toys for 2 year old boy educational

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The 41 Best Toys for 2-Year-Olds to Make Busy Minds and Imaginations Run Wild

Build skills and learn new things with these toys for 2-year-olds

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Verywell Family / Sabrina Jiang

Two-year-olds are rapidly developing important milestones. By age 2 , children are likely trying to use buttons and knobs on toys, playing imaginatively, and running or kicking a ball. The best toys for 2-year-olds are the ones that take advantage of all these advances they’ve made and help them build upon their skills in a fun way. When 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 spoke with 875 parents to learn more about what toys and brands their families and children love most and why. We wanted to know how children play with the toys and what brings them back to buying from specific brands consistently. We also spoke with a pediatrician and reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on toy buying safety and 2-year-old developmental milestones. When evaluating products, we carefully considered toy safety, age recommendations, design, material, and value . Lastly, a pediatrician from our Review Board reviewed this article for accuracy, advice about common behaviors at this stage, and rotating toys to keep a 2-year-old entertained.

• How We Selected and Tested
• What to Look For

Why Trust Verywell Family

Lego duplo my first number train.

All aboard! The LEGO Duplo My First Number Train teaches toddlers how to count, color recognition, and more . Each LEGO brick features a number from 0 to 9 and connects to the push-along train toy. Parents we surveyed recommend this toy because their children love to play with it, and they appreciate how it encourages imagination and creativity. In addition to the LEGO bricks, littles can play with the DUPLO figures , who double as great passengers or train conductors. 

Little Tikes First Slide

The Little Tikes Learning Slide ranks high on our list because there’s so much joy in slides , and this little one is the perfect introduction for a 2-year-old. It’s 3 feet long, just over 2 feet tall, and it can be played with inside or outside. Plus, when it’s not in use, it folds up for easy storage . This slide is made for kids between 18 months and 6 years old.

VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Spiral Construction Tower

The VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Spiral Construction Tower is full of twists, turns, and, of course, speed . One of our writers received a free sample of this playset from the brand, and her 3-year-old son loves pretending he’s working at a real construction site . While assembly isn’t intuitive, and instructions are unclear, the impressive result is worth it for the kiddos. 

Children ages 1.5 years and up can scoop with the backhoe, swing the crane, tip the bin, and more to strengthen their fine motor skills and encourage imaginative play . An included dump truck zooms down the spiral tower and over ramps throughout the construction site. An important note: This playset is large, so keep that in mind when considering the amount of space and storage you’re working with. 

Fat Brain Toys Rody Horse

Fat Brain Toys

Just one look at this toy and you can see why it would appeal to a toddler. Designed for kids between 18 months and 3 years old, this durable vinyl pony can withstand a ton of bouncing, moving, and riding. Just fill the little horse up with some air and let your kid hop on its back, grab it by the ears, and jump to their heart’s content.

Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano

With this little magic piano, kids get three different sheets of music that help them learn how to play some of their favorite songs through color coordination. Between perfecting their favorite melodies, toddlers can also jam out to tunes that they make up. Ideal for kids between 6 months and 3 years old, this piano also features volume control to avoid hurting little ears (and grown-up ones).

Playskool Mr. Potato Head

Mr. Potato Head is a classic toy that has passed the test of time. Toddlers love playing with all the different parts and pieces—eyes, ears, and accessories—to create fun characters with unique faces and expressions . When playing together, the toy provides a great chance to practice identifying different body parts. Don't worry about losing all the pieces: The toy comes with a convenient suitcase for stashing everything. (Just make sure to keep an eye on your little one to make sure they’re safe with the small pieces.)

Melissa & Doug Monster Plush Bowling Game

What’s even better than bowling? Monster bowling! For kids between 2 and 6 years old, this set comes complete with six plush bowling pins and a plush ball that kids can either roll or throw to try to knock over the little monsters. Each piece is made from high-quality materials, so the toy is sure to last.

Orange Tree Toys New York Vehicles

Many toddlers love watching cars and trucks go by, so they’re sure to enjoy vrooming around with these sustainable wooden vehicles . The set includes a fire engine, police car, and a taxi cab (perfect for city kids!) in bright primary colors for fun, imaginative play. 

Pretex My First Find and Match Easter Matching Eggs

These fun little eggs are fantastic for strengthening fine motor skills, color matching , and shape identification . Kids get a toy carton filled with 12 eggs that pull apart to show different colors and shapes within. Designed for ages 18 months old and up, the eggs are durable and probably can be handed down to other children, too.

Lydaz Bubble Lawn Mower

Kids as young as 18 months old will love this little push lawn mower that blows bubbles with every step they take. In addition to the mower itself, you get three bottles of bubble solution , three bubble wands, and three AA batteries (which are required for the mower to run), so you won't have to worry about replacing any of the necessary components for a while.

Also, the mower folds up nicely when it’s not in use for easy storage.

Little Tikes Go and Grow Dino Ride On Toy

Many kids at this age love dinosaurs, and this tricycle features a particularly cute, toddler-friendly dino. They can ride this toy indoors and outdoors , and it includes a wide front wheelbase and oversized rear wheel , making it easier to balance. Note that the maximum weight limit for this trike is 50 pounds. 

Melissa & Doug Classic Jumbo Wooden Stacking Train

Melissa and Doug

Kids between 2 and 4 years old will enjoy this train that comes with 15 wood blocks in various shapes and colors . The train consists of three cars, each with a peg to stack blocks. When they’re ready to get moving, they can grab the attached cord and pull the train along with them as they go about their day. 

Yookidoo Bath Toy Submarine Spray Station

Add a splash to bathtime with this spray station, which draws water through a submarine toy to a shower head, which little hands can use to spray water through a variety of spinners and funnels. The toy helps with learning about cause and effect , and it’s a great way to keep a little one occupied during bathtime. Since it’s designed for ages 2 and up, your kiddo can enjoy it for years to come.

Educational Insights Plush Mixaroo Stuffed Animal

If you’re looking for a toy that involves imaginative play , then this is the one. It comes with 11 pieces that kids can mix and match together to create their own unique stuffed animals ; pieces include dragon wings, an elephant trunk, lion manes, fox ears, and more. This toy is made for kids as young as 2 years old and was designed by teachers to help foster kids' motor skills and cognitive development . 

Lily & River Little Climber

Pottery Barn

Two-year-olds can burn off some of their energy with this climber, designed for kids between 6 months and 4 years old. Additional accessories can be purchased separately, including the rock wall/slide , which is good for kids as young as 18 months, and the ladder/slide , which babies can use starting at 8 months.

Each piece is made from strong, sturdy bamboo or birch 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.

Manhattan Toy Playground Adventure

There’s no way a toddler will get bored with this toy because it features four separate sections , each packed full of different ways to play. It includes gliders on tracks, an abacus, spinners, bead runs, and animals, among other little games, to help strengthen motor skills and expose kids to different colors, shapes, animals, textures, and more.

Step2 Sweet Baker’s Kitchen

Every toddler needs a play kitchen, right? This one is made for kids as young as 2 years old and features shelving, a play sink, little storage drawers, a pretend oven, and 30 different accessories . Plus, the frying pan and boiling pot both make realistic sounds , and the set even comes with a mini high chair for kids’ baby dolls or stuffies.

If you want to forego the bright pink and purple, Step2 offers dozens of play kitchens in various styles.

CoComelon Musical Bedtime JJ Doll

If your kid can’t get enough CoComelon, this little bedtime JJ doll is a great toy. It’s made for kids as young as 18 months old and can say seven different phrases with just a little squeeze of the tummy. Kids will recognize JJ’s footie pajamas and teddy bear from the show, and the toy makes a great, snuggly bedtime companion.

Manhattan Toy Musical Lili Llama

Manhattan Toy

Little ones as young as 1 year old can start exploring music with this little llama toy. It features several ways for kids to make music , including four spinners, a maraca tail, a xylophone , two gears, a washboard, clackers, and two mallets, which can be stored away in the llama’s head when they’re not being used. 

LeapFrog My Own Leaptop

Kids between 2 and 4 years old can stop trying to steal their caregivers’ computers and play with this little Leaptop instead. It’s available in either pink or green and features four different learning modes for kids to learn about different letters. 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.

Pottery Barn Kids Wooden Cooking & Eating Set

pottery-barn

Little ones 2 years old and up who enjoy playing pretend will love this wooden eating set . It comes with 12 pieces , including salt and pepper shakers, plates, forks, knives, a pot, a pan, and more. All of the pieces are made from a combination of beech wood, fasal wood, schima wood, and engineered wood.

YGJT Baby Balance Bike

Balanced by four wheels, this little ride-on can help get your toddler more comfortable with riding a bicycle on their own. Use the bike indoors—or out—to help children develop confidence, learn balance , and familiarize themselves with the feeling of going both backward and forward. It comes in a variety of fun animals and styles , so you’ll find the perfect shade for your kiddo.

Playskool Sit ‘n Spin Classic Spinning Activity

Kids as young as 18 months old can enjoy this classic spinning toy, which is great for practicing balance and coordination , strengthening motor skills, and just getting out some of their endless energy. Even though there isn’t much to the Playskool Sit 'N Spin , there’s no doubt that your kid will have a lot of fun with it.

Cyiecw Piano Music Mat

It doesn’t get much better than dancing on a keyboard, does it? This mat consists of 19 different keys , each playing its own unique note. In addition to piano sounds, this mat can also play the sounds of other instruments , including the saxophone, violin, accordion, trumpet, harp, vibraphone, and guitar.

Made from durable materials, the mat has five different play modes and is safe for kids as young as 2 years old.

Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog

Toddlers 18 months and up will love learning valuable skills with Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog. The adorable critter has 12 removable quills to help toddlers practice their fine motor skills while maneuvering them in and out of the holes. Young ones can also practice counting and sorting with the toy’s different colored pieces. When playtime is over, place all the quills back in Spike for easy cleanup. Plus, the spikes are rubber, so you don't have to worry about hard pieces or sharp edges.

Melissa & Doug Wooden Animal Magnets in a Box

A simple yet engaging toy with plenty of educational benefits, your child will love arranging their very own set of 20 wild and pet animals , whether it's on the floor or a magnetic surface like the refrigerator. For the most valuable learning experience, play together, naming each animal and repeating the sounds they make. When you’re done, tuck everything into the sturdy wooden storage case .

Battat Bristle Blocks

This STEM-based building set offers hours of fun and imaginative play. With 112 interlocking pieces in assorted sizes and vibrant colors, the blocks are ripe for creating everything, from towers and cities to boats and cars. Unlike traditional blocks, these won’t topple and cause frustration—they securely stay together until your child decides to start anew.

Wee Gallery Bamboo Nesting Snail Toy

How cute is this little bamboo snail? Perfect for kids as young as 1 year old, the nesting toy, which is also available in other fun friends, comes apart into four separate pieces that can be stacked together or played with in totally different ways. With this toy, you also get a cute little cotton bag for storing and transporting the snail when it’s not being played with.

VTech Mix and Match-a-Saurus

This silly little dinosaur is like a pet, but better, since you won’t need to walk or feed it. It talks, moves, walks, and dance s based on the tiles you put into its back. The 27 possible tile combinations include a range of emotions, music choices, and characters to help your child identify and understand their feelings and how they affect their behavior.

Lovevery Play Kits

Academics, researchers, and healthcare practitioners carefully customize these Lovevery play kits according to your child’s specific age bracket, ensuring each toy is right on target in terms of development and interest. Subscription boxes for 2-year-olds include items like puzzles, matching games, and mini science experiments , and you’ll receive a new one every three months to guarantee your child is getting them right when they're at the appropriate developmental stage .

Hape Pound & Tape Bench

This high-quality wooden toy introduces your little one to the wonders of creating music. The multifunctional instrument can be played in several ways: use it as a xylophone or a keyboard or shake the balls together like maracas. No matter which way you play, there are benefits abound, including helping them practice dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and cause and effect .

WowWee Baby Shark Official - Singing Bath Time Bubble Maker

"Baby Shark" fans will have hours of fun playing with this puppet . Simply slip your hand into the back of the doll to move the puppet’s mouth up and down and play the beloved tune. The song plays at varying speeds , depending on how fast or slow you move your hand, providing fun for the whole family. You can collect all three song puppets, including Baby Shark, Daddy Shark, and Mommy Shark.

Battat Wooden Activity Cube

This expertly crafted, solid wood toy has five sides of fun to keep your toddler engaged longer. Depending on their mood, they can drive the tractor around, zig-zag the beads up and down, or move spinners to their heart’s content. You’ll love the Battat Wooden Activity Cube's rounded edges , which add an element of safety for children who aren’t fully steady on their feet.

Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table Playset

Promote hours of fun in the sun with this interactive water table . It’s a great choice for children with siblings, as there’s plenty of room for all, and it's suitable for a wide range of ages from 1 and up. The 13-piece kit includes maze-like spinners, ramps, and buckets for tons of beneficial STEM play.

Micro Kickboard Mini Deluxe 3 Scooter

Take neighborhood walks to new heights (and burn more energy!) by giving your child their very own scooter. Though your little one will still need to wear a helmet , this one is more toddler-friendly thanks to low-profile wheels, a wide standing board, and a sturdy, adjustable handlebar . It’s a way to help your child gain confidence on wheels and practice their balance and coordination skills.

Top Bright Race Track Set

This simple, high-quality wooden toy helps teach cause and effect while also promoting dexterity and hand-eye coordination as children watch their car zoom down the ramps to the finish line. Each of the four cars is numbered and painted a different color, so you and your child can practice counting and identifying colors , too.

LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book

Help your child grow their ever-expanding vocabulary with this fun, interactive book. Three cute characters—Turtle, Tiger, and Monkey—come to life to introduce more than 100 age-appropriate words chosen by learning experts. As a bonus, all words, songs, and instructions can be heard in both English and Spanish for a fully bilingual experience.

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Food Truck

What child doesn’t love to play pretend , especially when there’s food involved? Your little one can drive and prep make-believe food from the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Servin' Up Fun Food Truck, where they can sell dishes like pizza, burgers, tacos, cookies, and smoothies. Complete with over 20 removable toy pieces , it plays more than 125 songs, sounds, and phrases to help promote speech development.

The New York Doll Collection Soft Baby Doll

Let kids explore their nurturing side with this soft, lifelike baby doll . It’s an especially great choice for any toddler welcoming a sibling, as it’s a great introduction to caring for and playing with a baby. The 11-inch doll is just the right size for little arms, and it's soft enough to cuddle with during storytime. 

Tender Leaf Toys Touch Sensory Tray

Made for kids 18 months old and up, this little tray comes with four colorful wood pieces that are designed for sensory exploration. Kids can put the animal-shaped pieces on the tray like a puzzle , stack the blocks, learn about new animals and colors, or find other fun ways to play. 

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe

A timeless pick in the toy world, these little cars haven’t lost any of their appeal. Toddlers will feel empowered behind the wheel of this imaginative toy , thanks to a slew of fun features, like working doors, a steering wheel with a horn , a clicking ignition switch, a gas cap that opens and shuts, plus durable tires that spin 360 degrees. Ride-on toys are a great pick to use indoors and outdoors to burn off energy with your toddler.

How We Selected and Tested Toys for 2-Year-Olds

• Expert Input: We spoke with Whitney Casares, MD, MPH , pediatrician, author of “Doing It All: Stop Over-Functioning, and Become the Mom and Person You’re Meant to Be” (releasing January 23, 2024), and founder of Modern Mommy Doc, to find out what to look for in toys for 2-year-olds. Moreover, we reviewed guidance from the AAP on how to buy safe toys and developmental milestones for 2-year-olds.
• Parent Survey: We surveyed 875 parents to learn more about what toys their children play with, how they play with the toys, and why they love them. We also wanted to know which brands families consistently buy from and what brings them back year after year.
• Design and Features Research: After reviewing guidance and insights from our expert, the AAP, and parents, we studied the design and features of more than 70 toys for 2-year-olds on the market.
• Safety and Convenience Assessment: We considered toy safety, age recommendations, ease of use, developmental milestones, and value when reviewing products.

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

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 stem 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, but it doesn’t happen quite as fast as it did throughout their first years of life. That just means these toys will last 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. Toddlers learn emotional regulation skills and natural consequences in a warm, loving, and safe environment where they can explore to their heart's content, Dr. Casares adds. So, any toy that allows them to lean into their natural curiosity safely will be entertaining.

Sensory play is another great feature to look for in toys for 2-year-olds, Dr. Casares says. Consider toys like the Step2 water table that provide a sensory play experience and allow them to build their fine motor and proprioception skills with the included accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to how many toys your 2-year-old should have, focus on quality over quantity. Too many toys in a limited play space can be overwhelming, so consider using a rotating system . Divide your little one’s toys into categories (for example, stacking blocks, musical toys , and kitchen equipment), select a toy from each category and create two or three rotation sets. Switching the sets around every few days (while keeping the other sets tucked out of sight) will help keep your toddler’s play space both accessible and stimulating. 

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. 

Parallel play is when young children play next to or near each other without actually interacting with one another. It typically begins at around 2 years old. While it might seem as though toddlers engaged in parallel play are unaware of each other, they are actually paying close attention to what the other is doing. They might play with similar objects, mimic sounds or movements, or move around the play space together. 

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).

Seeing your toddler snatch a toy from another child is unpleasant, but it is also an entirely normal developmental milestone. Between the ages of 2 and 3, your child is developing their sense of self, which means they view the world and its entire contents as theirs.

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."

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.

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 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 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

American Academy of Pediatrics,  Developmental milestones: 2-year-olds .

American Academy of Pediatrics. How to buy safe toys .

Scott HK.  Peer play . In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.

Mommy Maker Teacher

From Pregnancy To Toddlerhood

75+ Best Educational Toys and Gifts for 2-Year-Olds

As a certified K-12 teacher, I am all about educational toys! My core value as a teacher was to “sneak the learning in.” I wanted to make learning so much fun that my students didn’t realize they were learning in the process!  So, I wanted to do the same regarding my own kids.

Now that I’m a seasoned toddler (boy) mom, I have also picked up a few tips for choosing the best educational toys for two-year-olds, which I’ll share.

Feel free to browse the list visually–that’s how I find ideas for my own kids–or read the little blurbs with each toy to see how I use them for teaching. Stick around at the end for important developmental milestones to look for at this age and my recommendations to meet them! 

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through one of these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support!

⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Always supervise your children when playing. Many of these toys contain small parts that could be choking hazards. Do not play with toys with small parts if your child still puts things in their mouth. Anything that fits through a toilet paper tube is considered a choking hazard. Many of these toys are rated for 3+ and while my child is developmentally ready for them, your child might not be. Always read the manufacturer warnings and labels to understand age requirements.

Jump Ahead To:

Tips For Choosing Educational Toys

Often, I go to friends’ houses and see their dolls and trucks scattered all over the house while the puzzles, flashcards, and books collect dust on the shelf. It’s so important to carefully choose your educational toys with these tips in mind so that they become the *most* used toys in the house!

• Toys you want to play with: You will spend the most time with these toys. If you think it’s awesome, your kid will too. 
• Multipurpose: Find toys that can be played with in many different ways (I’ll give examples). 
• Your child’s interests: My older son (4) has always loved blocks. Instead of changing his interests, we broadened his idea of what blocks are. We have Magnatiles, Duplo, Lego, Squigz, Tinkertoys, Melissa and Doug construction blocks and MegaBloks.
• Brand trustworthiness and durability: If you’ve got a toddler at home, I’m sure you’ve been burned by discount toys that have broken within a few uses. At this point in my career and parenting, I go with brands I trust (you’ll start to see a pattern with my recommendations!) and opt for the most durable option. Educational toys are an investment , so you want them to last. 
• Ignore gender stereotypes: Your little girl might love dolls, and your little boy might love trucks, or the opposite might be true. At this age, it’s all about creating a well-rounded human who feels confident as an independent problem-solver, leader, and caregiver as they age.
• Variety: You shouldn’t expect to hear Beatholven on a mini piano at two years old… But you should explore music , science, art, and literature with your little one to tap into their uncovered interests and talents. 

Pro Tip: Looking for toys and activities for babies and toddlers of other ages ??

Check Out My Other Toy and Activity Guides:

• Activities For A 4 Month-Old
• Toys And Gift Ideas For 9 To 12 Month Babies
• Activities For a 14-Month-Old Busy Toddler
• Educational Toys and Gifts for 2-Year-Olds
• Outdoor Toys for 2-Year-Olds
• Airplane Toys for Toddlers
• Music Players For Toddlers

Side Story: I recently got weird looks at my son’s birthday party when his gifts were about nurturing. I got him a baby carrier for his doll, a feeding set (you know, those “magic” bottles), some doll clothes, and diapers. Of course, his other presents included Hot Wheels, Spiderman, and a GIANT garbage truck. He barely looked at my toys while we were at the party. And everyone assumed that he would never play with dolls, even if I wanted him to… But guess what? As soon as everyone was gone, the *first* thing he did was find his baby, put him in the carrier, and feed him a bottle. These are the nurturing skills that I want to teach my children! Regardless of what everyone else thinks ?. 

Books 

You might think your two-year-old has no interest in books, probably because you haven’t found the right ones yet!

My two-year-old is obsessed with books … But it wasn’t until recently. He discovered one of my older son’s Pop-Up Peekaboo books, one of his favorite things to do since. Before that, he would try and tear the pages or chew on the spines!

These interactive books captivate little learners.

• Huge, detailed pop-up displays.
• Cute story lines.
• Themes for all interests (animals, vehicles, trucks, holidays, and more).

The pages are filled with pokable dots (they remind me of the push tabs on soda cups!).

At 2-years-old these books are great for engaging toddlers and developing hand-eye coordination.

As your child ages, Poke-a-Dot books have hidden games and challenges to do (like counting, Eye Spy, and more).

• Every page has a unique texture to feel.
• Children are eager to turn the pages.
• Teaches kids about their sense of touch.

I love these lift-a-flap books because your toddler can hold on to them themselves without worrying about ripping or tearing the page.

Each page has a hidden object to find that goes along with the storyline.

• Doubles as a search and find.
• Lets children learn authentic sounds of animals, automobiles, nature, and more.

Puzzle books are new to the scene and so much fun for little kids.

• Move the puzzle pieces to their slots throughout the book and become part of the story.
• Use the book as just as puzzle.

Pro Tip: Get your books from the library! Especially if you’re not sure what kind your child likes. Check out a few different types, see what they like, and invest in that series. 

Puzzles 

Recently, I’ve been loving puzzles that double as other things (like that Melissa & Doug puzzle book!).

Puzzles can teach pattern and shape recognition, fine motor skills, and problem-solving. Puzzles can also be a bit boring for toddlers . Look at these puzzles that teach your kid all the skills while maintaining an element of play. 

• Use the magnetic spoon to pick up scoops and toppings and place the scoops into the cones and bowls! The cone and bowl pieces have slots to stick ice cream.
• Give your child custom ice cream orders and watch them make it.
• In the end, solve the puzzle to clean up!

Note: I was disappointed that the entire puzzle isn't magnetic (that would make storing it so much easier!). Only the ice cream scoops and toppings are magnetic.

• Fish with the included magnetic fishing rod!
• Practice colors and name recognition with your toddler ("can you catch the blue one?" or "can you catch the turtle?").
• When you're ready to clean up, complete the puzzle to put it away.

