Toys for Two-year-Olds

The toys suggested below are generally appropriate for typically developing two-year-olds. Many of these same toys are also suitable for kids who are not developing according to typical milestones, though they may need to be used differently. (For information on selecting or adapting toys for kids with disabilities, see Selecting Toys for Children with Disabilities or visit the National Lekotek Center at www.lekotek.org or www.ableplay.org.) Parents and caregivers must always ensure that any toy they let a child use is safe for that child.

· Balls of various sizes

Blocks, blocks, blocks! (of various sizes)
Boxes and containers of various sizes that encourage filling and emptying
Cars, trucks, planes, trains—anything that rolls
Climbing toys
Craft materials like large paper, non-toxic markers, paint, and glue
Crayons (large size)
Dolls and accessories
Drums
Felt and other fabrics for crafts
“Fix it” tools and workbench for toddlers
Gardening tools for toddlers
Kitchen toys and toy appliances
Mirrors (no glass—make sure they cannot break)
Musical instruments—simple ones like xylophones and tambourines
Nesting toys
Paint brushes (large) and sponges for painting
Parents who sing, talk, and read to their child
Play dough or non-toxic modeling clay
Puzzles (simple ones, ideally with knobs for manipulating the pieces)
Riding toys
Sandbox and sand toys (sifters, shapers)
Shape sorters
Shopping carts for toddlers and related “shopping” toys
Stacking toys
Stuffed animals and dolls
Water toys

Adapted from Irene Helen Zundel: Toys for Two Year Olds and other sources.

Provided By Susan J. Oliver, Tropomedia
This information is provided on behalf of the toy experts at your neighborhood toy store.