Best Toys For 2-Year-Olds 2024 - Forbes Vetted

Shopping for 2-year-olds can be a blast, given how excited this age group can get about nearly everything. The best toys for 2-year-olds allow little ones to explore new things while tapping into their big imaginations. There are plenty of top toys and gifts for this crew, but I’m especially partial to the play tent from Little Dove, the new Melissa & Doug Blockables Farm set and items that help toddlers use up lots of energy like this Micro Kickboard scooter.

The best toys for 2-year-olds engage their natural curiosity.

“Play is such a great way for kids to understand how things work in the world,” says Dr. Robert Keder, a pediatrician who specializes in developmental behavior at Connecticut Children's Medical Center. The best toys for 2-year-olds help them work on both fine motor and cognitive skills, like picking up puzzle pieces and trying to figure out how things stack to make certain shapes, he says. Just keep in mind that some toys that seem like they would work for a 2-year-old are rated for ages 3+, making it important to read the product description carefully. With Keder’s advice in mind, I curated this gifting list of the best toys for 2-year-olds in several key categories—and many are already staples in my house.

Walmart.com

My family is a huge fan of Melissa & Doug toys, given how well they hold up over time. The brand just released its new Blockables collection, which lets little ones link and stack different objects (farm animals, in this case) for interactive play. My 2-year-old daughter is a huge animal lover and her face lit up when she saw this set. She also thought it was hilarious to swap animal faces and bodies to create new creatures. I particularly appreciate that the whole thing comes in a reusable storage box.

KiwiCo

Engage all kinds of new skills with a subscription box to this STEM-focused company. The KiwiCo Panda Crate delivers an age-appropriate activity kit every month based on the birthday you enter for the child, and tops our list of the best subscription boxes for kids. The contents change each time to match your child’s developmental stage, but each box encourages hands-on exploration and play for young kids. KiwiCo’s website has a detailed description of each box, so parents can find out exactly what’s on the way.

There are three subscription levels: Essentials ($50 per crate), Plus ($80 per crate) and Deluxe ($90 per crate). The Panda Crate, which is aimed at newborns through 36 months (it still arrives tailored to your child’s exact age) comes with a guide for grownups, too, offering suggested activities for parents and kids to maximize the fun.

Amazon

There are just 10 large pieces in this lively Petit Collage puzzle, but there’s much to explore. Little fingers and hands can work to fit the pieces together and then to find all the suggested objects, letting them flex their hand-eye coordination, puzzle and fine motor skills. My 2-year-old is a new puzzle fiend, and she loves fiddling with all of the different pieces. I also like that it’s made with recycled paper and vegetable dyes.

Amazon

Inno Pad is a really cool toy you can get a lot of mileage out of. The STEM media pad features themed sheets that your child (or you) slide into the tablet. Kids quickly learn to insert the sheet and press the star button—it tells the tablet which sheet is in—before interacting with the lesson. The tablet teaches kids about different occupations, weather patterns, animals and more.

It’s also compact enough to fit into a backpack for on-the-go fun or as a travel day distraction. This might be the best gift my kids have ever received—and they all love to pass it around the car on road trips. However, some kids do find the buttons tricky to press.

Amazon

This Amazon bestseller features characters Turtle, Tiger and Monkey, who help walk kids through 100 early words across a range of categories including animals, food and colors. Toddlers hear words spoken when they touch them, along with sound effects and fun facts. It’s perfect for car trips and when you’re not immediately available to read a story. A built-in handle makes it easy to tote around.

Amazon

Help your little one work on their fine motor skills with this hedgehog toy. Each “quill” is contoured for an easy grip, so your child can pull it out and rearrange them to their liking. You can also use the toy to work on color recognition, counting and sorting skills, and the whole thing has rounded, toddler-friendly edges. A nice bonus: The quills fit inside the hedgehog when playtime is over for easy storage. Just be aware that the quills can double as mini-weapons during a tantrum or sibling squabble, making it important to put this away when play time is over.

