The 50 Best Toys For 2-Year-Olds To Engage Their Natural Curiosity

These sweet 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.

Engage all their senses with a gift baby subscription box to this STEM-focused company. The KiwiCo Panda Crate delivers an age-appropriate activity kit to their door every month based on the birthday you enter for the child. 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 will know 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 grown-up guide, too, offering suggested activities for parents and kids to maximize the fun.

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. It’s all made on recycled paper with vegetable dyes.

Inno Pad is a really cool toy you can get a lot of mileage out of. The STEM media pad features themed sheets your child (or you) slides 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.

Buckles, laces and buttons—little kids just have to play with everything, and this board is stacked with must-touch features to keep them busy. It entertained my toddler for a solid 20 minutes on a road trip, and she loves to go back and use it again and again. It also has learning opportunities, like a movable clock and animal-inspired letters. This kit folds up and has handles for easy carrying.

Learning your ABCs can be a chore, but this toy can make it fun. It features 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. And, of course, they 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-10-year-old had this when he was little, and his toddler sister still enjoys playing with it.

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.

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 go inside the hedgehog when playtime is over for easy storage.

Highlights is known for its fun hidden picture puzzles, and the brand has board books for the younger set, too. This option 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.

This colorful set from Mudpuppy, a beloved children’s toy and puzzle brand, includes four puzzles in one. Each offers just four to 12 chunky pieces so as not to frustrate little puzzlers—and it’s all rated for ages 2 and up.

The Ditty Bird series of books offer 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.

This STEM toy features magnets, so your little one can easily construct geometric shapes. Each brightly colored piece features 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 feature pieces that are a nice size for little hands to hold. This toy is rated for 18-months and up.

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.

A Montessori indoor playground offers 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.

These solid wood building blocks from Melissa & Doug encourage open-ended playtime, and they’re just the right size for toddlers’ hands. I’ve had these blocks in my house since my firstborn was 1—he’s now 10, and his three younger siblings have all continued to play with them. Younger kids enjoy stacking them, while older children can use them to make ramps and buildings for toy cars and dolls.

Some toddlers just love to climb. Indulge that love with the massively popular Foamnasium Gymnasium. It features 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.

This stacking toy is so adorable, children don’t even realize they’re learning. It features 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.

Painting is so much fun for little ones, but it unfortunately usually ends in a mess. 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. 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.

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.

The wooden Lovevery Montessori Playshelf isn’t a toy exactly, but it does allow for easier access and organization of all their favorite playthings—which are likely starting to multiply at this age. This isn’t an inexpensive purchase, but what we especially love about it is the hidden storage compartment in the back. This makes it easier to stow toys away and rotate them in and out of playtime. It might just encourage independent cleanup time too. It doesn’t come with toys, but it does come with two storage trays and two bins.

Little cups come in handy during all types of children’s play and games. They can 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.

Two-year-olds always want to help, but as caregivers, we worry about them hurting themselves in every which way. This wooden Learning Tower with its safety rails, sturdy base, climbing steps and four adjustable heights lets little ones get up close to the action, including in the kitchen, but with smart supports to keep them from toppling over.

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.

The iPlay Zebra Hopper is a near-guaranteed jaw-dropping gift—and yet, it’s fairly affordable at less than $40. 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.

Tots will thrill to throw 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.

This Brio starter train set offers 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, my editor reports, 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. “They’ve each taken a turn enjoying building and zooming their trains on it.”

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 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 you’ll both appreciate. This set looks so good, you won’t mind leaving it out.

This action-packed Duplo set offers 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 (you might need to help), 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.

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.

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. The cart also comes in a pink scheme if that’s more your child’s speed.

It’s no secret that Barbie is having a moment right now. Little ones can get into the action with this toddler-friendly version of the iconic Dreamhouse. It’s designed for Little People toys and features a working elevator, pool with slide, kitchen and bathroom with a toilet that makes flushing sounds. My 4-year-old can play pretend for long periods of time with this house, while my toddler just loves pressing all the buttons.

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 sidewalk in their very own stroller.

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, along with 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.

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.

This Little People sweet set has a bunch of elements toddlers love, which is possibly why it sold out at a number of retailers over the holidays. 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. It’s also compatible with other Little People toys and figurines, so kids can mix and match. Once playtime is over, just close the farm and carry it with the built-in handle.

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 features 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.

These little trucks are ready to get to work in the sandbox, sidewalk and beyond. 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.

This new 9-inched stuffed animal from Gund is straight from the pups’ new 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.

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 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 for backyard fun (of course, then they’re a designated outdoor toy).

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. For each doll sold, the company, which also employs local artisans, 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.

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.

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.

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 even dishwasher safe but 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.

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. Choose from three bright colors.

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 features 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.

Skip Hop is known for its adorable animal-themed gear, and this toy doesn’t disappoint. It features 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.

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. The light goes on and off with the touch of a button, making it simple to operate. It’s also adorable.

This sweet sandbox has been a fixture in my backyard for several years. It easily withstood snowstorms, rain and even a hurricane. The shell-slash-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 on Amazon.

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.

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, ourdoor grills, doorbell and mail slot. There’s even a window box you can fill with real flowers. Another nice element: You can move it inside when cold weather hits.

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.