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For adults, sacred time may involve a self-care skincare face mask and a trip to Starbucks. For 2-year-olds, that cherished time is most definitely playtime.

The two-year-old age group — may we say — is one of the cutest. A toddler is typically growing more curious by the day, with interests beginning to form.

“Two-year-olds are constantly watching, gathering and organizing knowledge about their world through exploration,” Alice Cady, EdM, an eight-year classroom teacher of 2- and 3-year-olds told the New York Post. She has an education doctorate degree from the University of Buffalo’s Early Childhood Research Center, with a focus on computational thinking in early childhood.

“Vocabulary often blooms, but toddlers are still very ‘body forward,’ so integrating gesture gives them more opportunities to effectively communicate their needs and ideas.”

To offer a well-researched view of the 2-year-old age group, we outlined an in-depth FAQ section featuring expertise from three child development experts in the psychology and playtime space and four real-life mothers of two-year-olds.

New York Post Shopping rounded up the best gifts and toys for 2-year-olds below, with plenty of options from Walmart, Target and Amazon (which we have another kid-specific gift guide for!). They’re also classified by specific categories to make your shopping experience as streamlined and well-recommended as can be:

Meet the Experts:

General Toys

Lovevery “The Helper” Play Kit

Lovevery offers play kits for a wide range of ages (from 0 months to 4 years old), and you can buy them one at a time or sign up to have a new one delivered every three months. Each kit includes different activities and toys to help your child enjoy growing and learning, and according to Rachel Ritlop, a mom and toy review expert, they’re worth the money.

“Lovevery is the best option in terms of quality and price,” Ritlop said. “They always curate a great selection of well-rounded items so your toddler is getting a nice introduction to pre-literacy, early math and other STEAM lessions. My kids’ favorites for the 2 to 3 age range are the Helper and Investigator.”

KIZZYEA Educational Water Doodle Mat

After adding water to the markers that come with this set, they’re activated and ready to safely color in this large drawing space without any danger of staining rugs or carpeting on the ground next to it. The “ink” begins to fade after about 10 minutes, so kids are free to continue doodling over previous drawings and keep playtime going.

Dr. Jacqueline Harding, a child development and education expert, recommended this toy because it promotes creative play, which she said offers children significant developmental opportunities. “When life is busy, why not offer your very active and curious two-year-old the opportunity to dive into the creative world without the mess through the use of this delightful coloring mat?” she said.

Play-Doh Starter Set

“This Play-Doh set provides fun opportunities for kids to build important skills,” says Claire Lerner, a child development and parenting specialist with over 35 years of experience, who also happens to be a parenting author. “They exercise the muscles in their fingers and hands as they mold the dough and use the accessories, like kid scissors, to explore and create. This builds the fine motor skills that are critical for writing later on.”

Plus, making wildly colorful pretend foods never goes out of fashion.

Step2 Fun with Friends Kids Kitchen Set

This expansive set includes dozens of toy utensils to really let children embrace their creativity, and it’s available in pink, brown and gray color options. The best part? No messy clean up when your kid is done playing!

“Play kitchens offer endless possibilities for nurturing children’s development,” Lerner says. “They help children build their imagination as they pretend to be chefs making meals for friends, stuffed animals and family.”

Additionally, by collaborating with peers to plan “meals,” children are building what Lerner calls “critical social skills.”

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Pounding Bench with Mallet

According to Giardina, she recommends “literally anything from Melissa & Doug — they’re geniuses.” For a top-rated toy with more than 17,000 rave reviews, the brand’s Deluxe Pounding Bench with Mallet is great for helping your little one develop fine motor skills while also learning about colors, thanks to the included wooden pegs.

LeapFrog Scoop & Learn Ice Cream Truck

“My kids love to make ice cream cones and pretend to feed them to their stuffed animals — and each other!” Giardina says.

Not to mention, it’s a hit with another mom of a 2-year-old. “This cart has been a fan favorite for over a year,” Dill says. “Starting with simply playing with the ice cream, to actually using the cards to put together ice cream cones, it’s a great interactive toy.”

Step2 Best Chefs Kitchen Set

Whether you’re shopping for a 2-year-old boy or a 2-year-old girl, everyone needs a full-station toy kitchen in their playroom.

“The toy kitchen was a gift from his grandparents over the holidays,” Jamie Greenhouse, mother of three-year-old son, Bryce, told The Post. “We noticed that was what he was gravitating toward in school and at friends’ homes. He plays with it and makes meals, understands utensils (fork and knife) and now in my kitchen can relay when something is cold or hot — so, for example, he knows to not touch the oven and that the stove is HOT, HOT, HOT!”

Nutty Toys Pop Tubes (8-Pack)

“While I bought these for my infant son, it’s my 2-year-old who loves them!” Jessica Ventre, mother of a 2-year-old daughter, Emma, and 6-month-old son, Jack, tells The Post. “The tubes stretch and make fun sounds. She loves to connect them to make one long pop tube chain.”

What’s more, this bundle is an official Amazon best-seller and backed by more than 18,000 rave reviews.

KidKraft Vintage Wooden Play Kitchen

“My kids play for hours with this kitchen,” Christine Giardina, mother to 2-year-old daughter, Julianna, and a 1-year-old daughter, Olivia, tells The Post. “They pretend to cook and bake and love storing food in the fridge!”

Gina Dill, mother to a 2-year-old daughter, Izzy, also shares that this pretend kitchen is a hit. “We love this kitchen (it was a hand-me-down) but very solid and great quality,” she says. “[My daughter] spends a lot of time with the different food to create recipes and make different meals.”

Washable Dot Markers (8-Pack)

For less than $20, you can gift a 2-year-old these fun and ergonomic dot markers.

