Must have toys for toddler development
Learning through play is the way to go for young kids, but what toys should you buy them? My daughter has worked with a speech therapist and an infant educator and by watching what they do, plus toys they recommended to me, I’ve put together this list of the best learning toys for 2 year olds.
These toys are not only fun but are educational and/or help with their development in one way or another. Some may require a little bit of help from a grown-up while they figure them out but many are great for independent play as well.
You want to provide your child with toys/activities that will develop both their gross motor skills (i.e. walking, running, jumping), fine motor skills (movements using small muscles), and teach them basic skills like identifying colors, shapes, numbers, etc.
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Best Toddler Toys
Have a 2-year-old toddler?! These toys are the best for helping to work on their education and development while they play.
Kwik Stix Paint Pens
Coloring is a great activity for practicing fine motor skills. They can practice different shapes, talk about colors, even practice getting lids on and off. These paint pens are our favorite and they clean up really easily.
Wooden Animal Puzzle Set
These are a great option once kids have mastered the simple puzzles and are ready for more. These have just 4 pieces each and the frame has the picture on it to help them get each piece in the right place.
Wooden Lacing Beads
I love these lacing beads! Not only are they great for developing fine motor skills but they are different colors and shapes so you can also use them to pracice numbers, colors, shapes, matching, & more making it a super versatile toy.
My First Doll Stroller
This is a great toy indoor or outdoor. My toddler has mastered getting her doll or stuffed toy in and out of the strap and how to steer and navigate it over bumps and obstacles when on outdoor walks.
Kinetic Sand
Kinetic sand is amazing stuff. It's played with similar to how you'd play with playdough. But this stuff doesn't stick to your carpet, doesn't get dried out, and can be vaccuumed up easily if need be. This set comes with tools so your toddler can practice raking, cutting, and using the shapes to build a sand castle.
Water Table
A water table is a must have for warm weather play. They can practice dumping, measuring, scooping, and learn how all the mechanisms work. You can color the water for extra fun.
Toddler Busy Board - Montessori
This Montessori inspired toy will take all their concentration. It has various buckles, snaps, and buttons for them to figure out. Great for concentration, patience, and fine motor skills.
Radio Flyer Steer and Stroll Trike
Everyone loves a first bicycle! Help them learn how to pedal and steer with the help of the parent handle to save your back. The handle detaches for when they are ready to go it alone or for transporting it in the car. There's even a storage bin on the back for all their treasures.
Mega Bloks
Future engineers will love building, and demolishing buildings over and over again. Great for getting little minds working on creating different patterns and seeing how the parts all fit together.
25 Easy Sensory Bin Ideas!
Sensory bins are great for toddlers! You can use different fillers to create simple tasks. They are usually inexpensive to make as well. Simply switch out a couple items and you have a whole new play experience. Here are 25 ideas to get you started.
More Toddler Fun
10 best dinosaur toys for toddlers
Pom Pom Fun: Fine motor skills activity
Hit the pin button to share this info with other mamas too! What’s your favorite toddler learning toy?
