Best toys for 2-year-olds of 2024

Recommended age range

A simple way to pick toys for children of this age, or any age, is to check packaging to find out the toy’s recommended range. Toy makers intentionally design and market toys with age-appropriate skills, knowing children like playthings that help them practice developing talents. 

But it can also be helpful to know more about the development of 2-year-olds so you can zero in on what a child might enjoy. One thing parents will notice about toys for 2-year-olds is that they’re more challenging than “baby toys.” 

“The 18-month until the 24-month period is unique in that so many new things become interesting to children,” says Peretz. “It is when we really begin to see the baby fading away and the toddler emerging. Children are more stable and mobile, creating many more play opportunities.” 

Gross motor skills

You may notice, for instance, that your 2-year-old rarely sits still. Instead, they’re running, hopping, and trying to climb everything in sight (a.k.a. developing their gross motor skills). Thus, toys that are dedicated to large muscle development are ideal. Look for toys that allow children to climb, bounce, ride, push, and pull. “Whole body movements support motor planning and coordinating the right and left sides. Foam building blocks (sofa cushions), hula hoop, bouncy ball, and balance bikesOpens a new window are great options,” says Davis. 

Fine motor skills

Along with whole-body development, toddlers at this age are learning how to use their hands with more sophistication. Peretz says that activity boards, wooden puzzles, and books provide good fine motor practice. You may notice your 2-year-old starts to use crayons and pencils more effectively, creating circles and lines that look like writing. Creative toys like art supplies will encourage these skills, soon to blossom into fledgling artworks. “At this age, children like to scribble because they are starting to grasp things and want to test their fine motor skills,” says Hill.

Engaging the senses

“This is a great age for sensory play and exploration,” says Schwartz. “Children this age love to get messy! Finger paint, or using foods such as applesauce or pudding to paint with, is a great way to explore art while also engaging in sensory play. Playdough is great to introduce at this age. Making ‘snakes,’ balls, and pancakes helps develop and strengthen their hand muscles that will be used later when writing.”

Pretend play

You may notice your child partaking in pretend play, caring for favorite toys by feeding them or putting them to bed, which means their cognitive wheels are turning. You may even be surprised to see the rituals you’ve developed with your own baby make an appearance in your child’s pretend-parent play. 

“They love to imitate adults and older children,” says Schwartz. “Pretend food and household items such as a toy vacuum, baby dolls, and cell phones allow children to explore these newly emerging skills.”