“Whether she uses these with dot paper coloring pages or a blank paper, it’s always a good time,” Ventre says. “They’re a great way to encourage creativity and motor skills without making a big mess.”

Kid’s Play Teepee Tent

To allow your 2-year-old to create their own world of sorts, a teepee tent is a wonderful addition to a playroom (and, doubles as an Instagram-worthy decor piece for your little one’s play area).

“This is a very basic tent, but she loves to play in it, using it as a place to hide or pretend it’s her house,” Dill says.

Melissa & Doug On the Go Water Wow! Reusable Water-Reveal Activity Pad

If you’re looking for an affordable, artistic-leaning activity for your child to play with (and grow to love), the Melissa & Doug On the Go Water Wow! Reusable Water-Reveal Activity Pad fits the bill.

“These are so awesome to bring to restaurants to keep the kids busy,” Giardina says. “They love to paint, and its mess-free!”

Outdoor Toys

Kiddey Tunnel & Ball Pit Play Tent

“This tunnel and ball set offers fun opportunities for active play and adventure, as kids use their bodies to navigate the space while they develop coordination and build muscle strength,” said Lerner. “The balls add another fun element that also builds hand-eye coordination.”

One of the best things about this toy is that you can use the three play areas separately or connected together, which gives you options for customizing the setup to fit your space. The regular model comes with 50 plastic balls, or you can choose one with 100 balls to amp up the fun even more.

Chalk City Jumbo Sidewalk Chalk (20-Pack)

For an outdoor toy that’s great for any age — especially your curious 2-year-old — the Chalk City Jumbo Sidewalk Chalk is the perfect $10 grab. Giardina loves using a kit like this to play with her two daughters once the warm weather approaches.

For more options, check out our roundup of the best outdoor toys for kids of all ages.

Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set

“This was a great purchase — it’s easy, fun and entertaining when it’s nice outside,” Greenhouse says. “My son doesn’t fully understand the game, but he has fun with his friends throwing the ball in the hoop.”

Additionally, this Amazon best-seller is backed by over 44,000 rave reviews and helps with eye-hand coordination.

Splash Sprinkler Pad

“We have a pool in our yard, but we bought this for some extra fun,” Greenhouse says. “Not everyone his age feels comfortable in the water (my son thinks he’s Michael Phelps, so we use this a lot when we have his friends over). They run across the splash pad on the grass and also ask for the water to go up and down and ‘more,’ which was also one of his first words!”

Plus, this $20 buy has more than 10,000 positive reviews and is great for your next backyard party.

Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table

“This set was a huge win for my house,” Greenhouse says. “My son loves his water table and engaging with all the accessories that come with it. From making a whirlpool to filling up the bucket, it kept him busy for a while — which isn’t always the case for a little boy.”

Greenhouse isn’t the only mother who loves this under-$100 grab, either. “This was a fan favorite in the nice weather,” Dill says, explaining how her 2-year-old daughter fell in love with it. “We could spend hours playing with this table.”

Specifically, Dill uses the brand’s Showers & Unicorns ($84) model, a pink and purple-embossed version that is perfect for the 2-year-old girl you’re shopping for.

Little Tikes Gas ‘n Go Mower

“My son was gifted this by his Gee-gee (grandma),” Greenhouse says. “He first played with it in camp and wouldn’t let it go. I remember calling my mom and saying he doesn’t want to leave camp because of the lawnmowers. Still today, he runs outside with the lawnmower and we also go on ‘walks’ and he stops and looks at the grass, rocks and flowers.”

Because it kept her 2-year-old son active and engaged, it’s a much-recommended toy because it also helps get those active steps in.

Cute Stone Pretend Play Kitchen Sink

“This can easily be an indoor toy, but parents know that water toy clean-up is much easier outdoors,” Ventre says. “This little sink has running water and a tiny stove top with cool steam.” Not to mention, there are plenty of accessories included that’ll help build upon sensory learning.

Sun Squad Light-Up Bubble Maker

For just $10, pick up the Sun Squad Light-Up Bubble Maker to have bubbles on demand (what we didn’t think we needed, but absolutely do).

“[My daughter] loves running around and chasing bubbles,” Dill says. “It’s nothing fancy, but it’s good to get out some energy.”

Musical Toys

Tonies Playtime Puppy Starter Set

“We love our Tonie box that we’ve had for about a year,” Dill says, recommending this direct-to-consumer brand. “We like the different music characters and story telling.”

While Dill uses the cookie monster version of this toy, there are a wealth of options on its website to allow your child to listen to musical stories for hours on end.

Battat Toy Guitar

Kids can rock out this electric guitar that runs on AA batteries. It has seven pre-recorded songs for kids to play along to, and the combination of push buttons and bendable strings gives little ones a closer experience to playing a real guitar.

“Battat’s toy guitar is one of our favorite toy guitars rated safe for 2 year olds and up,” said Ritlop. “Your toddler can choose between electric or acoustic, strum the three chords and hit the whammy bar for their very own rockstar experience.”

Love&Mini Toddler Piano with Microphone

For years, toddler pianos have been a hit — both for pressing keys and singing into the microphone.

“It’s a simple piano, but [my daughter] likes learning what the different buttons can do,” Dill says. There are some songs that it’s pre-programmed to play as well.

Wooden Musical Instruments (12-Piece Set)

First-hand learning experiences are a great way to familiarize young children with music. This set gives them plenty of options of different instruments to play, as well as a zippered carrying case when it’s time to quiet down.

“These build fine-motor skills and dexterity as they use their hands to play the instrument, and gross motor skills as they dance and develop balance and coordination,” said Lerner. “Creating rhythms also build memory and cognitive development.”