You might not think of Velcro food as a puzzle, but it is! Recognizing the shapes and colors that go together and connecting the pieces is what puzzles are all about.

Teach your child fine motor skills associated with cutting and preparing food as well.

This is a quality set and another example of a hidden puzzle. The menu lets your child see pictures and recreate the cones. They can also see which pieces fit together and which don't.

Coding and STEM Toys 

Do you wish you knew Javascript and or HTML? Me too! (although I’ve had to learn a lot as a blogger over the years). Teach your child coding and immerse them in science and engineering with my favorite STEM toys .

• These little guys are the cutest (see their fox and lizard also!).
• Create paths using PUZZLE pieces.
• Coding Critter will follow your path.
• Teach engineering symbols like straight lines, loops, turns, and wavy lines.
• Open-ended play: Coding Critter will follow any black line. Grab your masking tape and create tracks all around your house!

• Things I love: It's super-simple (only goes forward and only turns left), never runs out of battery, and is virtually indestructible.
• Things I don't love: It's super simple (yes, this was also something I originally loved!). Once my son got a little older, he outgrew this toy. I prefer toys that last a little longer. The range is short. Stand too far away, and your car won't go.

Final Verdict: Although my son outgrew this in about a year, I would still purchase it again. The simplicity made it easy for him to learn the controls in one sitting. The speed was perfect, and it is heavy-duty but never scuffed my walls!

I have to admit, I might have a little too much fun with this toy as a 30 year old woman!

Take the car apart and build it back together with the functioning drill.

Teacher Take: This drill wins over some of the others on the market because it has a novice-level drill bit that makes it easy for even little hands to operate.

It also has a reverse function (for taking apart or fixing mistakes).

Finally, you can use the toy car for pretend and imaginative play.

The fun of tools, without the worry of small pieces for toddlers still putting things in their mouth.

Teach your child how to use different tools and the motions associated with them.

Each card has a theme with several learning modes and games.

• Teach your child about touch screens and buttons without screen time.
• Only offer one card at a time to make the toy seem new and exciting for each user.

Note: This is not a toy that I own or have used. I found it online while looking for another toy. I think it's really awesome and might become a birthday present in the near future!

Musical Instruments 

• Strum mode lets you strum the strings like an actual guitar.
• Turn off strum mode and "play" pre-made songs.
• The buttons on the guitar neck play musical notes.
• Select between acoustic, electric, and "barking" guitar sounds.

My kids have a blast with this guitar. They can make their own songs or play along to existing ones!

If you haven't yet bought this for your child, now is a great time!

Not only does this double as a musical instrument and pull toy, but you can also practice colors by having them hit the colors as you say them. Teach them songs this way!

My kids can't get enough of this music player ( one of many we own ).

They can sing pre-recorded Cocomelon classics or sing their songs through Bluetooth. It teaches kids about music and singing for joy.

All of the fun of a drumset without the noise!

• Play the drums by hitting the pads with the drumsticks.
• Several modes allow your child to play their own songs, stick to a beat, recall patterns, and more.

We have an actual piano at home that my two-year-old loves to play. We can play simple songs together.

I love this kid's piano: It has color-coded keys matching the included color-coded songbook. The color-coded notes are shown on a lined sheet of music and identified with a color and letter. Kids can learn music notes by color first, letter second, and finally on sheet music.

I can't say enough good things about the Tonie player. It's a top music player for children, and they've now introduced audiobooks!

We have a Toniebox and a Yoto player . I love them both, and so do my kids.

The Toniebox is great for younger children with shorter attention spans (shorter tracks) and who are more clumsy (it has soft sides that land with a soft bounce).

• Buy character song soundtracks and audiobooks.
• Listen through the speaker or connect headphones.
• Creating your own characters lets you upload custom playlists with infinite possibilities.
• Record your voice and "read" stories to your child.

I have the Yoto Mini , but I recommend the Original Yoto player for children under 3. It's bigger and can sit on a shelf, vs. the Mini, which could be easily dropped or lost. We also have a Toniebox player , which we love, but Yoto offers more variety and customizability for parents.

• Listen to endless free content (daily podcasts and radio stations are free!)
• Create your own Yoto Cards with up to 100 tracks.
• Control the Yoto player remotely from the parent app.
• Connect headphones with a wire or Bluetooth.
• Set daytime and evening parameters (including turning it off after bedtime).
• Use it as a white noise player.
• Built-in alarm clock.
• Built-in okay-to-wake clock (lets children know when it's time to be in bed and when to get up with different colored lights).

Arts and Crafts 

Arts and crafts can be messy, time-consuming (to prepare and to make), and elaborate. OR they can be simple to set up, mess-free, and require no parental help. We enjoy both types of arts and crafts in my house, so I’ll give you my favorites for each!

Practice colors, shapes, numbers, patterns, and stringing beads with this kit.

Teach sewing skills with this lacing toy.

The board is velcro-like (although dust and debris don't stick to it ?) and comes with colored cords of different sizes that stick to it.

Tracing cards come with it, or you can use the blank cards to create your own design.

I love that the cards and cords are stored within the board, making it easy to store.

Paint sticks are so much fun!

They go on buttery-smooth and have a paint-like feel, but they are half as messy as traditional paint.

Does your baby Hercules have a habit of snapping ordinary crayons in half?

Or wind up eating more than they are coloring?!

These twistables have hard plastic outer shells, so no more snapping!

Some two-year-olds aren't ready to hold pencils and crayons. These eggs fit right in their hands and make for a traditional coloring experience.

Designed just for toddlers, these easy-grip markers teach proper finger placement.

Are all kids in love with markers? Or is it just mine!?

If your little one has mastered holding markers and you're ready for the real deal, these are my top recommendations because they don't dry out!

• Chunkier than standard dot markers (perfect for tiny hands).
• Washable (from a trusted brand!).
• 30 activity pages included to practice numbers, letters, shapes, and pattern recognition.

Pro Tip: Stock your craft supply kit with foam shapes, stickers, tempura paint, paint brushes, glue, construction paper, and more from Dollar Tree. They have a great selection of kid-friendly supplies for $1.25 each!

I could go on and on about how much we love Water WOW products from Melissa & Doug!

• Fill pen with water.
• Color pages.
• Watch the picture appear.
• Watch it dry and fade back to white.

If you're tired of your toddler dumping over paint pots or your paints always drying out, switch to Pop & Paint. It has a self-moistening paintbrush, eight paint colors, a palette, and a cleaning disk.

It's not the same as traditional paint, but we love this set for quick craft sessions!

Parent-to-Parent: I love the Crayola Mess-Free system much more than my kids. There is a 1-2 second delay between using the colorless ink, and it appearing on the special paper. For my oldest, this was a deal-breaker. He never created with these. For my second, he’s more receptive to it but prefers traditional coloring and painting. They make great travel activities that you don’t have to worry about making a mess.

• Color, paint, stamp, and doodle with water
• Colors appear when wet and disappear when dry

Teacher Take: This mat stands out to me from others because of all of the extras that are included: pens, rollers, stamps, foam shapes, etc. It's also from a brand that I know and trust. 

Sorting and Stacking 

Teach hand-eye coordination, building, balance, and more with blocks galore.

I love this toy so much.

• Stack the cars on top of each other
• Recognize colors
• Count how high the cars go
• Lift the exit gate and pull the cars out by the little pegs
• Match the car colors to the levels
• Play with the cars all on their own

Sort, count, and stack all in one.

• Learn shape placement and recognition
• Fine motor skills to put the pieces in the peg
• Teach body parts

• Practice stacking

Play with the animals in their barns to encourage pretend and imaginative play.

Related Posts:

The Best Screen Free Music Players For Toddlers

The Best Baby Toys And Gift Ideas For 9 To 12 Month Babies For Learning And Development

43 STEM Toys for Toddlers

The #1 Best DIY Homemade Playdough Recipe [Secret Kool-Aid Hack!]

Makeblock mTiny Coding Kit Review

Yoto Mini Review: a Must-Have Audio Player For Kids

Blocks 

Are they creative toys? Engineering? Fine motor? Gross motor? Blocks are everything ! We have so many blocks that I think my head might explode. If you’ve never branched out beyond traditional blocks, you’re in for a treat!

WARNING: Many of these block sets have small pieces that are choking hazards. Remove any pieces that fit through a toilet paper tube. They could be choked on.

I am a huge Lego Duplo advocate and was even featured in Parent's Magazine with tons of ideas for ways to play and teach your child with Duplo.

Everything you need (including a storage case) to start building with Duplo. Dozens of designs that are ready to make or create your own! Encourage pretend play and imagination with all of the characters included.

Are they expensive? Yes.

Are they worth it? Yes.

The name brand is worth it here. Knock-off brands don't have the magnetic power for building. If you stack too many together, the creation will collapse from the weight.

I love our particular set because you get the car base, some road pieces, functional cranes, and spinning bases. These can be used as pictured or re-configured into your designs.

Pro Tip: When looking for Magnatiles for 2-year-olds, look for sets with mostly square shapes . Triangles are tricky to build, while even young toddlers can grasp building with squares.

Full Disclosure: We don't own them, and I've never played with them, but I see them all the time and think they are so cool as a block-alternative for children who aren't interested in traditional blocks. 

Trains are blocks, too!

They encourage problem-solving, building, connecting, engineering, and more.

We have all BRIO trains and tracks. Just like Magnatiles, I feel the brand is important here. We experimented with several other train sets that crack, splinter, or don't fit well together.

Nurturing Toys 

Let’s normalize teaching our children to nurture. Some might be naturally nurturing souls, while others think that baby dolls should be used to squirt imaginary explosive poop all over everyone–not that I’m talking from experience ?.

I don't know why this is rated 5+ (let me know in the comments if you know why!) . The bottle doesn't seem like a choking hazard to me. The leash is longer than 6", so it could be a strangulation hazard and should be monitored closely. But you could certainly remove the leash.

We LOVE this lamb. It reacts to being petted, asks for attention when lonely, and drinks its bottle. My boys love feeding her (her name is Toot ?) and listening to her burp!

This is rated for ages 6+, and I would use extreme supervision with a toddler doing this activity. You don't want them to eat the dirt or seeds. This would have to be an activity done largely by the parent.

Why I like this set:

• Teaches patience
• Nurturing (watering)
• You can see the plants growing (so it helps our impatient growers!)
• Teaches life cycles
• Teaches about cultivating food for eating

Care for sick animals and nurse them back to health.

Pretend Play

Your fondest memories of playing as a child likely involved pretend play. It’s a chance for children to let their imagination take over and be whoever they want to be. This type of imaginative play should start in children around two years old, but it may take longer for some. 

This also falls under nurturing: preparing food for people.

• Have your child prepare pretend meals
• Pretend to clean dishes
• Take orders from friends and family

Pro Tip: I'll use uncooked pasta or rice (if I'm in the mood to vacuum ?) and let them "cook" with it.

Let their imagination (and carpentry skills) soar with this fun workbench!

The power tools actually work and make sounds.

Toddlers love creating their own little spaces. Use it as a barn, a reading nook, or a place to be silly!

Melissa & Doug have dress-up costumes for whatever your child could imagine. Their costumes are well-designed and sturdy and come with fun accessories to let their imagination run wild.

There are Little People sets for every interest your child could have. It's great to teach them about new interests, careers, skills, and vocabulary related to the different sets. I love that these sets are open-ended with infinite possibilities to play.

This barn playset also sparked some early independent and creative play with my toddler. We also enjoy singing farm-related songs and making animal noises. I teach him to nurture the animals by feeding them and petting them ?.

Independence Tasks 

I’m sure you’ve noticed by now that your two-year-old loves to do everything you do. This behavior is adorable and can be great for teaching your child to become independent and self-reliable. Use these toys and everyday objects to teach young children to care for themselves, their surroundings, and others.

This sink has running water but you don't have to fill the reservoir if you don't want to. The accessories that come with it are too cute. Give your toddler some dishes of their own to clean.

You'll be happy to know that these toys aren't just for show! The toys actually function so your little one can help with household tasks.

Yes, this vacuum will suck up dirt and debris but don't count on it for doing any major cleaning.

Disclaimer: Ours was a different color, and the motor eventually burned out after two years of extensive daily use. We then bought the actual "Dyson" toy vacuum, and that broke after only a few weeks of use, so this is still my recommendation.

We have smaller bathrooms, so I love these folding step stools. They can be tucked away when not in use and easily moved from the toilet to the sink.

We've tried a few potty training seats, and this one seems to have the snuggest fit for our toilets. It's a trial-and-error thing!

We use these command hooks to hang a hand towel and their bath towels at toddler height.

Make brushing their teeth a fun experience with their favorite characters and a spinning toothbrush!

Pro Tip: Kids think washing themselves is a blast, and it’s life-changing when they can dress themselves and brush their teeth! You don’t need anything fancy. A few bathroom additions will set them up for success.

Get your little ones involved in real food preparation. I love this set because it has two wooden knife options to teach kids to cut soft foods (think banana, avocado, etc.). This set has everything they need to cook alongside you in the kitchen and will grow with them as they get older.

Mamas, idk if it's just me, but I LOATHE high chairs. When my little one was in a high chair, I felt like I was constantly cleaning clunky trays that got water all over my kitchen. We decided to replace our high chair with this booster seat, and we never looked back. I am actually in love with this seat for all of these reasons:

• It's plastic: no mystery crust and goop in the cushion crevices.
• It grows with your child: there are three height positions.
• It fits at the dining table: you can slide this seat under most tables so it is out of sight.
• Convertible: start your little pushed up to the table with a tray (like a high chair) and eventually remove the tray.
• Additional trays: the additional trays are $6 each and are dishwasher safe. We bought 3 extras (one for each meal of the day plus a backup), which was life-changing!
• Portable: easily take this on and off of any chair. The backrest folds down to save space. The feet are retractable to save space. It even comes with a tray lid to use your tray as a storage container.

Make your tiny tot feel like everyone else in the family with utensils that look like grown-up ones.

Just like with plates, our toddlers drink from glasses at mealtime. It's important to find glasses that are their size. A shot glass makes a perfect training glass when you're just starting with open cups!

Pro Tip: A wise mom once told me, never fill your toddler's glass more than you're willing to clean up. It's the best advice I've gotten for baby-led drinking .

You might be surprised to learn that my two-year-old sits at the table with us and eats from a glass plate and drinks from a glass cup at mealtime!

• Glass plates teach responsibility
• Grab plates that are 6-8" for two-year-olds
• These triple-layer plates are shatter-resistant

As the mom of a toddler who threw his plastic plates and high chair trays, I was hesitant to introduce glass plates as a part of baby-led weaning ... But we've never had an issue with him trying to throw a glass plate. They understand that glass plates are a privilege, making them more responsible at the dinner table.

Tips for Teaching Success

If you aim to teach your child skills and concepts with educational toys, here are my recommendations to get the best results.

Avoid Screens, Plastic, and Noise as Much as Possible 

You’ve probably noticed that most of these toys don’t make noise, don’t have screens (in fact, none of them do), don’t have buttons that light up, and are wood as much as possible. 

Don’t get me wrong, if you go digging in our toy closet, you’ll find all those things! You’ll even see my 2-year-old watching his favorite TV shows after nap while he wakes up and has a snack. It’s not that I’m against these things in general; it’s just when it comes to educational toys. 

Open-Ended 

Educational toys are most beneficial when they are open-ended. I was famous in my school for giving my students problems to solve that I wasn’t even sure there was an answer to! You’d be AMAZED at the things that children come up with when they aren’t given specific instructions, directions, corrections, or looking for a particular outcome. 

Today, your broomstick is a rocket ship; tomorrow, your books are building blocks; and on the weekend, it’s all hands on deck in the “ER” as your child performs surgery with their hard and screwdriver. 

Developmental Milestones For 2-Year-Olds

Remember that 75% of kids can achieve these developmental milestones for two-year-olds  by a certain age . Don’t be discouraged if your little one takes longer to master these skills. 

• Social/Emotional Looks at your face to see how you react. | Notices when others are hurt or upset. | Recognizes familiar people. | Happy to see other children. | Wants to be independent. | Shows defiance. | Has episodes of separation anxiety.
• Language/Communication Points to objects you name. | Says at least two words together. | Knows at least two body parts. | Uses gestures beyond waving and pointing (like nodding, shaking, etc.). | Follows instructions.
• Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving) Can use both hands at once. | Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons. | Plays with multiple toys at once. | Begins to stack and sort. | Make-believe play.
• Physical ( outdoor toys are perfect for this) Kicks a ball. | Runs. | Walks (not climbs) up a few stairs without help. | Eats with a spoon. | Climbs up and down furniture.

My best advice? Let your child play without rules . It can be hard sometimes, but they will learn more by experiencing their toys and learning what doesn’t work independently.

My four-year-old would now tell you that brooms are for sweeping, books are for reading, and tools are for building. He figured this out all independently from learning and exploring the world on his terms.

Don’t damper their imagination by only allowing certain toys to be played with the “right” way. 

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I am the founder of Mommy Maker Teacher and a mom of two toddlers. With a degree in education, 12+ years of experience as a K-12 teacher and curriculum developer, and courses in childhood psychology and language acquisition, I share research-backed parenting tips and advice. I provide helpful content for moms on all stages of motherhood—from trying to conceive and pregnancy to postpartum, breastfeeding, and parenting.

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• Gifts for babies and kids

The 35 Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds

By Caitlin Giddings and Wirecutter Staff

When you’re trying to keep up with the developing skills and interests of a 2-year-old, it can feel like you’re sprinting (sometimes literally) or playing a guessing game. “Play is how they start to understand the world,” said Heather Singh, director of educational programs at the Thinkery , a children’s museum in Austin, Texas, at the time of our interview.

The most engaging toys for 2-year-olds offer lots of different options for hands-on, manipulative play. Kids this age may be able to use their fine motor skills in more-precise ways, such as for stacking, fitting, and twisting smaller pieces. Some 2-year-olds are still engaging primarily in “parallel play.” And some are now interested in playing with others, so simple board games may help them to practice sharing and taking turns. Toys that let a 2-year-old slide, wiggle, scoot, bounce, or otherwise expend some of their boundless energy are also likely to be a hit.

We spoke with Singh and other child-development experts—along with parents and other caregivers on our staff—to identify memorable and engaging gifts for 2-year-olds. Some of the toys on this list are officially recommended for kids who are 3 and up. Our testers have played with these toys outside of their official age-range recommendations, and they’ve found them to be appropriate for this guide.

If you’re looking for more gift ideas for kids, check out our guides to the best gifts for 1-year-olds , 3-year-olds , 4-year-olds , 5-year-olds , 6-year-olds , 7-year-olds , 8-year-olds , 9-year-olds , and 10-year-olds , as well as these wonderful stocking stuffers for kids. We also have guides to gifts for tweens and teens . (Just keep in mind that since kids develop at different rates, all age recommendations should be taken with a grain of salt.) And please share your own best ideas in the comments below.

Playful pegs

Skoolzy Peg Board Set

These simple, rainbow-colored pegs encourage young kids to build tall towers or weave them together with string.

Buying Options

Soon after my oldest daughter started preschool, I asked her (then 2) what she liked to play with in the classroom, and she answered, “Pegs!” I bought Skoolzy’s Peg Board Set for our home, and I was fascinated to see how intently she and, subsequently, her younger siblings played with them on their own. The brightly colored, stackable pegs offer 2-year-olds just the right level of challenge and open-ended play: Kids can fit the pegs into holes on the included foam mat, stack them one on top of the other to see how high they can go, or string them on a shoelace. Despite the simplicity of these pegs, my kids would pull them out of the toy bin again and again.

—Courtney Schley

A first piggy bank

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Piggy Bank

This cheerful pink piggy bank makes a rewarding sound each time one of the 10 plastic coins is dropped through the slot.

When my daughter was a toddler, she received the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Piggy Bank as a gift, and as far as noise-making plastic toys go, this one is a winner. She liked being rewarded with the pig’s cheerful responses and songs when she pressed its snout or dropped the large coins through the slot. And I liked how mercifully brief—and not too loud or grating—the songs and noises were. The pig helps kids develop motor skills and also teaches colors, numbers (in Spanish, too), and other important stuff. I’m impressed by how well this bank held up through years of rough treatment (and that it used just two pairs of CC batteries in all that time).

—Winnie Yang

Music together

Welcome to the Symphony: A Musical Exploration of the Orchestra Using Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5

Kids learn about classical music and hear the sounds of the clarinet, trumpet, and other instruments in this entertaining, interactive book.

Combine Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C Minor with some charming mice narrators and— da-da-da-dum! —you’ve got Welcome to the Symphony: A Musical Exploration of the Orchestra Using Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 . This accessible, interactive introduction to classical music is written by Carolyn Sloan, author of the similarly structured Welcome to Jazz (featured in our guide to the best gifts for 3-year-olds ). The book covers the orchestra, musical terms (such as dynamics , tempo , and harmony ), and groups of instruments (strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion). And while the excitement of pressing the 19 sound buttons may initially overshadow the rich text and lovely illustrations, kids can appreciate this book on deeper levels over time—think of it as an evolving performance. ( Welcome to the Symphony and Welcome to Jazz have both been favorites in my son’s reading rotation since he got them, at age 3. But we think many 2-year-olds would also be ready for them.) And grownups can’t help but feel proud when their kids are able to recognize Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 out in the world—even if it is while watching an episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.

— Barbara Kimberly Seigel

A soft photo album

Urban Kiddy Baby’s My First Family Album

This eight-page, double-sided cloth photo album holds 17 of your favorite 4-by-6 photos, and there’s a mirror at the end.

Filled with photos of the family we were leaving behind, Urban Kiddy Baby’s My First Family Album was a treasured gift from a relative when we moved across the country. Made with a soft, durable fabric, it holds 17 printed photos, and it’s cute enough to attract your average 2-year-old. For months after our move, my son loved flipping through the photos of “Grandma Mimi,” and he would study shots of himself with all of his cousins. And I loved that he could see family members’ faces without getting my phone involved.

— Kerry Davis

Acrobatic robots

Schylling Wooden Stacking Robots

With notched hands and feet, these nine wooden robots can be stacked and balanced in all sorts of acrobatic ways.

May be out of stock

When my son was a toddler, a friend gave him Schylling’s slightly sinister-looking Wooden Stacking Robots , and he still has them on display in his room at age 13. The tiny angles allow for all kinds of wacky creations, and the more robots you get (we later added a second pack), the bigger your robot trees can become. Creating a simple pyramid may make a 2-year-old feel triumphant, while older kids can construct some truly impressive designs. These blocks are the type of thing adults may find themselves leaving out on the coffee table—and even playing with themselves.

—Kalee Thompson

A toddler’s tape measure

Constructive Playthings Big Tape Measure for Kids

Made for small hands, this vinyl tape measure rolls out like a real one, with markings for inches and centimeters.

