These Are the Best Gifts and Toys for 2-Year-Olds in 2023, According to Experts

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TK

Ready to win the holiday season — at least, as far as your favorite 2-year-old is concerned? Shopping for toddlers can be fun, but it can also be challenging to find the ideal gifts for kids at this age. The best toys and gifts for 2-year-olds provide something extra for the little tot. Perhaps it's a stuffed animal that also teaches peek-a-boo, or a sorting toy that builds grip strength. Whatever direction you go in, it's important to consider what developmental stage children are in during this time of their lives. (Don't just buy a Barbie because it's trendy. They're not ready!)

"At two years of age, children are working on a host of skills across several developmental domains," says Elizabeth Fraley, M.Ed. and CEO of KinderReady Inc., a LA-based education program focused on kindergarten readiness and private school preparation. "Vocabulary is the most fluid as it is constantly evolving day-in and day-out. Typically, a two year old will use two-word phrases like 'bye mama,' nod and say yes, point, wave, blow a kiss, or wave goodbye. Within the cognitive milestone realm, a 2-year-old may be eager to flip the pages in a book, turn a knob, or push buttons on a toy. In the fine motor realm, they are usually seen clapping their hands, picking up and putting objects down."

The following toys are all recommended by Fraley, road-tested by this editor's (very picky) children, or raved about by online reviewers.

Beginner Puzzle for Kids — Forest Babies

Perfect for novice puzzlers, this 4-pack of mini puzzles is made with recycled cardboard and vegetable-based ink, making it eco-friendly. Once your toddler has mastered one puzzle, they can move onto the next. Ages 2+

Number Maze Magnetic Game

"Learning colors is a huge learning skill for 2-year-olds," said Fraley. "It also helps children learn to classify by colors and begin to work on their grip using the writing tool." Ages 2+

Learning Locomotive

Little girls and boys are all about wooden train sets that latch onto each other with pegs. They can play with each car individually or arrange them together for the whole kit and caboodle. Ages 2+

Let’s Record Music Player

Little kids love the Let's Record Music Player that records up to 30 minutes of silly sounds, singing, or speaking. It can also play 10 children's songs and 10 tunes to help them learn letters, animals, and more. Ages 18 months- 4 years

María The Mathemagician Plush Doll

Surprise Powerz is all about empowering girls at a young age. María The Mathemagician is just one of four dolls in a line meant to encourage little girls to pursue their interests in science and tech. It's never too early! Ages 2-5

Make Me A Pizza!

Play food should be a staple in any toddler's "kitchen." It's fun for them to play around with different combinations. But more importantly, the set introduces young eaters to a variety of toppings (including veggies). Ages 18 months+

Air Max SYSTM Baby/Toddler Shoes

It's hard to go wrong with a pair of Nikes — especially ones with Velcro closures instead of laces. The Air Max SYSTMs come in five colors, but black and white is a classic combo for both boys and girls. Sizes range from 2C to 10C (6-36+ months).

RELATED: Best Baby Shoes for New Walkers

Baby Shark Step & Sing Piano Dance Mat

Piano mats are a great way for parents to lose their minds toddlers to learn basic music notes. This one is battery-powered, comes with 10 keys, two activity modes, five instrument sounds, two songs, and easily folds up. Ages 2-5

20-Piece Farm Animal Matching & Sorting Toys Set

Tots can work on color-matching, placement, and grip strength with these animal figurines and matching barns. One reviewer writes, "My 2-year-old has had them for 3 days, and they’re his favorite toys now. He loves moving the “babies” from house to house. He’s already learning colors and animal names just by playing with them." Ages 1+

Jungle Water Easel Pad & Pen

If the 2-year-old spends an extended period of time in a car or plane, travel-friendly toys are a must! Floss & Rock make fantastic portable water pads. This jungle edition is only one of many versions. Ages 18 months+

Stacking Burger

If you want to encourage pattern-following, try this stacking toy that comes with cards showing different combinations. They'll not only learn to place with pieces (a fine motor skill), they'll be challenged to think about their order (a cognitive skill). Ages 1+

Rainbow Wooden Nuts & Bolts, Set of 21 Pairs

Toddlers will learn about colors and how parts fit together with this set of giant, wooden nuts and bolts. Ages 1+

MEGA BLOKS

Grab an 80-piece set of big interlocking blocks! These are the ideal size for little fingers just beginning to work on fine motor skills. Ages 1+

Learning Friends 100 Words Book

Any book is a good gift, but this book does the reading for you. Not only does it verbally identify all the pictures, it can read the words in both English and Spanish. Ages 18 months+

Laugh & Learn Toddler Vacuum

2-year-olds are studying the world around them and beginning to mimic behaviors they see. Miniature vacuums, lawn mowers, and cleaning instruments are all tools they love to pretend-play with. Ages 1-3