Fisher-Price Mix & Learn DJ Table

We’re not surprised that this set appears on Walmart’s top toys of 2023 list, considering how clever and fun it is. Kids can begin practicing their piano skills, twisting the turntable and playing with all the knobs and buttons to make real musical sound. Plus, its removable legs let kids start using it while they’re sitting on the floor, then keep playing as they get comfortable standing upright.

CoComelon Musical Guitar

“My son loves music, so getting him a guitar was a natural fit!” Greenhouse says. “We showed him how to properly hold the toy but he just grabs the strings. Hopefully one day, when he’s older, he can translate his love for the toy into taking real life guitar lessons!”

For more options, check out our guide to the best CoComelon toys.

Riwbox Bluetooth Headphones

“Does your 2-year-old listen to the same songs over and over again like mine?” Ventre asks. “These headphones save mommy’s sanity while giving my daughter the freedom to listen to her music, dance, and sing independently.”

Conveniently, this pair of kids headphones is perfect for long car rides, too.

Developmental & Educational Toys

Montessori Learn to Dress Practice Boards

This set of six boards helps young children practice their fine motor skills by using their fingers to complete everyday tasks related to dressing and getting ready in the morning. They’re all portable and easy to take with you on a car trip, which is a nice convenience bonus, and their design is based on toys used in the Montessori method of education.

“These work out practical life skills and cut down on frustration for everyone as kids learn the necessary skills to get themselves dressed without the pressure,” said Ritlop. “The unique design of focusing on one skill at a time actually aligns with the Montessori method.”

LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book

This interactive book toy has built-in speakers and audio recordings of friendly animals that help introduce over 100 age-appropriate words to 2-year-olds. It covers five different word categories and has the option for Spanish or English audio.

“Around this age, little ones begin to make great strides in acquiring new vocabulary, and this novelty book offers an abundance of new words to be discovered,” said Harding. “An ever-expanding vocabulary means that they are better able to express themselves, so a book like this taps into a great developmental need around this age.”

Backyard Bugs Touch & Feel Board Book

“These types of books are great for children to start exploring different textures and understanding differences in the way things feel,” says child development specialist Hali Rashkovsky. “It promotes sensory exposure, cognitive development, language development, and joint attention.”

Getting kids more involved with story time is always a good idea, and if you’re not sure about the insect theme, don’t worry — there are other animal-themed options to choose from that are just as engaging.

Montessori Busy Board

This single book is jam-packed with activities to keep your 2-year-old busy for a long time. Rashkovsky recommends it because it helps children develop fine motor skills while simultaneously practicing real-life skills such as interacting with zippers, shoelaces, buttons and belt buckles.

Rashkovsky also says the included Montessori activities are “good for practical life skills, hand-eye coordination and cognitive development.”

The Learning Journey Color Fun Fish Bowl

“This color fun fishbowl works on color recognition, with two modes: one which identifies colors as students place fish in the slot, and another that challenges children to find specific colors when they are ready,” Cady says. “The cause-effect nature of this also models reciprocal communication and holds interest.”

As children gain more experience with peers, there’s also a great opportunity to use this toy to facilitate turn-taking to fill the bowl, according to Cady. “Because you need to add the fish one by one, children can also be lead to count as they put in the fish, using 1-to-1 correspondence.”

Educational Talking Flash Cards

According to Greenhouse, this is a major toy win for her house.

“My son loves playing with his flashcards and gets excited when he gets the answer correct,” she says. “As most moms probably say, I felt my son was a bit delayed in his speech, so this was something that was super important to me. We work on sounds and words constantly using this toy and to me it’s really a ‘school lesson’ while he thinks it’s play time.”

Peaceable Kingdom Count Your Chickens! Board Game

“This is a cooperative board game that’s great for counting practice,” Ventre says. “The stakes are high enough to hold a 2-year-old’s interest without it being overly challenging.”

Be sure to note that some pieces may be an issue for some 2-year-olds, so this toy is better suited for those on their way to turning 3 years old.

Busy Book

“This has been a great way to start the day,” Dill says. “There are lots of areas of opportunity for growth over the next few months.” Plus, your 2-year-old will never grow bored, given the volume of learning opportunities filled within each spiral-bound.

Scholastic 50 First Words Flashcards

“My daughter loves seeing the different pictures and guessing the words,” Dill says. “She’s reaching the end of the baseline flash cards, but will be able to grow into the next set to continue learning and developing her vocabulary.”

Not to mention, this affordable Amazon grab is perfect to help match pictures to words.

Matching Letter Game

“I’ve just started using this and it’s a great way for her to start understanding spelling, what letters words start with and how to put them together,” Dill says. “It’s still a bit advanced for her, but something she will grow into.”

Plus, you can take the blocks with you to quickly and conveniently learn letters on the go.

Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog

Dare we say — how cute and unique!

“We used this when she was younger and still likes to use it to group different colors together,” Dill says. It’s also wonderful to help promote and advance fine motor skills.

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Piggy Bank

With over 21,000 positive reviews (and counting — literally!), the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Piggy Bank is wonderful for learning how to count and fit small pieces into each other.

“This is another one my daughter used when she was younger, but now enjoys to count with the toy,” Dill says.

amazon $20.40 $17.99

Puzzles & Shape-Sorters

Melissa & Doug Shape-Sorting Wooden Dump Truck Toy

Combining shape-sorting boards with a moveable toy truck, this toy encourages kids to engage in hands-on play that doesn’t involve TV screens or tablets. The shapes all have different colors, too, so kids can also practice identifying their colors.

“This is a fun shape-sorting puzzle that has a ton of uses and is rated safe for 2 year olds,” Ritlop said. “You can stack the shape pieces like blocks, work on language and identifying colors and shapes or just use the dump truck for some fun open-ended pretend play. It’s going to last well beyond 2 years old!”  

