The 50 Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds to Ignite Their Imagination

​​At 2 years old, kids tend to surprise us all with how much they’re growing every day. These little ones are meeting many toddler developmental milestones and learning new ways to use their bodies and their minds, leading to exciting new stages of play. The best gifts for 2-year-olds help foster these burgeoning skills through imaginative, active play.

With this age group, playtime can be used to teach important social and communication skills, according to Neal Petersen, LPCC, a registered play therapist (RPT). “For example, model sharing between two toys as you play with your child will help them retain the information and make those neuropathways in the brain nice and strong,” he says.

From outdoor and Montessori toys to books, room decor, and educational options, we’ve rounded up the best gifts we’re sure 2-year-olds will love. To create this list, we considered each toy’s age recommendations, features, quality, materials, durability, value, and engagement potential. We also reviewed guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on milestones for 2-year-olds and toy safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). These are the best gifts for 2-year-olds to engage them during playtime. 

Our Favorite Gifts for 2-Year-Olds

Montessori Toys for 2-Year-Olds

Inspired by the preschool program of the same name, Montessori toys tend to prioritize independence, STEM concepts, and hands-on learning. Generally, Montessori toys aren’t overstimulating or high-tech, but rather focus on cultivating practical skills through play. Some of our favorites include kid-sized versions of everyday cleaning supplies and an activity cube that’ll keep little ones busy while you get your own chores done.

Baby Dolls for 2-Year-Olds

Few toys have as much long-lasting power as a good baby doll. These toys can make it easier for kids to transition into being older siblings or can provide comfort through potentially stressful situations. Consider a classic American Girl doll for kids who prefer realism. Or you can opt for a plushie for kids who’d like to sleep beside or cuddle their doll.

Pretend Play Gifts for 2-Year-Olds

Pretend play has many developmental benefits, including fostering creativity, communication skills, conflict resolution, and independence. To inspire more imagination-boosting play, we love toys like a mini ice cream cart where kids can explore concepts like running their own business. You can also consider an interactive pet carrier or a stuffed animal set for little animal lovers who aren’t ready to have their own pets.

Blocks and Building Toys for 2-Year-Olds

Building toys are another timeless option, especially when it comes to inspiring STEM learning. “You can’t go wrong with building blocks,” says Petersen. “There is so much that can be done with them (building, counting, pairing), and there is very little risk.” We recommend Jelly Blox for their squishy texture and Mega Bloks for their large size. Both are easy to grip for small hands. 

Books for 2-Year-Olds

Cozying up with a good book isn’t just a great bonding opportunity. Reading to your kids is so important for a 2-year-old’s language development. It improves their vocabulary, encourages early literacy, and increases their phonetic awareness. Some of our favorite picture books include the longstanding classic The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats and the interactive adventure Press Here by Herve Tullet.

Puzzles and Board Games for 2-Year-Olds

Since 2-year-olds are getting better and better at problem solving, an age-appropriate puzzle can help encourage cognitive development. Picking up and placing the pieces is also great for developing motor skills. We like custom puzzles that feature your kid’s name to help them get an early start on letter recognition. 

Arts and Crafts for 2-Year-Olds

Encourage little Picassos to follow their inspiration with an art kit and easy-to-use supplies. Not only do arts and crafts foster creativity, but they also help develop finger coordination and fine motor skills. We especially like mess-free activity kits from Crayola and easy-to-hold paint sticks.

Educational Toys for 2-Year-Olds

Toddlers learn through play, so toys with educational properties are a great choice. Alongside brain-development foods and toddler learning activities, an educational toy can help your 2-year-old meet their cognitive milestones. Consider a sorting toy to reinforce concepts like spatial awareness or an interactive book to help increase their vocabulary.

Sports and Outdoor Gifts for 2-Year-Olds

One of our favorite ways to encourage an active lifestyle and burn off some excess energy is through toys that inspire outdoor play. Mini sports kits can help develop gross motor skills and teach kids about sportsmanship and resilience. Budding NBA stars will love a mini basketball hop. Or, to facilitate active play, you can’t go wrong with a toddler-sized slide.

Clothes and More for 2-Year-Olds

Not only are 2-year-olds known for being messy at times, but they also outgrow clothing incredibly quickly. That said, clothing and accessories make for a good gift for toddlers. There’s a lot to love about a pair of rainboots for muddy days on the playground or jumping in puddles. Or, to make their bedtime routine a little cozier, we recommend a soft pair of pajamas.

Room Decor Gifts for 2-Year-Olds 

Shopping for a 2-year-old who already has everything? Decor and kid-sized furniture make unique but thoughtful gifts. We like play tents, which facilitate imaginative play and give kids a cozy place to relax. You can also opt for a mini rocking chair, which gives little ones a place to sit and read.

Our Review Process and Experts 

To create this list of the best gifts for 2-year-olds, we researched shopping trends, reviewed CDC information regarding 2-year-olds’ development, and read up on the AAP’s toy safety recommendations. We assessed each product based on its features, quality, materials, value, safety, age-appropriateness, and engagement potential. To find out more about what to look for in toys for 2-year-olds and toy safety, we also interviewed the following experts:

• Neal Petersen, LPCC, a registered play therapist (RPT) and clinical operations director for Greater Minnesota at Ellie Mental Health.
• Katie McCann, a mom of two, breastfeeding counselor, and paramedic. 

How to Choose the Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds

• Developmental Milestones: Kids this age are constantly learning and gaining new skills. Opt for toys that support your little one’s growth. Petersen suggests that parents play with their child to get a better idea of their developmental stage and play style.
• Safety: Always check the age recommendations on an item’s packaging to make sure it’s safe and appropriate. For example, while you may feel that your kid is ready for a more advanced toy, it’s possible that toys made for older children could have small, detachable parts that pose a choking hazard. And since toddlers put everything in their mouths, it’s good to ensure the toys you purchase are fully nontoxic and BPA-free. According to the CDC, you should doublecheck that painted materials and plastics do not contain lead, especially if the product was made outside of the U.S. 
• The Child’s Interests: Toddlers are starting to develop more personal interests. Try to take into consideration what colors, characters, activities, or animals they like when picking out gifts. It will also add a more personal touch.
• Parent Preferences: Think of gifts that won’t annoy the adults in your 2-year-old’s life. For example, a toy that makes sounds may seem like a good idea initially, but it can quickly get on someone’s nerves after hearing the same song or sound effect repeated a million times. Additionally, a toy that requires a lot of complicated assembly can feel like another chore for already busy parents. 
• Batteries: Consider what types of batteries a toy may use and whether or not they are already included. If a toy doesn’t come with batteries or uses an uncommon type of battery, it can be expensive to purchase enough to power it. Also, ensure that any gifts you choose don’t have button batteries. As the name suggests, these batteries are very small and can be accidentally swallowed. The AAP notes that if they come loose, they can cause serious injury.

Who We Are 

Anja Webb is an associate editor at Parents. She has over eight years of editorial experience. Her educational background in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies and passion for smart media usage allow her to provide a nuanced analysis of issues and products relevant to modern families.

Bridget Shirvell is a Connecticut-based writer for Parents. The mom of a 4-year-old, she’s always on the lookout for interactive, functional, and sustainable children’s products. Before purchasing anything, she always asks: “Is this good for us, the planet, and the people who made it?” When considering which items to include on this list, Bridget included many gifts her daughter was given, as well as recommendations from other parents and Parents editors.

Melissa Willets is a Parents writer with over a decade of experience writing parenting content.