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The 41 Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds of 2024

Practice shapes, sorting, colors, numbers, and more with these engaging gifts

Tender Leaf Toys Carrot Count Stacker collaged on a colorful background

The Spruce / Lecia Landis

Buying the perfect gift for a 2-year-old can be difficult when you're trying to find something that's beneficial to their developmental health and growth but is also engaging, fun, and unique.

Think about your child's interests, whether they love reading books, building with blocks, snuggling with stuffed animals, or dancing and singing to their favorite songs, there are plenty of options on the market for every 2-year-old.

We know that the options can be overwhelming, so we tested and researched the best gift and toy options on the market for 2-year-olds, considering the recommended age, safety, educational value, and longevity.

Skillmatics Thick Flash Cards for Toddlers : First 100 Animals

 Skillmatics Thick Flash Cards for Toddlers : First 100 Animals

Skillmatics

Perfect for road trips, plane rides, or sitting through siblings' sports games, Skillmatics' flash cards keep toddlers engaged and learning at the same time. The high-quality, non-bending flash cards feature realistic images and names of 100 animals. The box also comes with three learning games for 2-year-olds to sort, name, and learn more about fascinating animals from land to sea.

It’s tot tool time thanks to this set from John Deere. It includes a belt and six tools, including a screwdriver, wrench, and hammer. All of the tools feature rubber handles that are easy for little hands to grip. What’s really awesome is that the belt makes tool sounds and even says two phrases.

Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog

Learning Resources Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog

Amazon

Perfect for tiny hands, Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog comes with pegs that perfectly fit into his body as spikes. Two years old can practice their fine motor skills by placing the correct pegs in each spot, then practice counting and sorting with the different color "spikes" that come with this kit. The adorable critter is bound to keep kids entertained and engaged as they solve the mystery of his missing spikes.

This brightly colored toy is sure to make your kid smile. It’s perfect for 18 months and older. The purple octopus floats in the tub and includes three rings so kids can place them on the tentacles. The material is BPA-free and because the toys are sealed (no holes), there’s no worry about mold. 

This book is such a classic and is ideal for kids ages 1 to 3. It features 100 photos to accompany each word. Kids will expand their vocabulary all while enjoying the colorful pics. The book is made of durable material and the cover is slightly padded, making it easy for kids to hold.

KayLe Spinning Top Sensory Toys for Toddlers

KayLe spinner toy

Amazon

This suction cup spinner toy will create hours of enrichment for your 2-year-old's little mind. The suction cup feature allows this toy to stick to most surfaces, making this an easy to toy to move from playtime to bath time. The soothing rattle sounds will get the interest of your little one and with three different designs included in the set, you can't go wrong.

Sesame Street Learning Letters Bus

Sesame Street Elmo’s Learning Letters Bus

Amazon

Looking for a fun way to teach your little ones the alphabet? Check out Elmo's interactive bus-shaped activity board! It's designed to play Sesame Street phrases and the "Alphabet Song" to help kids practice their ABCs and spelling. After playtime is over, simply store the letters back on the bus. It's a great way to make learning engaging.

Kids will be marching to their own beat with this fantastic music set that’s as cute as it is functional. Included are silly centipede drumsticks, jingle bell ants, a busy bee maraca and clacker, a caterpillar tambourine and a shaker egg—plenty to make up a whole band. They all come packed in a bright drum with a handy carrying strap for some music on the go.

The smallest doctor in your family now has their own kit to take care of any pretend bumps, bruises, or scrapes. The 11-piece set has colorful gear like a stethoscope, thermometer, tweezers, and a needle. Everything fits in the plastic case for easy storage. 

Bath time will become playtime with this fun bath toy. Kids use the lightweight, magnetic fishing pole to catch the three sea creatures. The pole even makes a clicking sound. Not only is this fun but it can also teach kids hand-eye coordination. 

Britannica's Baby Encyclopedia

Britannica's Baby Encyclopedia: For curious kids ages 0 to 3

Britannica Publisher

Explore big ideas in a digestible way for toddlers with the Britannica baby encyclopedia. Learn about animals, food, art, numbers, science, and so much more for read-aloud, home-school sessions, and family bonding times. Everything was reviewed by early-years specialist Dr. Amanda Gummer and the book features beautiful and engaging illustrations by Hanako Clulow.

Step2 LifeStyle Custom Kitchen Playset

lifestyle-custom-kitchen

Amazon

Your 2-year-old has some time before they actually start cooking, but this kitchen set is a fun start. The stove has cool sound effects like water boiling and a sizzling pan, while shelves and drawers provide plenty of storage space for the 20 accessories that are included.