Melissa & Doug Take-Along Sorting Barn

“I love this toy because of how multi-purposeful it is,” Lerner says. “It teaches about shapes, matching and sorting, and problem-solving, and builds fine motor (finger and hand) skills as kids work to figure out where each animal fits.”

In addition to its developmental benefits, we appreciate that this cute toy has a built-in storage system that makes cleanup a breeze.

Melissa & Doug Farm Friends Deluxe Jumbo Knob Puzzle

“Having puzzle and shape toys that are manageable for your 2-year-old is critical,” Cady says. “Larger puzzles with indents for specific animals to match, or photos to match, is a friendly way for children to be naturally scaffolded to complete puzzles on their own.”

Cady recommends the Melissa & Doug Farm Friends Deluxe Jumbo Knob Puzzle, a $25 option that’s positively reviewed by more than 3,000 happy caregivers who are teaching their 2-year-old about cows, horses and sheep.

Wooden Construction Puzzle (6-Pack)

“When children become more comfortable with managing puzzle parts like this, more challenging puzzles can be introduced,” Cady says. “When choosing a more traditional puzzle, if your child is ready, I suggest having a picture build within the image pieces are meant to make.”

Cady recommends this Wooden Construction Puzzle for a $25 option that’s also wonderful to help develop cognitive ability.

Alphabet & Number Puzzle Set

“This is key for numbers and letters and to help them grow with sounds,” Greenhouse says. Not to mention, the horizontal, chronological nature of the alphabets and numbers puzzles are great to help remember elements in a line.

Benresive Montessori Wooden Puzzle

“This was key when he was younger to help with hand-eye coordination and animals,” Greenhouse says. “We would sit on the play mat and work with him to make sure we can properly place the puzzles in the correct spot.”

Plus, each puzzle is a large size, allowing your 2-year-old to hold each one firmly in their hands.

Counting Animals Color-Sorting Game

“Children use the tools provided to sort animals by color,” Ventre says. “It’s also a fun way to practice number sense.”

For just $11, your 2-year-old will also adore the vibrant colors and the included tongs to help sort and pick up all of the included animals in the bundle.

Melissa & Doug Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Numbers Wooden Peg Puzzle

According to Dill, her and her 2-year-old daughter use this puzzle a ton — and, it’s a no-frills option for less than $15.

“We like to learn about the different shapes and she enjoys that it’s Winnie the Pooh-themed,” she says.

Sesame Street Elmo’s on the Go Letters

“This book is great,” Dill says. “We love that it’s portable and is a great mechanism to learn the alphabet.”

Giardina also dubs this on-the-go toy as a favorite with her 2-year-old daughter. “We play educational games with our favorite characters and other dolls and stuffed animals,” she says.

Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Take-Along Shape Sorter

If you’re looking for a well-organized, on-the-go toy option, the Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Take-Along Shape Sorter is a hit — and, it includes various exterior slots to help facilitate shape-learning.

“This is another good portable option that we like to bring into restaurants or to other people’s houses,” Dill says. “It’s good practice for learning about different shapes.”

Melissa & Doug Disney Minnie Mouse Mix & Match Dress-Up Wooden Play Set

“This is by far a favorite. We love to put together different outfits and show off our creative side,” Dill says. “We like that it’s compact so we can bring it with us to different places.”

Plus, it’s the perfect affordable grab to help your 2-year-old match colors and outfits together, learning how certain aspects of a whole fit into place.

Blocks & Building Toys

LEGO DUPLO Dream Playground

Including five toy figures and pieces to build four different play structures, this set is an excellent introduction to the world of DUPLO and a great addition to any young DUPLO fan’s collection. All the activities depicted in the set are kid-friendly, so children gain practice by play socializing in scenarios they may soon encounter themselves.

Christopher Byrne, known better as the Toy Guy, recommended this kit for 2-year-olds. “The DUPLO blocks are perfect for small hands and fine motor skills development, and when it’s all assembled, it inspires outstanding, open-ended imaginative play,” Byrne said. “It’s great for solo play, but it can also help kids build social skills through interactive, imaginative role play with others as their imaginations bring this world to life.”

Playmobil 1.2.3. & Disney Winnie’s and Piglet’s Treehouse

Bring Winnie the Pooh and his magical, storybook world to life with this Playmobil set. The treehouse has a built-in slide that Winnie and Piglet can slide down, and it also comes with a table and chairs so the figures can enjoy a little tea party. Plus, some parts of the tree can be rotated and make noises, which further engages children.

“The 1.2.3. toddler line is all about kids learning through play,” said Byrne. “The unique learning concept starts at the youngest ages, and kids can engage in open-ended exploration. Then, as they get a little older, they manipulate and play with the toy to begin to develop fine motor skills and three-dimensional thinking. As kids get older, they’ll be able to make up stories about their friends in the 100 Acre Wood.”

Montessori Wooden Animal Blocks

This 10-piece set includes challenge cards that prompt children to stack the animal figures in different ways and experiment with building structures. It’s a great option for solo or cooperative play with a friend or sibling.

“Stacking means little ones get to practice hand eye coordination skills and, of course, the anticipation of whether the blocks might fall down is hilarious fun,” said Harding. “This toy comes with extra challenges for matching patterns to the picture cards, so it has a useful life beyond the age of two. There are also plenty of opportunities for imaginative play with the wooden animals which will feel great in their hands.”

LEGO DUPLO Doctor Visit Set

This set includes three characters, blocks to build a doctor’s office, a toy polar bear and story cards that depict different interactions, inspiring your 2-year-old to recreate the scenes on their own. It’s a wonderful introduction to world of LEGO and building block toys in general.

Yesim Kunter, an independent play consultant who has worked as a designer for LEGO, Hasbro and Toys “R” Us, recommended this set for 2-year-olds. “It’s great for constructive pretend play and role play,” she said.

