Age two is a really fun time when children begin to play independently and take an interest in the toys and the world around them. Many two-year-olds will play parallel with their peers, while others will discover how to interact more directly with their friends. Children at this age are highly imaginative, and much of their play will mimic the things they see around them. When searching for toys for a 2-year-old, look for objects that will stimulate imagination as well as help with cognitive development and motor skills.
- LEGO DUPLO Town Truck & Tracked Excavator
LEGO DUPLO sets are a tried and true favorite with the 1.5 to 5 year old crowd! The LEGO DUPLO Town Truck and Tracked Excavator set features almost every toddler’s favorite thing: toy construction vehicles! This LEGO DUPLO set includes a toy dump truck and excavator as well as two construction worker DUPLO figures with safety helmets, a road work sign, a shovel, and extra bricks for scooping with the excavator. The toy excavator features a rotating cabin and posable arm, while the dump truck features a tipping function. LEGO DUPLO building sets are designed especially for toddlers and allow children to develop early building skills while encouraging imaginative play. Recommended for children ages 2-5.
2. Play-Doh Starter Set
This Play-Doh starter set was a hit on my toddler’s second birthday! The scissors and the mini slicer quickly became all time favorites, and pretend cookies, cake, pasta, and meatballs quickly appeared on play kitchen plates. Play-Doh let’s kids take the lid off their imaginations and explore their creativity. This is a great starter kit that offers many possibilities for open-ended play and creative role play. The set includes 4 Play-Doh containers, 5 tools, 4 shape cutters.
3. Mini Deluxe LED 3-Wheeled, Lean-to-Steer, Swiss-Designed Micro Scooter
Although you don’t think of 2-year-olds having the balance and dexterity needed to ride a scooter, they do! This Micro 3-wheeled, mini deluxe LED scooter offers a stable ride that supports toddlers as they work to master balance and coordination. This particular scooter features two front LED motion-activated light-up wheels (no batteries required) and holds up to 110 lbs. The adjustable T-bar (handlebar) grows with children from age 2 up to age 5. The company offers a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty and you can order replacement parts if needed. (9 color options available)
4. Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Block Set
This first time your child builds a tower with wooden blocks you’ll run to grab your phone and snap a picture! Your child will be just as proud as you, but the real fun will be when they give you that look that says, “can I knock it down?” Nod your head yes, and watch the pure joy of destroying one’s creation.
The Melissa and Doug 200-piece wooden block set is coated with shiny, nontoxic enamel paint (red, yellow, blue, and green) that resists chipping, and comes in 9 different shapes. Block building promotes hand-eye coordination, color and shape recognition, counting and sorting, and spatial relationships.
5. Learning Resources New Sprouts Mix it!
The Learning Resources New Sprout Mix It toy will grow with your child. Early on, your little one will simply enjoy turning it on and off, watching as the mixing blade spins. As they grow, they will begin to use the mixer to create imaginative cakes, cookies, and doughs. These kinds of role playing sets mix learning and play by supporting the development of imagination, social skills, fine motor skills, and vocabulary. Both the mixer and its accessories are made from crush-resistant plastic and the set includes a stand mixer with a spinning beater, a measuring cup, a stick of butter, a 2-piece egg, and a bowl. Pretend play toys like this produce hours of imaginative fun!
6. DJECO Finger Painting
Don’t let the fear of mess stop you from letting your child experience the pure enjoyment of finger painting! DJECO finger paints contain 6 colors, and are child safe and completely non-toxic, meeting and exceeding all US and European testing standards.
7. Brio World 33710 – My First Railway Battery Operated Train Set
The Brio World My First Railway Battery Operated Train Set will provide hours of fun for your 2-year-old. Battery operated trains are especially fun and you might find your toddler running the train all over your home!