Water Doodle Mat

Let's get something straight: 2-year-olds are not to be trusted with pens and paint. This water doodle mat bypasses the mess by utilizing water pens that reveal colors as the kids draw on the mat. Ages 1+

Boo Boo JJ Deluxe

At this age, kids might be a little too small for a big doctor's kit, but this JJ Deluxe kit is a perfect entry point. The themed set comes with a JJ doll and a mostly equipped medical bag. Be warned: He sings. Ages 2+

Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog

"Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog is a must-have for children two and up," said Fraley. "This multifaceted toy works on color recognition, boosts counting and sorting skills, and even evokes conversations about the colorful hedgehog to strengthen early vocabulary. The spikes are grooved for easy gripping and grasping." Ages 18 months- 4 years

Fairytale Shadow Puppets

If you want a simple gift that will spark a toddler's imagination, look no further than the shadow puppets handmade by the woman-owned company Wildflower Toys. Put on a show and watch their eyes go wide. No age listed

Wooden Shape Sorting Toy

There are a few different ways to play with this cool wooden toy. First, it's a vegetable patch with big and small carrots to place. Then, they can use the rabbit to pluck magnetic worms out of the garden. Finally, all the fruits fit into holes in the cart. So much to learn! Ages 2+

Spin N Sort Spout Pro

If bath time is a struggle, make things fun with this motorized water pump. This is especially useful if the 2-year-old in question is beginning to mess with the real faucet. Ages 9 months+

Toy Trucks (Set of 6)

For a pretty reasonable price, you can get a set of six heavy-duty construction trucks. Toddlers are naturally destructive creatures, but these are built to last. Ages 18 months- 3 years

Learn and Discover Pretty Party Play-set

For the prettiest princess of them all, VTech makes a play-set with lemonade, cups, and sweet treats. This is ideal for the toddler who wants to play with friends (or grown-ups). Ages 6 months- 3 years

Baby Krishna Plush

Introduce new cultures with the huggable Baby Krishna Plush from Modi Toys, a small business with a mission to share Hindu traditions. This toy even comes with an option to personalize with the little one's name stitched on. No age listed

Wooden Color & Shape Sorting Matching Box

Amazon reviewers praise this Montessori-style toy for being both educational and fun for little kids. Made of high-quality materials, the sorting box is great for occupational therapy. Ages 12 months- 6 years

Fruit Medley Polo

Black-owned brand Naseberry makes itty-bitty clothes that you wish came in adult sizes. This neutrally toned polo is made of 100 percent cotton and will look adorable on just about any tot. Sizes range from 6-24 months.

Wooden Car Ramp

While they may seem simple, car ramps provide endless fun. This one comes with seven cars that glide down the color-coded ramps and into the docking bay. 2-year-olds could play with this for hours. Ages 18 months- 3 years

Custom Name Puzzle for Kids

Looking for a gift that's a little more personal? This puzzle board has their name all over it — ha! Ages 1-3

Baby Dinosaur Stuffed Animal

This peek-a-boo stuffy is as cuddly as it is fun! 2-year-olds still love the concept of peek-a-boo, and this allows them to play all by themselves. The dino is cute, but it also comes as a bunny, a chick, or a monkey. Ages 0-12

I'm Feeling: Emotional Literacy Flash Cards

"Within the social and emotional domain, 2-year-olds are able to recognize the emotions of others and react whether they're happy or sad," says Fraley. Help them to expand their emotional vocabulary with these flash cards, made by a small business. Ages 1+

Big Jigs Activity Cube

An activity cube is a must-have for any playroom or bedroom. This one is on the pricey side, but it's also made of premium materials and is certified as eco-friendly. Ages 1+

The Block Set

This educational block set was designed with STEM in mind. With 20+ activities that range in difficulty, toddlers can build whatever they can imagine. Plus, it's a gift that will grow as their skills do. Ages 18 months- 4 years

Shop more toys and gifts for kids

Looking for more of the best gifts for kids? Check out our guides for every age:

• Gifts for babies: Best Baby Gifts | Baby Boy Gifts | Baby Girl Gifts | Best Gifts for 6-Month-Olds

• Gifts for toddlers: Gifts for 1-Year-Olds

• Gifts for preschoolers: Gifts for 3-Year-Olds | Gifts for 4-Year-Olds | Gifts for 5-Year-Olds

• Gifts for big kids: Gifts for 6-Year-Olds | Gifts for 7-Year-Olds | Gifts for 8-Year-Olds | Gifts for 9-Year-Olds | Gifts for 10-Year-Olds | Gifts for 11-Year-Olds | Best Gifts for Girls

• Gifts for teens: Best Gifts for Teens | Best Gifts for Teen Girls | Gifts for Teen Girls on Amazon | Best Gifts for Teen Boys
  

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