Melissa & Doug 100-Piece Wood Blocks Set

Lerner recommends this building block set because she says “it exercises and develops [children’s] fine motor skills, math skills, spatial awareness, color and shape recognition, and problem-solving skills.”

She says this set helps children build these skills by prompting them “to figure out how to get their tower to stay stable or how big to make a room to fit their animals when they decide the structure they are making becomes a barn.”

Chuckle & Roar ABC Learning Blocks Set

“This set helped teach my daughter the alphabet,” Giardina says. “She loves to not only build with them, but also line them up in letter and number order, and say the letter that corresponds with the picture on the block.”

Plus, the activities you can do from this one toy are endless! The easy-grab storage tub is a bonus for on-the-go travel, too.

CENOVE Flower-Building Garden Toy

“This is one of our favorite toys lately that we got for Christmas and play with every day,” Dill says, enthusiastic about one of her 2-year-old’s most-cherished toys. “We use it to create beautiful flowers and gardens for some of our other activities.”

It’s also an official Amazon best-seller and at its lowest price ever right now.

Disney Wooden Toys Winnie the Pooh & Friends Block Set

For any Disney fan (and caregiver who adores aesthetically pleasing pastel blocks and sets), the Disney Wooden Toys Winnie the Pooh & Friends Block Set is a steal for less than $25.

“My daughter enjoys these because of the theme of Winnie the Pooh and the creativity which with she can build,” Dill says. Just look how adorable the cloud block is!

LEGO DUPLO Minnie’s Birthday Party Building Blocks

“As a Minnie fan, we love this set and all the different things that can be built,” Dill says. Within this set, your 2-year-old will love playing with Minnie Mouse, her cat, her oversized birthday cake, presents and other interactive buildables.

Much like the Minnie Mouse LEGO set, the brand has a Mickey & Minnie Birthday Train Building Toy Set that’s beyond adorable, including both Minnie and Mickey, as well as a fully loaded train, oversized cupcake, presents and more.

Cars, Trucks & Vehicles

School Bus Toy with Sound & Light

“This bus was a major win for me,” Greenhouse says. “We practiced the song wheels on the bus and ‘bus’ was one of my son’s first words. He took this toy everywhere and asked for it constantly.”

Not to mention, it’s a great toy for learning about the future of taking the school bus. “We showed him that, as he gets older and goes to school, that you take the bus and mommy and daddy see you after school,” she says.

Large Transport Cars Carrier Set

“Bryce was super excited to get his big car set,” Greenhouse says. “I think seeing all the options, colors and styles he gets so excited. Vroom vroom is always the words out of his mouth when playing with this set.”

Not to mention, the litany of roll-around cars package neatly inside this toy’s monster truck, making cleanup a snap.

Meland Construction Vehicles Set with Play Mat

“Bryce’s face lights up when he plays with the construction vehicle set,” Greenhouse says. “I will admit the he doesn’t always use the play mat, but the remainder of the set is in every room of the house!”

Fisher-Price Little People Big Yellow Bus

“We’ve been playing with this for over a year,” Dill says, recommending the $25 beloved play set. “My daughter has grown with it and now likes to get the little people on and off in different ways.”

Aside from learning how to maneuver a school bus, your toddler will love this vehicle as an accompaniment to other dollhouses and play sets.

Push, Pull & Ride-On Toys

CoComelon Ride-On School Bus

For lovers of CoComelon everywhere, jump on the brand’s Ride-On School Bus — a less-than-$40 option that we predict to sell out quickly.

“My kids love to ride this bus,” Giardina says. “They love playing the alphabet and music on it. It’s a favorite!”

Step2 Whisper Ride Cruiser Push Car

“This is a fun alternative to a stroller,” Giardina says. “My two daughters love to ride on this car.”

And, the star of the show — it’s hot pink and comes with a built-in cup holder. What’s better than that?

iPlay, iLearn Bouncy Pals Dinosaur Hopper

Harding recommended this toy because she said it promotes both laughter and physical exercise. “Two-year-olds are often on the look-out for a good giggle,” she said, “and why not? We now know that a belly laugh does children and adults a whole host of good!”

The toy comes with a mini air pump to inflate it, and it can function as a fidget-friendly seat when kids are watching TV.

“This toy is just tremendous laugh-out-loud fun as they bounce their way up and down,” Harding said. “They are also likely to be imagining all sorts of adventures while strengthening their leg muscles on the way.”

Radio Flyer Deluxe Steer & Stroll Ride-On Trike

Lerner recommends this tricycle because it’s so versatile. “Grownups can steer it while the child gets comfortable riding on it and steering, [and] it grows with the child as they learn to navigate it on their own,” she says. “This all builds strong gross motor strength and coordination.”

In addition to its removable rear handle, it has a storage bin on the back where kids can keep extra toys. Good to know Radio Flyer has come such a long way since making their iconic red wagons.

CoComelon Bumper Car

This baby bumper car lets your kid steer safely around your home with easy-to-use joysticks and an adjustable safety belt to keep them in place. The car has a rechargeable battery, and because its bumpers are made of soft rubber, you won’t have to worry about any damage to your walls or furniture.

This toy is so popular, it earned a spot on Walmart’s top toys of 2023 list — so make sure to grab it before it sells out. Bonus: it’s available in Minnie Mouse and Spider-Man options, too.

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe

“I assume this is supposed to be an outdoor toy, but somehow this ended up inside my home,” Greenhouse says. “Bryce really loves his big red car and rides around the house with it. He knows to beep the horn and as he got older he fills the cupholders with his milk and/or water and snack cup! Now, he also asks to take bear for a ride.”

Not to mention, Giardina also loves this fun, move-around toy for her 2-year-old daughter. It’s perfect for indoor and outdoor use alike.