Amazon

This STEM toy features magnets, so your little one can easily construct geometric shapes. Each brightly colored piece has a comfortable grip in a different pattern for tactile play. Your child will love creating new designs and admiring their work, before wrecking it and starting over again. Choose from 20-piece, 30-piece or different shape sets—they all have pieces that are a nice size for little hands to hold. This toy is rated for 18-months and up.

Amazon

We love a good multipurpose toy, as well as any baby gear that can pull double or triple duty in this case. The Hape wooden pound bench set comes with a xylophone they can play and a tambourine to shake or tap, along with the ever-popular hammer and trio of balls.

Amazon

Many parents notice a big jump forward in language skills right around their little one’s second birthday, and these cute gnomes give 2-year-olds plenty to talk about. They have colors and numbers to name, and there are lots of ways to mix-and-match the gnomes in their mushroom houses.

“My 2-year-old son adores matching the ‘gnomies’ to the house of the same color,” says Margaret Badore, the Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear editor. “But he’s also very interested in seeing which caps caps fit on which base—even if the colors don’t match.” It’s also a good bath toy, she adds.

Avenlur

A Montessori indoor playground gives toddlers a way to get out all that energy and practice some key skills like balance. This Avenlur set includes a Pikler Triangle, climbing arch and a reversible rock wall and slide. As they get older, they can express their creativity by trying out different formations with this modular playset.

Amazon

This charming toy has 30 1-inch wooden blocks neatly arranged in a rolling cart that your child can pull around. All sides of the blocks feature different drawings, letters and numbers your toddler can experiment with and arrange in order. Of course, kids can also simply use the blocks to build towers and other structures to knock down when the mood strikes. This is a durable toy, too: My now 11-year-old had this when he was little, and his toddler sister still enjoys playing with it.

Pottery Barn Kids

Some toddlers just love to climb. Indulge that love with the massively popular Foamnasium Gymnasium. It consists of four foam pieces—a block, toddler steps and two wedges—that kids can use however they want. My younger kids like to climb up and down the stairs and wedges, while my older ones use the block and wedges for Nerf gun wars and car obstacle courses, giving us plenty of mileage out of this toy. Choose from multiple colors.

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This stacking toy is so adorable, children don’t even realize they’re learning. It has 19 wood animals that can be stacked and rearranged to make cool scenes. Bonus: It doubles as décor when it’s left out, as we’ve discovered in my house.

Amazon

Painting is so much fun for little ones, but it unfortunately usually requires a lot of cleaning afterwards. This genius kit from Crayola keeps everything contained under a snap-on lid. Just dab on your paint, close the lid and let your child go to work. They get the feel of finger painting without you having to do a massive cleanup afterward. My 2-year-old likes that she can create a picture and I appreciate the lack of mess. Once they’re done, simply rinse off the toy and stow it away. It’s perfect for those moments when you need a quick and easy busy activity.

Amazon

I bought this block set for my kids on the recommendation of a friend, and it’s a toy that gets plenty of repeat use. The wooden blocks are magnetic, allowing little hands to build precarious structures without fear of them easily falling down. There are magnetic wheels that roll, too. The pieces are large enough that you don’t have to worry about younger siblings accidentally swallowing them. All Tegu sets work together, so you can add to your child’s collection over time.

Matchstick Monkey

Some experts in the Montessori approach to learning recommend close-ended toys with clear objectives. This wooden puzze is a great example. “My 2-year-old loves this sweet little puzzle,” says Badore. “He likes to name each animal as he puts it together.” Made with non-toxic and water-based paints, this wooden puzzle is small enough to slip into a diaper bag, and is suitable for kids 18 months and older.

For more ideas for a playroom with a Montessori, check out our list of the best Montessori toys.

Amazon

Little cups come in handy during all types of children’s play and games. My 2-year-old loves to stack them, carry other toys with them, scoop water in the bathtub and more. This eight-piece set made in Denmark is also BPA, PVC and phthalate-free, and it comes in a range of colors. These versatile stacking cups tend to sell out, but they’re in stock at the moment at these retailers.