With Constructive Playthings’ Big Tape Measure for Kids , there are lots of possibilities for role-playing. This sturdy, oversize tape measure is a favorite among young kids at Toybrary Austin (a local toy-lending library in Texas), according to owner Liza Wilson. Two-year-olds enjoy pulling out and winding back the easy-rolling vinyl tape, which makes a satisfying clicking sound. Older kids love to measure and compare everything in the room using the toy’s real inch and centimeter markings; this is a great way for them to begin developing spatial awareness and concepts related to numbers, counting, and math. ( Note: This toy is recommended for kids ages 3 and up because the tape can be a choking hazard. )

—Caitlin Giddings

A fun intro to games

Educational Insights My First Game: Bears in Pairs

In this seek-and-find memory game, kids look for matching bears behind the doors of a two-story playhouse.

My daughter received Educational Insights’ My First Game: Bears in Pairs for Christmas when she was 21 months old. And she adores it—for reasons that have progressed with every passing month. At first, she simply liked to match each of the three sets of twin bears and open and shut all six compartments on their 3D plastic playhouse. Eventually she started to play the actual game, which involves flicking a spinner and trying to find the coordinating bear set. Bears in Pairs is a perfect introduction to memory matching games—without the need for reading or card shuffling.

For a more-colorful bath time

Crayola Bath Slime

Small tubs of this sweet-smelling, soapy goo add sensory fun to bath time.

For more than a year now, the only way I’ve been able to get my daughter into the bath is to promise the inclusion of this colorful, sensory goo. Less an actual slime than a fragrant jelly, Crayola Bath Slime comes in scents like Wacky Watermelon and Gallopin Grape. It provides all of the fun of its viscous namesake, with the welcome bonus of being easy to clean (since it’s contained in the tub and because it’s literally soap). My kiddo likes to squish it through her hands and swirl the little floating pieces around to the farthest reaches of the bath. Then we grab a couple of strainers and try to rescue and return all the squiggles back to the jar before it’s time to get out.

An indoor tunnel

IKEA Dvärgmås Play Tunnel

This simple play tunnel is fun to crawl through, and it cinches up for easy storage.

When my older son was 2 years old, I found a classic, collapsible IKEA Dvärgmås Play Tunnel at a secondhand store. Five years and another kid later, it was still in good enough shape to be handed down to a different family. The littlest kids can simply enjoy the challenge of learning to crawl from end to end. Later, the tunnel becomes a cozy spot to play with other toys or a fun addition to an elaborate living-room fort (which was my kids’ favorite use for it). IKEA’s colorful polyester Cirkustält Tent also offers long-lasting fun at a low price, and we recommend it in our guide to the best gifts for 3-year olds . Availability at IKEA stores varies by location. 

A Lego starter set

Lego Duplo Number Train

A wonderful introduction to Lego, this Duplo set comes with a little bit of everything: Duplo people, numbered bricks, connecting trains, and a cat.

With its delightfully chunky pieces, the Lego Duplo Number Train is excellent for introducing toddlers to the joys of building with Lego bricks. The train-themed set includes blocks that are numbered from 0 to 9, four wheeled bases, and two figures (plus a cat for good measure). Kids can arrange the pieces in all sorts of configurations, all while developing their fine motor skills and immersing themselves in imaginative play. When my son turned 2, he happily took over his older brother’s collection of Duplos (numbered blocks and numerous vehicle bases included), and he never looked back—no doubt all but guaranteeing himself a Lego-filled future.

—Ingrid Skjong

Bright, bold flash cards

Mudpuppy My ABCs Ring Flash Cards

These colorful alphabet flash cards are held together with a plastic ring, which can be opened and closed.

At age 2, my son thought identifying objects was the greatest form of entertainment. As we approached the, oh, 500th reading (who’s counting?) of his 10 favorite board books, I realized we needed something new. I also realized that we didn’t own flash cards. To remedy the situation, I bought the Mudpuppy My ABCs Ring Flash Cards . The letters and words are printed in a pleasing, sans serif–like font. The bold, colorful artwork spoke to my kid—and he spoke back. Our favorite? F: A frog playing a flute for a fly.

A puzzle with a sense of place

Mudpuppy Jumbo Puzzle Map of the U.S.A.

Once assembled, this 25-piece puzzle displays a map of the 50 states, along with what each one is known for, like Idaho potatoes.

It feels as if we now own every children’s puzzle that’s ever been stamped and laser-cut into cardboard. But the Mudpuppy Jumbo Puzzle Map of the U.S.A. remains the one I pull out the most. For starters, this 25-piece puzzle is suitably challenging for my preschooler, who can confidently wield the thick, oversized pieces and eventually match together the colors and shapes of the United States. This one also serves as a stellar geography lesson and conversational jump-off for the two of us. We discuss all of the states we’ve been to, point out where our friends and family live, and plan future road trips by tracing our fingers from the image of cowboy boots (representing Texas) to the sunflowers or flamingos near her grandparents’ houses.

All creatures great and small

Schleich Farm World 4-Piece Set

Schleich’s small animal figurines are beautifully detailed and wonderful for imaginary play.

My 2-year-old is totally into cows (“moo moos”) and other farm animals, and introducing him to the realistic-looking figurines from Schleich has taken that fascination to new heights. The German company has been developing a growing following in the US . Each tiny replica in its collection has intricate, hand-painted details, and the plastic is molded to show features like tiny bits of hair and the texture of feathers. (If you’re curious, a New England toy company provides a wonderfully detailed primer on Schleich’s history and manufacturing process; Schleich also offers some background on how it designs its figurines.) The Schleich Farm World 4-Piece Set —which comes with a cow, a sheep, a rooster, and a donkey—is an excellent place to start your collection. But Schleich also makes a variety of dinosaurs , wild animals , and fantasy creatures , sold individually or in sets. Clutching a critter in each chubby hand, my toddler happily runs around our home and places his animals in toy tractor carts and dump trucks—and sometimes he just moves them around the sofa. Schleich figurines even show up in Wirecutter’s houseplant starter kit guide —when your kids aren’t looking, swipe a couple and nestle them next to your succulents, just for laughs.

—Kerry Davis

A tougher truck

Green Toys Dump Truck

Made with a rugged, long-lasting plastic, this dump truck includes a roomy, moveable truck bed.

When my kids were little, we accumulated a sizable pile of toy vehicles. The truck, plane, and boat from Green Toys are simpler (and quieter) than most. And I found that they aged better than similar toys from other companies, even when they were left for months outside in the beating Southern California sun. The Green Toys Dump Truck is a classic gift for a 2-year-old. We also had the popular Red Fire Truck and the Submarine , which carried a zoo’s worth of Duplo animals around the bathtub for several years. Everything from this company is made in the US from recycled plastic and is dishwasher-safe. (At Wirecutter, we’ve also found that the Green Toys Sand Play Set is far superior to disposable sets made of brittle plastic, and we recommend it in our guide to the best beach and pool toys .)

Powerful picture books

We Are Little Feminists Box Set

This boxed set includes five award-winning board books that showcase photographs of children and families from diverse backgrounds.

A picture is worth a thousand words. And the We Are Little Feminists Box Set , with five board books featuring photographs of real people, sends a message about the importance of respecting others and embracing our differences. Each book covers a distinct theme— Hair , Families , Celebrations , How We Eat , and On-the-Go —with an emphasis on representation and inclusivity. The photos—which feel intimate and joy-filled, as if you’ve been granted access to other families’ photo albums—depict kids and parents of many races, LGBTQ families (including a trans man who's pregnant, prompting curious questions from my 9-year-old), children with disabilities, and various ceremonies and faiths practiced throughout the world. The books are recommended for infants through 5-year-olds, and there are age-appropriate questions at the end to help encourage discussions about the material. It will likely be a while before my 2-year-old fully understands some of the bigger issues at play. But for now, I can confirm—with apologies to Sandra Boynton and company—that these books have surpassed my daughter’s other board books to become her new favorites.

— Ingela Ratledge Amundson

A chunky puzzle

BeginAgain Animal Parade A to Z Puzzle and Playset

This animal puzzle’s 26 wooden pieces are assembled in alphabetical order, and they fit into a decorative storage box.

My son received the clever BeginAgain Animal Parade A to Z Puzzle and Playset as a baby gift. The chunky wooden creatures nest together in a single block, and reassembling the menagerie may provide a slight challenge even for grownups (we assembled it together over the years, but my son was 5 or 6 before he could complete it on his own). Each animal is printed with the letter that corresponds to its name (A is for Alligator, U is for Unicorn) and guides a kid into puzzling out the proper placement. The completed oblong puzzle makes this one a bit novel, and it stands upright in its wooden box—a nice decoration for a nursery shelf. The same company also makes similar puzzles with city , farm , and outer space themes. But I think the classic animal parade makes the nicest decorative piece.

For the sandbox boss

Tomy John Deere Big Scoop Tractor

Tough and durable for outdoor play, this oversized tractor can scoop up large mounds of rocks and dirt.

For the kid who loves scooping sand and rocks, the Tomy John Deere Big Scoop Tractor (which has a sturdy steel-and-plastic frame) provides tons of outdoor fun. Indoors, this tractor is also fun to scoot around and scoop up toys with. My 2-year-old nephew—for whom trucks are less of a passing interest and more of a lifestyle—was equally excited that the 21-inch-long tractor is large enough to sit on. There is also a smaller, 15-inch model .

—Signe Brewster

A first subscription

Babybug Print Subscription

With colorful illustrations and short, simple stories, this magazine introduces young kids to the joy of reading.

When a friend’s kid turned 2, we gave them a Babybug Print Subscription as a birthday gift. And since then, they report that this magazine has been a constant source of delight. They appreciate the high quality of the illustrations and that the stories are short enough for a toddler’s attention span but still interesting. They also like that the magazine is made of “destruction-resistant paper,” with rounded corners and no staples. No, it won’t stand up to a truly dedicated attacker, but this magazine withstands the grabby hands of a toddler better than a standard print publication. Cricket Media (which publishes Ladybug and Spider magazines, among others, for older kids) also offers printable gift announcement cards . So you can give something on the day to let people know a new subscription is on the way. One caveat: After we purchased the subscription, it took about three months for it to actually start.

—Tim Barribeau

A cooperative board game

My Very First Games: First Orchard

In this toddler-friendly board game, players work together to gather fruits from the orchard before the hungry crow reaches them.

My Very First Games: First Orchard is a cooperative board game, so rather than competing, players work together. It’s designed to teach the youngest players the fundamentals of board games: how to set up a board, roll a die, make choices, and take turns. (This game is a favorite in our guide to the best board games for kids .) To play, you match different-colored apples, pears, and plums to their respective trees, and then roll a die to try to gather all of the fruits in a basket before a pesky crow reaches them. I started playing First Orchard with my daughters when they were 4 and 2, and I was always amused to see how the race to beat the crow created just the right amount of dramatic tension to hold their interest (and, at times, it provided an opportunity to navigate the disappointment of “losing”). And even if your 2-year-old doesn’t yet have the patience or interest for the game structure, they can simply play imaginatively with the brightly hued wooden fruits.

An in-tune music maker

Basic Beat 8-Note Resonator Bells with Case

Unlike many other models, this rainbow xylophone set has correct pitch and plays a full scale.

For banging and making noise, just about any kids’ xylophone will do. But many of these instruments (which are actually glockenspiels, since they have metal and not wooden bars) are out of tune and terrible for learning about music. Most are toys, not tuned instruments. Our toddler played the Basic Beat 8-Note Resonator Bells in a music class, and we got a set for home. They’re durable, sound good, and allow for all kinds of musical (and other) exploration. Kids can get a hands-on feel for the sequence of a diatonic octave by ordering the blocks by size or note (each bell is marked with its letter on the scale) or by grouping two or more blocks together to experiment with intervals or chords. The bells come in a sturdy carrying case and are made to last—the ones at the music school have taken a beating from tons of kids, and they’re all still in good shape.

Ball pit of fun

Kiddey Ball Pit Play Tent

This indoor/outdoor pop-up ball-pit tent offers a contained space for active play.

We purchased the Kiddey Ball Pit Play Tent a few years ago with the hope of giving my then-2½-year-old an outlet for his energy—and it came through. The tent has six sides (five of them mesh and the sixth a “door”) and an open top, so it doesn’t feel claustrophobic and is easy to clean (you can order the tent alone and buy balls separately, or choose an option that comes with balls). Warning: At some point, expect your kid to start diving in from the top. My son loved burying himself under the colorful balls, tossing them around, and “swimming” through them. As he’s gotten older and a little sister has joined in the fun, this tent has also become a receptacle for stuffies and a favorite location during hide-and-seek. It comfortably holds two kids (and an adult). When you want to put it away, the tent folds down and fits in an included storage bag (you’ll need a separate container to hold the balls).

—Amy Miller Kravetz

An endlessly versatile thingamajig

Bilibo by Moluk

This plastic, curiously shaped bowl can be a helmet, a turtle shell, a spinny seat, or whatever your child imagines.

It might not be immediately clear what a child is supposed to do with the Bilibo by Moluk , and that’s precisely the point: All ideas are valid when it comes to this sturdy, shell-shaped plastic object. Is it a helmet? Is it a seat? Is it a spinner? Yep, yep, and yep. Research shows that open-ended play fosters creativity and resilience in children, especially toddlers who are not yet accustomed to more-programmed activities with a “right” and “wrong” way. My daughter started occupational therapy when she was 15 months old. The Bilibo—which measures 15 inches across and comes in a range of bright colors—was hands-down her favorite prop. At the beginning of each session, the therapist plopped my daughter’s butt into the cupped seat and slowly twirled her around in circles (if a kid is younger than 2, they will likely need an adult’s help to keep from toppling). She’d giggle uncontrollably, all the while developing the core and neck strength needed to balance and sit up on her own. Now that my daughter is 4, we use the Bilibo as a container for sensory play materials—rice, dough, and foam. And for my 8 year-old son, it’s the perfect addition to a mini golf course … in our living room. The Bilibo also comes in a miniature (4.7-inch) size ( sold in a set of six ), and it’s perfect for shoveling, scooping, and serving tea to stuffed animals.

A first bike

Guardian Balance Bike

This top-notch bike is sturdy and easy to assemble, with air-filled tires, a steering limiter, and a handbrake that gets kids one step closer to riding a pedal bike.

A balance bike can help kids learn to steer, brake, and keep themselves upright on a two-wheeler from a very young age. Many families find that balance-bike riders graduate to pedal bikes earlier, skipping the training-wheels phase altogether. The Guardian Balance Bike (the upcoming new top pick in our guide to the best balance bikes ) offers easy-to-grip handlebars, a low stand-over height, air-filled tires, and a well-constructed handbrake; the brake slows both the front and back wheels and gets kids one step closer to riding a pedal bike, since they learn how to stop without dragging their feet on the ground. My son started riding a balance bike at age 2. The Guardian quickly became his favorite because it’s easy to ride, comfortable, flashy, and that handbrake felt powerful.

—Jenni Gritters

A doll that delights

American Girl Bitty Baby

This baby doll, from the popular American Girl doll brand, is available with various skin tones, hair colors, and eye colors.

First released in 1995 to help children acclimate before the arrival of a baby sibling, this American Girl classic has evolved over the years. Today’s American Girl Bitty Baby is available in different combinations of skin tone, hair color, eye color, and outfit color; you can even customize a set of Bitty Baby Twins . The doll is a hard-to-find hybrid: Its soft fabric torso and brushed-knit outfit offer some of the cuddliness of a plushie, while the molded face and operable eyelids provide the interactivity of a doll. We learned through our research into doll manufacturing that it takes great skill to design a face (including Bitty Baby’s) that’s realistic without being creepy—many cross the line . And although every Bitty Baby comes packaged in American Girl’s signature bright pink boxes, the dolls themselves aren’t assigned a gender or traditionally gendered names. Also, you can choose between pink, blue, and gray sleepers. (Note that for an additional $20, this doll comes with an optional board book and knit stuffed lamb .)

A desk of one’s own

ECR4Kids Bentwood Multipurpose Kids Wooden Table and Chair Set

These pint-sized wooden chairs and a table can be configured in multiple ways, including as a desk, a bench, or multiple stools.

Little ones who want a grownup space of their own will be eager to get to “work” with the ECR4Kids Bentwood Multipurpose Kids Wooden Table and Chair Set . The three-piece station—it comes with a table and two chairs—is compact and convertible. And it’s made of an attractive birch plywood. So it won’t scream “kids’ table” if you choose to keep it in one of the common areas of your home (this is something I have especially appreciated since I’ve spent a lot of time looking at it in our family’s New York City apartment). The table serves as a shallow desk with a wraparound backboard; when flipped over, it becomes a high-backed bench. The chairs can also be flipped for different seat heights as kids grow, and when the chairs are not in use, they can be tucked neatly under the table to save space. My now-4-year-old son has been using this set for almost three years, and it has survived plenty of messy art projects and snack times with minimal wear and tear. ECR4Kids also makes a “ premium ” edition, which, according to a company rep, is thicker and about 10 pounds heavier, due to added layers of wood. But otherwise it is the same (and the price is also similar). Neither set requires any assembly.

—Barbara Kimberly Seigel

To the moon and back

Lakeshore Play & Explore Rocket

This large plastic rocket opens up to reveal a homey space station.

I did not expect to love this rocket. It was a gift to my son, and at first I was like, “Okay … here’s a giant plastic thing.” But I should have had more faith. The Lakeshore Play & Explore Rocket is giant and plastic; the chunky, 16½-inch-tall behemoth stands at nearly half the height of my 2-year-old. It was also an immediate hit with our toddler playgroup. My son will do a countdown to blast-off, happily move the two peg-sized astronauts in and out of the four-wheel moon rover, and then steer them around for at least 20 minutes at a time. The red, white, and blue rocket has three pleasing levels—doors swing open to reveal the cockpit, a kitchen, a computer station, a shower area, sleeping quarters (with a fold-down bed), and a mechanic’s garage. When my son is done exploring for the day, the astronauts and moon rover can be conveniently tucked inside. (Note that this toy is recommended for ages 3 and up, though I was unable to identify any choking hazards.)

A classic hopper

Gymnic Rody

Young kids can climb onto this colorful vinyl horse, grab its ears, and bounce away.

The Gymnic Rody is a rounded, inflatable vinyl pony that’s perfect for a toddler who’s bouncing off the walls. My little kids loved to hop, scoot, and bump around the house on it. And because the Rody is soft and springy, I loved not having to worry about my children scuffing the floor or banging into walls. It’s hard not to smile at the pony’s cuddly shape, poppy colors, and cartoony cuteness (it kind of looks like a Jeff Koons sculpture). The Rody comes deflated, so you’ll need a bicycle or hand pump to start bouncing.

Slumber-party snuggles

Pottery Barn Kids Shaggy Head Bear Sleeping Bag

Great for indoor sleepovers, this sleeping bag features a snuggly bear-head pillow, as well as adorable little paws.

Over the years, my mom has given each of her grandkids one of these Pottery Barn Kids personalized sleeping bags as a crafty enticement to stay over at her house. More of a slumber-party sleeper than the kind of bag you’d take camping, the soft zip-up rolls easily and has two straps for carrying and storage. My daughter loves the Shaggy Head Bear Sleeping Bag ’s pillow and cotton shell—it’s ideal for cozying up on the floor to play games or to watch a movie. She also adores that her name is on the bag. But be warned: The monogram font is a bit cramped and hard to read compared with her cousins’ earlier editions. If you decide to personalize, I’d recommend one of the blockier fonts.

A ride for the snow

L.L.Bean Kids’ Pull Sled and Cushion Set

This high-quality, easy-gliding sled should last through multiple kids (or even generations).

Babies and toddlers don’t need to tear down hills at breakneck speeds to have a blast in the snow—they’re mostly content with being pulled around in a comfy, well-constructed sled like the L.L.Bean Kids’ Pull Sled and Cushion Set . I’ve had this classic wooden sled for nine years—through four kids—and it’s still in great shape (it’s a top pick in our guide to the best sleds ). This sled has smooth-gliding wooden runners that are reinforced with metal bars, for durability. Its supportive side rails keep tots from tumbling out; they also make this sled an accessible option for kids working on their trunk strength. So with its classic red cushion, this sled is like a snow stroller. It’s expensive, but it will last through many winters—or even generations.

—Doug Mahoney

A speedy slider

PlaSmart PlasmaCar

If, like me, you live much farther south—where snow is just a mythical ground cover kids see only in holiday books—the PlaSmart PlasmaCar is the ultimate toddler toy for gliding around. The brightly colored ride moves almost as quickly as a sled across flat surfaces, without any batteries, pedals, or gears. The wheels work much like in-line skates or cross-country skis, so when the handlebar is wiggled rapidly, the car moves forward through lateral friction force. Toddlers can achieve exhilarating speeds with just the occasional push and steady cranking of the handlebar. The PlasmaCar is sturdy enough to hold up to 220 pounds, so adults may be able to tear around the house a few times too—strictly to conduct safety checks, of course.

Clattering cars

The Wooden Wagon Cascade Tower

Small wooden cars go clickety-clack as they zip down this tower’s rainbow track.

Sometimes it seems like the simpler the toy, the more engrossing it is for babies and toddlers (a theory supported by my child’s love of playing with a bookmark above all else). Of all the toys in our pediatric audiologist’s waiting room, The Wooden Wagon Cascade Tower (made of beech and birch plywood) is the one that draws the biggest and most competitive crowd of little ones. Kids can place the three-part “millipede” car at the top and watch as it works its way down to the base of the wooden tower, making a satisfying clicking sound at every turn.

An indoor trampoline

The Original Toy Company Fold & Go Trampoline

Kids can jump, exercise, and release excess energy with this indoor trampoline.

Our pediatrician recommended a mini trampoline, like The Original Toy Company’s Fold & Go Trampoline , as a tool to combat toddler constipation. I can’t say definitively that it was effective for that purpose, but it worked great for bouncing out a lot of pent-up energy. And it was generally a big hit with our own kids as well as with any visiting friends. The trampoline obviously takes up some space, but our two kids used it just about every day from the ages of (roughly) 2 to 5.

—Dan Koeppel

A family membership to a children’s museum

Thinkery Gift Membership

Children’s museums provide a kid-friendly space where they can play, explore, experiment, and learn.

For me and my wife, the gift of annual membership to the Thinkery children’s museum in Austin, Texas, was an immense relief from cabin fever when the summer heat made it impossible to be outdoors. Suddenly we had a bright, educational fortress to escape to with our then-2-year-old daughter. Millie loves the water science room’s cascading series of water tables, the earth science exhibit’s hurricane and tornado simulators, and the Light Lab’s magnets and mini LEDs. Memberships to children’s museums like the Thinkery make excellent gifts. They offer educational play spaces and workshops for kids. And they have special events that include adults and families, such as Pride nights and parents’ night out.

A kid-size kitchen

IKEA Duktig Play Kitchen

Play kitchens inspire fun, imaginary play, from whipping up a tasty meal to washing the dishes.

The compact, white-and-birch-colored IKEA Duktig Play Kitchen is enduringly popular for good reason: It’s inexpensive, sleek, relatively durable, and neutral enough to blend seamlessly into nearly any decor, like a sneaky Scandinavian chameleon. If you’re more of a play-kitchen maximalist, KidKraft kitchens come in a variety of sizes and configurations, including ones with refrigerators with built-in ice makers. Whatever play kitchen you choose, your young chef is sure to stock it with all kinds of ingredients, edible and otherwise, soon enough (think stray socks, rotting strawberries, forgotten field-trip permission slips). You can add Learning Resources’ baskets of colorful fruits and veggies to that treasure trove. Or get your kid’s collection of cookware started early with Melissa & Doug’s Let’s Play House Stainless Steel Pots & Pans Playset , featured in our guide to the best gifts for 3-year-olds . Availability at IKEA stores varies by location. 