Moonlite Mini Projector with 5 Mickey Mouse and Friends Stories

Moonlite Mini Projector with 5 Mickey Mouse and Friends Stories

Moonlite

A new way to enjoy classic stories, Moonlite brings iconic tales and characters to life through a projector that attaches to your smartphone. This set comes with five Mickey Mouse and Friends stories you can find on the compatible app, then display with the included projector and your phone's flashlight. Nightly story times will never be the same.

3 Bees & Me Dinosaur Toys

3 Bees and Me Dinosaur Car Toys for Toddlers

Courtesy by Amazon

This rolling herd of dinosaurs will provide a roaring good time for tiny toddlers. Four dinosaurs, come in this value-priced pack. Each dinosaur is modeled after a real prehistoric dino. There’s a brontosaurus, a stegosaurus, a triceratops, and of course, a T-Rex, all in bright primary colors, perched atop wheels.

Disney Mickey Mini Waffle Maker

Disney Mickey Mini Waffle Maker

Amazon

Looking to make breakfast time more magical? Check out this Mickey Mouse waffle maker. It cooks waffles in the shape of everyone's favorite mouse and features a convenient light to let you know when they're ready to eat. While it's not meant for your toddler to use on their own just yet, it's the perfect activity for parents or guardians to enjoy with their kids.

Tender Leaf Toys Carrot Count Stacker

Tender Leaf Toys Carrot Count Stacker

Tender Leaf Toys

Tender Leaf Toys makes charming, friendly wooden toys that foster important skills in your little one. Join the adorable bunny and learn to count to 10 with this wooden counting toy. Each carrot ring represents another number that your 2-year-old can stack, sort, and count as they practice problem-solving and motor skills. Plus, everything is made from a renewable resource with water-based paint, so you can feel confident in what's going into your child's toys.

Melissa & Doug Nesting and Sorting Garages and Cars

Melissa--doug-nesting-and-sorting-garages-and-cars-with-7-graduated-garages

Amazon

Rev up the fun with this set of sorting cars and garages from Melissa & Doug. It comes complete with seven numbered wooden cars in graduated sizes. There are also seven garages included, each with a number and color that matches one of the cars for endless counting, sorting, and matching opportunities. All of the garages can be stacked on top of one another as well for stacking (and knocking down) and building.

Little Tikes Look & Learn Window

Little Tikes Look & Learn Window

Little Tikes

With Little Tikes, your toddler gets their own mini window to explore weather, numbers, and other educational concepts all while staying inside. The two different sides represent day and night as you introduce temperature, greet the window by saying "good morning," listen to music and songs, and so much more.

Introduce your toddler to their first bike with the Schwinn Roadster tricycle. It features a retro look, a low center of gravity for easy riding, and an adjustable seat to accommodate different-sized little ones. It comes in many colors sure to delight any 2-year-old, and tassels attached to the handles.

Melissa & Doug Grocery Cart Push Toy and Puzzles

Melissa & Doug Wooden Shape Sorting Grocery Cart Push Toy and Puzzles

Amazon

New from a leader in wooden toys, Melissa & Doug, comes a new educational and adorable grocery cart, perfect for 2-year-olds. Littles ones explore shapes and colors while challenging their sorting and problem-solving skills with all of the moving elements. The 16-piece set also comes with chunky wooden puzzles that store right inside the cart. It also doubles as a stabilizing walking toy for toddlers just getting on their feet.

Coogam Matching Eggs Sorter Puzzle

Coogam-matching-eggs-color--shape-sorter-puzzle

Amazon

This carton of (fake) eggs is packed full of educational enrichment. The dozen eggs open to reveal six colors and 12 shapes, which kids have to match up. The eggs are made of durable material and they’re the perfect size for smaller hands. 

CoComelon Ultimate Learning Bus

CoComelon Ultimate Learning Bus

CoComelon

Kids that love CoComelon will flip for this interactive learning-filled school bus. The learning bus uses sounds and lights to teach vital lessons for toddlers' development, including colors, numbers, letters, and more. It includes over 300 phrases and fun, recognizable songs, guaranteed to provide hours of entertainment for little ones.

My Hair, My Crown Board Book

Mudpuppy My Hair, My Crown

Mudpuppy

It's never too early to teach kids to love every part of themselves. My Hair, My Crown celebrates the magic of Black hairstyles. Whether you're building confidence in your child or introducing them to diverse styles and appearances, the board book features a surprise mirror on the last page for little ones to admire their beautiful hair, no matter how it looks.

Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster Ride On

Step2-up--down-roller-coaster-ride-on

Kohls

If your toddler is a thrill seeker, they will love this ride-on coaster with ten feet of tracks. With a seat that can hold up to 50 pounds, it also includes a high back, handrail, and footrests for a safe and secure ride. You'll be able to bring the amusement park straight to your home.