Playing with a train set helps children understand and learn about their environment in a fun way, and the train functions help improve a child’s spatial awareness and fine motor skills. This train set includes the train, tracks, elevated supports, and a tunnel. The train engine can be used with one AA battery (not included) or manually operated by your child. All Brio train sets are compatible with other Brio sets as well as with many other wooden track toy train sets. Brio conducts more than 1,000 safety tests each year to ensure that their products conform to all safety standards.
8. Costzon Foldable Triangle Climber with Reversible Ramp
A Pikler triangle climbing structure with reversible ramp is a fantastic indoor climbing structure for those who live in overly hot, cold, or rainy climates. I purchased this model for my 2-year-old during Covid lockdown to provide an outlet for climbing and to assist in the development of upper body muscle.
The Costzon Pikler triangle uses 100% premium natural wood and is made up of 21 round beech wood strips. The frame is made of poplar core and the ramp is made of birch wood. The surface is coated with a non-toxic paint. This montessori play gym is adorned with many bright colors and helps your toddler develop independence and explore their body’s limits in a safe way. This climber comes with a double sided reversible ramp, which allows kids to practice walking, climbing, and sliding, developing important motor skills while they play. The Costzon triangle climber is easy to fold to reduce its size for compact storage and has passed ASTM certification for child safety.
9. LeapFrog 2-in-1 Touch Toy Computer
The Leapfrog 2-in-1 Touch toy computer entered my life as an impulse purchase while shopping in a big box store with a cranky 2-year-old. Pressing the buttons, playing the music, and seeing the pictures tamed the beast and let me continue my shopping in peace. Each year since, my toddler has continued to find a new way to play with this toy computer. From originally randomly pushing buttons to consciously later “checking email,” this computer grows with your child. Preschoolers will use it to help learn letter and number recognition, as well as the sounds of each letter.
This Leapfrog 2-in-1 laptop features a flip screen that converts from keyboard to tablet mode, and the keyboard contains the 26 letters of the alphabet as well as numbers 1-10. There are five feature modes–ABCS, numbers, games, music, and messages. Parents can even customize the laptop to help their child spell their name.
10. Step2 Little Helper’s Shopping Cart
Toddlers love pretend play and this Step2 classic shopping cart mimics real grocery carts adults use at the store. Your little one will love filling it with pretend groceries! Toddlers can even take their favorite stuffed animal friend along for the ride thanks to the shopping cart’s doll seat!
11. HABA Biofino Ice Cream Venezia – 2 Pretend Play Plush Cones with Reversible Scoops (4 Flavor Combos)
Haba Biofino Ice Cream Cones are possibly some of the funniest pretend food toys for toddlers and role play!
This play food product includes two waffle cones and two reversible ice cream scoops to make four different flavors of ice cream! The flavors include vanilla chocolate chip, strawberry, chocolate chocolate chip, and butter pecan. Each flavor features embroidered detail.
12. Fisher-Price Little People Spiral Race Track, Elevator and 2 Wheelies Toy Cars
The Fisher-Price Little People Car Garage playset features a spiral race track, a movable elevator with a ringing bell, a liftable car mechanic’s platform, and 2 wheelie vehicles with built-in characters. There is also a gas tank for your little ones to refuel their cars. This is a great gift for any toddler ages 18 months to 5 years.
13. PicassoTiles Portable Kid’s 49-Key Flexible Roll Up Piano Keyboard
What toddler doesn’t love pounding on piano keys and making beautiful music?
The Picasso 49-Key Roll Up Piano is made from high-performance non-toxic silicon that allows it to be easily folded for storage or travel. Piano playing improves a child’s hand-eye coordination and they’ll love creating fun and exciting music. There are six different demo songs to enjoy while learning how to play and eight different tones to add variation to your music. This roll-up piano allows kids to play without taking up the space of a large piano or keyboard. It can be powered by batteries or USB (included). Children can also plug in earphones so they can play without disturbing others. Toddlers will love the thrill of playing with the piano, and as they grow older they can begin to really learn to be a pianist.
