Toys for 2 Year Olds

We have chosen toys for 2 year olds that are sturdy, open-ended and easy to tidy away, with lots in wood.

What helps at this age

• Pretend play: play food, a toolbox or a doll lets toddlers act out their day, which can help them make sense of it.
• Talking together: the NHS says children start putting simple sentences together at around age 2, and suggests replying with a few more words than they used. Pretend play gives you plenty to talk about.
• Puzzles and sorting: floor puzzles, shape sorters and counting boards practise matching, colours and early numbers.
• Dressing up: the NHS suggests dressing up from about 24 months. Old hats and bags are perfect, as long as there are no loose cords.

How to choose toys for a 2 year old

• Check the age label. Many toys say not suitable under 36 months, so pick ones marked 2+ or younger.
• Choose toys with more than one way to play. A fruit crate can be a shop, a picnic or a counting game.
• Big pieces are easier for small hands and harder to lose.
• If they already love something, like dinosaurs or diggers, follow that.

Questions parents ask

What are the best toys for a 2 year old?

Toys they can use to copy you: play food, a toolbox, a doll. Add a chunky floor puzzle and a shape sorter for quieter moments.

Are wooden toys good for toddlers?

Often, yes. Wooden toys are sturdy, easy to wipe and often simple enough to be used in lots of ways, which suits how toddlers play.

How many toys does a 2 year old need?

Fewer than you might think. A handful out at a time, swapped every week or two, keeps play fresh.

Looking for a present? See our gifts for 2 year olds, or browse every stage on our Stage by Stage page.