The best toys for toddlers, recommended by parents (2024)

When two-year-olds play with toddler toys, they're doing much more than having fun — they're showing off all their newfound abilities. It’s around this age that they start to learn about their own thoughts and feelings, while also discovering that others have their own thoughts and feelings too. This is where pretend play really comes into its own, as they try on different roles.

So, when selecting a gift for children this age, it's important to choose one that lets them stretch their imaginations. To help you in your search, our experts and GH parents have compiled a list of fun and engaging toys your little ones will love to play with, while developing their young minds in the process.

What do two-year-olds like to play with?

Role-playing items can encourage pretend play – think toy kitchen items, dolls and pushchairs, or vehicles with chunky figures that can fit inside. Look for toys that encourage problem-solving, such as wooden blocks, building toys and puzzles. Toys and games that support open-ended play and can be used multiple ways are good, too.

Some other things to bear in mind: Two-year-olds are still too young for toys with small parts that can be choking hazards; they may not have the attention span for complicated games with lots of rules; and they still don't have enough motor coordination for some more sophisticated toys. If you follow those guidelines, no matter what you get, you should have a very happy toddler!

BRIO's chunky train is just the right size for toddlers and doesn't need a track to run on. The battery-powered push-and-go toy will help their fine motor skills and encourage movement. The best bit? Press the button and watch the safe-to-touch steam emerge from the chimney as it starts its journey. Ages 18 months+

These classic large pieces are particularly easy for toddlers to hold, making them especially perfect for kids just past their first birthday. You can even get them to help clean up by making a game of putting the 100 blocks back into the box when you're finished playing. Ages 1+

At this age games need to be simple, to keep them engaged. This hilarious new game will work on their matching and memory skills by pairing doggy heads with their bodies. There are two fun ways to play for younger and older children. Shout “Doggy Doggy Woof Woof” after each successful match. And stand up, pretend to wag your tail and shout “Waggy Waggy Woof Woof” when you get a waggy tail card. It should also burn off a little energy too.

Toddlers will be motivated to work on that gross motor coordination with this brightly coloured chameleon, who follows behind with the pull of a string. As they pull, its eyes move and its body wiggles from side to side. Ages 1+

Take the idea of stacking and nesting boxes to the next level with this early board game for kids. To play, parents and kids take turns hiding the bear under the different boxes, and guessing where it is. It promotes turn-taking and patience, and we're confident kids will want to play it again and again. Ages 2+

What's a Bilibo? What isn't it? It can be a seat that they wobble around. Flip it over, and it's a tunnel or a shell. They can wear it on their heads like a helmet or use it as a landscape for their figures. The open-endedness means that kids can really be creative when they play with it. It also comes in several colours. Ages 2+

This isn’t your average wooden block set. The 70-piece kit promotes STEM learning as it features a rainbow of colours and 18 shapes and tools, including wheels, ramps, magnetic rods, shape sorters and more. What makes it even better is you can turn this set into a storage car to easily contain all the pieces. Ages 18 months+

Toddlers learn best when they get a front-row seat to the action, and this learning tower lets kids safely get up to counter height. This is particularly helpful for kids who want to get involved with cooking in the kitchen. The step is adjustable to cater for different ages and heights, and there's even a chalkboard on the reverse for creative play. Ages 18 months+

They'll get a lesson in cause-and-effect when they see these cars zip down the slanted ramps. It feels like a cool stunt each time the cars reverse direction. The ramp comes with four cars in different muted colours. Ages 18 months+

These chunky jumbo crayons are easier to grip, but they'll still help them draw whatever creations they can dream up. The larger size means they'll last a long time, and the colours are nice and bright on paper too. Ages 1+

This 15-piece set is perfect for your little builder. It comes with a saw, spanner, hammer, file and lots of nuts and bolts, so they can imagine their own construction projects. The set is also made from FSC-certified materials for a lower overall environmental impact. Ages 2+

Ease those "white-coat worries" by letting kids step into the role of doctor with sturdy, toddler-sized tools. This medical bag is filled with tools to take temperatures, check heartbeats, and tend to wounds. Fantastic for imaginary play, they're sure to do a thorough job on their "patients." Ages 18 months+

This cutie's 12 pegs are easy for little hands to grasp, and parents will love how every piece stashes neatly away inside the hedgehog's body, making for easy storage (and on-the-go transportation). Ages 18 months+

Kids can practise nurturing and empathy during their imaginative play with this toddler-friendly baby doll, which comes with an outfit, dummy and a baby bottle. It's available in two skin tones, and you can buy additional outfits for it, too. Ages 1+

Complete with utensils, a plate and food, this interactive toaster lets kids pretend to make breakfast, just like the adults. It's a lovely set to get them started, and there are lots more accessories from the range available to explore. Ages 2+

Make an at-home playground with this indoor foldable slide. The best part — it won’t take up much space when it's not in use. Simply fold the slide flat when your child is done playing, and it's thin enough to fit into super tight spaces. Break it out on rainy days, and put it away when the sun comes out. Ages 18 months+

Kids will learn about colours, matching shapes and letters with this educational puzzle. They're easy to grasp for little hands, so they help develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Ages 18 months+