VTech Prance & Rock Learning Unicorn

“This has been a staple in my house for years,” Giardina says. “We ride it every day!”

If the vibrant colors and cute charm isn’t enough to sell you (which it should), rest assured that it’s designed to be low-to-the-ground, making it ultra-safe for your 2-year-old.

VTech Pop-a-Balls Push & Pop Bulldozer

“The bulldozer was another great purchase that Bryce used a lot of,” Greenhouse says. “Inside or outside, he would take it and play.”

What’s more, it’s also a great way to work on coordination with the balls, colors and counting.

Kidzone Ride-On Lamborghini

Let’s start out with this — who doesn’t want a Lamborghini?

“This was Bryce’s 2nd birthday gift from his grandparents,” Greenhouse says. “When the weather is nice, he rides it around the driveway and his friends love to play with it too. I will say this is more of a ‘special present’ and he still gets excited when we take it out.”

Joovy 4.1 Kids Tricycle

“This is great because my daughter can grow with it,” Dill says. “For now, we still push her, but we’ll be able to allow her to start pedaling herself in the next few months.”

The Joovy 4.1 Kids Tricycle is also equipped with a padded seat, harness and sun-protective canopy, making it a sweet, investment-worthy ride.

Rollplay Electric Ride-On Train

“We definitely enjoy riding this train and are looking forward to getting more use in the nicer weather,” Dill says. Not to mention, the included cart for your 2-year-old’s teddy bear is too cute to pass up.

Kid Trax Toddler Disney Minnie Mouse Quad Ride-On

“This is a cute Minnie themed quad,” Dill says. “It doesn’t go too fast and my daughter enjoys pushing the button to drive herself.”

What’s great about this ride is its step-up design — the safety track allows your 2-year-old to grip onto its textured step to prop themselves safely upright before riding.

SEREED Baby Balance Bike

Have you seen a more aesthetically pleasing ride? It looks like a bookshelf toy but it’s uniquely a well-designed ride-on (and, just $50, too!)

“It took my daughter some time to get used to this, but she enjoys riding it around her playroom,” Dill says.

Bouncy Pals Unicorn Bouncy Horse

Doesn’t every little girl hope for a pony? Well, the new trend is unicorns, and we’re here for it (especially oversized unicorns we can ride on).

“We are definitely unicorn fans and my daughter enjoys having this bigger stuffed animal that she can bounce on,” Dill says.

Stuffed Animals & Dolls

CoComelon Deluxe Dancing JJ Doll

Able to stand up on its own, this doll offers more interactivity and creative play opportunities than most other dolls and stuffed animals. As JJ dances, his movements and songs encourage children to participate. It’s undeniably cute, and an undeniably fun time for young kids.

Byrne said that “CoComelon” is “one of the hottest properties out there right now,” and added that “kids love interacting with JJ, the star of the show.”

“There are three play modes,” Byrne said. “Learn to Dance, Fast and Slow, and Freeze Dance. There are also phrases from the show. A great way to continue the excitement and fun off screen.”

Fisher-Price Little People Friends Together Play House

“We love to use this to create a neighborhood with all our other playhouses,” Dill says. “It has great interactive sounds and has been a staple in the house for a while.”

Uniquely, this compact dollhouse comes with characters, furniture, a fully furnished kitchen and, *drumroll please*, a tree swing.

Bumble Bear Silicone Bath Toys

Make bath time more engaging for your 2-year-old with this set of animal-themed dolls. They’re made from non-toxic silicone and can be filled up with water to become a fun toy. The tops and bottoms of all the animals can be swapped around, and all the pieces can be easily cleaned in your dishwasher.

“Water play is the best for children to learn soothing themselves and cause and effect,” said Kunter.

Aigybobo Big Red Barn with Animal Figures

This farm-themed set includes 10 finger puppet figures to play with, as well as a big red barn that opens up to give kids space to set up and move around the cute little animals.

“These toys encourage pretend play as they act out scenarios and develop stories,” said Lerner. “This builds imagination and higher-level cognitive skills. When they engage with these toys with peers and parents, they build social and language skills as they talk about the ideas and stories they are developing about the characters and their lives in their homes.”

CoComelon Deluxe Interactive JJ Doll

“My kids think this is magical!” Giardina says. “They love being able to feed their favorite character, JJ, peas and seeing it disappear.” Plus, the star of the CoComelon show also plays music — what’s not to love?

Sesame Street Plush Bundle

Every since we were little ourselves, we couldn’t shy away from any of the Sesame Street plushes. Not to mention, one of America’s popular kids shows is still in full-swing.

Giardina says her 2-year-old daughter loves to collect them and play with them around her play mat. Elmo is her favorite, but Cookie Monster and other characters are equally as fun.

Fisher-Price Barbie Little Dreamhouse

After receiving the Fisher-Price Barbie Little Dreamhouse for Christmas one year, Giardina’s 2-year-old daughter has not been able to stop playing with it. There’s a slide, a collection of furniture to play around with and it’s the perfect size, according to Giardina.

Anico 5′ Giant Plush Teddy Bear

“This bear was a gift and I think more exciting for me to watch him open,” Greenhouse says. “He loves his standard-size bear so watching him see a plush, soft, life-size bear was super exciting for him!”

What’s more, it’s also durable enough for 2-year-olds to pull, wrestle and play with.

CoComelon Boo Boo JJ Deluxe Feature Plush

“This was a cute toy to use to show that everyone gets a ‘boo-boo,'” Greenhouse says. “Bryce would put band aids on JJ and check him. It was cute to watch him understand learning about being sick, getting hurt and most importantly feeling better!”

Upon purchase, you’ll find your toddler’s first doctor’s kit aside from the doll, making it a great value for less than $25.

