Two-year-olds are so sweet. From their unique little way of talking to their tiny hands and adorable habits—what’s not to love? But this age can also be challenging. Toddlers crave independence yet struggle with self-regulation. With my youngest approaching his second birthday, I’ve been looking for toys he’ll enjoy now and for years to come. Here are some of the best toys and gifts for two-year-olds. Many of these toys are even loved by my four- and six-year-olds, and I always look for toys that stand the test of time. If you’re looking for a great gift idea this holiday season, these top toys for two-year-olds are sure to delight.

 

 

The Best Gifts and Toys for 2 Year Olds

 

My daughter turned two just after the pandemic began, and we spent much of the next two years at home, trying different toys to keep her entertained. From balance bikes to kitchen sets, I learned which toys truly resonate with toddlers and which ones grow with them. While the Lovevery play kits are beautifully designed, my kids lost interest in them quickly, as they did with many other toys we tried. Now, I always look for toys that will last. Educational toys are fantastic, but I especially love pretend play toys that spark creativity—these are the ones my kids come back to time and again.

 

What I look for when I buy toys and gifts for 2 year olds

When buying toys, I’ve found that open-ended toys are the best for toddlers. I love educational and learning toys, cause-and-effect toys, and toys that promote play and creativity. Keep in mind that a 2-year-old wants (and needs) to climb, play pretend, and create (building, arts and crafts, etc.). Avoid big, plastic toys with limited functionality—they tend to lose interest in these quickly. Instead, I focus on toys that will grow with them and maintain their interest. Here are the best toys and gifts for 2-year-olds.

 

The #1 thing I consider when buying toys

One of the most important things to me is choosing toys that my child will continue to play with over time. I’ve sold and donated many toys that my children lost interest in. Whether you have a 2-year-old with a sibling on the way, an older sibling, or are planning for one child, it’s best to bring toys that will last into your home. I love educational gifts, but I prefer ones that are fun and keep my kids engaged.

Here are the best toys and gifts for 2-year-olds that will last for years and grow with your child.

 

 

 

The Best Active Gifts for 2 Year Olds

 

 

 

The Best Toys and Gifts for 2 Year Olds

 

Stuffed Toys and Dolls

Bitty Baby: Young children love pretend play, and a baby doll is great gift for 2 year olds. They push their dolls all over the house in strollers, sleep with them, care for them, change their clothes, and tuck them into bed. This doll stroller is great (cute and folds easily) and is under $25! And please remember that baby dolls are great gifts for both boys and girls!

Squishmallows Plush Toys: My kids love their stuffies more than I ever thought they could. They’re fun to carry around the house, play pretend with, and most important, their collection in bed at bedtime is truly next-level. Squishmallows are an especially soft and squishy favorite.

Figurines: This is the perfect toy for toddlers who love to play pretend. We always end up with figurines for whatever my kids are really into, and they are always one of their most played with toys. My 2 year old carries around a handful of figurines at all times. 

 

Musical Toys

Toniebox screen-free audio player: I put this on every list and gift guide. It’s one of the most fun toys you’ll ever purchase and is really one of the most-used, best things we own. My kids still use it (almsot daily) at 3 and 5. It continues to be one of their favorite things, and we usually get new Tonies audio figurines for birthdays and Christmas. It’s great background while they play, but also the best toy for quiet time. My older daughter no longer naps, but will sit in her room and play with her dollhouse while listening to stories on her Toniebox. We have all their favorite characters in Tonie form, and I’m telling you – it’s just the best toy ever. 

Musical Instruments: These are the perfect way to get kids dancing, creating, and singing. My husband plays the guitar, so our girls have quite a few instruments and love jamming with dad. 

 

Creative Toys

Rubber Road: This is one of the most durable construction toys – it’s completely waterproof and is rugged enough to be played with outside. Use it indoors, or in dirt and sand. If you’re looking for gift ideas that will last for years, this is one of them. A great toy for 2-year-old boys (and of course, girls, too). My girls love theirs!

Cupcake Set: This toy can be played with in a few different ways and is one of the most perfect toys. They’re great for bath time and won’t get moldy. Or use them at a water table, outside, or in your play kitchen. It’s a great birthday gift, and so durable. Green Toys makes eco-friendly, durable, plastic toys that we love to use in the bath or water table. This one is a favorite. 

