“Two-year-olds are also beginning to understand the concept of context around this age," Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, pediatrician, author of The Working Mom Blueprint, and founder of Modern Mommy Doc, tells Verywell Family. You’ll want to avoid toys with small parts, sharp edges or corners, and/or are made with materials that cannot be put in their mouth. We carefully considered toy safety, design, material, ease of cleaning, and value when reviewing products. Here are the best educational toys for 2-year-olds. The double-sided blocks have the letter/number on one side and an illustrated example or word on the other. Made of wood, the Alpha Abacus is recommended for kids ages 2 years old and up and will lead to lots of learning and fun. Price at time of publication: $22 Toddlers can build, create, and knock over their creations over and over again. At the end of playtime, the blocks all fit in the see-thru plastic storage bag. Playing with blocks is a big developmental milestone, so it is great to always inspire their learning. These blocks are ideal for ages 1 through 5. Price at time of publication: $25 The large knobs are made for little hands, and the extra-thick wooden pieces are sturdy and safe. Recommended for ages 12 months and up, this is safe and appropriate for any 2-year-old. Price at time of publication: $25 Choose a monthly subscription for as long as you like, and your toddler will love getting their very own package each month. While the activities are age-appropriate, most cannot be completed alone, so these do require hands-on adult help. This is a great way to get your kid working on their STEM skills. Price at time of publication: starts at $18.50/month Made from 100% recycled plastic, the kit includes familiar doctor tools and encourages motor skills, imagination, and prosocial behavior (along with helping to eliminate any fear of a doctor’s visit). Price at time of publication: $20 The kitchen, recommended for ages 2 years old and up, is stocked with a refrigerator, oven, microwave, tons of storage, and more than 40 kitchen accessories. Some adult assembly is required, but reviewers note that all you’ll need is a screwdriver, hammer, and some time. Price at time of publication: $210 Price at time of publication: $50 The colorful four-piece set comes with a cute little toddler step to make climbing a breeze and is made of easy-to-clean vinyl. As with any climbing tools, you’ll want to keep a safe eye on your child while they use this. Price at time of publication: $217 Always look for the recommended age range on the packaging of a toy you’re purchasing to ensure it is safe for your two-year-old.
Educational Milestones
At two years old, toddlers are still very active and curious, which are both great for their continuing development. Through play, they can continue mastering their milestones as well as strengthening the skills they’ve already learned.
Interests
At this age, your toddler might also be showing interest in some activities or toys more than others. If that’s the case, pay attention to what they are drawn to and keep it in mind when you’re shopping for educational toys to increase the chances that they will actually play with the toy (and thus, learn through play). Also, for two-year-olds, curiosity is still a major driver in what they want and like to play with, so toys that offer a way for them to lean into that will be big hits. It’s important for parents and caregivers to encourage their toddler’s exploration, and, ideally, get down on the floor and explore right along with them. “While there are a number of innovative toys on the market that can supplement or encourage learning, spending time attuned and connected with your child for focused periods of time is your most important task when you’re playing with them,” says Dr. Casares, “[And] if they’re playing independently, it’s most critical to encourage exploration, fun, and creativity.”
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, a 7-year-old son, and a 3-year-old daughter. She’s found the best toys for 2-year-olds are the ones that her older kids can play with too. Mega Bloks, a toy kitchen, and Do a Dot Art markers continue to get lots and lots of use in her house (even though she doesn’t have a 2-year-old anymore). It’s tempting to want to purchase toys that encourage further development, but meeting milestones isn’t something that can be rushed. During the toddler and preschool years, there is always a new developmental milestone waiting to be reached so remember to support them where they are now, not where you’d like for them to be. “Some of the best toys don’t have ‘educational’ labeling at all but still help children strengthen a developmental skill,” pediatrician Whitney Casares, MD, MPH tells VeryWell Family. To get the most out of your child’s toys, instead of focusing on labels, consider your child’s stage of development and look for toys that will support them in meeting upcoming milestones. Additional reporting by Ashley Ziegler
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