Piccalio

Two-year-olds always want to help, but as caregivers, we worry about them hurting themselves in every which way. A learning tower helps them get closer to the action. This option made by Piccalio tops our list of the best learning towers. It has safety rails, a sturdy base, climbing steps and adjustable heights to let your little one play or “help” at counter level safely. I appreciate that it folds up relatively small when it’s not in use, too.

Amazon

This indoor playhouse is large enough to accommodate a sibling, as well as all their playthings, from dolls to stuffed animals to tea or car sets. We expect plenty of exciting rainy and cold days to be passed in this play tent, which also comes with a coordinating banner and fun star lights. It’s rated for ages 24 months and up.

Amazon

Ms. Rachel is wildly popular with the toddler crowd thanks to her fun music series and toddler learning videos on YouTube. This plus doll plays more than 20 songs and phrases from Ms. Rachel in a plush package kids can cuddle up with. Parents appreciate the ability to turn down the volume when a quiet moment is needed.

Amazon

The iPlay Zebra Hopper is a near-guaranteed jaw-dropping gift—and yet, it’s fairly affordable at less than $40. My active tot uses her zebra for bouncing, pretend play and even tackling exercises, when she’s particularly wound up. This toy inflates with the help of an included hand pump before kids can hop on top. Anti-slip feet and a low center of gravity lower the risk of accidental falls. It’s also covered in a removable and washable plush cloth cover that’s soft to the touch.

Maisonette

Tots love throwing on this cozy and sparkly unicorn cape that makes dress-up a breeze with little ones. There’s just one Velcro clasp, no fussy ties or snaps and your child is transformed. We have found that this brand runs a little small, so you may want to size up to ensure it lasts. It’s also machine washable. Unicorns are a favorite animal with my 2-year-old, making this a treasured toy.

Amazon

This Brio starter train set has easily assembled tracks that can be rearranged however your toddler likes, along with a locomotive and caboose. The track pieces have rounded edges and the train is easy for smaller hands to grip. Bright colors make this set approachable and fun. Brio train sets are high-quality and let fans expand their track setup with additional pieces and trains as they build a collection.

“We’ve had my kids’ Brio train collection for nearly a decade, adding to it with each kid,” says Rose Gordon Sala, deputy editor at Forbes Vetted and mom of three. “They’ve each taken a turn enjoying building and zooming their trains on it.”

Amazon

Many kids gravitate toward pretend kitchens, and it’s easy to see why—they’re imagination centers. The Pottery Barn Kids Chelsea All-In-1 Play Kitchen is the top pick on our list of the best play kitchens. It comes in a range of colors, so you can match it to your home’s décor. It also has cabinets and knobs that work like “real” ones, along with a level of craftsmanship both adults and kids appreciate. “Its durable materials have withstood a lot of mess and, um, energetic faux chopping,” says Lex Goodman, a mom and Forbes Vetted writer.

Amazon

This action-packed Duplo set has plenty for toddlers to check out. There’s a seesaw, a doggie to walk, a slide and swing and even a little skateboard. After the 75-piece chunky set is assembled, little ones can use their imaginations to create exciting scenes with the included figures. All Duplo blocks work together, so your child can build their collection, and any Duplo set is likely to be a hit with 2-year-olds.

“When family members ask for gift suggestions for my son, Duplo sets are my go-to answer,” says Badore. “Even if you end up with two of the same set, kids can just make bigger structures with them. They hold his attention for much longer than many other toys."

American Girl

Bitty Baby dolls are considered starter American Girl dolls and rated for ages 18 months and up. My daughters play with one that belonged to my now 17-year-old niece, so I can personally attest to their durability. My kids are especially fond of changing the fabric diaper for a “real” baby feel. Choose from a range of skin and hair colors to get the baby doll that appeals best to your child. This set comes with a few extra accessories, including a bottle, bib and changing accessories.

Amazon

Kids love cruising around at home with this brightly-colored shopping cart. It’s roomy enough to hold essentials like pretend groceries, stuffed animals, books and more, while low enough to the ground for little ones to push around. My 2-year-old uses hers on a daily basis. The cart also comes in a pink color scheme if that’s more your child’s speed.