A chair (and then some)

Children's Factory Cube Chair

This sturdy chair can be flipped around and used in multiple ways: as a 6-inch seat or, when a child grows taller, as a 9-inch seat. Turned on its side, it can also become a table or stool.

My toddler needed a more-supportive (read: less flimsy) first chair. And as her parent, I needed the peace of mind from knowing she wouldn’t tip over while sitting in it. A physical therapist recently introduced us to the Children’s Factory Cube Chair , which is stable without being heavy. It’s made of a lightweight plastic that’s much easier to maneuver than the Montessori-style wooden furniture we’d tried before. But what makes this chair a true winner is the 6-inch seat height with cozy “walls” on three sides; when she grows out of the lower height, I can flip the chair over and have a higher, 9-inch seat with less enclosure. (Note: The manufacturer recommends this chair for ages 12 months and up, so use your judgment based on what’s best for your kid.) Available in bright primary colors as well as more-muted “woodland” tones, the Cube Chair can also double as a side table or stool, and this versatility helps take the edge off the price tag.

We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend .

Additional reporting by Julie Kim.

This article was edited by Ellen Lee and Kalee Thompson.

Meet your guides

Caitlin Giddings

Caitlin Giddings is a freelance writer based in Austin, Texas. Her work has appeared in Bicycling, Runner’s World, Lonely Planet, Outside magazine, and more.

Wirecutter Staff

Mentioned above

• Houseplants add life, color, and improved air quality into our homes. Read to see which tools help us overcome our black thumbs to become doting plant parents. Houseplant Starter Kit  
• We spent more than 40 hours researching and testing pool noodles, water guns, snorkel sets, and more to find the best beach and pool toys for most people. The Best Beach and Pool Toys for Kids and Adults  
• We spent 20 hours researching nearly 50 board games for kids. Read on to find out our favorite games for preschoolers, elementary-school kids, and families. Board Games We Love for Kids and Families  
• We subjected a fleet of balance bikes to cadres of kids and found the best bikes for different budgets and ages. The Best Balance Bikes  
• Looking for a fast-flying snow tube? A plastic toboggan that’ll hold up for years? A minivan-like sled capable of holding the whole clan? We have suggestions. The Best Sleds  

Further reading

The 33 Best Gifts for 3-Year-Olds

by Caitlin Giddings and Wirecutter Staff

Open-ended toys that inspire role-playing and beginner board games that encourage cooperation make great gifts for 3-year-olds.

The 30 Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids

by Ingrid Skjong and Wirecutter Staff

Stocking stuffers can be small but meaningful presents. Whether they’re traditional, whimsical, or practical, they add a final touch to gift giving.

The 30 Best Gifts for 4-Year-Olds

by Kelly Glass, Caitlin Giddings, and Wirecutter Staff

Toys that encourage building, puzzling, role-playing, and creating will engage curious 4-year-olds.

The 31 Best Gifts for 5-Year-Olds

Gifts that tap into art, science, sports, or construction are often great choices for 5-year-olds, since many of them are developing personal interests.

32 Top Learning Toys For 2 Year Old (Boost Development)

Is your 2-year-old walking or still crawling? Have you noticed they are still wobbly and unsure on their feet? Two-year-olds are clumsy and are all over the place. However, with the right guidance and the help of one of our suggested top learning toys for 2-year-olds, you can support their physical development and provide them with engaging opportunities to learn and grow.

They walk, crawl, run, climb, throw and drop things, and they make a ton of mess. Not their fault though. Their movements are awkward because they have not mastered their gross and fine motor skills yet. They can talk but not clearly, they keep falling, and need a lot of help.

What are the top learning toys for 2 year old? The best toys for 2 year old are those that help them learn important skills like gross and fine motor movements, spatial awareness, imaginative play, language, and vocabulary, and learn colors, numbers shapes, and other cognitive skills. Two-year-olds need a lot of help in gaining the confidence and independence to move freely. They need toys to help them build strong muscles for movement. Toys should be able to help them with literacy and pre-math skills to prepare them for preschool. Lastly, learning toys for 2 year old should be fun and provide a meaningful experience.

Learning Toys for 2 Year Old

Don’t you find it overwhelming when shopping for learning toys for 2 year old? There are just too many choices. Lucky for you, we have come up with a list of the best for your little one.

Building Blocks

Building blocks provide endless possibilities for fun. Your two-year-old can build, construct, and design anything they can imagine.

It helps to develop their language and expand their vocabulary. Building blocks teach early math skills. Two-year-olds will learn to plan and strategize by learning about positions, colors, shapes, and sizes.

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Playing with building blocks is so much fun your little one will learn about balance, gravity, and geometry without even knowing it!

Matching Toys

Matching may look simple and easy but that’s what makes it effective. Matching requires visual memory and discrimination, improving a young child’s cognitive skills.

It practices the child’s skill in identifying patterns, similarities, differences, and relationships of objects. These help children learn about representation and build their problem-solving skills.

Matching toys also help improve fine motor skills. Not to mention they are so much fun to do with family members and friends. So it improves language, vocabulary, and social interaction too!

Puzzles are a must-have for every child. They are fun and educational. It can be a topic specific if you have a specific goal or lesson to teach your child. For example, if your two-year-old is starting to learn ABCs or numbers, you can reinforce that by letting them play number or letter puzzles.

Puzzles help develop:

• Concentration
• Language and vocabulary
• Spatial awareness
• Shape, color, size, objects, letter, and number recognition
• Fine motor skills
• Hand-eye coordination
• Cognitive skills

Words, Letters, Colors, and Numbers

Two years old is a perfect age to start learning about basic words, letters, colors, and numbers. It is a good way to develop their language and support their growing vocabulary.

These can come in different forms like flashcards, board games, puzzles, wooden blocks, abacus, and many other toys.

Wooden Musical Instruments

Simple wooden musical instruments are great for introducing music, sounds, and noise while having different sensorial experiences.

Music stimulates a child’s brain and can make learning easy. It is calming and improves two-year-olds creativity and imagination. It facilitates brain development.

Think of simple musical instruments like maracas, tambourines, ukuleles, or a drum.

Outdoor Toys

Exploration, especially nature exploration , is important for young children. This is how they can learn to understand their physical world and develop a connection to nature – plants, and animals.

Learning toys for 2 year old for nature exploration like big catchers, gardening tools, catching nets, or a fishing rod is a good start.

Being exposed to nature keeps kids active. They learn compassion for animals and other living things. They are encouraged to move and be active, developing their fine and gross motor skills.

Toys for Physical Activities

Being active is important for your two-year-olds. They have so much energy they need an outlet to channel that. Learning toys for 2 year old that encourage physical activity can include training bikes, a wagon, a ball, a wooden balance board, a claiming triangle, and an outdoor gym.

Physical activities help build strong muscles to improve movement and sharpen their senses.

Toys that encourage physical activities to promote social interaction, language development, and develop good character traits.

Shape Sorters

Shape sorters help children learn about shapes, colors, and spatial awareness. They provide a hands-on experience in matching shapes to corresponding holes, enhancing fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities.

Picture Books

Picture books are excellent educational toys for 2-year-olds as they introduce them to new words, objects, and concepts. They stimulate language development, expand vocabulary, and enhance visual recognition skills.

Nesting Cups

Nesting cups come in different sizes and can be stacked or nested inside one another. These toys teach children about size relationships, coordination, and cause-and-effect. They also promote sensory exploration as kids can fill them with water, sand, or other materials.

Counting Toys

Counting toys, such as number puzzles or counting blocks, are perfect for introducing basic math concepts to 2-year-olds. These toys help children learn to recognize and associate numbers with quantities, promoting numeracy skills and early counting abilities.

Magnetic Letters and Numbers

Magnetic letters and numbers are great tools for introducing the alphabet and numerals to young learners. They can be stuck on the fridge or a magnetic board, allowing children to explore letter and number recognition, spelling, and basic math operations.

Art Supplies

Art supplies, such as washable markers, finger paints, and crayons, encourage creativity, self-expression, and fine motor skills. They provide a sensory experience and help children develop hand-eye coordination, color recognition, and early writing skills.

Pretend Play Sets

Pretend play sets, such as kitchen sets, doctor kits, or toolkits, foster imaginative play and social interaction. They allow children to mimic real-life scenarios, enhancing language skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of roles and responsibilities.#

STEM & Montessori-inspired Toys: Introducing Educational Toys for 2-Year-Olds

Discover the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Montessori-inspired toys designed to engage and educate 2-year-olds. These educational toys for 2-year-olds offer hands-on learning experiences that promote problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativit y. With a focus on child-led exploration and independence, these toys provide a foundation for early learning and development.

Lovevery The Block Set

– The Lovevery Block Set is a play kit that promotes language, independence, and social-emotional skills.

– It is made from sustainably-harvested wood and other child-safe materials, ensuring the safety of your child.

– This toy offers educational value by encouraging problem-solving, balancing skills, learning numbers, imaginative play, and real-life skills.

– It is recommended for children aged 34-36 months.

– The set includes a wooden counting box, a land and sky puzzle board, a wooden camper van, and more.

– It is certified by the FSC, guaranteeing its sustainable sourcing.

– So far, there have been no product recalls for this toy.

– The only downside is that it can be a bit pricey.

KiwiCo Koala Crate

– The KiwiCo Koala Crate is a box that contains various arts and crafts, toys for imaginative play, and science activities.

– It meets safety standards, ensuring that the materials used are safe for children.

– The materials in the crate are a mixture of paper, wood, and cloth.

– It offers educational value through imaginative play, fine motor skills development, STEM learning, memory improvement, and creativity.

– This crate is recommended for children aged 2-4 years old.

– Each crate contains a random assortment of different preschool materials for hands-on learning.

– There have been no product recalls for this toy.

– The only drawback is that you cannot choose which items are included in the crate.

Montessori Generation Busy Board

– The Montessori Generation Busy Board is a bag filled with various activity options, including buckles, snap pockets, laces, buttons, and zippers.

– It is made of high-quality, child-safe materials to ensure durability and safety.

– The materials used in this toy are cloth.

– It provides educational value by promoting creativity, coordination, attention, memory, and fine motor skills.

– The recommended age range for this toy is 1-4 years old.

Magformers Basic Set

– Brand: Magformers

– Best features: Magnetic building blocks for open-ended creative play

– Product safety: BPA-free and made with high-quality materials

– Materials: ABS plastic magnets and high-quality construction

– Educational value: STEM learning, spatial awareness, problem-solving, and creativity

– Age range: 3+ years old

– Extra features: Includes various shapes for endless building possibilities

– Certification: ASTM and CPSIA compliant

– Product recall: None

– Cons: Some customers find the magnets to be a bit weak.

Learning Resources Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set

– Brand: Learning Resources

– Best features: Coding and programming game set with a robot mouse

– Product safety: Made with child-safe materials

– Materials: Plastic and electronic components

– Educational value: Introduction to coding and programming logic, critical thinking, problem-solving, and sequencing

– Age range: 5-9 years old

– Extra features: Includes coding cards, tunnels, maze pieces, and more

– Cons: Younger children may require adult assistance to fully understand the coding concepts.

Tinkering Labs Electric Motors Catalyst Kit

– Brand: Tinkering Labs

– Best features: Kit for building and experimenting with electric circuits and motors

– Product safety: Made with high-quality, child-safe materials

– Materials: Wood, plastic, metal, and electronic components

– Educational value: Hands-on exploration of engineering, circuitry, problem-solving, and creativity

– Age range: 8+ years old

– Extra features: Includes a variety of building parts, electric motors, and tools

– Cons: Requires adult supervision and guidance for younger children.

Educational Building Sets & Blocks: Building a Foundation with Learning Toys for 2-Year-Olds

Spark your child’s imagination and cognitive skills with educational building sets and blocks designed for 2-year-olds. These engaging toys foster creativity, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities . With a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, these learning toys for 2-year-olds offer endless possibilities for construction and exploration.

– The Educational Building Sets & Blocks are a rainbow-shaped block set that comes with little people figures.

– These blocks are made of high-quality, child-safe materials, ensuring durability and safety.

– The materials used are wood with non-toxic paint.

– They offer educational value by promoting creativity, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, logic, and problem-solving skills.

– These blocks are suitable for children aged 1 year and above.

– The only downside is that they can be a bit pricey.

Melissa & Doug 100 Piece Wood Blocks Set

– The Melissa & Doug 100 Piece Wood Blocks Set includes 100 pieces of solid wood blocks in nine shapes and four colors.

– These blocks are free from lead and phthalates, ensuring the safety of your child.

– They are made from sustainably sourced wood.

– This toy provides educational value by teaching early math concepts, engineering skills, color and shape recognition, fine motor skills, and dexterity.

– It is suitable for children aged 2 years and above.

– The box that the blocks come in can be converted into a carrying case.

– The set is certified by FSC, as well as US and EU conformity certificates.

– Some parents have complained about the block pieces being smaller than expected.

LEGO Classic Creative Bricks Set

– Brand: LEGO

– Best features: Classic LEGO bricks for unlimited building possibilities

– Product safety: Made with high-quality, non-toxic materials

– Materials: Plastic

– Educational value: Creativity, fine motor skills, problem-solving, and imagination

– Age range: 4+ years old

– Extra features: Includes a wide range of LEGO bricks in various shapes and colors

– Cons: The set does not come with specific building instructions.

PicassoTiles 100 Piece Set

– Brand: PicassoTiles

– Best features: Magnetic building tiles with vibrant colors

– Product safety: BPA-free and made with child-safe materials

– Educational value: STEM learning, creativity, spatial awareness, and problem-solving

– Extra features: Includes squares, triangles, windows, and more for endless building possibilities

– Cons: The magnets can be a bit weak, resulting in less stable constructions.

K’NEX Education Intro to Simple Machines: Gears Set

– Brand: K’NEX

– Best features: Building set for exploring simple machines and gears

– Materials: Plastic and metal

– Educational value: Introduction to engineering, gears, mechanics, problem-solving, and critical thinking

– Extra features: Includes gears, connectors, and building instructions for different models

– Cons: Younger children may require assistance in understanding the mechanical concepts.

Words, ABCs, Numbers, & Colors:  Fun and Learning Combined in Toys for 2-Year-Olds

Introduce your 2-year-old to the exciting world of words, ABCs, numbers, and colors through educational toys. These toys engage young minds in early literacy and numeracy skills while making learning fun . From alphabet puzzles to color recognition games, these interactive toys enhance vocabulary, letter recognition, and color awareness in an enjoyable and age-appropriate way.

Melissa & Doug ABC-123 Abacus

– The Melissa & Doug ABC-123 Abacus consists of 36 pieces of abacus wood blocks with ABCs and numbers or figures.

– The abacus blocks are made from sustainably sourced wood, ensuring their safety and durability.

– This toy offers educational value by helping children learn their ABCs, math concepts, colors, patterns, and fine motor skills.

– The blocks feature different illustrations, including animals and common objects or food items.

– The toy is certified by FSC, as well as US and EU conformity certificates.

– Some parents have complained about their kids’ fingers getting stuck between the blocks while turning them.

Battat Wooden Activity Cube

– The Battat Wooden Activity Cube offers different activity options on each side.

– It is constructed with sturdy and smooth materials, ensuring its safety and durability.

– The toy is made of wood with water-based, non-toxic paint.

– It provides educational value by promoting cognitive and problem-solving skills.

– This cube is recommended for children aged 1 year and above.

– It is certified to meet EU, US, and Canadian safety standards.

– The only potential drawback is that having too many activities to do in one toy might overwhelm your child.

Shape Sorter Puzzle

– This shape sorter puzzle offers a unique feature that allows your child to mix and match the slots to change their shape.

– It meets US product safety requirements, ensuring its safety for children.

– The materials used are child-safe plastic.

– This toy provides educational value by promoting problem-solving skills, spatial reasoning, and learning shapes.

– It is recommended for children aged 2 years and above.

– Some customers think it may be too complicated for a two-year-old.

Fat Brain Toys Count & Sort Stacking Tower

– The Fat Brain Toys Count & Sort Stacking Tower is a color-coded stacking and sorting tower designed to teach children about numbers and colors.

– The materials used in this toy are child-safe and meet international, US, and European safety standards.

– It is made of wood.

– This toy offers educational value by promoting cognition, sequencing, memory, counting, number recognition, and fine motor skills.

– The tower comes with number tiles, a stacking peg, and 45 color-coded discs.

– It is certified by ASTM, CPSC, European Safety Standards Commission, and the International Council of Toy Industries.

– The only downside is that the brand does not offer spare parts, so you cannot get new rings if you misplace any.

Leapfrog Storytime Buddy

– The Leapfrog Storytime Buddy is a cute plushie with a light-up tag button that makes Buddy talk and sing.

– It is made of soft cloth plushie materials, ensuring a safe and comfortable play experience.

– The toy is made of soft cloth and certified RoHS-compliant plastic.

– It provides educational value by promoting early reading, role play, and cognitive skills.

– This toy is recommended for children aged 2-5 years old.

– It comes with five read-along books.

– The toy is certified by RoHS.

– Some complaints have been made about the toy’s sound breaking down after a few days.

LeapFrog Mr. Pencil’s Alphabet Backpack

– Brand: LeapFrog

– Best features: Interactive backpack toy with alphabet and writing activities

– Educational value: Letter recognition, letter sounds, writing skills, and vocabulary development

– Age range: 3-6 years old

– Extra features: Includes interactive games, drawing, and music

– Cons: The backpack may be a bit small for older children.

Melissa & Doug See & Spell Learning Toy

– Brand: Melissa & Doug

– Best features: Spelling and vocabulary learning toy with colorful letters

– Materials: Wood and non-toxic paint

– Educational value: Letter recognition, spelling, vocabulary development, and fine motor skills

– Age range: 4-6 years old

– Extra features: Includes double-sided spelling boards and storage case

– Cons: Some parents find the letter pieces to be a bit small.

Lakeshore Learning All About Me! Personalized Photo Book

– Brand: Lakeshore Learning

– Best features: Personalized photo book for early literacy and self-expression

– Materials: Cardstock and non-toxic ink

– Educational value: Letter recognition, name recognition, early literacy, self-expression, and family engagement

– Age range: 2-4 years old

– Extra features: Allows personalization with child’s photos and names

– Cons: Limited customization options for the book’s content.

Puzzles: Engaging and Educational Toys for 2-Year-Olds

Unlock the cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills of your child with educational puzzles designed for 2-year-olds. These captivating toys provide a platform for your little one to explore and develop critical thinking, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness . From shape puzzles that foster early recognition to jigsaw puzzles that challenge their growing abilities, these learning toys offer endless opportunities for growth and development. With vibrant colors, engaging designs, and age-appropriate challenges, these puzzles empower 2-year-olds to unleash their potential while having fun.

Hape Farmyard Peg Puzzle

– The Hape Farmyard Peg Puzzle is a 3D puzzle featuring a farmyard scene

– It is made of non-toxic, child-safe materials, ensuring the safety of your child.

– The puzzle is made of sustainably harvested rubberwood with water-based stains.

– This toy provides educational value by promoting cognitive and problem-solving skills.

– The puzzle pieces are labeled with colors for easy identification.

– Some parents have complained that the puzzle pieces were smaller than expected.

Matching Toys: Building Connections with Educational Toys for 2-Year-Olds

Help your 2-year-old develop memory skills and visual recognition through matching toys. These educational toys provide opportunities for children to match and pair objects, fostering concentration and cognitive development . Whether it’s matching shapes, colors, or pictures, these toys offer engaging challenges that promote learning and cognitive growth.

VTech Mix and Match-a-Saurus

– The VTech Mix and Match-a-Saurus is a cute dinosaur toy with puzzle spikes for matching.

– It is made of BPA-free materials, ensuring the safety of your child.

– The toy is made of ABS plastic.

– It offers educational value by promoting cognitive and fine motor skills.

– The dinosaur moves around and makes sounds (requires batteries).

– It is certified to meet US and European safety standards.

– Some complaints have been made about the dinosaur playing the same song even with different puzzle combinations.

Puzzle Playhouse

– The Puzzle Playhouse is a puzzle that features colorful illustrations and child-friendly designs.

– It is made of eco-friendly recycled paper, ensuring sustainability and safety.

– The puzzle pieces are made of cardboard.

– It is recommended for children aged 2-5 years old.

– The puzzle features child-friendly illustrations.

– Some customers have complained that the pieces don’t click or fit snugly together.

Ravensburger My First Memory Game

– Brand: Ravensburger

– Best features: Classic memory game for young children

– Materials: Cardboard

– Educational value: Memory skills, concentration, turn-taking, and visual recognition

– Age range: 2+ years old

– Extra features: Includes large, colorful cards with familiar images

– Cons: The cards may be a bit thin and prone to bending.

ThinkFun Zingo Bingo

– Brand: ThinkFun

– Best features: Fast-paced bingo game for early learners

– Materials: Cardboard and plastic

– Educational value: Picture-word matching, vocabulary development, concentration, and social skills

– Extra features: Includes a Zinger device for dispensing tiles

– Cons: The Zinger device may require adult assistance for younger children.

Peaceable Kingdom Monkey Around

– Brand: Peaceable Kingdom

– Best features: Cooperative game for color and pattern matching

– Materials: Cardstock

– Educational value: Color and pattern recognition, cooperation, social skills, and turn-taking

– Extra features: Includes large, sturdy cards with adorable monkey illustrations

– Cons: Some customers find the game too simple for older children.

Imaginative Play, Role Play, & Pull Toys: Igniting Creativity with Learning Toys for 2-Year-Olds

Encourage imaginative play and role-playing skills with a range of educational toys designed to captivate 2-year-olds. From pretend kitchen sets to pull-along toys, these playtime companions inspire creativity, social interaction, and fine motor skills . With these toys, your child can embark on imaginative adventures and explore the world through imaginative and educational play.

Lovevery The Realist Play Kit

– The Lovevery The Realist Play Kit is a science experiment kit that includes lessons for volume and liquid conservation.

– It is made from sustainably-harvested wood and other child-safe materials, ensuring safety and sustainability.

– This toy offers educational value by promoting problem-solving, creativity, cognition, memory, fine motor skills, and basic science and math concepts.

– The recommended age range for this toy is 31-33 months.

– The kit includes a match-and-tap hammer box, memory game, board book, and a countdown timer with color indicators.

– It is certified by the FSC.

Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark Play Table

– The Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark Play Table is a two-tier toddler water table designed for showering splashes and waterfalls.

– It is free from phthalates and heavy metals, ensuring the safety of your child.

– The materials used are polyethylene and/or polypropylene plastics.

– This toy offers educational value through pretend play, sensory exploration, social development, and STEM learning, such as cause and effect, gravity, water flow, and volume.

– It is recommended for children aged 1½ years old.

– The table can be easily cleaned using household cleaners or disinfectant wipes.

– It is certified to meet ASTM safety standards.

– The lack of pre-drilled holes for assembly may make it a bit difficult to assemble.

Little Tikes Go & Grow Dino Ride On Toy

– The Little Tikes Go & Grow Dino Ride On Toy is a dinosaur ride that can grow with your child.