Minnie Mouse Ultimate Mansion 22″ Play Set

“We love this toy for the Minnie and Disney characters and accessories,” Dill says. “The house is not as solid as the Little People house, but we love it because of the theme.”

That said, if your 2-year-old loves all things pink — including miniature figurines and easy-glide cars — then this all-you-can-ask-for set is worth your coin.

Melissa & Doug Mine to Love Jenna 12″ Baby Doll

“We’ve been really into playing with dolls and babies at this age, and Izzy loves to take care of this baby,” Dill says. “This was one of her first and she always goes back to it.”

Not to mention, it comes with a pacifier to allow your 2-year-old to learn about using one (and later, transitioning out of one).

Manhattan Toy Baby Stella 15″ Baby Doll

“My daughter likes the softness of this doll and that you can change all the clothes and diapers to play pretend,” Dill says. It’s a more realistic doll to have in your 2-year-old’s toy collection for that reason, too, encouraging your toddler to *hopefully* potty-train quickly.

Disney Animators’ Collection Elsa Mini Doll Play Set

“We really like this set,” Dill says. “We discovered it at Disney and have been buying other Disney princesses.”

Not to mention, it’s the perfect size for the 2-year-old age group for growing into Barbies and other dolls.

Barbie Skipper Babysitters Climb & Explore Playground Dolls & Play Set

“We enjoy playing with Barbies and some of the different accessories they some with,” Dill says. “There are lots of small pieces, so she’s still a bit young to really independently play with them, but I can already tell this will be a fan-favorite for years to come.”

Disney Mickey Mouse & Friends Minnie Mouse 18″ Plush

Doesn’t every little girl wish for a Minnie doll? The short answer is yes, but real-life mothers also agree.

“We have a couple of Minnie dolls, but this is one of our favorites to cuddle with and always provide comfort,” Dill says. “Minnie is a favorite character so this stuffed doll is perfect.”

Books

‘Roll, Roll, Little Pea’ by Cécile Bergame

Heather Barnum, Senior Librarian in the Reader Services division of the New York Public Library, recommended this book for 2-year-olds. “Even the youngest of readers will have fun finding the roll-away pea in this simple and brightly-illustrated story,” she said.

While your storytelling abilities as a parent keep your kid engaged, the bright colors and beautiful illustrations inside the book give them something to keep an eye on and follow along.

‘Remember’ by Joy Harjo

A national bestseller written by a former U.S. Poet Laureate, this book is a delight for young children and adults alike.

“Joy Harjo’s soothing meditation is a perfect winding down poem, and Maria Goade’s flowing, deeply saturated artwork is calming and warm,” said Barnum.

‘Peekaboo Rex!’ by Sandra Boynton

“A new book from Boynton is always cause for celebration,” said Barnum. “This one combines two toddler favorites, peekaboo and dinosaurs! Silly, cartoony, and great for reading aloud.”

As part of Sandra Boynton’s Boynton on Board series, this book is in good company. Browse the full series on Amazon for more options.

‘Little Chicks’ by Taro Gomi

This book, written by the same author of the famous ‘Everyone Poops,’ is full of gorgeous water-color style illustrations and has a fun story to match.

“Three winged siblings spend the day adventuring,” said Barnum. “After they are both curious and brave, they rush back to tell their parents all about it. Simple but engaging.”

An FAQ on the 2-year-old age group, from experts & mothers

Ahead, our team of child development and psychology experts — along with real-life moms — provide insight into the 2-year-old age group and what defines playtime at this stage.

What child development skills come to light among 2-year-olds?

“My favorite saying is ‘the two’s are not terrible — instead, they’re full of potential!” Alice Cady, EdM, tells the New York Post. “It’s up to adults to consider a child’s perspective, reasons behind behavior, and recognize potential to learn.””

Contrary to popular belief, 2-year-olds don’t necessarily need the ABCs and 1-2-3s; that’s not their primary goal. “They’re more into learning how things work, as you’ll typically find 2-year-olds turning on and off lights and opening and closing doors,” Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PhD, psychology professor at Temple University and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution — whose research work centers on the development of early language and literacy, as well as the role of play in learning — tells The Post.

Ahead, Hirsh-Pasek provides a snapshot into the characteristics of most 2-year-olds:

  • They’re starting to form dexterity, so they’re not into tough puzzles, but easier options where they can turn a piece and sort is perfect.
  • They’re not apt for hard building materials, so magnets are easier to ‘build worlds,’ as well as build and knock things down.
  • They can roll things, though aren’t great at playing catch quite yet, and they love crawling through spaces.
  • Two-year-olds love to get up and dance and run. They love playing with trains, construction- and building-based toys, puzzles (including Magna-Tiles) and pop-up toys. However, pop-up toys don’t offer much variability and don’t teach much.
  • Two-year-olds also love putting toys in a line and vroom-vrooming cars to someone else. Counting is typically more for 3- and 4-year-olds.

“One of the most dramatic changes we see in 2-year-olds is their rapid language development,” Melissa Libertus, PhD, cognitive and developmental psychology professor at the University of Pittsburgh and research scientist at the University’s Learning Research and Development Center — who published a study on the benefits of parents promoting early learning in 2-year-olds — tells The Post. “At this age, children typically begin to use more words and form short sentences. They may also use basic grammar, such as plurals and past tense. They also tend to understand more complex instructions.”

“Two-year-olds are continuously exploring the world around them and testing their own and their environment’s limits. As their sense of self emerges, they start to recognize that people act intentionally and that sometimes obstacles keep people from completing their desired actions.”