Amazon

Jellycat makes some of the best stuffed animals, and these 12-inch stuffies are an ideal size for toddlers to wrap in a big hug. “My 2-year-old’s favorite stuffed animals are made by Jellycat,” says Badore. “He loves to carry his 12-inch bear all around the house with him, and of course it’s a must for bedtime.”

Fisher Price

It’s no secret that Barbie has made something of a comeback recently. Little ones can get into the action with this toddler-friendly version of the iconic Dreamhouse. It’s designed for Little People figures and has a working elevator, pool with slide, kitchen and bathroom with a toilet that makes flushing sounds. My 2-year-old loves pressing all the buttons.

Hart & Hero

Tots can push their special stuffies and baby dolls in this stroller—indoors or outdoors. I can confirm that it’s so much fun to watch your little one stroll their favorite pal down the hall or sidewalk in their very own stroller. We especially love that the Herotron is designed to appeal to both boys and girls—because any child can play at being a loving caregiver.

Hart & Hero also offers a cute book about caring and managing feelings. “My 2-year-old loves the Hello Hero book, for a couple of months he asked to read it every night at bedtime,” says Badore. “It’s gave us a chance to talk about emotions and what he can do when things don’t go his way.”

Maisonette

Ride-on toys are always fun, but they’re often best for outdoors. The Wheely Bug is specially designed to be friendly to hard floors, with casters and rounded corners that make it safe for indoor use, including accidental bumps. Choose from this sweet ladybug, or a mouse and bee designs. Sala says her tots enjoyed this uncomplicated ride-on toy indoors for years and that it “rolls smoothly” and held up well.

Pottery Barn Kids

A stuffed animal and chair in one, this cozy plush is perfect for cuddling up and having quiet time. My daughter has a similar one in her room, and it’s her go-to spot for “reading” and other leisurely activities. It also doubles as a pretend friend, taking part in occasional tea parties. The plush is incredibly soft to the touch but also durable, and the chair provides plenty of support for little ones to sit in. Plus, you can choose to monogram it with your tyke’s name.

Walmart

This Little People sweet set has a bunch of elements toddlers love, which is possibly why it sold out a number of times in the past. The barn has room for a slew of animals to play, along with pretend carrots and hay they can snack on. The set comes with five figurines—four animals and a farmer—and offers fun electronic barn and animal sounds. My 2-year-old loves to use her other Little People figurines with it, too. Once playtime is over, just close the farm and carry it with the built-in handle.

Amazon

Many pretend doctor kits have a minimum age of 3 for the smaller pieces, but this Cocomelon kit is rated for ages 2 and up. The kit comes with the show’s musical checkup case, along with four play pieces—a stethoscope, thermometer, faux needle and hammer. Press the button on the outside for a fun song.

Amazon

These little trucks are ready to get to work in the sandbox, on the sidewalk and beyond. My 2-year-old uses them in the bath, too. The Green Toys set comes with three fun trucks for their collection: a dump truck, a mixer and a front-loader. Its toys are made in the U.S. of 100% recycled plastic with no BPA, phthalates or PVC.

Amazon

This 9-inched stuffed animal from Gund is straight from the pups’ movie—Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie—which heavily features Skye. If you have a little Paw Patrol fan on your hands, this is a great gift for them to snuggle with but also pretend play as they work the fearless Skye, Chase, Liberty or any of the new super-powered pups into their many fun scenarios.

Amazon

This versatile set of five animal-themed buckets are sized perfectly for little hands. They can use them in the bath and watch the water sprinkle out of the holes in the bottom, dump them over or pour them out. I love that they’re PVC and phthalate-free with easy-to-grasp handles. We’ve taken this set to the beach and used it for backyard fun.

Amazon

The handmade animal dolls from Cuddle + Kind make an extra special, heirloom-quality gift for young kids. They’re knitted by hand in Peru and Nepal with Oeko-Tex certified cotton by local artisans. For each doll sold, the company donates 10 meals to children in need, so you can feel good about this splurge. Available in two sizes—13 inches or 20 inches—kids are often attracted to the extra soft fabric, sweet details and friendly animal and doll faces.

