from 5 different sound settings.
Art Supplies for 2 Year Olds
Art can be messy and elaborate, or simple and mess-free. We do both at my house. At 2, it’s mostly about getting color on paper and learning a color name or two (a 30 month milestone).
My First Crayola Palm-Grip Crayons
We’re a proud Crayola family, and our art supplies guide sorts everything by mess level. These egg-shaped ones fit right in a 2 year old’s palm, so they can figure out the grip.
Crayola; My First Crayola; Palm-Grip Crayons
These egg-shaped crayons let little ones understand grasp and making color on paper without needing help.
- 6 palm-grip egg shaped crayons are sized to fit toddlers' palms so they can easily make their first marks
- My First Crayola art tools provide children their first art supplies made especially for their little hands so they can create
- Introduces toddlers to color exploration as they develop Physical and Thinking skills
- AP Certified nontoxic
The mess-free finger paint station keeps the paint under a thin layer of plastic, so they can smoosh it around with no cleanup. For real paint days, spill-proof cups help. Heads up: fill them almost to the rim, or the paint still dries out after a few days, lids and all. (We found ours at Dollar Tree, which is also where I stock up on foam shapes, stickers, and glue.)
Crayola Mess Free Finger Painting Station
This kit let's your little one play with actual finger paints without any mess. The paint goes under a thin layer of plastic that lets toddlers push the paints around a canvas and create a masterpiece!
- TODDLER FINGER PAINT SET: Features Easy Clean Finger Paint Case, 3 (5 oz) Squeeze Bottles of Washable Finger Paint, and 10 Coated Sheets of Finger Painting Paper. (Refill with Crayola Washable Fingerpaints & Giant Fingerpaint Pad – sold separately).
- MESS-FREE FINGER PAINTING: This toddler painting set lets little artists finger paint on the flexible Finger Paint Unit cover. Finger Paint and Paper are secured under the locked lid for mess-free creativity!
- EASY CLEAN-UP: Put the Finger Paint Unit under the faucet or in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
- SENSORY ART TOY: The flexible covering allows little artists to explore textures and colors with their hands, making it an excellent sensory art toy for kids.
Crayola Light Up Drawing Pad
We love this board for the lights sounds, and easy creations using just your fingers. Plus it lights up and glows in the dark!
- CRAYOLA TODDLER DOODLE BOARD: The Crayola Toddler Touch Lights Musical Doodle Board comes with 6 Songs, 12 Light Up Colors, and 1 Instruction Sheet. Requires 3 AA batteries (not included).
- MESS FREE PAINTING PAD: Enjoy mess free finger painting right on the self-contained gel surface for stress-free playtime.
- TODDLER SENSORY TOY: This sensory board stimulates tiny fingertips with textures and colors, making it a great educational and learning toy for toddlers!
- 6 SONGS: Toddlers can hum along to 6 tunes that stir creativity while doodling!
Melissa & Doug Spill-Proof Paint Cups
We found our cups at our local Dollar Tree, but these are a great option too! Paint (and water!) is safe from accidental spills. They do come with lids, but from experience you have to fill the paint almost to the rim otherwise they will still dry out after a few days, even with the lids on.
- Pour paint in and keep it fresh for the next art session
- Lids snap on tightly for an air-tight seal
- Colorful lids help identify paint contents
- Dishwasher safe
- Fits in Deluxe Standing Easel
Hape Magnetic All in 1 Art Easel
This easel does some multi-purpose heavy lifting in your play area. It can be used for drawing and plainting, as a chalkboard, or a magnetic board for letters, gears, hanging pictures, and more.
- ALL-IN-1 ART TOY: Double sided easel with blackboard, magnetic whiteboard and paper roll on top
- IDEAL FOR CRAFTS: Perfect for painting, writing, or drawing
- REFILLABLE DRAWING PAPER: Refillable Paper roll attached at the top for quick and easy reach
- COMES WITH PAINT POTS: Includes 3 paint pots and holders
- HEIGHT ADJUTSABLE: Adjustable height from 37.5 to 43.5 inches
Crayola Butterfly Fingerpaint Pallette
Get your finges (and toes!) messy with this fun finger paint palette for babies.
- CRAYOLA FINGERPAINT PALETTE: This set includes a butterfly palette with three semi-solid paint pots (40g each) in vibrant colors: yellow, red, and blue.
- LESS MESS PAINTING FUN: The semi-solid nature of these Crayola Fingerpaints and the lidded paint pots ensure a fun painting experience with minimal mess.
