There are HUGE developmental leaps going on for toddlers between the ages of 2-3 years. At this age, expect big emotions, (tantrums) , simple sentences, pretend play, independence, new thinking skills and much more. Talking and listening, reading, working on everyday skills and most playing together are so important for development.
When buying for toys for 2-year-old boys and girls, be sure to pick toys and games that match their interests but still help them learn something new.
Our Top Toys for 2 year olds
Old McDonald Lotto Game
Price: €13.95
Turn taking bingo style game is the perfect introduction to games with rules and turn taking for your 2 year old. Old MacDonald Lotto is an early learning matching game, perfect for young players. Be the first player to match all your cards to your playing board, followed by the farmer, to win the game! The sturdy lotto cards feature animals and objects you might find on the farm such as milk, tractors and vegetables. It’s a great game especially if your little one is interested in farm animals!
SmartMax My First Animal Train
Price: €37.95
A magnetic train with animals what kid wouldn’t love this!
This toy gets played with everyday by my 2 and 3 year old old boys. While I love playing with my boys it’s GREAT to have a toy they will happily play by themselves (buying me some much needed time) SmartMax My First Animal Train is the perfect toy for a 2 year old offering an early, safe, and fun introduction to magnetic discovery. Easily build the animal train and play with the animals and the conductor. Drive around with the animals in the train or play with each separately. The oversize parts of the train and the animals simply click on the bars, making them ideal for little hands.
SmartMax My First Animal Train includes 25 pieces and is compatible with all other SmartMax sets. This train set will inspire open-ended, imaginative play as well as developing fine motor skills as they click the chunky magnetic pieces together.
Spike fine Motor hedgehog
Price: €22.95
Wow wow wow, just check all of the awards this loveable hedgehog has won! This is the perfect developmental toy for 18 months to 2 years old plus as it helps children build up hand muscles and fine motor skills as they replace the chunky, textured, peg-shaped quills. Plus Spike’s colourful quills can be used to teach counting, sorting, colour and more.
This fun tactile toy is a most for any house with toddlers!
Looking for STEM toys for 2 year olds?
Start-Up Circuits, by MindWare
Price: €24.95
This is intended for very young children 18 months and up ( however from experience I think it would be best for age 2 – 4 years old). I love this toy because there really is nothing else out there like it therefore, I think it would make a really unique gift for a toddler or younger child. Great for teaching cause and effect when kids click together these chunky pieces and then flip the switch, they'll get an exciting result: either a spinning fan, a glowing light or a whistling siren! All switch blocks and action tops are interchangeable for mixing, matching and experimenting with actual working circuits in a completely safe way. Young children will develop an innate understanding of circuitry and build a strong foundation for future STEM success. Includes 3 switch blocks, 3 action tops, instructions and parent guide. Check out the video of them in action here to see how cool they are!
Other Great Toys for 2 Year Olds
All of the above are available online at Cogs the Brain Shop.
Need ideas for a present? See our guides for all ages below.