Finding the perfect toys for 2-year-olds can be a challenge because you want to purchase toys that are educational but also fun and engaging.
Why play is important for 2-year-olds
Play at any age is incredibly important for learning and emotional development, but it is particularly important in toddlers. “Specifically for children 0 to 2 years of age, play enables them to try, test, set limits and surpass them,” says Gabi Maza, the owner of Gardengate Academy in Natick, Massachusetts. “Play widens horizons while offering new possibilities. The way we present play or games at this age will set their level of creativity.”
Here are 10 different 2-year-old toys that are recommended by babysitters, nannies and toy experts.
1. Play kitchens
Let future chefs prepare a special meal! A toy kitchen can encourage littles one to use their imagination, and this one’s the perfect size. “It is perfect to spark pretend play, especially with other children,” says Andrea Santilli, senior buyer at Citrus Lane.
Where to buy: Hape Pretend Gourmet Kitchen ($113, Target)
2. Dress-up clothing
Playing dress up is a great way for toddlers to interact with their peers. According to Gabi, “costumes are loved by children [of] all ages and fuel playful interaction and imagination.” This doctor costume set comes with lots of fun accessories.
Where to buy: Doctor Role Play Costume Set ($34, Melissa & Doug)
3. Train sets
There are many options for train sets and, as is the case with play kitchens, these are toys that 2-year-olds will love for years to come. You can even add new scenery or cars to many sets. The Janod Firefighter Story Train combines trains with firefighters — two things that many 2-year-olds love!
Where to buy: Janod Firefighter Story Train ($16, Kidinn)
4. Musical instruments
Toddlers enjoy the bright colors and fun sounds of musical toys, and the right instruments can start a future musician off on the right path.
Where to buy: Hape Double-Sided Drum| ($17, Amazon)
5. More musical instruments
The toy xylophone is another top choice for little ones.
Where to buy: Little Dutch Xylophone in Blue ($29, Scandiborn)
6. Blocks
Lego blocks are a toy that 2-year-olds will enjoy, but even older siblings will want to be part of the fun. This block set has everything you need to get started in one set.
Where to buy: LEGO DUPLO Classic Brick Box First LEGO Set with Storage Box ($30, Target)
7. Teaching toys
Whether they teach little ones about numbers, letters or colors, educational toys are invaluable to growing minds. Santilli recommends this block cart, which encourages stacking. “They come in a small cart with string,” she says, “so your child can pull them behind her now that she’s confident on her feet.”
Where to buy: Classic ABC Block Cart ($17, Melissa & Doug)
8. Art materials
Whether it’s crayons, stickers or outdoor chalk, art supplies can keep young children busy for hours. Foster those art skills and creativity with this reusable, dishwasher-safe mark-mat. Toddlers will love the animals, and parents will love its durability.
Where to buy: Modern Twist Farm Buddies Mark-Mat Set With 3 Markers ($18, Amazon)
9. Puzzles
Puzzles are a lot of fun (for mom and dad, too!). One special feature of this zoo puzzle is that it can travel with you in its own special pouch.
Where to buy: Zoo Animals Pouch Puzzle ($11, Mudpuppy)
10. More puzzles
Shopping for a dinosaur lover? Then an extra-large floor puzzle shaped like a T-REX is a perfect pick.
Where to buy: Dinosaur Floor Puzzle ($16, MindWare)
Jacqueline LaVana is the mom to a very active (almost!) 2-year-old named Jack.