- PREVENTS DRYING OUT: The lids help prevent the paint from drying out, while the semi-solid paints reduce spills, making for a cleaner, more enjoyable time for your little artist.
- SENSORY PLAY: The palette offers a unique tactile experience, perfect for sensory play for toddlers.
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Sensory Toys for 2 Year Olds
Sensory play is how a lot of 2 year olds settle down, and it doubles as fine motor practice (scooping, pouring, squeezing). Our sensory toys guide has plenty of lower-mess options.
Little Tikes Flowin’ Fun Water Table
This was the first water table I found that actually hooks up to a hose, so the water keeps flowing. My kids would play with it for hours. Pouring, scooping, and watching where the water goes is cause and effect at its best. Our Little Tikes guide has more outdoor favorites.
Little Tikes Flowin' Fun Water Table
This was the first water table that I found that actually connects to a hose, so the water is always flowing! This takes your water table game up to the next level. My kids would play with this for hours.
- Includes 8 interchangeable pipes, fittings, and faucets, a scoop, bucket and boat
- Connect to a standard garden hose, or pour water into the central tower, to create endless splashing fun
Learning Resources Flex-Grip Tongs
Practice fine motor skills with pom pom, sorting, and DIY sensory bins.
- FINE MOTOR TOOLS: Grab and squeeze with these colorful tongs for kids, building hand strength, coordination, precision, and other fine motor skills, hands on fine motor tools for young learners here
- TONGS FOR KIDS: Long handles and soft silicone ends are designed for comfort and control, sized for toddler play and early fine motor development, hands on tongs for kids and sensory bin tools too
- READY FOR SCHOOL: Strengthen pencil grip, improve dexterity, and encourage sorting and grasping, a great addition to fine motor tools for preschool, sensory bins, and classroom play for young kids
Nutty Toys Pop Tubes
We have used these giant tubes for so many activities. It's amazing how many uses my kids have found for these.
- ud83dude03 FUN STEM TOY FOR KIDS – bright coloured pop tubes are EASY TO CONNECT together giving your little ones freedom to explore designs and applications of their own; teach the kids LETTERS and SHAPES with this educational stem toy and get toddlers to improve their motor skills or simply let them fidget on a car ride; STRESS RELIEF FOR ADULTS – no joke, give an adult a pop tube and transform him into a child who won't let his new toy down and keep popping it and making noise.
Pretend Play Toys for 2 Year Olds
Your 2 year old wants to do everything you do. That copycat phase is the start of pretend play (it takes some kids a little longer, and that’s fine). More in our pretend play guide.
Battat Kids Sweep n’ Clean Set
Toddlers love to clean. (I wish my preschoolers still did. 🤣) A kid-sized broom, mop, and dustpan let them be a little grown-up right next to you, and it lines up with the 30 month milestone of helping when you say it’s clean-up time. It doubles as nurturing, too: taking care of their space.
Battat Kids Sweep n' Clean Pretend Play Kit
Toddlers love to clean. I wish preschoolers did 🤣. Let them pretend to be little grown ups and do chores around the house. This also functions as a nuturing toy where children learn to care for their house and surroundings.
- Five Familiar Tools: This pretend play kit includes a broom, mop, brush, dustpan, and duster.
- Wooden cleaning toy set.
A play kitchen is the “food on a plate” milestone in real life, and we’ve loved ours for years. Velcro food that cuts in half never gets old (the velcro does eventually stop sticking, but they still play with it).
Step2 Kitchen Playset
We've loved this kitchen at our house for years.
- 25 Pieces and accessories
- Dog/pet feeding area
- Realistic lights and sounds
Learning Resources New Sprouts Deluxe Market Set
Who doesn't love the velcro food that cuts in half? The only problem is the velcro eventually stops sticking. We love this set for the variety, ability to build a sandwich, and storage basket.
- DURABLE PLAY FOOD: Exceptionally durable play food crafted from thick, child-friendly plastic.
- COMPREHENSIVE LEARNING: Extensive 32-piece play food set for toddler fun
- INTERACTIVE BASKETS: Includes two adorable baskets (shopping and bushel)
Fisher-Price Classics – Retro Cash Register
This cash register is so much fun! Kids can drop in coins and open the cash box with different buttons and levers.
- It's great for pretend play as kids get older, and as a fine motor toy when they are younger
- Iconic cash register design with coins, ringing bell and working cash drawer.
- Teaches children about money and motor skills. Real cash register play with 6 plastic coins!
- Watch the coins come down the ramp, turn the crank to hear the bell ring and watch the drawer open!