Learning Curve Vegetable Prep Board Playset

Learning Curve Vegetable Prep Board Playset

Learning Curve

One of the ways toddlers learn and grow is by mimicking what they see their parents do. Gift your 2-year-old their own cutting board and kid-safe knife for chopping vegetables while you prep dinner every night. The adorable set comes with four veggies that pull apart and attach with velcro that act as mini learning puzzles. Or use the included wooden knife to test their dexterity and fine motor skills.

Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball Set

Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball Set

Walmart

To say this gift will be a slam dunk would be an understatement (and a silly pun), but it’s true. Budding ballers can shoot and score over and over again with this sturdy basketball hoop designed just for them. Perfect for hoopsters 18 months to five years old, it's easily adjustable and can go from 2 feet up to 4 feet. It also has an oversized rim for maximum points. The best part: the set comes with not one, but three, rubber balls, so if one rolls away to places unknown, the game doesn’t have to come to an end.

Mega Bloks Green Town Build & Learn Eco House

Mega Bloks Green Town Build & Learn Eco House

Mega Bloks

Build, learn, and play with the Mega Bloks green town eco house play set. The buildable set features a greenhouse, solar panels, electric cars, bicycles, figures, and more, as a great introduction to important ecological efforts. Plus, all green town building sets are certified carbon neutral, so the products and the concepts are equally eco-conscious.

Play-Doh Play 'n Store Table

Play 'n-Store-Table

Courtesy of Walmart

This Play 'N Store table by Play-Doh is a parent's dream, providing all the Play-Doh your 2-year-old needs for hours of play and a place to conveniently and neatly store it away. This set comes with over 25 Play-Doh tools for hours of imaginative play. Little ones can make basic shapes, animals, Play-Doh ice cream, or even burgers—anything their little brains can imagine can be made with this set. With eight different colors to play with, this kit is sure to satisfy.

Mr Potato Head Create Your Potato Head Family

Amazon Mr Potato Head Create Your Potato Head Family

Amazon

A classic toy with a new twist, Mr.Potato Head is sure to give your little one hours of imaginative play—especially since this is a family set. The Create Your Potato Head Family toy includes 45 pieces to customize potato families, including 2 large potato adult bodies, 1 small potato baby body, and 42 accessories. The best part? When playtime is over, your 2-year-old and store the parts in the backs of the larger potato bodies, making clean up simple.

Fisher-Price Light-Up & Learn Owl​

Fisher-Price Light-Up & Learn Owl​

Fisher-Price

This interactive toy from Fisher-Price is so fun, toddlers won't even realize they're learning. The adorable owl has an expressive face, lights up, sings songs, and so much more. The seven buttons reveal hours of fun and learning about the alphabet, counting, the weather, days of the week, different emotions, and so much more.

Bring the outdoors in with this toddler camping set by Fun Little Toys. The set comes with 17 accessories including a pretend-play battery-powered gas stove and oil lamp, a cooking pan, plates, a shovel, a pop-up tent, and more—practically everything you need for hours of imaginative play indoors.

LeapFrog Scoop & Learn Ice Cream Cart

VTech LeapFrog Scoop & Learn Ice Cream Cart

Amazon

Kids can mix and match the flavors and toppings on their very own ice cream cart to create the perfect cone, all while learning and laughing. This set comes with recipe cards so toddlers can build their memory and sequencing abilities while also practicing their fine motor skills through giving and receiving money for the tasty treats.

GOODNIGHT ME

Goodnight Me

Mark & Graham

You can add a little fun to your toddler's bedtime routine with Goodnight Me. This book takes your little one on a magical journey filled with dancing dogs, leaping sheep, chirping crickets, and hooting owls. And the best part? You can personalize the book to feature their name on the cover, in the story, and in illustrations, making them feel extra special every time you read it together.

Pottery Barn Kids Kids Anywhere Chair®

Pottery Barn Kids My First Anywhere Chair

Pottery Barn Kids

Give your 2-year-old a throne of their own with the well-known Anywhere Chair by Pottery Barn Kids. With a monogram option as well as slip covers is multiple colors, this customizable gift will really make your 2-year-old feel special.

Pottery Barn Kids Giraffe Plush Nursery Rocker

Pottery Barn Kids Giraffe Plush Nursery Rocker

Pottery Barn Kids

Let your child embark on a wild adventure with this cute giraffe plush nursery rocker. Standing at 30 inches, toddlers can enjoy a smooth and gentle ride with precision-shaped runners and solid wood handles. Unlike other toys, this rocker is recommended for ages up to 5 and will last for years to come. Best of all, personalization is available to make this gift extra special.