Chunky Puzzles: These simple puzzles can be hard to find online, but my kids love them. I started them young with these and the pieces can be used as figurines. Learn different shapes and colors, and use the puzzle pieces for open-ended play. 

Books: I love a good picture book – and books are always a good gift. We love storybooks and board books and probably have way too many of them. Looking for the best books for little kids? Here are some of our favorites. 

Puffy Sticker Play Set: You’ll want to keep a close eye on your 2 year old when playing with this, but it’s one of the best toys for travel and dining out. My 2 year old will sit down with these sets for 15-30 minutes which in toddler minutes is basically an hour. 

 

Playing Pretend

Ice Cream Counter: We love this gem from Melissa & Doug – it’s the perfect gift. This is one of those tried and true favorites that young toddlers and older children will love. Toddlers love imaginative play, and this toy is it. I’ve heard from parents of 6 year-olds who’s kids still play with this toy, and it’s great for little hands. My 4 year-old has been playing with it for almost 3 years! My girls love playing ice cream shop, and it’s great for learning colors and stacking, too. 

Play Kitchen: Play kitchens are great for toddlers and little kids. They’re good for hours of fun – a classic toy that your kids will use throughout early childhood. We have one with a fridge, and if I could do it all over again, I’d save space and skip the refrigerator. 

 

Building Toys

Flower Garden Blocks: Ok, so this is one of the best cheap plastic toys ever. It’s one of those things you would think I would hate having in my home, but a friend recommended it, and my girls use it weekly. They make flower gardens and flower towers. My 4 year old still loves it – it’s great for hand-eye coordination and is a lot more fun than basic wooden blocks. There are some small parts that I removed until my 2 year old stopped putting small toys in her mouth, but if you were to pull those out, you could let a 1.5 year old play with this one. 

Magnatiles: These are a great way to develop fine motor skills. It took my oldest until she was 4 to get really into Magnatiles, but my younger daughter loves them at 2. Toddlers and young children can learn new skills like building and these are great for learning shapes and colors.They just came out with some Magnatile dinosaurs – they have been a huge hit with both of my kids.

 

Active toys

Stepping Stones: These are great for a child’s development and can be played with indoors and outdoors, too. Learn colors, build strength, jump, and climb. I love this simple toy that strengthens gross motor skills. This is a great alternative for outdoor use.

Trampoline: I bought this to help my daughter build up strength (and learn to jump) when she was 2, and it did the trick. It’s a great toy for getting energy out on rainy days or during winter months. And I like that the handle folds over the trampoline. It’s not small but does fold for storage. 

Pikler Climber: Another popular toy you’ll see on most lists, it’s a wonderful gift for toddlers and preschoolers. This is one of my favorite wooden toys. It’s great for babies once they start moving around, but my girls were late walkers and didn’t start using it until a little later on. Build gross motor skills, and climb and slide during winter months without leaving your home. We have the rock wall and ladder (both also function as a slide). This is especially nice to have if you live somewhere where it’s cold half the year, and will get used for years and years. 

Balance Board: This is another fun and simple toy that my girls love. We use it as a bridge with our rubber roads, and the girls love climbing the bridge, or using it as a rocker. 

 

 

Outdoor Toys

Toddler Scooter: This scooter is the perfect size for 2 year olds and converts to a normal scooter that works for kids up to age 6!  Push it like a stroller and help them learn to use their legs and balance. Then turn it into a regular scooter once they’re old enough. 

Ride-on: Sure, you could buy a plastic cozy coupe and that’s timeless and fun and all, but this really says happy birthday, doesn’t it? It’s beautiful! Ride-ons are always fun but this one is really…elevated. For a toy.

Ride On: You could buy a balance bike, my kids weren’t ready for balance bikes at 2. Tricycles are a great option for kids who aren’t quite ready for a balance bike, and make a great gift for 2 year olds.

Water Table: This water table is the right size for families who are short on space, or those who don’t want a giant plastic water table in their garage. It’s simple in design, has a small footprint, and is very affordable. Just fill it with their favorite toys and it folds up for easy storage (and takes up very little space) when not in use. The bells and whistles aren’t really necessary – they love this one for outdoor play.

DIY a Playhouse: We got our daughter a playhouse for her 2nd birthday and our friends painted it for us since we were in the middle of a crazy few weeks. This is the exact playhouse I really wanted but it was sold out at the time. I love the style. 

 

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