VTech Drill and Learn Toolbox
My kids love a toolbelt (one of their favorite accessories!). We also loved this beginner toolbox to practice screwing screws and wrenching with more assistance.
- Interactive toolbox, tool belt, tools, plastic nails and screws give little fixer uppers all they need to tackle projects; drill screws into holes or make the interlocking gears spin
- Learn about colors, numbers, tools; explore how to fix things with two double-sided project cards
- Three tool buttons play wrench, hammer and drill sounds and songs and teach how tools are used
LEGO DUPLO Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Children can build the fire truck (close-ended) or make their own creation (open-ended). The sets are also fun to play with after building.
- MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE TOY u2013 Young builders can enjoy activity-packed playtime with the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse with Minnie & Pluto (10465) building toy for toddlers ages 2 years old and up
- 3 DISNEY CHARACTERS & TOODLES u2013 This Mickey Mouse Clubhouse toy includes LEGO DUPLO figures of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Pluto, plus a Toodles the computer decorated brick for pretend play inspired by the Disney Junior show
- LEARNING THROUGH PLAY u2013 This building toy helps toddlers develop fine motor skills, creativity, emotional intelligence and matching and sorting skills through imaginative play
Melissa & Doug Safari Buddies Hand Puppet Set
Our local library has this set and it's always in use. Kids love to have a live audience and put on a performance (whether it is practiced or impromptu) and grown ups can enjoy the show!
- Set includes 6 soft, washable safari hand puppets featuring elephant, tiger, parrot, giraffe, monkey, and zebra, perfect for imaginative play and storytelling.
- Sturdy wooden puppet theater with non-tip base, plush curtains, movable clock hands, and chalkboard panel for show information.
Melissa & Doug Disney Mickey Mouse & Friends Soft & Cuddly Hand Puppets
We play with puppets at our local library and our kids have lots of fun making up silly stories!
- Set of 4 Mickey Mouse Club-themed hand puppets
- Includes Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy
- Sized to fit kids and adults
- Helps build vocabulary, dexterity, creativity, and imagination
Nurturing Toys for 2 Year Olds
Noticing when someone is hurt or upset is on the 2 year old checklist, and nurturing toys let them practice caring for someone. Some kids are natural caretakers, and others think baby dolls exist to have imaginary explosive diapers (not that I’m speaking from experience). Our nurturing toys guide goes deeper.
JC Toys Disappearing Magic Bottles
I once got some weird looks at my son’s birthday party because my gifts were all about nurturing: a baby carrier for his doll, doll clothes, diapers, and a feeding set with these “magic” bottles.
His other presents were Hot Wheels, Spider-Man, and a GIANT garbage truck. He barely looked at my gifts at the party, and everyone assumed he’d never play with a doll.
As soon as everyone left, the first thing he did was find his baby, put him in the carrier, and give him a bottle.
Melissa & Doug Mine to Love Doll
- Nurturing Pretend Play: Kids can cuddle, soothe, feed, dress, & care for their baby dollu2014creating daily routines and imaginative stories through nurturing play that builds both empathy & independence
- Realistic Features & Cute Doll Clothes: Features wipe-clean limbs, a removable romper & matching cap, loving eyes that open & close, & the ability to suck her thumb or pacifier, with realistic pretend play toys & activities
- Open-Ended, Screen-Free Play: Caring for this adorable baby doll supports social-emotional growth, language development, and fine motor practice as kids dress, undress, and care for their baby doll
Corolle 12" Soft Baby Doll
I love Corolle dolls from when I lived in France as a kid. There are other great baby doll brands out there like JC Toys and Melissa & Dog.
- Perfect First Doll: Ideal soft baby doll for toddlers; Lightweight 12-inch size with bean-filled body makes this cute baby doll easy to grasp and carry; Realistic baby doll girl features create special bond between child and toddler baby doll for nurturing play
- Sensory Experience: Delicate vanilla-scented vinyl skin appeals to the senses; Soft body baby doll with realistic features including eyes that open and close; Perfectly sized doll babies for little hands to hold and cuddle. muu00f1ecas para niu00f1as
- Quality Design: Trusted Corolle brand with over 30 years of experience creating realistic baby dolls; Designed in France with premium materials; Soft body construction allows doll to be posed like a real baby for lifelike play
- Developmental Benefits: Baby doll for girls ages 18 months and up encourages nurturing skills and imaginative play; This real baby doll becomes a treasured companion for years of loving playtime experiences, like a realistic reborn baby doll
JC Toys Boutique Folding Umbrella Doll Stroller
Strollers make great walkers for little ones who are just starting to walk, and continue to be used for pretend play around the house.
