Gifts for kids in this age group should be safe, help them meet milestones, and encourage them to use their bodies. “They will climb anything in their way. They love to use push and pull objects like a shopping cart or a pull train,” says Dyan Hes, MD, a pediatrician and medical director of Gramercy Pediatrics in New York City. “They are just beginning to enjoy pretend play and will often serve you tea or bake you a cake. They still love to hide objects, but now they remember their location." We looked carefully at the material, age recommendations, and value of toys for 18-month-olds when reviewing products for the list below. Price at time of publication: $45 Price at time of publication: $60 Price at time of publication: $133 Price at time of publication: $30 Price at time of publication: $18 Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $70 Price at time of publication: $80+/kit Price at time of publication: $30 Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $34 Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $33 Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $15 Price at time of publication: $28 Price at time of publication: $16 Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $22 Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $30 Price at time of publication: $45 Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $17 Price at time of publication: $37 Price at time of publication: $9 Price at time of publication: $43 Price at time of publication: $22 Price at time of publication: $39 Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $79 Price at time of publication: $97 Price at time of publication: $18 Price at time of publication: $99+ Price at time of publication: $90 Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $30 Price at time of publication: $30 Price at time of publication: $13 To learn more about what to look for in toys for 18-month olds, we spoke with child development expert Elizabeth Zack and reviewed guidance on toy safety from the American Academy of Pediatrics. We chose toys that are safe and easy to use for the recommended age groups and give parents and caregivers a much-needed (and well-deserved) break.
What to Look For
Safety
At 18 months old, toddlers are becoming more independent and curious, which means that safety is extremely important. When shopping for toys, consider how the toy will be used and what amount of supervision or help a toddler will need to play safely with the toy. Parents and caregivers should avoid toys that require high-powered magnets and button batteries. Toys with small parts or that can fit entirely in a child’s mouth should also be kept away, as they are choking hazards. Child development expert Elizabeth Zack recommends creating “yes” spaces, which are “flexible environments where it’s okay for children to touch and explore. They promote independence and support children’s curiosity, because they reduce how often you need to say ’no’ or ‘don’t’ or ‘stop.’” Zack says, “You can create a ‘yes’ space by putting up safe barriers like baby gates or using a play yard to keep a child within a specific area where everything in it is safe for them to explore. Get down on a child’s level, and look around your space. Remove small objects that may be choking hazards or items that are breakable. Make sure outlets are covered. Put toys and materials in places that your child can access them in a safe way.”
Milestones
Knowing developmental milestones helps you evaluate whether your child is on the right track as they get older. Milestones come in the form of social, emotional, language-based, cognitive, and physical skills. Keep the following 18-month-old milestones in mind when shopping for toys:
Speaking several single words: The LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book encourages language development. Pulling toys while walking: The Hape Frog Pull-Along promotes movement and physical development. Playing simple pretend: To encourage social and emotional milestones, check out the Fisher-Price Little People Big Helpers Home.
Physicality
Buying toys that encourage children to move and use their bodies while playing is important. It promotes confidence in children when it comes to their bodies and makes them stronger. Physical toys, like balls of different shapes and sizes or a wagon to fill and pull, are great places to start.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Christine Luff is a freelance writer who covers fitness, health, parenting, and other topics. She’s also mom to a 13-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son, who have always enjoyed a wide range of active and educational toys. Additional reporting by: Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience under her belt. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism and helping others led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant women, and kids of all ages. When she’s not writing and researching, you’ll likely find her outdoors with her husband and their thrill-seeking toddler son. She recommends the VTech Latches and Doors Busy Board because it’s easy to use, has two modes of play, and helps little ones expand their fine motor skills. (Her son was also a big fan of it!)
More Toys and Gifts for Kids
When it comes to toys and gifts for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top gift and toy picks for every age and stage here:
The Best Christmas Gifts for Kids The Best Newborn Baby Gifts The Best Unique Baby Gifts The Best Baby Gifts The Best Gifts for Baby Girls The Best Baby Boy Gifts The Best Infant Toys The Best Gifts for 2-Month-Olds The Best Gifts for 3-Month Olds The Best Toys for 4-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 5-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 6-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 7-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 8-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 9-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 10-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 12-Month-Olds The Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 15-Month-Olds The Best Educational Toys for 2-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 2-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 3-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 3-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 3-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 4-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 4-Year-Old Boys The Best Educational Toys for 4-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 5-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Girls The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 6-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 6-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 6-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 7-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 7-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 7-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 8-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 8-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 9-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 10-year-Olds The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Girls The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 12-year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for Teens The Best Gifts for 14-Year-Old Boys The Black-Owned Gift Guide
