While the best toddler toys are designed to enable little ones to explore their worlds in a safe and age-appropriate way, one look at the toy aisle with all the bright colors, beeps and flashing lights can send parents screaming into the night. So how do you choose the best toddler toys?
“Look for items that engage them and stimulate their development,” advises Andrea Santilli of Citrus Lane. “I also like to look for toys with an ‘off’ switch, as well as ones that can be easily sanitized,” says Keri Wilmot, a pediatric occupational therapist and the blogger known as the Toy Queen. But don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. “Kids learn through experience,” notes Holly Homer, blogger and coauthor of “101 Kids Activities That Are the Bestest, Funnest Ever.” “They don’t need anything fancy to do this.”
Keep these tips in mind as you check out this list of 20 top toys for toddlers:
- Puzzle Play
Toddlers do more than just put the pieces of a wooden puzzle together. With the Melissa & Doug Chunky Puzzle Safari, toddlers make lions roar and fish swim across the playroom. “The lion went ROAR!” says 3-year-old Mayla of Nashville.
- There’s No Right Way to Read!
Long before he can read, your toddler will explore books in his own way. This may mean he stares at a single page or starts at the end of the book. Try “The Great Outdoors” Peek-a-Boo Board Book Set. “I love books,” says 3-year-old Audrey of Nashville.
- I Feel Pretty
Don’t deny your little girl — or boy — the opportunity to feel pretty. Playing with dresses like the Little Adventures Yellow Beauty offers the chance to dress in something fancy. “Look at the sparkles!” says Mayla.
- Reusable Drawing Pad
The Magna Doodle was a real lifesaver says Homer. Her kids were mesmerized as toddlers, and she loved the fact that it was a no-mess toy. “Draw purple,” says 18-month-old Talon of Knoxville, Tennessee.
- Budding Chefs
Toddlers of both genders love to copy Mom or Dad as they prepare food in the Step2 Cozy Kitchen. Let your toddler serve you toy food (or imaginary food) and express their culinary talents. “I cook for Mommy,” says 2-year-old Ember, another Knoxville tot.
- 3D Exploration
Not only does the Janod Quiz Shape Sorter help your toddler develop fine motor skills, but it also helps hone logic and spatial understanding. “I put the star in the hole,” says Audrey.
- Indulge a Sweet Tooth
Toddlers can use the Budding Cupcake Baker Gift Box with or without a play kitchen. Play food gives little ones a chance to play store, farm or restaurant. “I will make cupcakes for my birthday,” says Ember.
- Squishy Learning
Pull out Eco-Kids Eco-Dough — it will encourage your toddler’s fine motor skills and make fun and squishy memories! “I make prints,” says Audrey.
- Dramatic Play
With the Brand New World Community Helper Dress Ups Hat Collection, your toddler can be a pirate one minute and a firefighter the next. “I like to pretend I’m a chef,” says 3-year-old Lizzie of Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
- Learning the ABCs
Not only are the Little Tikes Bath Letters and Numbers great for playing with on the floor, they are also great in the bathtub. As you say the letters, your toddler learns the earliest building blocks for reading as she spells things out her way. “I play with rainbow letters,” says Audrey.
- “Pounds”of Fun!
Give your toddlers a safe place to bang away with the Hape Pound and Tap Bench. “Balls!” says Talon.
- Budding Builders
Let your toddler do her best Godzilla impression in a city built with Hape Maple Blocks. She learns that what she knocks down can be rebuilt. “I like the colors,” says Lizzie.
- Tooting Their Own Horn!
Banging, tooting and shaking the Hohner Kids Toddler Music Band lets your toddler explore sounds and tones. “I love music,” says Mayla.
- Beginner Books
With the Manhattan Toy Co. “Farmyard Friends” Soft Book, your toddler can play with figures, flaps or sliding toys as he experiences the joys of stories. “I know the story!” exclaims Mayla.
- Just Ducky
With Superhero Rubber Ducks, your toddler can quack along with saving the world! “Mine,” shouts Talon.
- Splish Splash!
Toddlers love to play in water. Give your toddler a safe place to explore, splash and play with the Step2 Arctic Splash Water Table. “Water,” shouts Talon. (His mom agrees he loves water.)
- Having a Ball
The balls in the Disney Mickey Having a Ball Pit are light and safe for throwing, rolling and catching. You can help your toddler learn colors as she jumps and plays. “You get to throw balls everywhere,” observes Lizzie.
- Baby Love
With the Manhattan Toy Co. Baby Stella, your toddler gets a chance to be the mommy and explore families from another vantage. “I think she’s lovely,” says Lizzie.
- Honk Honk!
While your toddler exercises on the Step2 Motorcycle, he can also pretend he’s riding a bike, motorcycle or car. “Watch me go!” shouts Lizzie.
- Swish!
Just like the big kids, your toddler will love to throw and score with the Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set, which adjusts as your child grows. “I love balls!” says Ember.
Looking for more? Check out 25 Best Educational Toys for Toddlers!
Shellie Braeuner is an award-winning children’s author. She earned her master’s degree in education from Vanderbilt University in human developmental counseling and has worked as a nanny for more than 25 years.