JC Toys Deluxe Disappearing Magic Bottles
These are a classic that make your kids feel like they are really feeding their babies.
- PERFECT SIZE and LIGHTWEIGHT // SEALED liquid moves just like the real thing when you feed your doll.
- SAFETY TESTED AND APPROVED // Made with non-scented, BPA free, safety tested.
- TEACHES CHILDREN NURTURING SKILLS // Doll accessories promote holding, cuddling and special care. Perfect accessory for any doll.
Toddlers can learn about nurturing through pretend play with Fisher Price Little People sets as well.
Fisher-Price Little People Animals Farm Playset
I think it's universal that all kids love farms. This one teaches kids to care for animals, pretend to be a farmer, and folds up for easy storage.
- 3 Smart Stages learning levels grow along with your child & teach counting, opposites, animal sounds, and colors with fresh songs, sounds & phrases
- Playset comes with 1 farmer figure, 4 animal figures & 2 food play pieces, all sized for small hands to grasp & move, helping to strengthen fine motor skills
- Helps foster fine motor skills and encourages imaginative storytelling play for toddlers and preschool kids ages 1 to 5 years old
Fisher-Price Little People Disney Princess Shimmer & Glow Dress Shop
Giving young children characters and storylines that they are familiar with is super helpful when it comes to teaching pretend play. It helps them act out stories they already know, using their own words.
- Musical boutique playset featuring DISNEY Princess characters, sparkling lights, music and sounds for enchanting, toddler-friendly pretend play
- Press or spin a figure on the pedestal to see the characteru2019s gown light up and sparkle with DISNEY-inspired music and sounds
- Fun storytelling play all around! Spin the dress form u2018round & u2018round, visit the store vanity, and relax in the second floor lounge after a day of shopping
- Includes DISNEY Princess Cinderella and Ariel figures, each styled in a pretty dress with a translucent layer that glitters and glows under lights!
Fisher-Price Little People School
A familiar setting, like a school where they are cared for by teachers, nurses, and friends, is a great place to pretend play and act out scenes of nuturing and caring for others.
- Interactive schoolhouse playset with fun songs and sounds that introduces kids to making friends
- Helps strengthen fine motor skills and encourages imaginative storytelling play for toddler and preschool kids ages 1 to 5 years old
Fisher-Price Little People Friends Together Play House
Babies and toddlers alike love Fisher-Price Little People sets. And it *doesn't have to be this set.* There are Little People sets to match whatever interests your little one has.
- Electronic home playset that folds for storage with 3 best friend figures and 7 additional play pieces
- 6 activation points including light-up radio, light switch, front door, kitchen 'tablet,' refrigerator, oven, and toilet that 'flushes'
- Lots of play for kids to discover including 4 rooms in the house, outdoor patio with swimming pool and working tree swing
- Helps foster fine motor skills and encourages imaginative storytelling play for toddlers and preschool kids ages 1 to 5 years old
Fisher-Price Little People Playhouse
Sometimes kids just need a familiar setting where they are cared for (like their home) to act out scenes of empathy, caring, and nurturing for others. You don't need a giant dollhouse, even this compact one is perfect.
- Interactive pretend playhouse for toddlers and kids with 50 sounds, songs & phrases
- Includes Little People Mom, Dad and Emma figures, plus table and 3 chairs; all pieces store inside the playset with a handle to travel play
- Helps strengthen fine motor skills and encourages imaginative play and storytelling for toddler and preschool kids ages 1 to 5 years old
Fisher-Price Little People Play for All School
This set let's kids pretend play playground scenes and act out teachers helping students.
- Hands-on play: rock both figures on the wheelchair-accessible swing, slide the elevator up & down, spin the weather wheel, toggle the garden, and flip the table scene
- Helps strengthen fine motor skills, introduce cause & effect, and encourage storytelling for toddler and preschool kids ages 1 year and older
Nurturing toys can be about taking care of themselves too!
Colgate Kids Bluey Toothbrush Gift Pack
A toothbrush doesn't seem like a cool gift to a 7 or 8 year old, but for a 2 or 3 year old? It's amazing how excited they will get!
- Teach your little one independence with brushing teeth (supervised of course)
- Show your child how to care for their body
Little2Big Toilet Seat
Teaching your child to care for others can look like teaching them to do things for themselves as well. This toilet seat (along with a step stool) allows them to set up their potty and go to the bathroom independently (wiping can come later!).
