Little ones learn through play, says Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, who is a pediatrician, author of “The Working Mom Blueprint,” and founder of Modern Mommy Doc. “Sensory play with items like finger paints, sand, or Play-Doh allows them to build their fine motor and proprioception skills.” When you’re deciding what to buy, consider whether the toy is entertaining, if it plays into their interests, and if it will help them practice developmental milestones. We carefully considered toy safety, design, material, and value when reviewing products. Here are the best toys for 2-year-olds to keep them busy learning and having fun. Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $65 Price at time of publication: $24 Price at time of publication: $35 Price at time of publication: $23 Price at time of publication: $35 Price at time of publication: $17
Price at time of publication: $23 Price at time of publication: $33 Also, when it’s not in use, the mower folds up nicely for easy storage. Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $43 Price at time of publication: $23 Price at time of publication: $35 Price at time of publication: $30 Each piece is made from strong, sturdy bamboo wood, so the toy won’t fall apart easily. Plus, when your kiddo isn’t playing with the tower, it folds for easy storage. Kids also get a copy of the board book “The Little Climber” with their tower. Price at time of publication: $285 Price at time of publication: $130 Price at time of publication: $160 Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $65 Price at time of publication: $58 When it’s in music mode, the toy can play 16 different songs, and in other modes, kids can learn different animal sounds and even practice spelling their names. Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $49 Price at time of publication: $50 Price at time of publication: $35 Made from durable materials, the mat has five different play modes and is safe for kids as young as 2 years old. Price at time of publication: $30 Price at time of publication: $16 Price at time of publication: $16 Price at time of publication: $15 Price at time of publication: $29 Price at time of publication: $35 Price at time of publication: $120/kit Price at time of publication: $33 Price at time of publication: $18 Price at time of publication: $60 Price at time of publication: $90 Price at time of publication: $95 Price at time of publication: $22 Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $87 Price at time of publication: $17 Price at time of publication: $23

What to Look for in Toys for 2-Year-Olds

Interests

At 2 years old, little ones are beginning to (if they haven’t already) develop interests and preferences in everything from colors to characters to activities. This makes it all the more fun to shop for toys for them, because any toy that plays into their interests is sure to be a hit. Ideally, you will be able to find a toy that falls into one of your tot’s categories of interest and helps boost their development at the same time. For example, according to Dr. Casares, if your 2-year-old enjoys playing with their hands, then toys and activities that allow for finger exploration are great options for development.

Developmental Milestones

By the time a child reaches 2 years old, they’re still learning and mastering new skills all the time, though it doesn’t happen quite as fast as it did throughout their first years of life. That just means these toys will last them longer, though! Toys can be great for fostering a toddler’s development.

Gross motor skills: At around 2 years old, many kids are able to climb unassisted. The Lily & River Little Climber gives them a safe and appropriate place to work their muscles. Social and emotional skills: “Pretend play with toys that have context [help to] build social and communication skills,” says Dr. Casares. The Step2 Sweet Baker’s Kitchen lets them pretend to whip up delicious treats and share them with friends and family. Fine motor skills: The Melissa & Doug Stacking Train gives kids practice manipulating shapes with the smaller muscles of their hands. It also encourages walking (a large motor skill) by allowing kids to pull the train behind them with a string.

Entertainment

Two-year-olds have short attention spans. A lot of what a 2-year-old will find entertaining will depend on where they are developmentally, and Dr. Casares explains that one thing these tots can’t get enough of is exploring the world around them. “Two-year-olds are ready to take on the world, but often don’t understand how it works or the dangers that can arise within it,” she says. “[T]hese toddlers learn emotional regulation skills and natural consequences when the adults who care for them … provide a warm, loving, safe environment where they can explore.” So, any toy that gives them the opportunity to lean into their natural curiosity safely is sure to be entertaining.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce for a variety of platforms. She’s a wife to a public school administrator and mom to 1-year-old and 3-year-old daughters. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families. Remember, whether it is an expensive toy or a plastic container, exposing your 2-year-old to a wide range of different textures and objects will help them meet their developmental milestones.  Through parallel play, your little one is learning all sorts of crucial social skills, making it an important step towards more advanced stages of play (like playing together). They might shout “mine!” or “me!” before grabbing a toy from another child’s hands. When this happens, it is important to remember that they aren’t being naughty–they are learning. You can help show your 2-year-old how to share through positive modeling. Use phrases like, “Thomas was playing with the truck first. Let’s give it back and find another one for you.” Your child will likely object, but try to stay calm and be consistent. You can also use this opportunity to teach feeling words, like “Thomas feels sad that you took the truck.” Phoebe Sklansky is Verywell Family’s Associate Commerce Editor. Prior to joining the Verywell team, she was a freelance writer for outlets including Momtastic and The Kitchn. She loves toys that encourage solo or collaborative imaginative play, like the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Servin’ Up Fun Food Truck and the Step2 Sweet Baker’s Kitchen.

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 Toys for 18-Month-Olds The Best Educational 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