SmarterKids Ball Hoop

SmarterKids Ball Hoop

SmarterKids

Get your little one moving and fostering fine motor skills indoors or outdoors with the SmarterKids' mini basketball hoop. The hoop assembles easily and locks into place for optimal stability while still being portable enough to take on the go. Kids can boost their confidence, play games, practice counting, and more with this adorably sized hoop.

Pottery Barn Mackenzie Disney Princess Castle Water Bottles

Mackenzie Disney Princess Castle Water Bottles

Pottery Barn

Get your little one excited to stay hydrated with this adorable Disney bottle. Featuring some of their favorite Disney Princesses like Cinderella and Belle, this bottle is designed to keep their drinks hot or cold for up to six hours. Plus, the push button pop-up lid makes it super easy to open, and it even has a lock to prevent spills. The best part? You add their name for a special touch.

Mega Bloks 80-Piece Big Building Bag

Mega Bloks 80-Piece Big Building Bag

Amazon

“Wow!” will be their reaction when they see this mega bag of Mega Bloks. It comes with 80 brightly colored blocks in a variety of shapes. They’re the perfect size for little hands and versatile enough for them to dream big with their creations. From castles to cars and so much more, there’s no limit to the things they may create. This is a perfect starter set, but it also works with all other Mega Bloks sets. During testing, we loved how the large size fit easily in little one's hands for hours of engaging play.

Mega Bloks 80-Piece Big Building Bag

 The Spruce

Little Feminist Monthly Membership

Little Feminist Monthly Membership

Little Feminist

The Little Feminist membership is a perfect gift for 2-year-olds (and parents) that love reading and learning. Every month, parents receive new printable activities, age-based book club picks, resources for young ones on important social justice issues, and more. The membership is appropriate for kids ages 0-9 so the topics, book picks, and activities can grow with your child.

Pottery Barn Kids Wooden Shopping Cart

Pottery Barn Kids Wooden Shopping Cart

Pottery Barn Kids

Pottery Barn Kids makes beautiful wooden toys that double as nursery decor when not in use. This stunning shopping cart is the perfect toy for little ones practicing their walking and storing skills. Keep toys, clothes, or other items in the shopping cart for extra storage, or purchase some pretend food to go along with the cart. You can even bring it to the grocery store so your 2-year-old has a matching mini cart for cuteness overload.

Lovevery Play Kits

Lovevery Play Kits

Lovevery

Loverey play kits take your child's age and developmental stage into account to provide the best toys, lessons, and supplemental material to promote learning and growth. Kids complete different projects and activities, delivered in the mail every three months, to support your child's creativity, independence, problem-solving skills, and so much more. They also provide a great bonding opportunity for toddlers and parents to complete together.

Other Great Gift Options

If you have a little one, you know how eager they are to learn and explore the world around them. Toddlers around the age of two are like sponges, ready to absorb new experiences and skills. While toys are great, giving experiential gifts can be even better for their growth and development. For example, taking your toddler to the zoo is a fantastic idea that shouldn't be overlooked. Not only will it create unforgettable memories, but it can also start conversations about different animal facts, sounds, and colors. This kind of hands-on learning is incredibly helpful in their cognitive and social development, and it's a lot of fun too!

Tips on Choosing a Gift for a 3-Year-Old Boy

When you're picking out toys for your little one, it's important to pay attention to the age recommendations. These suggestions are really important because they help ensure that the toy is safe and a good fit for your child's developmental level. Kristin Morency Goldman, Senior Advisor of Strategic Communications for The Toy Association, says that this info is crucial. So, make sure you choose toys that are appropriate for your child's age range, so they can build skills and be challenged in a healthy way.

You also want to avoid toys labeled 3+, says Morency Goldman, since these toys may contain small parts that pose a choking hazard, even to older toddlers. You should also avoid toys that are too heavy, hard, or difficult to handle. Building blocks are a common example of this, but MEGA BLOKS are a great choice because they're the perfect size for little hands and don't pose a choking hazard.

When kids turn two, they're usually super curious and eager to learn new things. Toys that promote the development of fine motor skills, walking, talking, music, or critical thinking can be both educational and entertaining. For instance, the SmarterKids Ball Hoop encourages children to practice balance, coordination, and other skills as they improve their walking abilities.

It's also worth noting that two-year-olds love to explore the world around them! So, toys that let them move around and explore are usually a hit. Dr. Natasha Burgert, a pediatrician in South Overland Park, Kansas, says that these kinds of toys can help kids build their physical skills too.

Young children grow at an astounding rate. Consider whether the gift you buy for a 2-year-old can grow with them—it might be much better to invest in something a child can use for a long period of time, as opposed to a toy they’ll grow out of in a few months. One gift we love: the Skillmatics Thick Flash Cards are suitable for ages 18 months to 4 years old.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce, covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Before that, she covered similar topics, including toy reviews, product round-ups, expert-focused articles, and more. 

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