– It is free from BPA,

latex, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and phthalates, ensuring the safety of your child.

– The toy is made of high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and polypropylene.

– It offers educational value through imaginative play and gross motor skills development.

– This toy is recommended for children aged 1-3 years old.

– It features oversized back wheels for stability.

– It is certified by CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act).

– Some customers have complained that it’s too small for their two-year-old.

WowWee Pinkfong Baby Shark Song Puppet

– The WowWee Pinkfong Baby Shark Song Puppet is a puppet that sings the popular “Baby Shark” song.

– It is made of soft plush fabric, providing a comfortable and safe play experience.

– This toy offers educational value through pretend play.

– Kids can control the tempo of the song by opening the shark’s mouth fast or slow.

– The only drawback is that the shark’s mouth has to be moved in a specific way for the song to play at normal speed.

Hape Roller Derby

– The Hape Roller Derby is a colorful ramp toy with toy cars.

– It is made of child-safe, BPA-free plastic.

– The materials used are ABS plastic and beechwood.

– It offers educational value by teaching children about colors, cause-and-effect, gravity, numbers, and colors.

– This toy is recommended for children aged 18 months and above.

– The cars can move forward or backward.

– Some customers have complained that the pieces don’t click or fit together snugly.

Green Toys Fire Truck

– Brand: Green Toys

– Best features: Sturdy fire truck toy made from recycled materials

– Product safety: BPA-free and made with 100% recycled plastic

– Materials: Recycled plastic

– Educational value: Imaginative play, storytelling, fine motor skills, and environmental awareness

– Age range: 1+ years old

– Extra features: Includes a working ladder and two removable firefighters

– Cons: The ladder may be a bit stiff to move for younger children.

KidKraft Uptown Espresso Kitchen

– Brand: KidKraft

– Best features: Large play kitchen for imaginative cooking and role play

– Materials: Wood, plastic, and metal

– Educational value: Imaginative play, pretend cooking, social skills, and creativity

– Extra features: Includes a refrigerator, oven, microwave, and other interactive elements

– Cons: Assembly can be time-consuming.

Hape Wooden Pull-Along Snail Toy

– Brand: Hape

– Best features: Adorable pull-along toy with a friendly snail design

– Educational value: Gross motor skills, coordination, imaginative play, and cause-and-effect

– Extra features: The snail’s shell spins as it rolls

– Cons: The string for pulling may be a bit short for taller toddlers.

What are learning toys? Learning toys are also called educational toys. They are designed for learning a new skill(s), a lesson(s), achieving a new milestone(s), or improving existing ones. These toys are specifically crafted to engage and stimulate the minds of 2-year-olds, providing them with a hands-on and interactive learning experience. Whether it’s through puzzles, building sets, or language development tools, educational toys for 2-year-olds play a crucial role in their cognitive, physical, and emotional development. These toys foster creativity, problem-solving abilities, fine motor skills, and social interaction, laying a strong foundation for future learning. With age-appropriate challenges and engaging features, learning toys for 2-year-olds create an exciting and fun-filled environment for exploration, discovery, and growth.

Why do toddlers need learning toys? Learning toys for 2 year old are important to help them achieve their developmental milestones. Toddlers need learning toys to stimulate their innate desire to learn and do things on their own. These educational toys for 2-year-olds provide hands-on experiences that promote cognitive, motor, and social development. By engaging with age-appropriate learning toys, 2-year-olds can enhance their problem-solving skills, fine motor coordination, language development, and early literacy and numeracy abilities. These toys foster a love for learning and exploration, setting a strong foundation for their future educational journey. Whether it’s building blocks, puzzles, or imaginative play toys, the right learning toys for 2-year-olds can make a significant impact on their growth and overall development.

Are learning toys necessary? Learning toys are necessary to aid your child’s overall development and growth. Learning toys can come in different forms. You can buy manufactured toys, make DIY items, or use regular household objects for playtime. Educational toys for 2-year-olds provide age-appropriate challenges and activities that stimulate their cognitive, motor, and social skills. These toys foster creativity, problem-solving, and early learning concepts such as numbers, letters, and colors. They encourage exploration, curiosity, and a love for learning. Incorporating learning toys into your child’s playtime helps them develop essential skills while having fun and building a strong foundation for future learning.

Where can I buy learning toys for 2 year old? You can buy learning toys from your favorite local toy stores or buy them online. There are many available resources nowadays to shop for learning toys. Visit well-known retailers or browse through dedicated websites that specialize in educational toys for 2-year-olds . Online marketplaces also offer a wide selection of learning toys for 2-year-olds , allowing you to compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase. Additionally, consider checking out educational supply stores or visiting local children’s boutiques that prioritize learning and development. Don’t forget to explore second-hand options like consignment stores or online marketplaces, as you might find gently used educational toys for 2-year-olds at a more affordable price.

The best toys for 2 year old are those that help them learn important skills like gross and fine motor movements, spatial awareness, imaginative play, language, and vocabulary, and learn colors, numbers shapes, and other cognitive skills. Two-year-olds need a lot of help in gaining the confidence and independence to move freely. They need toys to help them build strong muscles for movement. Toys should be able to help them with literacy and pre-math skills to prepare them for preschool. Lastly, learning toys for 2 year old should be fun and provide a meaningful experience.

© Montessori Toddler 2023.

Best Toddler Learning Toys for 2 Year Olds

As parents ourselves, we understand the importance of finding toys that not only entertain but also stimulate and engage young minds. That’s why we’ve taken the time to thoroughly test and evaluate various learning toys to help you make an informed decision.

In this review, we will highlight a selection of toys that our own children have tried and loved. We believe that hands-on learning experiences are vital for toddlers’ development, and these toys have proven to be effective in fostering their cognitive, motor, and social skills.

Each toy has been carefully chosen for its educational value, durability, and ability to capture a child’s attention. We understand that every child is unique, with varying interests and learning styles. Therefore, we have included a diverse range of options to cater to different preferences.

Related article: Best Outdoor Toys from 1 Year Olds

We hope that our firsthand experiences and insights will assist you in selecting the perfect learning toy for your 2-year-old. Whether you’re looking to enhance their problem-solving abilities, boost their language development, or encourage imaginative play, we’ve got you covered.

What are Learning Toys?

Learning toys are also called educational toys, brain development toys, or instruction toys. They are a category of playthings designed to promote skill development and learning in children. 

Unlike traditional toys that are designed primarily for entertainment, learning toys are created with the goal of supporting different aspects of a child’s development.

These toys come in various forms, including building sets, puzzles, musical instruments, shape sorters, and more. They are designed to introduce children to basic concepts like colors, shapes, and numbers, as well as more advanced concepts like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. 

By engaging with learning toys, children can have fun while developing essential skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Why do Toddlers Need Learning Toys?

Play is an essential part of a toddler’s development. Through play, they can explore and learn about the world around them, develop their cognitive and physical skills, and build important social-emotional skills like empathy and communication.

Different types of play support different aspects of development, for example: 

• Imaginative play can help children develop their creativity and problem-solving skills as they imagine different scenarios and solutions to problems. 
• Construction and open-ended play, such as building with blocks, or art materials, can enhance spatial awareness and fine motor skills. They are important to fostering a child’s creativity and imagination.
• Sensory play, such as playing with water or sand, can promote exploration and experimentation while developing fine motor skills.

Choosing the appropriate toys for toddlers is crucial to their development. It is essential to ensure that toys are age-appropriate and safe for toddlers to use. Additionally, educational toys can assist in the acquisition of new skills and knowledge, contributing to their development.

Parents can also utilize toys to bond with their toddlers. By playing with toys together, parents can participate in their child’s learning process , reinforcing the things they have learned. This bonding activity provides a chance for parents to foster a positive relationship with their children while also encouraging their development.

Budget-Friendly Learning: Creating Educational Toys at Home

Educational toys can be a great way to support a child’s development, but parents don’t need to buy a lot of expensive toys to provide a stimulating environment for their child. In fact, many educational toys can be made at home with simple materials, which can be a fun and cost-effective way to encourage learning and creativity.

For example, parents can create a sensory bin with items like rice, beans, or sand and add toys like spoons, measuring cups, and funnels to promote exploration, sensory play, and fine motor skills. Simple puzzles made from cardboard can also be an effective way to promote cognitive skills and problem-solving abilities. We made some free coloring printable puzzles for Earth Day and some for Thanksgiving.

Parents can also encourage imaginative play by creating dress-up costumes or constructing a fort out of blankets and pillows. Art supplies such as paper, crayons, and finger paint can help children develop fine motor skills, creativity, and self-expression. Even everyday objects like pots, pans, and utensils can be used for imaginative play, allowing children to experiment with different sounds, textures, and shapes. Sensory bottles, cardboard cars or planes, homemade playdough, and oobleck are all great educational toys. 

While real-world exploration is important for a child’s development, learning toys are also a valuable addition to support and enhance their growth. They can provide a structured and engaging way to teach specific skills and encourage imaginative play. Below, I have compiled a list of tried by our kids and true toddler favorites that can help foster various developmental areas.

Characteristics of the Best Educational Toys for 2-3 Year Olds 

Safe and non-toxic materials.

The top priority is to ensure that the toys are made of materials that are safe for young children, such as non-toxic plastic or wood. Look for toys that have been independently tested and certified by safety organizations, such as ASTM International, to ensure that they meet safety standards. In addition, toys with small parts or other potential hazards should be avoided for children under 3 years old.

Durable and Able to Withstand Rough Play

Toddlers can be rough on toys, so it’s important to choose toys that are durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Look for toys made with sturdy materials that won’t easily break or fall apart. Toys that can be easily cleaned are also a plus, as toddlers tend to put toys in their mouths and can get them dirty quickly.

Age-Appropriate and Developmentally Stimulating

Educational toys should be age-appropriate and tailored to the developmental needs of 2-3 year olds. Look for toys that encourage age-appropriate skills, such as fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities. Toys that promote language development and social skills, such as pretend play or games that require turn-taking, are also great options.

Interactive and Engaging

The best educational toys for 2 year olds are those that are interactive and engaging. Look for toys that offer multiple ways to play, such as toys with buttons to push or levers to pull. Toys that make sounds or have lights can also be engaging for young children. In addition, toys that encourage exploration, such as those with different textures or shapes, can be very stimulating. Whenever we go to toy shops, Sara runs to those interactive, musical, flashing toys to push them and see what will happen. 

Encourage Exploration, Creativity, and Imagination

Lastly, the best educational toys for 2 year olds are those that encourage exploration, creativity, and imagination. Look for toys that offer open-ended play, such as blocks or art supplies, that allow children to use their imagination and creativity. Toys that encourage exploration of the world around them, such as nature toys, can also be great for promoting curiosity and a love of learning.

Shape Sorters and Stacking Toys as the Best Educational Toys for 2 Year Olds

Shape sorters and stacking toys are great for young children as they provide many benefits. They help develop fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, cognitive development, creativity, and language skills. These toys also foster independence and can be used to encourage social interaction.

Melissa & Doug Geometric Stacker and Shape Sorting Cube

This Toy has become an absolute favorite in our household, providing endless hours of educational fun for my little toddler. Geometric Stacker Toddler Toy is a colorful set of 21 wooden shapes that can be matched and stacked on three rods, helping to build shape, color, and size differentiation skills, as well as hand-eye coordination. 

It’s made from child-safe materials and is perfect for children ages 2 to 4 as a screen-free learning experience. For an even more comprehensive learning experience, I highly recommend pairing the Geometric Stacker Toddler Toy with the Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube . This is a classic learning activity that engages children with 12 easy-to-grip, brightly-colored shapes that fit through matching holes in the wooden cube. 

The toy is made to last with sturdy wooden construction and promotes color and shape recognition, problem-solving skills

Montessori Wooden Educational Veggie Garden Stacking Toy 

This Montessori wooden toy set has exceeded my expectations in terms of quality and educational value. This high-quality Montessori wooden toy set includes 12 fruit blocks, 8 carrots, 10 worms, and a cart with different shapes and structures. 

Recommended age range from 2 to 4, this toy set provides an array of interactive games that promote essential developmental skills. Through pulling, sorting, and matching games, Sara gets to enhance their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and color and shape recognition. Additionally, the fruit blocks allow them to learn about different fruits, fostering both educational and imaginative play.

Not only is this toy set beneficial for individual play, but it also encourages social interaction during playdates. It’s wonderful to see my little one engage with friends and bond with them over fun learning activities. Moreover, it has become a fantastic tool for parent-child bonding, creating precious moments of shared exploration and discovery.

One of the standout features of this toy set is its commitment to safety. The wooden pieces are polished and coated with non-toxic water-based paint, ensuring that it’s safe for my child to handle and explore. As a parent, it’s always reassuring to know that my child can enjoy their playtime without any worries.

Skip Hop Developmental Learning Shape Sorter

Sara eagerly engages with the Skip Hop Developmental Learning Shape Sorter during her afternoon playtime. This interactive Yeti toy offers three stages of play to teach shapes and colors to little ones. 

• In Exploration mode, the Yeti introduces shapes and lights up when pressed. 
• In Shape Sorter mode, Sara places the pieces back correctly, earning lights, music, and rewards. 
• Game Mode challenges her to find specific shapes and colors, with over 50 songs and phrases. 

With its engaging features, this toy sparks Sara’s curiosity while providing endless entertainment.

PlanToys Wooden Sorting & Stacking Tree 

Lara, Eniko’s daughter, was absolutely enchanted by the PlanToys Wooden Sorting & Stacking Tree. This delightful toy became her favorite playtime companion in the past.

Measuring 5.5 x 5.5 x 8.5 inches, the Stacking Tree perfectly fitted Lara’s little hands, allowing her to explore and create in her own imaginative way. With its 1 “tree trunk” and 8 branches that could be stacked in various configurations, Lara’s playtime was filled with excitement and discovery.

During her play sessions in the past, Lara not only had loads of fun but also developed important skills. The Stacking Tree helped her recognize shades of colors, nurturing her color recognition abilities. Additionally, the act of stacking the branches contributed to the development of her fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, fostering her overall dexterity.

Eniko told me that she was happy that this Stacking Tree was crafted sustainably from chemical-free rubberwood trees. As Lara has grown, the memories of her playtime adventures with this beloved toy remain cherished by both her and Eniko.

Wooden Geometric Shape Sorter and Stacking Train

Emma’s favorite toy in the nursery was undoubtedly the wooden train set. This delightful set includes 1 train engine, 2 carts, and 20 blocks of various shapes and sizes, offering endless opportunities for imaginative play. The blocks can be rearranged and stacked on the wooden train carts, while the pull-along cord allows the train to move smoothly with spinning red wheels. 

If you’re looking for a toy that combines creative play, motor skill development, and eco-consciousness, this train set is an excellent investment.

Best Educational Toys for Toddlers Age 1 – Fat Brain Toys Tobbles Neo

My kids were enthralled by these stackable spheres! We even had two of them, leading to friendly competition. Designed for ages 6 months and up, these high-quality ABS plastic spheres seamlessly integrate physics and modern design. 

They offer a range of activities such as balancing, nesting, spinning, and gravity-defying stacking, perfect for curious and active kids. Not only did they provide sensory exploration and imaginative play, but they also developed motor skills, coordination, and spatial reasoning. 

These spheres are a must-have for engaging and educational play! 

Wooden Puzzles as One of the Best Brain Development Toys for 2 Year Old

Wooden puzzles are a great toy choice for 2-year-olds as they offer a range of benefits that promote cognitive, fine motor, and social-emotional development. With a wide range of brands and themes available, parents can choose the perfect puzzle to suit their child’s interests and needs.

Melissa & Doug Old MacDonald’s Farm Sound Puzzle 

Melissa & Doug’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Sound Puzzle is a charmingly illustrated wooden puzzle board designed for children ages 2 and up. The puzzle includes 8 easy-to-grasp pieces with pegs to help with manipulation. 

When placed correctly, the puzzle plays Old MacDonald and encourages singing along with each animal completing their verses. This puzzle enhances hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and auditory processing. 

To ensure a peaceful night, it is advisable to turn off the puzzle. If certain puzzle pieces are not properly placed, the cheerful tune of Old MacDonald’s Farm may unexpectedly fill the room with the first rays of morning sunshine, “delighting” the entire family. 😂

South Bend Woodworks Kids Personalized Wooden Name Puzzle – Unique Gifts for 2-Year-Olds Girl and Boy

I recently introduced Sara to the world of letters, and the South Bend Woodworks Kids Personalized Wooden Name Puzzle has been an invaluable tool in her learning journey. 

This delightful puzzle not only allows her to recognize her own name but also serves as a wonderful resource for developing essential skills: cognitive and motor skill development, fostering her logical thinking, color recognition, and overall self-esteem.

The Wooden Name Puzzle is more than just a personalized item; it is a sustainable and engaging learning tool. As Sara plays with it, she not only learns her name but also discovers colors and letters.

The South Bend Woodworks Kids Personalized Wooden Name Puzzle has become an integral part of Sara’s early learning journey. If you are looking to introduce your little ones to letters, colors, and name recognition in an engaging and personalized way, this puzzle is a fantastic choice.

Hape Alphabet Blocks Learning Puzzle

In addition to the personalized name puzzle, I have another fantastic learning tool for Sara’s letter education. The Stand-up ABC blocks which I was using with Emma too, have become an invaluable resource in our educational journey.

The Stand-up Alphabet has a chunky and vibrant design, they fit perfectly in little hands, allowing for easy manipulation. Sara can stack them, place them upright, or neatly fit them into the corresponding letter cut-outs on the board.

They are surely durable, we have had them for 4 years. Safety is also a top priority, with smooth surfaces and non-toxic paints that won’t fade, providing a worry-free playtime experience.

It’s worth noting that the Hape Number Peg Puzzle Game is often purchased together with these letter-learning treasures. This combination of educational tools enhances Sara’s learning experience and offers a well-rounded exploration of letters and numbers.

These letter-learning delights have become essential components of Sara’s educational journey. The Stand-up ABC blocks provide a perfect blend of fun and learning. With their durability, safety, and educational benefits, they are an investment that will support your kid’s learning and development for years to come.

Janod Tactile Puzzle Pets

Lara’s love for dogs and her enduring interest in the Janod Tactile Puzzle Pets game go hand in hand. This colorful puzzle, featuring adorable pets at home, offers a delightful tactile experience with its variety of textures for each animal and object. Measuring 25.6 x 19.7 inches, it provides a generous puzzle size and even includes a poster showcasing the cozy scene.

The benefits of playing with puzzles like this extend far beyond entertainment. Lara’s fine motor skills improved as she explored and manipulated the puzzle pieces. The game also enhanced her creative memory, hand-eye coordination, mental speed, and patience, and encouraged independent play. Additionally, puzzles have been known to reduce anxiety by stimulating the brain.

Janod, a leading wooden and cardboard toy brand, has a long history of creating award-winning toys, puzzles, and building sets that are functional, timeless, and modern. They prioritize quality and safety, meeting all European and American safety standards with a focus on craftsmanship and education.

Play Kitchens and Other Pretend Toys as Best Toys for 2 Year Olds Girl and Boy

Play kitchens and food sets are toys that simulate cooking and food preparation. Play kitchens can come in a variety of sizes and styles, and often feature sinks, stoves, ovens, and cabinets for storing play food and utensils. 

Play food sets include plastic or food pieces made of wood that can be sliced, chopped, or served with play utensils. Both play kitchens and food sets are popular toys for young children as they offer many benefits for their physical, cognitive, and social development.

Play kitchens and food sets offer several benefits for 2-year-old toddlers. They promote imaginative play, social skills, and language skills, improve fine motor skills and teach basic concepts, cause and effect. They can also encourage healthy eating habits. Overall, they are excellent toys for promoting physical, cognitive, and social development.

Not only play kitchens but other pretend toys are having the same benefits. 

Step2 Fun with Friends Kitchen

Sara’s nursery boasts the most incredible play kitchen if you ask her. The highlight of this play kitchen is a realistic pretend stovetop burner, complete with electronic lights and sounds. With the special frying pan and boiling pot, kids can activate the captivating lights and sounds, enhancing the cooking experience. Additionally, the pretend single-serve coffee maker station, complete with a travel mug, add an extra touch of authenticity to the imaginative play.

Not only does this play kitchen include the essential stovetop and oven with clickable knobs, but it also features a microwave and refrigerator to keep all the pretend ingredients fresh and ready for cooking adventures. After whipping up delicious meals, little ones can pretend to wash the dishes in the molded-in sink with its swivel faucet, adding a realistic touch to the role-playing experience.

Storage is never an issue with this play kitchen. It offers ample storage options, including hanging storage, a molded-in dish rack, and shelves/storage bin areas. These convenient storage features keep all the kitchen essentials within reach, allowing kids to stay organized and making clean-up a breeze.

While this play kitchen is undoubtedly top-notch, we have personally enjoyed the HONEY JOY Kitchen Playset at home. It offers a similar level of enjoyment, allowing children to fully engage in imaginative play while being affordable. Assembly is required with this one.

Learning Resources Pretend & Play Doctor Set Blue

If you’re searching for the best doctor set for your kids, look no further than this comprehensive doctor play set. With 19 pieces and a convenient carrying case, it provides children with a complete medical experience. From a stethoscope and cell phone to forceps, bandages, eyeglasses, and a name tag, this set has it all.

Not only is this doctor set a ton of fun, but it also offers numerous developmental benefits. It enhances social skills, language development, fine motor skills, and overall skill development. As your toddler grows and reaches the age of three, you can expand their doctor play experience with additional toys like the Medical Station Toy Set or the Wooden Get Well Doctor Activity Center (made of wood and assembly is required).

Speaking from personal experience, my kids stumbled upon the Medical Station Toy Set in a soft play area and instantly fell in love with it. The set offers even more opportunities for imaginative play, allowing children to further explore the exciting world of being a doctor. The realistic features and interactive elements make it a captivating addition to any playtime session.

If you’re a parent or caregiver looking to foster creativity, learning, and pretend play in your children, this doctor set and the accompanying Medical Station Toy Set or even this Wooden Get Well Doctor Activity Center are excellent choices. They provide great entertainment while promoting valuable skills and nurturing your child’s imagination.

Toddler Workbench Tools Set for Kids

Emma’s and Sara’s cousin is fortunate to have this tool bench. Whenever they visit Tom,  their cousin, Sara is particularly drawn to this engaging toy and thoroughly enjoys playing with it. 

Packed with kid-sized tools like a saw, hammer, pliers, adjustable wrench, screwdriver, and even a battery-powered electric drill, this tool bench is designed to spark creativity and learning.

With its all-in-one design, kids can easily pack all the tools into the convenient tool case, making it portable for playdates and adventures. The spacious storage compartment ensures no tools are lost or misplaced.

This tool bench goes beyond fun and play; it fosters essential skills development. Children learn social interaction while exploring tools with parents, enhance their hand skills, and improve concentration.

Building blocks and construction sets

Building blocks and construction sets offer several benefits for 2-year-olds, including improving fine motor skills, encouraging creativity and problem-solving skills, developing spatial awareness, and enhancing language skills.

Some popular building blocks and construction sets for 2-year-olds include Mega Bloks, Duplo, and Tegu Blocks, Magnetic Tiles. 

Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Set

My kids are absolutely enthralled with the Melissa & Doug wooden building blocks set. They spend countless hours playing with these timeless educational toys, and it’s easy to see why. This set provides a hands-on, screen-free play and learning experience that captures their imaginations and keeps them engaged.

With 100 durable wooden blocks in four vibrant colors and nine different shapes, the possibilities are endless. My kids love experimenting with different combinations and constructing all sorts of imaginative structures. The variety of shapes and colors not only adds to the fun but also helps them develop important cognitive and spatial skills as they sort, stack, and build.

One of the standout features of this building block set is its sturdy cardboard box with a convenient handle, making storage and transportation a breeze. Whether we’re headed to a friend’s house or embarking on a family trip, my kids can easily bring their beloved blocks along. The lightweight design allows them to manipulate the blocks with ease, and the rounded edges and smooth painted finish ensure their safety while playing.

Suitable for kids aged 2 to 8 years, the Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Blocks Set is truly a gold standard in childhood play. It encourages open-ended play, stimulates creativity, and grows with my children as they develop new skills and explore new ideas.

To complement their building block collection, we recently added the Wooden Bear Busy Board to Sara’s playtime repertoire.

This fantastic addition enhances their hands-on experience by introducing a different set of challenges. With various latches to manipulate and unlock, Sara is improving their fine motor skills and honing their problem-solving abilities.

It’s a perfect complement to their imaginative play sessions, adding a new layer of tactile exploration and learning. However, adult supervision is crucial when engaging with this interactive busy board, specifically due to the inclusion of a metal hasp and various locks and latches. These components can potentially pose a safety risk if children are left unattended while playing with them.

LEGO DUPLO Classic Brick Box Building Set

Sara’s best friend introduced us to the incredible “Endless Builds” LEGO DUPLO set, and it has quickly become a favorite in our household. This set includes 65 colorful DUPLO bricks, a toy car, 2 figures, number-learning bricks, and even extra building ideas to spark creativity. It’s a fantastic toy that not only provides hours of fun but also promotes early learning and development.

One of the standout features of this set is its ability to encourage imaginative play. Our kids love creating their own unique structures and scenarios using the versatile DUPLO bricks. Whether they’re building tall towers, constructing a bustling city, or inventing exciting stories with the figures, their creativity knows no bounds.

After playtime is over, cleanup is a breeze with the LEGO-style toy storage box included in the set. It keeps everything organized and ready for the next play session, ensuring that no pieces go missing. This feature is a huge plus for parents who appreciate a tidy play area.

Designed for kids aged 18+ months, the “Endless Builds” LEGO DUPLO set is an ideal gift. It offers age-appropriate challenges and opportunities for exploration, supporting their early development and fostering a love for learning through play. The bright colors, chunky bricks, and engaging accessories are perfectly suited to capture their attention and keep them entertained for hours on end.

Both Sara and her best friend thoroughly enjoy playing with this set. Their faces light up with excitement as they bring their imaginative ideas to life and build new creations together. It has become a beloved toy that sparks their imagination.

EVERSMART 36 Pcs Wooden Stacking Blocks

Lara’s go-to choice for wooden stacking blocks is EVERSMART’s 36 stacking stones. These blocks not only provide a safe and enjoyable experience but also offer numerous developmental benefits. With their large size, smooth edges, and absence of choking hazards, parents can rest assured as their children play and explore.

These versatile stacking stones are not just limited to toddler play. They can also serve as modern decor pieces or even a stress-relieving activity for adults. With their open-ended nature, they foster learning and problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way. Designed for toddlers aged 1 to 3, EVERSMART’s 36 stacking stones are an exceptional investment that will captivate young minds and promote development.

Magnetic Building Sticks and Tiles

Emma has been enjoying her magnetic tiles, and seeing how much Sara loved them, I wanted to ensure that she also had age-appropriate magnetic toys. That’s why I decided to purchase this building stick set. While magnetic bricks and tiles are typically recommended for children aged three and above, there are specially designed options available that cater to the developmental needs of two-year-olds as well. These magnetic building sets provide a safe and age-appropriate introduction to the world of construction play.

The set includes balls and sticks that represent points and lines in geometry, making it easier for beginners to grasp basic concepts. The satisfying “click” magnetic connection reduces learning anxiety and helps children develop a keen interest in the building. The magnetic blocks are made of high-quality ABS plastic with no sharp edges, ensuring safety for children’s hands. With upgraded strong magnets and a total of 88 pieces, this set allows children to build anything they can imagine, both in 2D and 3D shapes. It stimulates creativity and enhances skills related to STEM.

For toddlers aged three and up, there is a wide range of magnetic tile options available. You can choose from colorful tiles , animal-themed sets , builder sets , or even character tiles like those featuring Frozen . Selecting sets based on your child’s interests will enhance their enjoyment during playtime and further ignite their imagination.

Best Toys for 2 Year Old Boy – Hieoby Wooden Tool Set for Kids

If you’re looking for a fantastic toy that combines fun and learning, the Toddler Tool Kit is an excellent choice. Our cousin Tom, who adores construction toys, absolutely loves this set, and it quickly became one of his favorites.

The kit includes 29 wooden pieces, including a toolbox, saw, hammer, wrench, screwdriver, and building blocks. Not only does it provide endless imaginative play possibilities, but it also encourages the development of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities. It’s specifically designed for children aged 2 to 4, ensuring age-appropriate challenges and engagement.

One of the standout features of this tool kit is its versatility. It serves as a 3-in-1 solution, functioning as a storage box, a tool bench, and a carrying box. This practical design keeps all the pieces organized and easily accessible, while also allowing for on-the-go play. The set is made of non-toxic solid wood with smooth, rounded edges, ensuring the safety of your child during playtime.

Musical Instruments and Sound Toys as Educational Toys for 1-2 Year Olds

Musical instruments and sound toys offer several benefits for 2-year-olds, including developing fine motor skills, enhancing cognitive development, promoting social skills, encouraging creativity and imagination, and promoting relaxation. Popular options include xylophones, drums, shakers, and keyboards, which come in various sizes, colors, and materials. 

3 in 1 Piano Keyboard Xylophone Drum Set

Sara’s favorite in the nursery, this toy offers a world of musical fun and learning opportunities.

This toddler toy serves as a baby piano, kids drum set, and xylophone, providing a variety of musical experiences for your child. With pleasant sounds and flashing lights, it creates an engaging and cool sensory experience that captivates kids’ attention. The multiple modes available help teach numbers, colors, and animals, promoting early cognitive development.

Playing the drums, xylophone, or piano on this toy enhances important skills such as eye-hand coordination, motor skills, and auditory sensation. Children will love exploring the different sounds and rhythms they can create, fostering a love for music from an early age.

The cute appearance and touch-sensitive buttons of the toy make it particularly appealing to children. The interactive nature of the toy keeps them engaged and encourages exploration. Parents will appreciate the volume adjustment button, allowing for noise-free control and a more peaceful playtime experience.

Ehome Musical Instruments for Toddlers

I must mention that my kids have a natural talent for dancing and singing. They truly shine whenever they perform. In fact, Sara’s toddler dance classes have this complete collection of musical instruments, and whenever they start singing, Sara’s eyes light up with anticipation as she eagerly reaches for these instruments to accompany their beautiful voices.

If you’re seeking to nurture your children’s love for music and create unforgettable moments of singing and dancing, this set of musical toys is an absolute must-have. In our household, these instruments have become an integral part of Sara’s musical journey, enhancing her passion for music.

This comprehensive set includes a diverse range of instruments, such as a clapper, wood sounder, wrist bell, wood xylophone, maracas, tambourine, triangle with striker, bird whistle, shaker eggs, trumpet, castanets, rainbow bell stick, face bell, rainbow column, and handle a sleigh bell. It’s like having an entire band at your fingertips! With this variety, children can explore different sounds and rhythms, igniting their creativity and musical exploration.

These percussion instruments are crafted from high-quality and durable toona sinensis wood, ensuring their longevity and safety. Cleaning them is effortless, requiring only a simple wipe with a wet cloth. The set even includes a convenient storage bag, allowing for easy transportation during outdoor activities such as camping trips.

Musical Educational Toys for Toddlers Age 3

Lara’s toy collection just got even better with this amazing Baby Musical Toy set! It includes 4 Jazz drums, 4 guitars, 6 rocks, 4 pianos, 4 saxophones, and 6 play and switch modes. With 32 music modes, this toy is designed to promote your toddler’s sense of music and rhythm. Each music mode will inspire your little one to enjoy and explore the wonderful world of music.

Not only is this toy fun, but it also offers valuable learning opportunities. It serves as a fantastic early childhood development gift, as the 6 colorful buttons encourage your toddler to recognize different instruments. The 3 colors lights further enhance your child’s visual development, creating a stimulating and engaging experience. The sounds and songs incorporated in this toy aid in your toddler’s listening development, helping them become more attuned to different sounds and melodies.

As an educational learning toy, this playset offers numerous benefits for your child’s development. It helps in the development of their sense of touch, as they practice fine finger skills by pressing different buttons and engaging with the interactive features. The toy serves as a wonderful tool to encourage your baby’s learning journey, providing an interactive and engaging experience that promotes early learning.

Words, Letters, Colors & Numbers

Toys that teach basic concepts such as words, letters, colors, and numbers promote cognitive and language skills in young children. Benefits include language development, cognitive development, fine motor skill development, enhanced early learning skills, and improved creativity and imagination. Popular toys include alphabet and number puzzles, flashcards, magnetic letters and numbers, and color sorting games.

Our toy collection already boasts a wonderful selection of toys featuring letters, numbers, and colors. However, I believe it’s time to introduce a new set of educational toys that will take your child’s learning experience to the next level. These toys offer a more complex and engaging approach to early education.

VTech Touch and Learn Activity Desk Deluxe

I am thrilled to share my experience with the toddler desk and chair set, as it has exceeded my expectations in every way. My daughter, Emma, had the opportunity to start exploring this remarkable set when she was two years old.

This toddler desk and chair set offers an array of engaging activities that have captured Emma’s attention and facilitated her learning journey. With five interactive activity pages, she explored new words and sounds directly on the desk, making language acquisition an enjoyable experience. The LED display adds an element of excitement as it presents the ABCs, letter and number stroke order, and basic shape drawing.

What makes this set truly versatile is its ability to transform into an easel and chalkboard. This feature not only encourages artistic expression but also provides storage space for art supplies, fostering creativity and discovery. Emma loved engaging in pretend phone calls and listening to music on the built-in music player, which added an element of fun to her learning sessions. The progress button is an excellent addition as it allowed me to track Emma’s skill levels across different learning activities, enabling me to witness her progress firsthand.

The activity center itself is packed with educational content, including over 100 vocabulary words, more than 20 activities, and a selection of delightful songs and melodies. This comprehensive range of engaging materials kept Emma entertained while promoting her cognitive development and expanding her knowledge base.

One of the standout features of this set is the option to expand its capabilities as Emma grows. The 4-in-1 Kindergarten Expansion Pack is a fantastic addition that includes four expansions specifically designed for children aged 3 to 5. From preparing for kindergarten to building essential math skills and exploring future aspirations, these expansion packs offer a wealth of interactive learning experiences. The included cartridges and double-sided activity pages are compatible only with the VTech Touch and Learn Activity Desk Deluxe, ensuring seamless integration with the existing set. Additionally, the set includes durable wipe-clean cards, which provided an additional activity option for Emma.

Overall, I am highly satisfied with the toddler desk and chair set and its accompanying expansion pack. The quality, versatility, and educational value it offers are unparalleled. Emma’s engagement and progress have been remarkable, and I am confident that this set will continue to support Sara’s learning and growth. 

If you are seeking an exceptional educational tool that combines fun and learning, I wholeheartedly recommend the VTech Touch and Learn Activity Desk Deluxe and its compatible expansion packs. Prepare to be amazed by the positive impact it will have on your child’s development.

How do I choose the best learning toys for my 2 year old?

To choose the best learning toys for a 2-year-old, consider age-appropriateness, developmental stage, variety, interactivity, quality, personal interests, and recommendations from other parents or early childhood educators. Look for toys that are safe, engaging, durable, cover different areas of development, and align with your child’s interests and preferences.

How can I encourage my 2 year old to play and learn with their toys?

To encourage a 2-year-old to play and learn with their toys, you can play with them, create a dedicated play space, rotate toys, incorporate learning, encourage creativity, limit screen time, and follow your child’s lead. By offering a positive and engaging environment, you can help your child develop a love for learning and play that will benefit them in the long run.

Can learning toys really help with my child’s development?

Yes, learning toys can help with a child’s development by promoting cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. While learning toys can be beneficial, it’s important to note that they should not replace opportunities for unstructured play and interaction with caregivers. Children also need to engage in imaginative and open-ended play, explore their surroundings, and interact with people around them to develop a range of skills and competencies.

What are some signs that my child may be ready for more advanced learning toys?

Signs that your child may be ready for more advanced learning toys include mastery of basic concepts, interest in problem-solving, curiosity about the world, good coordination and dexterity, and age-appropriate milestones.

How do I balance the need for educational toys with the importance of play and fun for my 2 year old?

To balance educational toys and fun for your 2-year-old, follow their interests, mix up the types of toys, make learning fun, play together, and allow for unstructured play. Every child is unique, so it’s essential to pay attention to their needs and provide a variety of experiences that promote both learning and play.

What toys do toddlers actually need?

Essential toys for toddlers include building blocks, play kitchens, musical instruments, learning matching toys, and outdoor play equipment. These toys promote physical, cognitive, and social development, as well as hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. However, every child is unique, so it’s essential to provide a variety of toys that cater to their individual interests and needs.

Selecting the best educational toys for 2-year-olds plays a vital role in their overall development. On our website, you will discover a wide range of activities designed to foster various skills and promote learning through play . We also offer a selection of homemade toys that provide unique and engaging experiences. If you’re looking for outdoor toys , we have a fantastic collection to explore as well.

Remember, when choosing the best toys for 2-year-olds, it is important to consider age appropriateness, safety, and educational value. The best learning toys for toddlers are not always the most expensive or high-tech; simple toys that encourage creativity, imagination, and problem-solving can have a profound impact on their development.

By providing children with appropriate learning toys, caregivers play an active role in supporting their growth and setting them on a path to lifelong learning. So, take the time to explore our offerings and discover the perfect toys that will inspire and empower your child’s educational journey.

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The best educational toys for two-year-olds in 2022

• Amanda Stellisano

Banish boredom with our pick of the best educational toys for two-year-olds that entertain and help kids learn as they play

At two years old, toddlers are rapidly learning about the world around them. They’re becoming mobile, gaining context of their environment and developing through mental stimulation. Getting kids to engage with the best educational toys can help boost both physical and mental skills, all while having fun.

Educational toys help children learn colours, words, numbers and motor skills. They can improve a child’s hand-eye coordination and critical thinking skills. While your child is playing and having fun, they’re also working on brain development. Puzzles, role-playing and mechanical toys all help your child expand their horizons while they play. And the repetition of play with these toys help solidify a child’s newfound skills.

It may be tempting to opt for toys marketed as educational, and which often come bearing a high price tag. But the truth is, at the age of two, such toys aren’t always the right option. Toddlers are excellent mimics and some of the more advanced toys may simply be encouraging them to memorise, rather than learn. The best way for a toddler to learn is through engaging with simple toys, with parents interacting and playing alongside them.

With so many toys available to help children learn and grow, below you’ll find our pick of the best educational toys for two-year-olds. For those overwhelmed by the choice on offer, read our guide on how to choose the right toys for your toddler.

READ NEXT: Best bath toys for babies and toddlers

Best educational toys for two-year-olds: At a glance

• Best overall educational toy: Kids Building Blocks | Buy now
• Best problem-solving toy: Little Dutch Little Goose Activity Cube | Buy now
• Best musical toy: Baby Einstein Hape Strum Along Songs Magic Touch Guitar | Buy now

How to choose the best educational toys for your two-year-old

What types of educational toys are best for two-year-olds.

If you’re looking to add some educational toys to your toddler’s collection, there are some things you might want to consider before making a decision.

Does it encourage motor skills? Toys such as balls, blocks and puzzles help children develop their motor skills and hand-eye coordination. This helps them become more coordinated and independent as they grow.

Does it encourage problem solving? Puzzles, nesting cups and shape-matching toys help your child to work on their mental dexterity as well as physical skills. This helps them to better understand the world around them, particularly new experiences.

Does it encourage imagination? Toys that don’t have specific roles, such as blocks, can be anything your child wants them to be. They can build different structures and use their imagination to see the blocks as whatever item suits the game currently in their head.

Does it encourage new vocabulary? Children of this age have a limited grasp on language, so toys that encourage them to learn new words are always helpful. Puzzles and playsets can help children to learn the names and terms for the items with which they’re playing.

Does it encourage independent play? Or parent interaction? As mentioned earlier, toddlers learn well when parents directly interact with them, with educational toys a key tool in this regard. Helping them name items, colours or shapes will encourage interaction and learn more quickly. That said, children should also be learning independence, so a toy that they can also enjoy on their own is ideal.

Other considerations

It may feel like educating your toddler requires structure, but one of the best things you can do is let your child play pretend, with no set rules or expectations. Open-ended toys can foster your child’s creativity while encouraging communication and problem-solving skills. In reality, most toys will help your child learn and grow as they play. Just make sure they’re having fun and the learning will come!

READ NEXT: Best sensory toys for autism

The best educational toys for two-year-olds you can buy in 2022

1. kids building blocks: best overall educational toy for two-year-olds.

A classic favourite of children everywhere, wooden building blocks are a quintessential educational toy. These blocks come in a variety of shapes and bright colours, helping children to learn new words as they develop the ability to identify blocks by their appearance.

These blocks also allow your child to free play, using their imagination to build whatever comes to their mind. Children can work on their fine-motor skills, stacking blocks and keeping structures balanced. And once they have the sense of accomplishment that comes with building, they can have fun knocking the blocks down before building something new.

Blocks also allow for play with other toys, such as cars and dolls, bringing the fun of open play. Made with sustainable, FSC-approved wood, these blocks are environmentally friendly – and a timeless favourite that is sure to deliver hours of fun for your toddler.

Key details – Materials: Wood; Batteries needed: No; Independent play: Yes; Age range: 1-3 years

Buy now from Jaques London

2. Little Dutch Little Goose Activity Cube: Best problem-solving educational toy for two-year-olds

Another classic childhood toy, activity cubes offer children multiple challenges. Each side has a different activity for them to discover, so there’s plenty here to keep children playing without getting bored. All these activities help toddlers to work on their fine motor skills and problem-solving capabilities.

The cube’s top features wire spirals with beads to push around and spin, with the other sides offering gears that turn, plus shape sorting, sliding puzzles and spinning puzzles. Each activity will engage a child in a different way, helping them to identify shapes, colours, animals and numbers, as well as practise hand-eye coordination as they play.

Made up with a palette of soft colours, the design here is a nice contrast to the often bright and brash colours of many kids’ toys, helping them learn different shades of similar colours. If hours of stimulation and entertainment is what you’re after, this is a great choice.

Key details – Materials: Iron wire, teawood, beech wood, non-toxic water-based paint; Batteries needed: No; Independent play: Yes; Age range: 18+ months

Buy now from JoJo Maman Bébé

3. Top & Bake Pizza Counter Play Set: Best educational cooking toy for two-year-olds

For a unique twist on the typical play kitchen, let your toddler learn to make pizza! This play set has 34 pieces to help your child use their imagination and learn a variety of things in the process. Children can work on their fine motor skills when building and cutting pizzas, while expanding their capacity for storytelling as they work their own pizza parlour.

The set includes a wooden crust, felt cheese and sauce, wooden pepperoni, olives, mushrooms and peppers. The parts have self-stick tabs that help keep the pizza together as the child builds it. Also included is a parmesan cheese shaker, a counter with a built-in pretend oven, a pizza paddle and rolling cutter. There’s a reusable menu, delivery box and pretend money, too.

Children can learn to count and sort while playing independently or interacting with adults, while also working on critical thinking and dexterity.

Key details – Materials: Wood, felt; Batteries needed: No; Independent play: Yes; Age range: 18+ months

Buy now from Toy Street

4. Baby Einstein Hape Strum Along Songs Magic Touch Guitar: Best educational musical toy for two-year-olds

The positive effects that music has on young children is well documented. As such, it makes sense to include musical items in their range of educational toys. Made of wood, this play guitar with Magic Touch technology will see your child interact easily to produce realistic acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass and banjo sounds in six different keys.

The guitar responds to your child’s strumming action, allowing them to make their own chord combinations. Children can also play along to pre-recorded songs, while the guitar’s whammy bar activates Silly mode, which produces a wide variety of weird and wonderful sound effects.

A toy guitar helps children to learn about rhythm and sound, helps their motor skills and also encourages self expression. Here, children will also learn about colours and animals, which feature on the frets.

Key details – Materials: Wood; Batteries needed: Yes; Independent play: Yes; Age range: 12+ months

Buy now from Smyths

5. 1-2-3 Build It Rocket Train Helicopter: Best educational engineering toy for two-year-olds

If your toddler has taken a particular liking to cars and other vehicles, this STEM-authenticated play kit may be just what they’re looking for. The 17-piece kit allows children to construct either a rocket, a train or a helicopter. But the fun doesn’t end there: children can use the pieces to build their own creations, too, encouraging imaginative play.

All of the pieces are colourful and easy for toddler hands to grasp. Even the wrench is adequately chunky, making it easy for small hands to use. Arriving with a reusable storage box, children can also learn about the important task of putting away their toys.

A superb toy for developing fine motor skills and their vocabulary, children will likely need parental help to follow the picture instructions and build the rocket, train or helicopter.

Key specs – Materials: Plastic; Batteries needed: No; Independent play: Yes; Age range: 2+ years

Buy now from Bright Minds

6. Shape Sorting Cube: Best educational matching toy for two-year-olds

This is another classic educational toy – and with good reason; there’s so much a child can learn with this one little cube! As well as learning shapes and colours, children will develop problem-solving skills and be able to practise their hand-eye coordination through this one simple toy.

Including basic shapes such as the triangle, circle and square, this shape sorter also offers more challenging designs including a trapezoid, sector and hexagon. With shapes sporting different hues, children will even get the opportunity to learn colours.

Toddlers can play by matching the correct shapes to the correct slots on the cube to improve fine motor skills, or simply match by colour. A sliding lid keeps all the pieces contained within the cube for storage, and makes this toy conveniently portable, too.

Key details – Materials: Wood; Batteries needed: No; Independent play: Yes; Age range: 12+ months

25 of the Best Toys for 2-Year-Olds

W hen it comes to selecting toys for 2-year-olds, you might find yourself wondering what will keep a kiddo who is in the prime of their toddlerhood engaged and interested. Narrowing down the best of the best toys for ever-curious, constantly-growing tiny humans can be daunting. Especially when those little humans tend to be interested in anything and everything. To simplify your search, we’re sharing 25 of our favorite toys for 2-year-olds. We think these are some of the best toddler toys out there.

5 Montessori Toys for 2-Year-Olds

Montessori toys are designed with open-ended, independent play in mind. They’re an excellent tool for encouraging 2-year-olds to build real-life skills while promoting creative thinking and problem-solving. Here are our favorite Montessori toys for 2-year-olds.