Amazon

Many 2-year-olds aren’t quite ready to pedal, but this Radio Flyer tricycle has that all figured out. Little ones can practice their riding position while a caregiver pushes (and steers) them using the removable handle. This is a big hit with my daughter when we’re out for walks—it allows her to feel like she’s “biking,” even though she doesn’t quite have the endurance for longer distances.

Once your child is ready to try it solo, remove the rear handle and kids can zoom along on their own. They’ll likely love ringing the little bell, as well as filling the rear trunk with their favorite possessions or new finds picked up during their ride.

Amazon

This outdoor toy is incredibly simple, but that’s part of its charm. At this age, Keder says that kids are happy to kick and throw a ball around—and it helps work on their motor skills. The ArtCreativity playground ball is made of a sturdy PVC that can stand up to rough play, while a patterned exterior is easy for little hands to grip. My kids received this for Christmas a few years ago and still use it to play kickball, dodgeball and just toss around the yard. It’s soft enough for little ones, too.

Amazon

Named the best scooter for toddlers on Forbes Vetted’s Best Scooters For Kids list, this 3-wheeled scooter is wildly popular. It’s designed for little kids between the ages of 2 and 5, but can hold up to 110 pounds in weight. The handle bar is easy to adjust to your child’s height, with plenty of room for growth. It’s sturdy and has durable wheels for a smooth ride, and can be steered by leaning on the handle bar, a skill most 2-year-olds can master fairly easily.

“My son and many of his 2-year-old friends have these scooters and are big fans,” says Badore. “One of the best ways to avoid a tantrum when leaving the playground is to get my son excited about riding his scooter home. I also appreciate how well-made they are.”

Amazon

Light enough for a toddler to pull (it’s less than a pound), this Green Toys wagon can be used indoors or outdoors for all sorts of play. We love that it’s dishwasher safe, also made in the U.S., and free of BPA, phthalates and PVC. Another perk: Unlike more traditional wagons, there’s no heavy handle that could crash down and injure little toes.

Walmart

Balance bikes are now the preferred method for teaching kids how to ride, so if you have an extra active 2-year-old they might be ready for this Strider bike, which is great for beginners. Both the seat and the handlebars adjust up and down, allowing parents to get the perfect fit for their toddler. My little one loves using this to try to keep up with her big siblings, and she’s gotten pretty good at it. Choose from three bright colors.

Amazon

That grass isn’t going to mow itself. Allow your child to pretend to aid in the lawn work with this cheery Melissa & Doug mower. The toy has a roomy storage compartment for toys, along with dials that turn and make noise, a pull-cord that makes a motor sound and even a plastic fuel can to pretend to fill up.

Amazon

Skip Hop is known for its adorable animal-themed gear, and this toy doesn’t disappoint. It has the face of the brand’s beloved dog cartoon on the front of a ride-on toy your little one can use for years. Stage one lets your child use it as a walking accessory, and stage two is a seated rider they can scoot around your living room or driveway, making it a great outdoor toy for 2-year-olds, too. For stage three, simply pop off the seat to turn the toy into a scooter. The handlebars easily adjust up and down with your child.

This was gifted to my 4-year-old and then passed down to her little toddler sister. It’s incredibly easy to pop the seat on and off, allowing them to switch between the two stages.

Amazon

This flashlight has been such a hit in our family that we bought several. It has a large body and easy-grip handle that small hands can hold with no issues. The flashlight is also incredibly durable, withstanding multiple drops with ease, as I’ve discovered over our two years of owning it. The light goes on and off with the touch of a button, making it simple to operate. It’s also adorable.

Amazon

This sweet sandbox has been a fixture in my backyard for several years. It easily withstood snowstorms, rain and even a hurricane. The shell/lid goes on securely to keep out the elements (and critters) and extend the life of your sand. There’s also enough space between the sand and lid to keep some toys inside, so your child can start playing ASAP. This sandbox regularly sells out, but is in stock right now at several retailers.

Step2

Most kids love to splash around in the water, but this table from Step2 has multiple layers and interactive elements to keep them busy for a long time. Toddlers can get hands on with the hand pump, dump and splash section, waterfall and 10 small accessories that are just-right for little ones. It’s so fun and inviting, you might want to join in.