14. Prextex Remote Control Car
Toddlers love remote controls and this Prextex remote control car set gives them all of the fun and control they desire. This car set includes two cartoon remote control car toys that include music, removable action figures, and two steering wheel shaped remote controls with forward and reverse motions. Cars have realistic sirens, honking sounds, and flashing headlights. Both cars can be played with at once and are perfect for playdates or siblings. Vehicles require 3 AA batteries and the remotes require 2 AA batteries. Pretex remote control cars are child-safe and will provide your little one with hours of imaginative play and fun!
15. Strider – 12” Sport Kids Balance Bike
No Pedal Training Bicycle, Lightweight Frame, Flat-Free Tires (8 colors)
My 2-year-old was as obsessed with the Strider Balance bike as much as with the Micro Mini Scooter and daily walks were a must with this bike. Once your toddler gets the hang of gliding and balance, they will take off down the path as free as a bird!
Balance bikes are proven to teach children to ride bikes faster than training wheels. Balance bikes help children learn balance and steering, making the transition to a bicycle that much faster. The 11-inch seat will allow your two-year-old to straddle the bike while being able to still touch the ground and the steel frame weighs only 6.7 lbs, allowing your child to easily steer, push, and maneuver the bike as they learn to ride. Rubber handlebar grips and a safety pad protect your kid should they fall forward.
16. Tender Leaf Toys – How Many Acorns? – Count to 10 Number Wooden Puzzle Game
The Tender Leaf Toys “How Many Acorns” Count to Ten Wood Puzzle Game for toddlers features multicolor detailing decorated with leaves and an image of a squirrel. The use of multicolor designs is eye-catching and engages your child. This wooden puzzle makes the learning process of counting exciting with the colorful dots under each acorn. Kids have to count the dots before placing the brightly colored acorn accordingly. The Tender Leaf Toys acorn count to ten wooden puzzle game is eco-friendly and toxic free and is made with non-toxic water-based paint and renewable rubber tree wood. All Tender Leaf Toys meet all European and American safety standards with a focus on craftsmanship and quality.
17. WOOD CITY Wooden Car Ramp Racer Toy Vehicle Set with 7 Mini Cars & Race Tracks
The Wood City Wooden Car Race Ramp includes seven bright mini cars that set off from the top starting point and then slide down the seven continuous rainbow race tracks, bringing toddlers the thrill of race car driving! This race car helps to improve a child’s attention span as well as develops hand-eye coordination and visual tracking ability. The Wood City Wooden Car Race Ramp is made of solid wood and fully tested to the highest U.S. ASTM and European EN71 toy safety standards.
18. My First Umbrella Doll Stroller by New York Doll Collection
Both boys and girls love pushing around their toys and plush friends with a toy umbrella stroller. The New York Doll Collection foldable umbrella doll stroller can carry a doll or stuffie up to 18” tall and there are double wheels on all 4 legs for extra stability. The stroller comes fully assembled and is super easy to fold and store.
19. DJECO Crazy Wooden Magnets
The Djeco Crazy Wooden Magnetics are sure to be a hit with the 2-year-old crowd! This magnet set includes 8 crazy animals, all in 3 pieces, that toddlers can put together correctly or mix and match into absurd combinations. These are great for refrigerator play or they stick to any metal surface. This magnetic play helps to develop fine motor skills, creativity, imagination, and the sense of the absurd. They come in a unique magnet closure box for easy travel or storage. All Djeco products are made from the highest quality materials, are completely non-toxic, and meet or exceed all US and European safety standards.
20. 100 Things For Toddler Coloring Book: Easy and Big Coloring Books for Toddlers
Although they won’t necessarily be coloring within the lines, toddlers will still love this 100 Things for Toddlers Coloring Book! This coloring book is especially designed for tiny hands and is packed with more than 100 easily recognizable pictures like food, animals, and everyday items to help toddlers practice recognition.