- Transition from Adult to Child Use with Ease: 2-in-1 toilet seat works for the whole family, the potty seat stays secured in the lid during adult use and kids simply lift the toddler seat to release
- Saves Space in the Bathroom: Built-in plastic toddler potty seat eliminates the need for an extra potty chair or insert – eliminating bathroom clutter and extra cleaning tasks
- Fits Round Toilets: This USA made seat measures 14.38u201d wide x 16.95u201d long and fits all standard elongated toilets including American Standard, Kohler, Toto and more; measure your toilet in seconds – watch our video above to learn how
- Slow Close & Quiet: Soft close toilet lid prevents loud slamming and pinched little fingers, simply tap the lid closed
Wet Brush Original
Teaching your little one to brush hair (their own or yours) is an important skill. You're combining the fine motor movements with a sensory experience. It's also teaching them about how delicate nature can be.
- Untangle Your World: IntelliFlex bristles glide through tangles with ease with 55% less breakage for healthier-looking hair
- Painless: Flexible bristles minimize pain and protect against split ends and breakage.
STEM Toys for 2 Year Olds (Bonus)
At 2, STEM is mostly “what happens if I…” and simple problem-solving, like finding a stool to reach something (another 30 month milestone). Our STEM toys guide has more.
BRIO My First Railway
We love trains at my house. BRIO is an investment, but the quality is unlike any other train brand we’ve tried. My tip: look for BRIO second-hand to grow your collection without breaking the bank.
BRIO My First Railway
BRIO trains (used to be sold primarily in the USA as the old wooden Thomas the Tank Engine trains) are an investment, but their quality is unlike any other train brands we've tried. Their tracks are smooth (no splinters), fit together well, and do not crack on splinter.
- Timeless Keepsake: Create lasting memories with your child and the My First Railway Beginner Pack. Compatible with all BRIO sets. This exciting, durable wooden train toy, specifically designed to spark your child's imagination and creativity.
- Unmatched Safety Assurance: All BRIO products undergo over 1,000 safety tests each year to ensure they exceed safety standards, making this set an ideal choice for holiday & birthday gifts, preschool, homeschool, kindergarten, and recess.
- Imagination Unleashed: Its interactive design turns playtime into a journey of sensory creativity and storytelling, fostering lasting connections while supporting STEM and Montessori skills, making it a valuable addition to any kid's toy collection.
- Planet-Friendly Choice: Made from sustainable materials and thoughtfully designed, BRIO wooden railway and train sets and accessories support responsible forestry. They're easy to clean and a durable choice for parents who value quality.
I wish this junior marble run had existed when my kids were 2. The balls are big, so they can experiment with tracks without the choking hazard.
National Geographic Kids Junior Marble Run
We love marble runs, and I wish something like this would have existed when my kids were 2. This lets kids experiment with building tracks and watching marbles, without the choking hazard.
- MADE FOR TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS u2013 This junior marble run is designed for ages 2+, using jumbo pieces and kid-safe balls so young children can safely enjoy classic marble run and ball drop play.
- 35-PIECE BALL DROP BUILDING SET u2013 Includes 33 jumbo construction pieces and 2 child-safe balls for building colorful ball drop tracks and marble run mazes sized just right for little hands.
- WATCH BALLS DROP, ROLL & RACE u2013 Kids send balls dropping, rolling, and tumbling through their mazes, discovering cause & effect while experimenting with speed, gravity, and direction.
- INCLUDES PLAY & LEARN ACTIVITY CARDS u2013 Comes with 4 Play & Learn Cards filled with toddler- and preschool-friendly building ideas that inspire creativity and early problem solving.
When you’re ready for the next step, our best toys for 3 year olds list picks up right where this one ends.
Shopping for the holidays? Our stocking stuffer list has plenty of small picks for 2 year olds. And everything else lives on our toy guides page.
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Get StartedFAQ
If I had to pick the single best toy for a 2 year old, it would be a play kitchen or another pretend play set, because copying you is the big thing at this age. After that, a balance bike and a bag of big blocks cover a lot of ground.
Open-ended toys (blocks, Little People, play silks) and sensory play (a water table or Play-Doh) hold attention longest at our house. Rotating toys helps even more. A toy that’s been put away for a few weeks feels brand new.
I’d put out no more than 8 at a time and rotate the rest. Look for toys that cover two or three play categories at once, like a shape sorter that’s also a dump truck.
No. The 3+ label is about small parts that are choking hazards. Anything that fits through a toilet paper tube is a choking hazard, so check before you hand it over.
No. At 2, every kid benefits from building, moving, making art, and taking care of a baby doll. After one of my son’s birthday parties, the first thing he played with was his baby doll, not the giant garbage truck.
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