Amazon

Step2 playhouses are known for their sturdy construction that can be passed down between kids. This adorable house has a swinging door, built-in faucet, outdoor grills, doorbell and mail slot. There’s even a window box you can fill with real flowers. Another nice element: If you have space, you can move it inside when cold weather hits. My 2-year-old received this as a gift and she plays in it on a daily basis. She’ll crowd her toys in, “wash” dishes and has even tried to nap inside.

Amazon

Many bounce houses are designed for kids who are at least 3 years old; This option from Little Tikes Jr. accommodates children as young as 2. It features mesh sides to keep kids safely contained while allowing you a full view of the action, along with a wide slide. The whole thing is lower profile when compared to big-kid bounce houses. Anchors allow you to firmly secure it in place in your lawn, while the included blower ensures this house is always at the ready. My sister bought this for her now-teenagers years ago and recently passed it down to my kids—it still works well, despite years of bouncing.

Amazon

Highlights is known for its fun hidden picture puzzles, and the brand has board books for the younger set, too. This story focuses on things kids see at bedtime and encourages them to point out objects like pajamas and the moon as you go along. Read it before bed or any time for a fun bonding experience.

Amazon

These cute animal-themed board books from Jellycat engage curious tots with visuals and touch. Kids can feel the fuzzy (or sometimes scaly) animal faces and tails and trunks as you read. Whether you choose this adorable monkey or any other animal from a giraffe to a unicorn, your little one is sure to want to touch and feel it.

Amazon

The Ditty Bird series of books give toddlers a button to press right in the book you’re reading to them—magic for little ones. They’ll hear animal sounds and farm-themed songs in this one, offering them an early lesson in animal names and plenty of language skills.

Amazon

My 2-year-old is obsessed with this board book, which is packed with bright, fun graphics about animals. Each page has multiple flaps, and I’ve found that interactivity allows her to sit for longer periods during story time. She also loves to sit quietly and flip through the pages by herself—a definite perk when I need to make dinner or get ready.

Target

This board book was first released in 1969, and it’s been impressing kids ever since. It was a favorite of my now 11-year-old and his 2-year-old little sister is also a huge fan. She loves to yell “cadda-pilla!” every time we flip the page, and always says, “Ooh!” when the caterpillar turns into a butterfly at the end. I also appreciate the sturdy board book construction—it’s lasted in our family for more than a decade, which is really saying something with my kids.

Forbes Vetted’s parenting and kids gear team covers a wide range of toy guides and gift guides for kids of all ages, from 1-year-olds to teens.

We curated this list of the best toys for 2-year-olds based on a combination of firsthand experience, expert input and consumer reviews.

In general, Keder says that toddlers of this age are all about exploring things with their hands. Two-year-olds are still working on their fine motor skills, though, so you don’t want a toy that’s too complicated. Pretend phones, dress-up clothes and ride-on toys should all be considered. Blocks, magnetic toys and trucks are typical winners, especially if they’re in fun shapes or colors.

Another surefire hit that’s also budget-friendly? A ball. Snap one up in your 2-year-old’s favorite color.

There are a few things to consider when picking out an appropriate toy for a 2-year-old—and safety is a big one. Toys shouldn’t have areas that could pinch little fingers or small parts that can become choking hazards. (Kids of this age usually start to segue out of mouthing things, but this can still be an issue.) Often, toys will have a recommended age range on the package; it’s a good idea to check if you’re unsure whether a particular product is a good fit for a 2-year-old.

The best way to figure out a great gift for your toddler is to see what they already play with. If your 2-year-old has a favorite car or ride-on toy, something similar should be a success. If your tot likes to build things, consider an expansive block set or stackable cups. Another way to find ideas? See what your child gravitates toward on play dates, since it’s a time they’re exposed to new toys. Depending on how verbal your 2-year-old is, you could also ask them what toy they’d like.

We updated this article with a batch of fresh toy and gift picks, including the Herotron toy stroller, Ms. Rachel Speak & Sing Doll and of our favorite books for 2-year-olds.