21. Crayola MyFirst Jumbo Crayons
Pair this Crayola Easy-Grip Jumbo Crayons with the 100 Things for Toddlers Coloring Book for a great gift for any 2-year-old. These 8 easy grip jumbo crayons are sized to fit toddlers’ palms and help to introduce toddlers to color explorations. Coloring promotes both physical and thinking skills. These crayola crayons less breakable than regular crayons, and non toxic.
22. Munchkin Miracle 360 Wildlove Trainer Cup
My 2-year-old’s daycare teacher introduced me to the Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup and I have never been so grateful! This toddler training cup is made from 100% recycled material and the 360 degree edge allows drinking from any side of the cup; Simply tilt the cup and suck the valve’s edge. (It might take a few tries for your toddler to get the hang of it). The cup automatically seals when your child stops drinking, completely eliminating spills. (I can 100% verify that this is accurate!). The cup is also easy to clean with no extra valves or parts. The Munchkin 360 Trainer Cup is BPA free and top rack dishwasher safe. There are 4 adorable animal patterns to choose from and an option to include a straw and sipper lid for older children.
23. ECR4Kids Sand and Water Adjustable Activity Play Table Center w/ Lids
The ECR4Kids Sand and Water adjustable activity play table with lids helps children develop tactile senses, motor skills, and social interaction. These play tables can be used with playdough, water, marbles, shaving cream, sand, or beads and are great for both indoor and outdoor use. Just cover the tables with the included lids to keep out rain, leaves, and dirt. The sand tables can be adjusted to 3 different heights and the sturdy legs have rubber feet to ensure the water and sand table doesn’t slip. This sand and water table is easy to clean thanks to its removable basins. The containers pop right out of the table’s base, making it a breeze to swap out water or sand. ECR4Kids sand and water play tables are GreenGuard certified for healthier indoor air quality, they have rounded edges, and are CPSIA compliant.
24. Do A Dot Art! Markers 6-Pack Rainbow Washable Paint Markers
Do A Dot Art is an easy, fun, and mess free way to let your child paint! Empower your child with the independence to paint unsupervised.
Dot Art is made in the USA, is non-toxic, gluten free, and latex free. The easy to grip bottle is perfect for little hands and the patented large sponge tip dauber is engineered to be mess free, never dry out, and make a perfect dot every time. Kids will love mixing, blending, and layering colors. No cups, no brush, and no mess! Paint dries quickly on paper. Set up and clean up is a breeze! Do A Dot Art includes 5 colors per box and dot art helps to develop hand-eye coordination and color recognition.
25. The Itsy Bitsy Spider (Iza Trapani’s Extended Nursery Rhymes)
Iza Trapani’s version of the Itsy Bitsy Spider entices you to break out into song while reading and children will love to sing along while they enjoy Iza Trapani’s vibrant watercolor illustrations.
In this classic kids book, the itsy bitsy spider has exciting encounters with a fan, a mouse, a rocking chair, a cat, and a big maple tree. In the end, the itsy bitsy spider finds a lovely spot to spin a new silky web. This will quickly become one of your 2-year-old’s favorite read aloud books.
26. Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Play Set
The Melissa and Doug Sunny Patch Seaside Side-Kicks Sand Baking playset lets your little ones make fabulous mudpies and sand cakes. This sea creature inspired toy “baking” set includes 7 play tools including 3 shell shaped measuring cups, an octopus whisk, a crab mixing spoon, and a mixing bowl. The turtle lid on the mixing bowl doubles as a sifter. This play sand baking set encourages exploration and outdoor play. The mixing, sifting, and baking theme presents an exciting twist on sand toys.
27. Fisher-Price Classic Toys – Retro Cash Register
The Fisher-Price Classic Toys Retro Cash Register is a blast from the past that you might remember from your own childhood. But, why redesign a good toy? What’s fun is fun! This Fisher-Price toy cash register comes with 6 different brightly colored coins that will teach children how to count and recognize colors. Place the coin into the correct fitting coin slot and watch it roll down the ramp. Turn the crank and hear the bell ring while watching the cash drawer open. This is a great gift for toddlers ages 18 months and up.