1. Lovevery Block Set

This beautiful, high-quality block set has everything your 2-year-old could need to build, sort, and thread, among other possibilities. Featuring a solid wood design and vibrant rainbow colors, it comes with 70 blocks plus additional tools, a storage bag and storage box, and an activity guide. Perfect for building spatial, language, and problem-solving skills .

2. Melissa & Doug Let’s Play House Dust! Sweep! Mop! Toy Cleaning Set

There’s no doubt that 2-year-olds love to help and be involved in important tasks. This realistic pretend play cleaning set includes a wooden broom, mop, and duster, as well as a dustpan, brush, and organizing stand. It’ll build toddlers’ confidence and sense of responsibility as they practice coordination, fine motor skills, and everyday chores .

3. Wobble/Balance Board

A wobble balance board is an irresistible, multipurpose toy for 2-year-olds. It stimulates the vestibular system, promotes balance and coordination, and can be used for wobbling, lounging, climbing, etc. This one is made from heirloom quality wood and supports up to 480 pounds, making it possible for everyone in the family to enjoy the fun.

4. Ramp Race Track

A car ramp racer allows kiddos to explore motion, direction, and cause and effect while practicing focusing and enjoying imaginative play . This ramp racer features five levels and comes with four wooden cars and two balls in primary colors. It’s made from durable, child-friendly wood, so it’s practical and aesthetically pleasing.

5. Hape Counting Stacker

This counting stacker allows children to practice counting to 10, basic color recognition, and fine motor development through stacking. It includes red, yellow, orange, blue, and green wooden stacking blocks and a stacking stand — all made from child-safe, non-toxic materials. An excellent activity for your 2-year-old’s playroom or the kitchen table.

4 Climbing Toys for 2-Year-Olds

Toddlers are busy people. They’re constantly on the go, exploring their surroundings and testing physical limits and boundaries. If you have a 2-year-old at home, you’ll want to invest in safe, toddler-approved climbing toys made to support gross motor development and foster independence . Here are some of our favorites.

1. Lily & River Little Climber XL

This top-rated Pikler Triangle is built for ages 2-8. It’s perfect for strengthening your little climber’s self-confidence, balance, gross motor skills, muscle growth, and creative /strategy play. This climber is made from natural birch and premium bamboo, durable enough for years. For added climbing fun, you can choose to add on a reversible ladder/slide or reversible rockwall/slide.

2. Lily & River Little Dome

Another beautifully-made toy from Lily & River, this climbing dome allows kiddos to climb, hang, and play to their heart’s desire. With a bit of imagination , it can become a mountain, cave, or monkey bar set. Choose from natural, white-sealed, rainbow-sealed, or other bold color finishes. For additional peace of mind, you can add on beautiful safety mat sets.

3. Avenlur Magnolia Indoor Playground

If you really want to take your playroom up a notch for your 2-year-old, an indoor playground is the way to go. Avenlur’s Magnolia Indoor Playground is a seven-in-one jungle gym featuring a slide, a climbing wall, a rope wall climber, monkey bars, a swing, and ladder climbers. It will provide hours of fun while seamlessly supporting gross motor development.

4. The Original Nugget Play Couch

A fan favorite for many reasons! The Nugget consists of four foam pieces (a base, a cushion, and two triangles) and can be set up in many configurations. The options for play, climbing, crashing, and lounging are endless here. It comes in various appealing colors and fabrics, including microsuede, double-brushed, and corduroy, and it is Greenguard Gold Certified to ensure all materials are child-safe. We think it’s worth the investment over competing play couches.

5 Outdoor Toys for 2-Year-Olds

What 2-year-old doesn’t love being outside ? When given the choice, we’re willing to bet most toddlers would gladly choose the outdoors over being cooped up inside. Sometimes, you just need a toddler-approved outdoor toy or two to make backyard playtime favorable for everyone in the family. Here are some of our favorites.

1. Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table

A little bit of water play can reset almost any toddler’s day. That’s why a water table is a must for every 2-year-old. This one boasts 13 fun accessories, including maze-like spinners, ramps, and buckets, as well as a waterfall tray for a fun rainfall effect. Age-appropriate STEM play has never been easier to come by.

2. Little Tikes Easy Score Soccer Set

Group sports like soccer are an excellent way to build social skills , cooperation, and focus. Not to mention gross motor skills. Whether or not your tiny tot is on a team, this soccer set will quickly become a family favorite. It includes an easy-to-assemble kid-sized net, ball, and air pump.

3. Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set

Another must-have Little Tikes outdoor (or indoor) toy, this basketball set includes an adjustable basketball hoop and stand and three small soft basketballs. It features an oversized rim for simpler scoring (and increased confidence). Plus, you can choose from six heights — so it’ll grow with your kiddo.

4. Little Tikes First Slide

A go-to beginner’s slide! This one is suitable for use inside or out, folds up for easy storage, and doesn’t require any tools for setup. It promotes balance, fitness, and coordination — not to mention fun for your 2-year-old (or any child up to 60 pounds).

5. Step2 Naturally Playful Sand Table

Digging in sand (and dirt) is a rite of passage for toddlers, right? With a solid sand table, your kiddo can enjoy hours of structured sensory play — without all the mess. This one is raised to a height just right for standing and can hold up to 80 pounds of sand, soil, or any other sensory material. It comes with five accessories. It also features molded-in roadways on the lid, which can be used as a race track when covered.

3 Ride-On Toys for 2-Year-Olds

Being a toddler means constantly being on the move. In particular, 2-year-olds never seem to slow down. Because of this, ride-on toys are a must at this age. Here are some we think your child will love to take a spin on.

1. Step2 Up and Down Roller Coaster Toy for Kids

This kid’s roller coaster will bring the action into your home (or yard) with its 9-foot track and ATV-inspired car. It features a high back, a handrail, and footrests for maximum comfort and easily comes apart for convenient storage. While the included steps are helpful for the youngest riders, the coaster holds children up to 50 pounds.

2. Disney My First Minnie Plane

This ride-on plane is for toddlers 1-3 years old, so it’s just right for 2-year-olds. It features rotating propellers with alternating light-up patterns, 360-degree steering ability, realistic lift-off and landing sounds, and a steering wheel and honking horn. It doesn’t get much more adorable.

3. Little Tikes Cozy Coupe Ice Cream Truck

A reimagined take on the iconic Little Tikes Cozy Coupe! Mom or Dad can push this ice cream truck ride-on car, or your toddler can do it themselves with its detachable floorboard. It comes loaded with fun accessories and specs, including play ice cream cones, a credit card reader, and even an ice cream cone speaker that plays modern ice cream truck music.

5 Educational Toys for 2-Year-Olds

Toddler toys come in all forms. When they’re intended to be equal parts fun and educational, you can’t lose. Check out our favorite learning-inspired toys for 2-year-olds.

1. Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set

This 30-piece color sorting set aims to develop color recognition and sorting skills. It offers realistic-looking red, orange, yellow, purple, and green fruits and vegetables, as well as five sorting baskets with labels and an activity guide. It’s an excellent toy for pretend play, language development , and vocabulary acquisition .

2. VTech Alphabet Apple

This learning toy introduces not only the alphabet but phonics, words, time concepts, music, and more — so it’ll easily grow with your child as they develop new skills. Apart from featuring the obvious (all 26 letters and sounds), it boasts 29 songs and melodies. We also love this pick’s carry handle.

3. Melissa & Doug Shapes Wooden Chunky Puzzle

Melissa & Doug offers a wide choice of wooden puzzles for toddlers. When it comes to learning shapes, this one is a must. With its eight chunky, easy-to-manipulate pieces (circle, square, diamond, rectangle, triangle, heart, star, and oval) and bright colors, your kiddo won’t even realize they’re learning.

4. Melissa & Doug Rainbow Caterpillar Gear Toy

Color recognition is an important skill for children to work toward in toddlerhood. This gear toy offers plenty of opportunities for color learning and reinforcement. It also promotes hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. It’s a simple pick to occupy and engage your 2-year-old.

5. Learning Resources Primary Science Sensory Tubes

These sensory tubes are highly versatile and made to encourage science exploration, curiosity, and development of the senses. The four durable tubes have dual openings with two solid lids for each, and you can fill and refill them with your choice of objects. The kit includes four vented lids for exploring smells.

3 Other Toys for 2-Year-Olds

Whether you’re shopping for toys for toddler boys or girls, we could go on and on with exceptional options for 2-year-olds. Here are a few more of our favorite picks for this age. You won’t want to miss out on any of them.

1. Turtle Balance Stepping Stones

Honing coordination and balance is an important everyday task for 2-year-olds. These bright-colored, non-slip stepping stones are an incredible tool for doing just that. They’re durable (supporting up to 265 pounds each), stackable for quick storage, and perfect for creating endless obstacle courses. Plus, your toddler can use them indoors or outside. These will be an instant hit for your kiddo.

2. Hape Play Kitchen

A play kitchen is a wonderful addition to any child’s room. This one will surely promote creative thinking , imagination , and real-life skills practice all at once. It features a realistic-looking sink, stove, oven, cabinet, and spice shelf, as well as clickable, turnable knobs.

3. Green Toys Construction Trucks

This set of three toddler-sized construction trucks is an excellent pick for any car-, truck-, or construction-loving 2-year-old. The trucks are made from 100% recycled plastic and meet all international safety standards. You can’t go wrong with anything from Green Toys, as these items are ideal for indoor or outdoor use and can help develop imagination, motor skills, pretend play, language, and cause-and-effect reasoning. They’re even dishwasher-safe.

Toddlers aren’t always picky with their toys, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be. If you’re not selective, toddler toys can end up taking up a lot of space and sitting idle. Quality and longevity are essential when shopping for toys for a 2-year-old. We think you’ll love the items we’ve recommended here!

This article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

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Rookie Moms

Pregnancy > Parenthood

The 50 Best Toys for 2 Year Old Boys in 2023! [+ Toys of the Year]

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We handpick and review each item on our gift guides. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

I think most moms know that the terrible twos can be a little overhyped, the terrible threes … (now that’s a different story). Two is actually a pretty magical age full of make-believe play and boundless energy. I have 6 kids, ranging from two to twenty and the toddler years are some of my favorite!

If you are looking for a gift for your sweet toddler, you have to check out our list below. We pulled together some of the best parent and toddler-approved toys for 2 year old boys . It is exactly the list I will be using this year to shop for my 2-year-old!

The Best Gifts for Your 2 Year Old Boy

When picking a gift for any toddler, you will want to choose items that help them in their development yet are still super fun. Our Rookie Mom Squad found over 50 great options for 2 year old boy toys that do this! Check out the very best gifts for 2 year old boys below.

Toys for 2 Year Old Boy That Focus on Development

Toys are for fun, obviously, but they are also a big part of how little ones learn and develop new skills. Below are some toys that promote development! 

This CAT Digger is a great toy for little ones who love to play in the sand or love to build. It can be used as a stand-alone toy or they can ride on the back and scoop up with the giant claw.

Lovevery Play Kits

This is my top gift recommendation for 2 year olds!

I am obsessed with Lovevery Play Kits. All the toys that come in these kits are designed by experts and will support your toddler’s development.

I recommend getting a 1-year subscription so that you will always have new toys to rotate in. There is no commitment required, you can cancel at any time if it doesn’t work out.

Aqua Doodle Mat

Let their creativity run wild without all the mess with one of the best toys for 2-year old boys. It comes with two pens, that only work on the mat so they won’t ruin anything.

Bonus; the size of this mat is awesome and will give your toddler plenty of room to make a masterpiece.

Kids Bumper Cars

Yes, Bumper Cars!

As a mom of 5, I can’t believe I am saying this but I actually recommend this toy, in fact, it is one of the most used toys in the household. First off, I was very skeptical of such a device roaming through my house let alone putting my child in it.

There are honestly endless laughs with these bumper cars. They have a rubber outside, so they don’t scuff up any walls, and a seatbelt so that your child is safely inside the vehicle. There is even a remote control, so if your child can’t grasp the controls, which they will learn to do in no time, you can be the driver and just wheel them around.

MAGNOLIA 7-IN-1 PLAYSET

The Magnolia 7-in-1 Playset is an excellent choice for your two-year-old boy’s playroom! This versatile set includes a variety of features like monkey bars, a mini rock-climbing wall, a wooden ladder, a Swedish slide, a rope swing, a rope ladder, and a regular swing. These elements are thoughtfully designed to boost your toddler’s muscle growth, coordination, problem-solving skills, and spatial understanding in an enjoyable and interactive way.

This playset not only offers endless fun for your little one but also supports his developmental progress, perfectly in line with Montessori educational methods that emphasize self-led, tactile learning experiences. It’s a wonderful tool to encourage active, imaginative play while nurturing essential physical and cognitive skills.

Magnetic Blocks

Magnetic Blocks are the new craze when it comes to building block toys. Coincidentally, they are one of my absolute favorite toys for toddlers. I love them because not only do they entertain the little guy, all my older kids enjoy playing with them as well. Honestly, even I don’t mind sitting down to play together with these.

The possibilities of what you can build are endless, and knocking those creations down can be equally as fun. In addition, it is a great way to teach your little one about shapes and colors.

Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Robot Baby to Preschool Learning Toy – One of the TOP LEARNING TOYS for 2 Year Olds !

This friendly robot with chunky wheels, a 360° turn, and over 60 facial expressions. You press the light-up buttons on his head to get him to play fun educational games or dance. Keep in mind, it requires 4C batteries.

This is why it’s one of the most preferred choices- A lot of robot toys are best suited for older kids but not Movi! In fact, his color-coordinate games and fun sing-songs are ideal for younger ones. He’s quick on his feet, too. Moreover, it’s excellent for getting tots off their bums and running around.

KidKraft Everyday Heroes

There are 3 floors & 12 rooms of open space fun with a fire truck, motorcycle & helicopter. What is great for mom is it folds up nicely and easily for storage.

Our two-year-olds loved this imaginative play toy, especially the Firefighter’s pole for sliding from the top floor to the bottom

Just Smarty Electronic Interactive Alphabet Wall Chart

This is a great toy for helping your little one start learning his ABCs and 123’s. I bought this poster for my boys (3 and 1.5 years old). They love it! The baby loves listening to the songs and the toddler loves playing the various games.

Check out the over 4,000 reviews on this great educational toy!

PlanToys Blocks

This is definitely a classic (as in Grandpa probably even had a set when he was little), but that doesn’t mean your little one won’t absolutely love it. Nothing is wrong with tried and true. Your little architect can build castles, towers, and anything else they can imagine.

Leapfrog My Own Leaptop

Parenting choice learning toy.

Leapfrog is one of my favorite brands because it teaches my kiddos the basics like letters and numbers. With all the buttons and different noises this little play laptop can make, your child will have so much fun. In fact, they won’t even realize they are actually learning something.

Rainbow Stacking Toy

This adorable rainbow stacking toy is a great way to increase your toddler’s hand-eye coordination. You can check out this handmade toy on Etsy.

Color Shape Matching Egg Set

You may be wondering how a set of eggs can possibly be something that will educate and entertain your little one. Well, these actually encourage hand-eye coordination and recognition skills, and help preschoolers count, sort, AND match! They are frequently used in Montessori preschools, too.

Lincoln Logs

After 100 years, the classic Lincoln Logs are still a good gift. Why? Because you will find yourself and your little one lying on the ground for hours building different structures. We always get a set of animal farm figurines to go along with it and create barns.

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Chair

As a parent of many many two-year-old boys, it is nice to find a toy that encourages the little ones to sit down for a minute. This is a great toy that teaches and engages your kid and is perfect for a little downtime .

Children can flip through the book pages or push the light-up remote to hear about numbers, forms, and other topics. They can also lift the cushion to find more amusing surprises.

You can vary the learning as your child gets older. A range of developmentally appropriate songs, phrases, and sounds are included in each of the three play levels to entertain and teach your child. This is available in multiple colors

Interactive Toys for 2 Year Old Boys

The best toys for 2 year old boys are interactive, bright toys that aid their development! Here are some more of our favorites. 

Step2 Adventure Camper Playhouse  

The Adventure Camper from Step2 is so much fun! Both my 4 & 2-year-old love whipping up giant burgers and loaded hotdogs on their very own grill. 

You have got to love how Step 2 nails the small details from the skylight to the actual food with all the toppings and dishes. There is even a doorbell that works! Plus, like all of the Step2 products we have gone through in my household, it is sturdy and high-quality meaning your little ones can play endlessly with it before you see any sign of wear. 

Vtech Smart Shots Sport Center

Nothing is more exciting than scoring a goal! This is a great toy for any sporty kiddo with basketball and soccer all in one. It even keeps score, which helps your little one learn numbers, and cheers for them when they are doing well.

Melissa and Doug Magnetic Car Loader – Great Gift for Under $20

Little boys love playing with cars, which is why this item is included in our best toys for 2-year-old boy article. I am 99% sure it’s so they can constantly make a vroom-vroom noise to the point that they are driving you crazy! This little set comes with a wooden semi-truck to be loaded onto via magnet, which I know my toddlers would have gotten a huge kick out of.

Leapfrog Scoop & Learn Ice Cream Cart

This adorable ice cream cart is a new addition to our best toys for 2 year old boys. Our boys loved serving up ice cream when they were little. With the Leapfrog scoop and learn, t he magic scooper scoops up the ice cream and toppings to create tasty-looking combinations while introducing your child to colors and flavors.

The toy will help them practice counting to ten, teach them about flavors, and also have fun music they’ll enjoy.

Stomp Rocket

There are a lot of stomp rockets on the market and after numerous tests, this is by far the best one. This rocket can launch up to 100 feet (with the help of dad) but still can give a good launch with your little one.

There is just something so cute about watching the joy on a little kids’ face as the rocket soars in the air. The stomp rocket makes a great gift for the little boy in your life.

VTech KidiBeats Drum Set

I know you have probably teased someone about buying their child a musical instrument, well here is your chance! This little drum set will have any toddler rocking out in style.

Amazon Children’s Book Subscription Boxes

Amazon has some great book subscription clubs so that you and your toddler can have even more fun during storytime.

They are all organized based on your child’s age and you can choose how often you want the box distributed, once a month or 2 months or even 3 months. While this might not be a toy, it is a great gift for kids.

Little Tikes Trampoline

Best energy-burning toy for 1-2 year old boy .

This toy was a life saver with my second son who was a toddler with boundless energy! It’s also nice to have around on cold or rainy days when you don’t get the chance to go outside and your little one has extra energy to burn.

Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set

This is another toy that’s perfect for indoor or outdoor fun. It comes with a basketball made perfect for toddler hands, and the hoop can adjust as your kiddo grows.

Pottery Barn Chelsea All-in-1 Play Kitchen

If I have learned anything through being a mom of 5 it’s that all kids love a play kitchen ! With this toy kitchen, your 2 year old will be cooking up plastic pasta and burgers for you non-stop. The only question left is… how do I get a life-size kitchen that looks like this?

Best Bath Toys for Two Year Old Boys

No list of toys for 2 year old boys would be complete without a bath toy! Little ones have a knack for getting dirty, so having some bath toys is essential to coax them into getting clean.

Here are some of our favorite bath toys to make bath time fun.

Octopus Interactive Bath Toy

This toy is UNDER $10!

Think Ring toss in a bath and you’ve got the Nuby Floating Purple Octopus Interactive Bath Toy. This might be the best toy we have tried in 2023 as it makes bath time so much more fun with rambunctious 2 year olds.

The octopus is BPA-free for those kiddos who love to put everything in their mouth. My favorite part, is the toy is under $10, so it is super fun and super affordable.

Magnet Boat Set

The set comes with 4 boats, making these great toys for a 2 year old boy birthday gift!

Made with BPA-free, non-toxic materials, this fun, colorful playset comes with four boats that float. Each boat has safely enclosed magnets that attach to the next boat in line with numbers 1 2 3 and 4.

Best Gifts for the 2 Year Old Who Loves Exploring Outside

Have a little one who loves to be outside. We have some of the best toys for two year old boys who love to explore the great outdoors.

Little Tikes Spiralin’ Sea Water Park Play Table

Little ones love playing in the water and giving them an actual toy to do that with might just keep them out of your toilet and sinks. There are tons of different little activities to do on this table. Plus, you can set it inside or outside depending on the weather!

Radio Flyer Red Rider Trike

Look no further for the best toy for 2 year old boys! Get them started early on the whole bike-riding thing with this adorable trike. It will keep them balanced and safe in the comfy seat with a back.

Bug Catching Kit

If you have some adventurous little tikes running through your household who love to explore little creatures then this is a great gift. This outdoor bug kit lets your two year old go out on an exploration and find toy bugs or real ones.

Everything in here truly works, the binoculars are adjustable and you will find the binoculars one of the most used parts of this toy. Our little guy loved using these on our hikes and discovering everything from colorful leaves to tiny insects. This present can be good for kids up to 6 years of age in our opinion.

Green Toys Dump Truck

There is just something about dump trucks that little ones love! This Green Toys Dump Truck is perfect for little ones since it is BPA and phthalates-free. Plus, this is a toy that will help with their fine motor skills development. All you need to do is find a sandbox!

Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike

For those who want to get started on the whole bike thing but their two-year-old wants to be like the big kids, this is the perfect item for you. It looks like a normal bike minus the pedals because it’s made for your toddler to walk along with. Don’t forget a helmet though! Your daring little one might just try to lift his feet up.

Lydaz Bubble Mower

This one is a favorite among the two-year-old set and with good reason! Not only can your little guy pretend to help with outdoor chores, but he can get exercise and enjoy bubbles at the same time!

You’ll be amazed at how long he’ll play with this Bubble Mower, and it comes equipped with three bubble solutions so you won’t have to buy them separately. Check Current Prices Here!

Playskool Sit ‘n Spin

Wow, this toy will bring back lots of memories! A classic of the 1980s, kids are still enjoying this simple yet fun toy today. Besides being great for giggles, the Sit ‘n Spin helps toddlers practice skills like balance, coordination, and gross motor skills.

It can be used inside or outside as long as it’s on a flat surface, and your little guy will get a kick out of being strong enough to spin himself. Check Current Prices Here! 

Kid’s Golf Club Set

Start them early! Your 2 year old might not be ready for the golf course quite yet, but they will surely get a kick out of having their own little set. It is cute and really easy to set up and clean up.

It comes with everything you need; clubs, flags, balls, and a “golf bag”. Whether you are mom and dad, grandma, or just a good friend searching for the perfect gift for your little guy, he is sure to love this set! 

Award Winning Toys for 2 Year Old Boys

Now that we’ve talked about the best 2 year old boy toys for birthdays and development, let’s chat about great toy options that can serve as rewards. There’s nothing wrong with a little incentive for reaching big milestones like being potty trained! 

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Grow-the-Fun Garden to Kitchen

This toy really takes farm-to-kitchen to a whole new level so it is no surprise this was the TOTY Infant/Toddler Toy of the Year winner last year. I mean, look at how cute this make-believe garden is! It has bright colorful lights to capture your little one’s attention and 30+ play pieces to keep them busy.

Dinosaur Car Toys for Boys and Girls

These little dinosaurs have wheels on their feet! How cool is that? Two year olds love being able to push things around on wheels and it’s nice for it to be something other than a car every once in a while.