Melissa Libertus, PhD, cognitive and developmental psychology professor at the University of Pittsburgh and research scientist at the University’s Learning Research and Development Center

More generally, 2-year-olds begin to understand cause and effect relationships and can solve simple problems. “They also start to categorize objects based on similarities and differences, like size, color and shapes,” Libertus says.

With regard to their motor skills, 2-year-old children typically refine gross motor skills such as running, jumping and climbing, per Libertus. “They also improve fine motor skills such as holding a pencil, stacking blocks and using utensils,” she says.

What are the best toys for 2-year-olds?

The golden question, right? While we turned to experts and real-life mommas for toy recommendations, keep in mind that 2-year-olds don’t need many gadgets and gizmos, according to Hirsh-Pasek.

“For toys, aim for engaging over distracting and active instead of passive,” she says. “Two-year-olds want your attention, to play with a given toy again and again and, most of all, to play with toys that bring them joy.”

Additionally, 2-year-olds begin to engage in more complex play and may start to develop friendships. “They also learn to express their emotions more effectively and begin to understand other people’s emotions, even though this learning is slow and can often lead to frustration and challenges as children struggle to communicate their emotions clearly,” Libertus says. That said, 2-year-olds work well in teams.

What are the benefits of 2-year-old playtime?

Aside from the obvious (that is, that it’s fun), Cady breaks down the true benefits of toddler-based playtime.

“Some parents already worry about content skills and kindergarten prep at this age. However, the true work of children is play,” she says. “Learning through play and being able to experiment through play is essential at this age.”

What’s more, having an “expert playmate” to play with children and materials affords 2-year-olds to share ideas, expand play, and gain experience playing ‘with’ another, which will stretch their interest and attention naturally with any open-ended toy.

“These kids are getting a liberal arts education every day. They’re learning how to communicate, collaborate and work in teams. They’re curious to know how the floors, swings and the world works — but they’re learning with you.”

Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PhD, psychology professor at Temple University and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution

That said, they’re building their brains at age 2. “When you ‘look beneath the hood,’ you’ll start seeing magical moments everywhere,” Hirsh-Pasek says. “They’re hypothesizing and figuring out new ways to do things. During playtime, they’re doing more thinking than you think.”

What are the best toys for 2-year-olds to help facilitate listening?

“Sensory toys, like pop-its, sensory tubes, rain-sticks and fidgets are external materials children can focus on while they regulate big feelings,” Cady says. “Another great way to help 2-year-olds thrive is to have set expectations and routines. Let them know what to expect.”

For this, visual schedule cards that a 2-year-old can manipulate and routines built to encourage independence are wonderful, because your child knows when and how to ‘take control’ over aspects of their day. “This is not to say you need every aspect of your day planned, but If you have an exciting activity or trip or aspect of your day plan, having your 2-year-old know that it is something to expect helps them process and orient their expectations for the day,” Cady says.

Ahead, take a look at some recommended toys to help facilitate listening and attention:

How 2-year-olds differ from the one-year-old and three-year-old age groups

While every little one is adorable in their own way, certain learning and developmental skills come to life in 2-year-olds that differ slightly from that of the 1- and 3-year-old age groups.

The 1-year-old age group

“Toys for 1-year-olds and 2-year-olds differ in terms of their complexity, commensurate with the developmental abilities that are typical of the two age groups,” Libertus says. “Toys for 1-year-olds tend to be simpler and easier to use, while toys for 2-year-olds are more complex and challenging.”

For example, 1-year-olds may enjoy toys with a few buttons that make the toy light up or make noise, while 2-year-olds may prefer more complex features such as having to put the correct block in a toy to match the requested color. More, 1-year-olds may enjoy simple puzzles where one shape fits in a specific place, while 2-year-olds start to fit multiple shapes together to solve more complex puzzles.

“1-year-olds may need toys that are easy to grasp and manipulate,” Libertus says. “Two-year-olds have better-developed motor skills and may enjoy toys that require more dexterity, such as drawing or manipulating smaller features of toys.”

Two-year-olds are also typically more interested in pretend play than 1-year-olds. “Toys like dolls, play kitchens and costumes can help foster their emerging imaginative play,” Libertus says.

The 3-year-old age group

Just like toys for 1-year-olds and 2-year-olds differ in terms of their complexity, toys for 3-year-olds continue to increase in complexity in line with their more advanced development.

“Most notably, 3-year-olds are able to play with much smaller toys that would be considered choking hazards for younger children,” Libertus says. “Three-year-olds start to count objects and learn letters, making toys that support these skills a perfect fit for this age group.”

As their motor skills continue to improve, 3-year-olds tend to enjoy more challenging games with balls as well — like hitting a ball with a bat or aiming for a goal — and activities that require more sophisticated fine motor skills, like beading, according to Libertus.

Safety notes for your 2-year-old to keep in mind during playtime, per experts

Although 2-year-olds are advancing in their play, they are still getting teeth. Some children are very oral and might be tempted to place things in their mouths. Don’t panic (according to Cady), just redirect them to a chewing toy and still be mindful of choking hazards.

“Some great fine motor toys are meant for 3+ year-olds, so they come with very small parts,” she says. “If you want to work those fine motor muscles, consider using tongs, pipettes, and Play-Doh rather than purchasing toys labeled 3+, as often that label is related to choking hazards.”

Additionally, some sensory bins may be labeled 3+. Sensory experiences for 2-year-olds are one of the most engaging play experiences, according to Cady, with some including this label due to the inclusion of choking hazards within a marketed “kit,” or because more than 2″ of water is considered a drowning hazard for children under 3.

Weigh the capabilities of your child, their tendency to mouth toys, and consider how they will be supervised as you introduce toys and materials labeled 3+. “Ultimately, this is customizable to your individual child, but my recommendations are all toys that I would considered safe in my own classroom, which complies with NYS licensure in having no choking hazards,” Cady says.

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