I’m now in my toddler mom era for the third time. My girls are 6 and 4, and my little boy is just over 15 months. As we inch closer and closer to the 1.5 year mark, I’m always looking for things to keep him busy. This stage is a tricky one, and I’ve found it’s a lot more physical with a boy. He doesn’t stop moving! We’ve talked about the best toys for 1 year olds, but 18-month-old toddlers are bigger and more independent. I try to choose toys that will keep young toddlers busy, and put a lot of focus on toys that will grow with them. There’s nothing more annoying than buying a toy that won’t last. I feel good recommending these toys knowing that my girls have loved them, too. 

 

The Best Toys and Gifts For 18 Month Old Toddlers

 

A great toy will stimulate your toddler. It will encourage them to move, pretend, and play, and they will, ideally, like them in the months and years to come. I love toys that help with fine motor skills and encourage hand-eye coordination. If you’re looking for a gift idea or have a baby that’s going to enter this stage soon, here’s the ultimate list of 18 month old toys. I’ll touch on the best learning toys for toddlers, ones that are great for creative play, and share our favorite ride-on toy, too. 

When it comes to selecting toys, I prefer wooden toys because they feel simple, substantial, and if I’m being honest, they’re often a bit more aesthetically pleasing. But sometimes, you need to go for a brightly colored plastic toys. Kids love a little color. You’re in such a great place now – your toddler is becoming a little person, loves learning new words, playing with musical instruments, dancing, and interacting. I should add that some of these toys do have pieces that a child could choke on. Always supervise young children (especially toddlers) when playing with anything small objects that they might put inside their mouth. 

 

 

Toys for 18 Month Olds that Encourage Pretend Play

 

I wasn’t sure where to stick the Toniebox in this post, but it’s one of our most-used toys. It’s recommended for the age group of 3 and up but my younger daughter has been using it independently since she was around 15 months old. Watch out for small parts and always supervise your toddler, but in our experience, my toddler never tried to eat the Tonie figurines. She loves switching the figurines out, and will either do that, or have music playing while she plays.

 

 

Best Open Ended Toys for 18 Month Olds

Ah. Open-ended toys are my favorite. Consider this my list of Christmas presents for 1-2 year olds. These are toys that kids can play with independently, in multiple ways. Think: Montessori toys. The way they use these toys can change as they grow. Blocks, dolls, simple, wooden toys. I included a lot of blocks, and you don’t need them all, but these are toys your toddler will use for years. I keep open baskets in the play room and living room, and inside we have wooden blocks, magnetic blocks, and of course, Duplo. The girls are on a big Duplo kick right now. 

Wooden animals and figurines will be played with forever. We have a good mix of sturdy plastic figurines from their favorites shows (hello, Daniel Tiger) but any time I can find a wooden version, I’m on it. I keep a basket (so many baskets) of wooden characters, animals, and a few vehicles,  and they can be used with blocks, play silks, etc. 

 

Best Educational Toys for 18 Month Olds

Leave it to Melissa and Doug to make two caterpillar toys that are single-handedly responsible for making sure my girls knew all their colors when they were just a little over a year old. The Lovevery Montesssori play kits are incredible. They’re so well-made and come with a book for parents that explains the various ways to play with them. They are so worth it and make a great gift. When I think about toys for this stage, I think about toys for ages 1-2, and what would be the best developmental toys for 2 year olds. Your 18 month old is so close to two, but not quite there yet. If a toy is safe for them to play with, I will (with some toys) buy “older” and get them to grow into a toy. 

Chunky puzzles seem to be a one-use toy but they’re actually great for open-ended play, too. Since they are essentially wooden painted animals, trucks etc, the pieces can be used a number of ways. I store all the pieces in a small basket, so when it’s time to play with simple puzzles, finding the right pieces is part of the game. 

 

 

 

Toys for 18 month olds that encourage physical activity

Ride on toys are great for toddlers at this age. They’re learning that they can make toys move, and are finally coordinated enough to get the hang of climbing, jumping, and even driving. I’ve included a few climber and ride-on options, and will let you know what we have, love, and use below. 

 

 

 

The Coolest Bath Toys for 18 Month Olds

 

The Best Sturdy Board books for 18 Month Olds

We love reading! Ollie, Pout Pout fish, and anything with animals, letters, and numbers. Here are a few of my 18 month-old’s favorites. 

 

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