Best Toys For 2 Year Olds 2023

Your 2-year-old is likely full of energy and curiosity and always on the go, exploring their environment. This can making shopping for them a treat as they’re extra curious about new things. Select the best toys for 2-year-olds by engaging them in fun games and imaginary play, including with the best play kitchens, outdoor toys, baby books and sensory toys. These toddlers are officially out of the baby phase but aren't quite ready for "big kid" life just yet, so you’ll still want to check the suggested age ratings on all items that you buy them.

The best toys for 2-year-olds challenge their newfound skills, such as with this Lily & River indoor ... [+] climber.

For 2-year-olds, "play is critical—it's how kids learn," says Robert Keder, M.D., a pediatrician who specializes in developmental behavior at Connecticut Children's Medical Center. In this age group, kids are big on imitating adults, he says. "They watch you cook and then fake-cook, or put a ‘phone’ to their ear," Keder says. "Play is such a great way for kids to understand how things work in the world."

Two-year-olds are gaining skills in "everything" at this age, Keder says, but are especially working on their fine motor skills and cognitive skills, like picking up puzzle pieces and trying to figure out how things stack to make certain shapes. "All kinds of toys are fun at this age," Keder says, adding that pretend-play toys are particularly great because children can mimic adults at a level that is comfortable for them. But, he points out, kids this age just love to play and explore, both indoors and outdoors.

After speaking with Keder, researching top toys and bestsellers and gathering firsthand recommendations from other parents, I put together this roundup of the best toys for 2-year-olds. Look for our additional toy guides at the end of this story, or check out more of our toddler favorites, including the best toddler beds, night lights, convertible car seats and best balance bikes.

Nordstrom

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.

Amazon

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.

Target

Standard shape sorting toys are always fun, but little ones can outgrow them quickly once they understand how they work. This shape sorter from Fat Brain is a little different: You push the button to twist the top and change the shapes of the slots, challenging your child to think a little harder to make the objects fit. The shapes are chunky and contoured, making them easy for small hands to grasp.

Walmart

This STEM toy features magnets, so your little one can easily construct different 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- or 30-piece sets. Rated for 18-months and up.

Target

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 when the mood strikes.

KiwiCo

Start them early with a gift subscription box to this STEM-focused company. The Koala crate will deliver an age-appropriate activity kit to their door every month. Each project incorporates science, math and plenty of fun for kids. It's absolutely hands-on.

Target

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. A nice bonus: the quills go inside the hedgehog when playtime is over for easy storage.

Amazon

Children see adults on phones all the time, making them naturally curious about the devices. This LeapFrog toy phone offers up plenty of entertainment in a small package that you can easily slip in your bag. Your child can receive pretend phone calls and voicemails, experiment with counting by pressing different buttons and watch fun videos. Songs about counting and using the phone are also options. My daughter received this as a birthday gift last year and still uses it regularly. Choose from among three case colors.

Maisonette

This indoor playground offers toddlers a way to express all the indoor energy no matter the weather outdoors. They can climb, hang and even slide with the reversible rockwall. It's made of natural birch in the U.S. with a 0-VOC sealant. As they get older, they’ll likely express their creativity by trying out different formations with this modular playset.

Amazon

These natural finish 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 son was one—he's now nearly 10, and his three younger siblings have all continued to play with them.

Amazon

Little cups will come in handy during all types of games. They can stack or carry other toys, scoop water 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 have sold out at several retailers, but we just found them back in stock on Amazon.

Crayola

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.

Target

Love it or hate it, Play-Doh allows kids to explore with their hands and fingers. This kit offers up four colors of Play-Doh, along with a slew of accessories to keep your child entertained. They’ll love cutting dough with the plastic scissors, rolling it out, and using the various molds to make new creations. It all comes with its own case to keep the fun contained when it's not in use. I’ve had this set for years and the tools and case continue to hold up well, despite regular use.

Amazon

I bought this set for my kids on the recommendation of a friend, and it's a set 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 even magnetic wheels that roll. The pieces are large enough that you don't have to worry about younger siblings accidentally swallowing them.

Maisonette

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

Amazon

Buckles, laces and velcro—little kids just have to play with everything. Luckily, 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 folds up and has handles for easy carrying.

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. It's rated for ages 24 months and up.

Maisonette

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.

Amazon

Most kids gravitate toward pretend kitchens, and it's easy to see why—they’re just fun. They get to act like grown-ups, there are a bunch of cool accessories and sometimes these things make actual noise or light up. Step2's kitchen features a pretend stovetop with lights and sounds, a single-serve coffee maker (and travel mug) and a slew of other appliances, including a microwave and fridge. The set includes 24 accessories like dishes and cookware, so your little one can serve you "dinner." And, because it's plastic, it's easy to wipe clean when the need strikes. A play kitchen will entertain them right into elementary school and sometimes for longer.

Amazon

The iPlay Zebra Hopper is a near-guaranteed jaw-dropping gift— and yet, it's fairly affordable at $34. This toy is inflated with the help of an included hand pump before kids can hop on top. It's also covered in a removable and washable plus cloth cover that's soft to the touch.

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. The large handle and molded wheels also make for easy pushing.

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 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 and chair provides plenty of support for little ones to sit in.

Amazon

Keder is a big fan of Folkmanis puppets for their quality construction and approachable appearance. Kids can control the mouth, expressions and front legs of this frog using their hands—and imagination.

Fat Brain Toys

Active children like mine love jumping onto small objects—it's just part of being a kid. These brightly colored riverstones allow them to create obstacle courses around your place for easy hopping. They’re crafted with a non-slip surface and rubber edges for secure footing, so you don't have to stress about falls.

Amazon

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 3-year-old last year, and she's used it as a rider and scooter. It's incredibly easy to pop the seat on and off, allowing her to switch between the two stages.

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

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.

Amazon

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.

Amazon

This sturdy vehicle doubles as a push toy and ride-on, depending on what mood your child is in. The low seat is easy for little ones to get on and off, while the high back offers comfortable support and handles. The bright colors are sure to appeal to nearly every kid.

Amazon

That grass isn't going to mow itself. Allow this cheery Melissa & Doug mower to do the work as your child pretends to aid your lawn work. The mower 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.

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.

smol

Many bounce houses feature loud, bright colors. This subdued but pretty option is one you can feel good about leaving up in your playroom or living room on dreary days. It’ll work outdoors, too. Worth noting: The colors are made from nontoxic dyes, so you can feel good about your little one bouncing all over it.

Walmart

This sweet sandbox has been a fixture in my backyard since my kids got it two years ago. It easily stood up to 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.

To choose the best toys for 2-year-olds, I consulted with a child development specialist and real parents for their top picks. I’m also the parent to four children under the age of 10, so I’ve tried a number of these toys with own family, and I included firsthand feedback on these toys. I narrowed down the list based on personal experience, expert input and consumer reviews. Ease of use, durability—these are 2-year-olds, after all—and overall cost were also factored in, as was age appropriateness. This article is also regularly reviewed. We most recently updated it in December 2022.

Forbes has extensive experience covering the best gifts, baby and kids gear and toys. We test and review products, such as the best crib sheets, baby monitors, high chairs, diaper bags and diaper pails. You may want to peruse our additional kid gift guides, best toy guides and more favorites for families.