Melissa and Doug Laundry Set

My oldest son’s absolute favorite toy as a toddler was this little vacuum he could push around. I’d say it’s because he wanted to be just like his mama, but let’s get real when he was two and I had a newborn…

I couldn’t even tell you where our real vacuum was. Anyways, your little dude might want a laundry. Who knows? It’s undeniably an adorable set.

Janod Super Rocket Magnet Kit

Do you have a kid who likes to put things together just to take them apart and put them back together again? This little rocket will make that a piece of cake. Plus it’s honestly the cutest little rocket that I’m sure they will love to play with even when it’s all put together.

Fat Brain Toys Personalized Name Puzzle

This makes our best toy for 2 year old boy list because it is a fun way to help your little one learn to spell his name. A great way to introduce letters and their sounds to your toddler is with their own name. You can order one of these puzzles to do just that! Check current prices here!

Mega Bloks First Builders 80-Piece Classic Building Set

Bring it back to the basics. Your toddler will be entertained with these blocks long enough for you to get at least one thing done. Just make sure they’re all picked up during clean up time so no one accidentally steps on one.

Leapfrog LeapBuilders Fruit Fun Elephant 

My daughter and nephew both love this toy, and I love that they are enjoying learning. You can check out our detailed review of the Fruit Fun Elephant here !

My First Crayola Touch Lights, Musical Doodle Board

Bring out the little artist in your child with this glowing doodle board. This is a great sensory toy that allows your child to really express themself. Best of all, this toy is mess-free, making it the best gift for a 2 year old boy (and mom & dad!).

Whack a Frog Game

Our two year olds loved the whack-a-frog game, especially when two players get involved. The game comes with two hammers so the kids can try to knock as many frogs as possible.

It’s also great as a way to help your kids with fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and it will provide plenty of giggles.

Green Toys Car Carrier Vehicle Set

All little boys are different, obviously, but when it comes to my nephew he can never have too many cars. He loves his carrier set because it is like having multiple toys in one. It lets him stack cars on top and inside, which allows for motor skill development and imaginative play.

LEGO Duplo Toy Story Train

Toy Story is a timeless classic, but little ones today still love it! This toy has the best of both worlds with building block elements and a train set. The Woody and Buzz figurines that come along with the set are perfect for pretend play!

Fill and Fold Taco Play Set

You really can’t go wrong with tacos! I remember my two year olds whipping up meals for me in their play kitchen frequently. I love that these tacos are so easy for little hands to make and that there are 43 pieces!

Play-Doh Pinkfong Baby Shark Set

Baby shark and play-doh combined into one; it’s every 2 year old’s dream come true! This toy is recommended for 3 and up, but as long as you are right there with them it should be fine for 2 year olds as well. It comes with 21 play-doh tools meaning you can create the whole shark family and 12 cans of play-doh.

Pretend Light-Up Vacuum

Imaginative play is one of the best ways for kids to learn, and your little guy has surely seen you vacuuming the floors from time to time. Now, he can mimic you and “help” with chores using his very own pretend vacuum .

It has a removable bag to make it seem even more real, plus a clicking button, knobs and wheels. It also comes with sounds that simulate a real vacuum, meaning he’ll get to feel independent and accomplished as he practices keeping the house clean and tidy.

Playskool Learn-to-Dress Activity Doll

At age 2, your boy is getting more independent every day – so build his confidence with a plush friend to help him learn to dress himself!

This Playskool Activity Doll teaches kids to zip, tie, button, buckle and more. It also comes with a handy attachment ring so it can be clipped to a stroller, carseat, backpack or gym bag.

Bonus: it’s machine washable for those inevitable spills!

Skoolzy Pegboard Toddler Stacking Toys

Technically, this is a Montessori educational manipulative. To your 2-year-old boy, however, it’s hours of stacking fun while he practices his pincer grip and improves dexterity. The Skoolzy Pegboard comes with 38 pieces in different shapes and colors, plus a handy storage bag.

The pegs are large enough that little fingers can easily handle them but small enough to still provide tactile challenges. This set can also be used for color or shape sorting, or to practice making patterns, meaning it can grow with your child.

Smoothie Maker Blender Set

Does your 2-year-old love to help you out in the kitchen? If so, this Smoothie Maker set from Melissa & Doug will be a big hit. My little ones always loved these sets! Melissa & Doug food toys are top-notch, for example with this set the velcro pieces can actually be “chopped” and there is even “protein powder” that can be added in.

Since the selection of foods includes fruits and veggies, it can also help to encourage them to learn about new healthy foods along with colors and counting.

Dreampark Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle Set

At age 2, puzzles can have a truly profound impact on your little guy’s brain development. In addition to practicing shapes and pattern recognition, this set of six puzzles also teaches your boy problem solving skills he’ll use often later in life.

These cute and colorful animals look friendly, rather than overwhelming to a young mind just learning puzzle skills, and the pieces are small enough to feel comfortable in little hands. Check Current Prices Here!

Plush Creations Barn Friends Farm House

Kids are picking up new language skills every day by the age of two, and this adorable Barn Friends Farm House features four animals that talk and make sounds your child can mimic.

Easily operated with a simple hug or squeeze, each animal fits nicely in a child’s hand, making this a frustration-free toy. Since the animals are plush, you can even use this toy to make naptime a learning environment, with your little guy resting sweetly with his new-found barn friends.

Eric Carle’s ‘Hear Bear Roar’ Play-a-Sound Book 

A book featuring Eric Carle’s beautiful illustrations is gift enough for a child, but this book also plays 30 animal sounds at the touch of a button. Easily operated by little fingers, Hear Bear Roar takes your 2-year old on an interactive adventure filled with colors and sounds.

The storytelling and imagery are great for developing his creativity and imagination, and pushing the sound buttons helps to build hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. You truly can’t go wrong with this gorgeously illustrated interactive story.

About the Author

If You Liked the Best Toys for 2 Year Olds Boys, Check Out Our Other Gift Idea Articles:

Best Toys for 2 Year Old Girls [15 adorable options for your little girl]

The Best Toys for 5 Year Old Boys [20 Great Options]

Baby Development- The 11 Best Gifts for 6 Month Old Baby

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Toys for 2 Year Old Boys

What is the best gift for 2 year old boy?

CAT Digger Magnetic Blocks Melissa and Doug Magnetic Car Loader Little Tikes Trampoline Aqua Doodle Mat

What toys should my 2 year old have?

The best toys for 2-year-olds help them in their development by having some educational elements yet are still super fun and can keep their attention.

What is the best educational toy for a 2 year old?

Magnetic Blocks Melissa and Doug Magnetic Car Loader Little Tikes Trampoline Aqua Doodle Mat Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle Set Pegboard Stacking Toy Megablocks

Pin for later: Best Toys for 2 Year Old Boys in 2023

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35 Best Toys and Gifts for 4-Year-Old Boys 2024

These unique and unusual picks have something for every kid.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

" The best gifts at this age include construction toys that allow them to build and problem-solve — think about plastic interlocking blocks, gear toys, domino runs, magnet tiles and other similar choices," Parlakian says. "If your child already has wooden blocks, consider expanding the set with new block types like turrets, arches and cylinders to spark their building play. Pretend play props, like costumes, a tea set or construction tools encourage role-playing. With more control over their fine motor skills, art supplies like paints and brushes, markers and other similar items can also be a big hit. And finally, simple board games and activities like dominoes and memory cards are also fun for preschoolers."

The Good Housekeeping Institute has tested toys in all of these categories and more, looking for ones that are safe to use, will last stand up to rough play and — most importantly — won't annoy parents. Then they hand their favorites over to real 4-year-olds for the true test, making sure they are ones kids will go back to again and again. When the results came in, these were the best toys and gifts for 4-year-old boys in 2024, including current and former Good Housekeeping Best Toy Award winners.

Air Hogs Flippin’ Frenzy

The clever secret to this R/C is its big, soft wheels: They're mighty enough to roll over uneven terrain inside or outside, but they're squishy enough not to damage floors, furniture or walls. Kids can also pick their style, since one size features a red muscle car, and the other side features a blue sports vehicle. In Good Housekeeping tests, parents enjoyed playing with this as much as the kids did. Ages 4+

Disney Junior Firebuds Bo and Flash Action Figure Set

Fans of Firebuds on Disney Junior will thrill to the way these Bo and Flash figures talk to each other and sense when the other is nearby. The figures scored big with families. "This moves in a way that is unusual for a vehicle toy — it seems pretty technologically advanced,” a parent tester said. Ages 3+

RELATED: The Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards

GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope

Kids who are curious about science, nature and the world around can learn real facts about plants and animals with this talking microscope. It comes with more than 60 images on its slide, which easily store inside the microscope. There are also different modes of play, including Fact Mode for learning and Quiz Mode to see if they've absorbed the knowledge. If they're really into STEM, you can also get them the new GeoSafari Jr. Talking Telescope . Ages 4+

RELATED: The Best Educational Toys, According to Experts, Parents and Real Kids

The Ice Cream Vanishes

Squirrel and Bear are about to perform an amazing magic trick: making ice cream disappear! Can you figure out how they do it? Good Housekeeping Institute testers and experts loved this one because of the way, if they know how it ends, kids can look for "clues" that foreshadow their trick. Ages 4 – 8

RELATED: The Good Housekeeping Kids' Book Awards

LaScoota 2-in-1 Kids Kick Scooter

Good Housekeeping experts were impressed at the long life of this scooter, which can start out as a ride-on for younger ones (or younger siblings) and then adjust in height until the kids are about 12 years old. But kids focused in on something else: The light-up wheels! It also comes in a bevy of colors. Ages 3+

RELATED: The Best Scooters for Kids

Magna-Tiles Downhill Duo

Kids build everything in this downhill race set, from the path to the cars to the checkered finishing line. Then, they can send the vehicles zooming down the track, learning about gravity and magnetism along the way. Parent testers say this toy appealed to the whole family, and siblings and adults alike loved competing in head-to-head races. Ages 3+

Splash Park Kids Puzzle

Kids can use their spatial skills to put together this puzzle, which depicts a fun day at the park. The pieces are sturdy to stand up to rough preschool play, and the puzzle is just the right size at 24 pieces . Ages 3+

Monster Jam Grave Digger Trax

Testers really put this one through its paces, sending it over obstacles indoor and out, on all kinds of terrain. When the results came in, it had perfect scores across the board. “People were jealous of its ability to go over rocks and through water," one tester said. Ages 4+

Design & Drill Bolt Buddies Rocket

This one fosters both imaginative play and motor skills: Kids use a toy, battery-operated drill to build and disassemble these playsets , getting a feel for how to take things apart and put them back together again. There are lots of different playsets, including a recycling truck, a plane , a recycling truck , a race car , a fire truck , a police motorcycle , a helicopter and a tractor for a barn set . Each one comes with two "buddies" who also act as screwdrivers. Ages 3+

Sing-Along Numberblock Five

If it's all high-fives for Numberblock Five, then this is the plush for your Numberblocks fan. It has 12 songs and phrases that reinforce the concept of the number five, and kids can activate it with a touch of the hand. And yet, the body is still soft like a plush. Parent testers reported that this became a "popular daily toy." Ages 3+

Hot Wheels Ultimate Octo Car Wash Play Set

It's all the fun of going to the car wash in a four-foot-long Hot Wheels play set that's ready to spark imaginative play. The coolest feature is that running the vehicles through the water changes the color of Color Reveal cars . Kids can move the robotic cleaning arms, but there's also a ramp, a loop and a spiral to make it a little more exciting. Ages 4+

My Ice Cream Shop Play Set

This play set comes with a whopping 60 pieces including ice creams flavors, cones, scoops and play money. There are even cards that prompt kids with different orders and what to charge for them, which gets them practicing their early math skills. “My kids loved pretending to scoop and eat, and they loved the money drawer,” one parent said. Ages 3+

Kids' Toy Golf Set

Fore ! He'll have to work on his control and focus to hit the golf ball on this set, and then he'll get all his energy out chasing the balls to put them back in the feeder again. It comes with 15 golf balls, along with three club heads (a left driver, a right driver and a putter). Ages 3+

LEGO Team Spidey at Green Goblin's Lighthouse Kit

It's your friendly, neighborhood LEGO set, and all the Spidey fans will flip for it! At 149 pieces, it's just the right amount of challenge for 4-year-olds. When they're done, they'll have made an island lighthouse full of the Green Goblin's traps — watch out for the cave jail! — for Miles Morales, Ghost Spider, Sandman and Green Goblin to use for adventures. Ages 4+

Glow-in-the-Dark Set

With this set of magnetic tiles, any 4-year-old kid can spark creativity and build shapes with the pieces that stay together based on the strength of the magnets . Whether they're already a fan or looking to add to their collection, kids will appreciate these groovy tiles, which glow in the dark to give their structures new flair. In the box, you'll get 16 pieces in various shapes and sizes. Ages 3+

Wonder Crew Superhero Buddy

The Wonder Crew is halfway between a stuffed animal and an action figure . Together, your boy and his new buddy can be rough and tumble when it's time for adventure, or snuggly when it's quiet time. There are four Wonder Crew buddies, each with a different look. Ages 3+

Switcheroo Coding Crew

This combination of coding and rescue vehicles was a certifiable hit with Good Housekeeping Institute kid testers., who found it explained coding in manageable bites without needing any computer science knowledge. Kids draw a challenge card, snap on one of the vehicle shells (police car, fire truck or construction vehicle ) and program the cars to go in and save the day. They can even figure out "secret" codes, like how to make lights or sounds. Ages 4+

Lincoln Logs

Both kids and parents will love this Lincoln Logs building set, since parents might remember playing with this building set in their own childhoods. The set includes 111 pieces made of real maple wood that can be used to build structures like a cabin or two small houses with a bonfire. There are three different guides in the manual, but kids might have even more creative fun by building their own ideas. Ages 3+

Rattlesnake Jake

This is a game of nerves: Rattlesnake Jake comes curled around a pile of gold pieces, and players have to steal them from him. But watch out, because his rattle gets more intense and then he strikes! Snatching the gold before the bite helps kids work on their fine-motor coordination, and Good Housekeeping testers who tried this game said it was always a "wow" moment when the snake struck . Ages 4+

Crayola Dinosaur 5-in-1 Art Kit

Now he can unleash his creativity on his favorite subject: Dinosaurs! This set comes with fuzzy, flocked coloring pages, so he'll have a sensory experience, too. It also has origami pages, pop-out scenes and activity sheets, along with crayons and markers to color them all in. Ages 4+

RELATED: The Best Dinosaur Toys for Kids Who Love All Things Prehistoric

Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother . She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.

Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years , overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems. 

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10-year-old boy confesses to fatally shooting a man in his sleep 2 years ago, authorities say

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A 10-year-old boy has confessed to an unsolved killing in Texas, telling investigators that he shot a man he did not know while the victim slept, authorities said Friday.

The boy, who was just shy of his eighth birthday when the man was shot two years ago, has been evaluated at a psychiatric hospital but cannot be charged with the crime because of his age at the time, the Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Texas law requires a child to be at least 10 years old to have criminal culpability. The boy is being held in juvenile detention for threatening a student on a bus in another incident earlier this month, authorities said.

Brandon O’Quinn Rasberry, 32, was shot in the head in 2022 while he slept at an RV park in Nixon, Texas, about 60 miles (97 kilometers) east of San Antonio, investigators said. He had just moved in a few days before.

The boy’s possible connection to the case was uncovered after sheriff’s deputies were contacted on April 12 of this year about a student who threatened to assault and kill another student on a school bus. They learned the boy had made previous statements that he had killed someone two years ago.

The boy was taken to a child advocacy center, where he described for interviewers details of Rasberry’s death “consistent with first-hand knowledge” of the crime, investigators said.

The boy said he had been visiting his grandfather, who lived a few lots away from Rasberry in the RV park. He described the 9 mm pistol and its “dirt and army green” color, and said he took it from the glove box of his grandfather’s truck.

The boy described entering Rasberry’s RV, shooting him in the head, and shooting again into the couch before leaving, then returning the gun to the truck, investigators said.

The boy told his interviewer he had seen Rasberry in the RV park earlier in the day, but never met him and had no reason to be mad at him. Rasberry’s body was found after he failed to show up for work for two days.

The boy said his grandfather later sold the pistol. Deputies located it at a pawn shop. Shell casings from the previous crime scene were matched to the gun, investigators said.

The boy was placed in 72-hour emergency detention “because of the severity of the crime and because of the continued concern for the child’s mental wellbeing,” the sheriff’s office said.

He was brought to a psychiatric hospital in San Antonio for evaluation and treatment and then was taken back to Gonzales County. He was placed in juvenile detention on a charge of making a terroristic threat for the school bus incident.

It was not immediately clear if the boy’s family has an attorney. The Associated Press left a telephone message seeking comment at the office of Gonzales County Attorney Paul Watkins.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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News from non-English countries

"They fell to the ground with screams": Russian Guards fired at children single near Moscow - there is a casualty

2023-08-20T20:58:57.477Z

Highlights: In Russia, in the city of Elektrostal (Moscow region), during demonstrations, Rosgvardia soldiers began shooting at spectators with children from machine guns with blank cartridges. One child received serious damage from a rebounded cartridge case. In the video, a child can be heard crying and screaming violently. It is also interesting that Russia recently arranged a solemn farewell to Vladimir Shestakov, convicted for the murder of a child, who became a mercenary of PMC "Wagner" and was liquidated in the war in Ukraine.

In Russia, in the city of Elektrostal (Moscow region), during demonstrations, Rosgvardia soldiers began shooting at spectators with children from machine guns with blank cartridges.

So far, one injured child is known.

This was reported by the local Telegram channel of the Cheka-OGPU.

"Small children were clutching their heads screaming and falling to the ground. Not without injuries. The child received serious damage from a rebounded cartridge case," the report said.

One of the witnesses to the incident posted a video. It was her child who was shot by the Russian Guards. In the video, a child can be heard crying and screaming violently.

After the woman realized that her child had been wounded, she called her husband and doctor.

Meanwhile, Russian occupier Ivan Alekseev in the war in Ukraine after a drunken quarrel killed his colleague and tried to cover up the crime, saying it was the work of "Ukrainian saboteurs."

It is also interesting that Russia recently arranged a solemn farewell to Vladimir Shestakov, convicted for the murder of a child, who became a mercenary of PMC "Wagner" and was liquidated in the war in Ukraine.

• The suspect in the murder of a military volunteer was released from custody
• They will teach "patriotism": Russians in the occupied territories launch cadet classes
• Russia has created another training ground near Mariupol: how many soldiers are in the city

Source: tsn

All news articles on 2023-08-20

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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Assistant principal ignored warnings that 6-year-old boy had gun before he shot teacher, report says

FILE - Signs stand outside Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Va., Jan. 25, 2023. A former assistant principal at a Virginia elementary school has been indicted on eight felony counts of child neglect in the case of a 6-year-old boy who shot and wounded his first-grade teacher in Newport News, Virginia, last year, according to indictments unsealed Tuesday, April 9, 2024, in Newport News Circuit Court. (AP Photo/Denise Lavoie, File)

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NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — A former assistant principal at a Virginia elementary school showed a “shocking” lack of response to multiple warnings that a 6-year-old had a gun in the hours before he shot his teacher, according to a grand jury report released Wednesday.

“The child was not searched. The child was not removed from class. The police or SRO was not called,” the report said, referring to a school resource officer.

The report was released a day after the former administrator, Ebony Parker, was charged with eight counts of felony child neglect, one for “each of the eight bullets that endangered all the students” in teacher Abby Zwerner’s classroom, Newport News prosecutors said in a statement.

The 31-page report offers fresh details about the January 2023 shooting and serious wounding of Zwerner, which occurred after the boy brought his mother’s gun to school in a backpack. And it catalogues missed opportunities to provide more resources to the often-misbehaving student, as well as tools Parker could have used to remove him from class, such as alternative school, in the months before the shooting.

“Dr. Parker’s lack of response and initiative given the seriousness of the information she had received on Jan. 6, 2023 is shocking,” the grand jury report said. “This is only heightened by the fact that she was well aware of the child’s past disciplinary issues and had been involved in the decisions to address his behavior” in both the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years.

One parent testified that during the latter of those two school years, her son was choked twice by a fellow classmate, but the parent was never given the boy’s identity or told that he had a history of such behavior, including choking his kindergarten teacher. It was the same boy who shot Zwerner, the report said.

The report accused Parker of criminal responsibility because she “neglected to take any action” the day of the shooting after receiving reports that the boy may have had a gun.

“Over the course of approximately two hours Dr. Parker acted in complete disregard for the safety of all the children in Ms. Zwerner’s class, all the children the child played with at recess, and all the children who could have been shot in the school,” the report said.

Parker, 39, posted $4,000 in secured bail Wednesday and did not yet have an attorney listed for her, the Newport News Circuit Court clerk’s office said.

The grand jury report provides a granular, often minute-by-minute accounting of each time the special grand jury said Parker disregarded concerns. For instance, one teacher spoke of a “visibly scared and shaking” child who reported seeing bullets from the boy’s 9mm handgun during recess.

A counselor, Rolonzo Rawles, then told Parker the same story, according to the report.

“Mr. Rawles, now the third person and fourth time this message had been relayed, went back to Dr. Parker and communicated that the child either had a gun or ammunition at least,” it said.

Parker refused to let the boy be searched after his backpack was examined, the report said, describing the child sitting as his desk with “a loaded firearm tucked into his jacket.”

“Ms. Zwerner was then left alone with 16 first-grade students in her class that day, of which one had been reported by three different students over the course of two hours to have a firearm,” it added.

In the weeks after the shooting, Newport News Public Schools announced that Parker had resigned .

She and other school officials also face a $40 million negligence lawsuit from Zwerner, whose accusations dovetail with many of the details in the grand jury’s report.

The similarities were emphasized Wednesday by Zwerner’s attorneys, Diane Toscano, Kevin Biniazan and Jeffrey Breit, who said the grand jury report “reveals a systemic failure that led to the shooting.”

Zwerner was sitting at a reading table in front of the class when the boy fired the gun, police said. The bullet struck Zwerner’s hand and then her chest, collapsing one of her lungs. She spent nearly two weeks in the hospital and has endured multiple surgeries as well as ongoing emotional trauma, according to her lawsuit.

The children who were in her class that day are also struggling emotionally.

One student “will not talk to anyone about what happened,” according to the report, while another boy covers his ears any time someone asks him about it.

“He is afraid that the child will come back someday and hurt him,” it said. “His mother is currently in therapy as a result.”

Yet another boy who reported the 6-year-old having the gun is also in therapy, struggling with the guilt that the shooting was his fault, according to the report.

And a woman whose daughter witnessed the shooting and was subsequently denied a request to transfer to a different school was said to have sold her house and drained her savings — all “so that her daughter could go to school without feeling afraid.”

Many children were denied transfers per school policy, according to the report, which recommended allowing them in cases where a medical professional confirms a child is still struggling.

The report also found that police responding to the shooting were unable to access the school immediately because the door-buzzer system was broken. They banged on the door for a full minute before a custodian let them in.

The grand jury recommended that all Newport News schools have an automatic system, such as key fobs or swipe cards, to allow law enforcement instantaneous entry.