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Toddlers are famous for their strong opinions (the “terrible twos” are a phrase for a reason), but the best toys for toddlers will keep those balls of energy entertained and developing, and (hopefully) help keep tantrums at bay. The market for gifts for little ones is vast, and can be daunting if you don’t know what’s worth your money. Should you go for a soft and cuddly toy that’ll soothe them to sleep during a regression, or an interactive toy that’ll boost cognitive development while strengthening those little muscles?
According to Kerri Adams and Christina Eromenok, child and family therapists specializing in play therapy at Love Play Grow, “Toys are tools for children, and can have significant impact on emotional and physical growth and child development.” Basically educational toys and those that spark imaginative play are excellent choices. Whether you’re looking for gift ideas for someone else’s child or your own, “toys are also a great opportunity for parents and children to connect together and build a positive, loving relationship” say Adams and Eromenok. Our expert sources and parent network (including myself, a newly-minted toddler mom) came together to provide the list below of all the toddler toys worth shopping, for one, two and three year olds.
Best toys for toddlers by age
Our favorite toys for toddlers, at a glance
- Best for open-ended play: MOLUK Mini Bilibos Baby Toy, $20
- Best wooden toy: Melissa & Doug Deluxe Pounding Bench, $15
- Best outdoor toy: Little Tikes Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Car, $54
- Best teething toy: Smily Mia Penguin Silicone Teething Toy, $9
- Best soothing toy: Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother Musical Crib Toy & Sound Machine, $32
- Best bath toy: B. toys Water Play Bath Toy Set, $23
- Best sorting toy: Toomies Hide & Squeak Easter Eggs, $22
- Best scooter toy: Skip Hop Zoo Ride-On Unicorn Toy Scooter, $65
- Best toy to help walking development: Speedy Monkey Multi Activity Push Toy, $87
- Best musical toy: VTech KidiBeats Drum Set, $16
Best Toys for 1-year-olds
When looking for age-appropriate toys for the newest toddlers on the block, Adams and Eromenok say the best ones are simply, “some might not even look like traditional toys” Mandy and Mel Craig, the expert behind the Toy Testing Sisters recommends the spinners, but there are also some items, like the set of scarves on our list that are everyday things that tots can use for endless rounds of stimulating play. We never pack for an outing without my daughter’s Smily Mia penguin (IMHO it’s much better than Sophie the giraffe, but I’m not here to start a war), and she’s “baked” countless muffins in her kitchen set, so these (plus the rest of this list) are real-parent approved. Whether they’re working on learning object permanence, fine motor skills, or crafting their first meal out of play food in their very own kitchen, the toys below will bring joy to any young toddler.
Best Toys for 2-year-olds
During this time of pushing boundaries, Adams and Eromenok tell us toys create an essential place for active toddlers to feel some control over their environment so they “don’t seek out control as much in ways that can create power struggles.” Let them be the boss of their own garage or workbench with the toys below. The pounding bench is a top pick of our parent crew as a way to get some energy out as well, and if they become overwhelmed one of the soothing toys like the Sea Dreams Soother or the snuggly walrus will calm them down for nap time.
Best for 3-year-old
Now’s the time when toddlers enter fully into the world of pretend play and role play, and toys are the way children “connect with caregivers” and “learn coping skills,” says Adams and Eromenok. These toys will help toddlers learn real-life skills while spending time in their playroom before taking their new abilities out into the world.
Useful gifts for toddlers
Some of the best gifts for toddlers acknowledge this “amazing stage of development where a child’s brain grows extremely fast,” say Adams and Eromenok. When looking for useful gifts for this formative stage of life, think of items that are learning resources for mental, emotional, and physical skills. And it doesn’t hurt to find some options that make bath time easier on both parents and children. Mandy and Mel are fans of anything that gives toddlers a chance experience “sensory and open-ended play,” meaning they’ll work on new skills while also burning some of that enviable toddler energy.
Best Active Toddler
Yes, the best toys for toddlers are those that help them learn and grow during playtime, but sometimes you need a toy that’ll get the wiggles out while doing so. If you have the space, outdoor toys like the car below can be a lifesaver. If you have a small apartment, don’t fret, it can still be transformed into a toddler-appropriate obstacle course with a friendly bouncing animal to ride or a musical toy like a mini drum kit to bang on. Adams and Eromenok assure us that these toys will promote active play, while also leading to less couch (or parent) jumping.
Best toys for travel
Traveling with a toddler can be an anxiety-inducing experience, so the best toys for travel will keep your tot “engaged, contained, and occupied without their normal routine,” say Adams and Eromenok, while taking up the least amount of carry-on space. And if they help them learn their ABC’s or practice hand-eye coordination while doing so, even better!
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