This summer our smart and sassy (and sometimes stubborn) little girl turned two years old. We chose not to have a traditional birthday party for her just yet; we figure we’ll hold off one or two more years before we ‘go big’. However that didn’t stop us for spending a decent chunk of time evaluating what she gifts she might need and want this year, now that she’s two. And knowing that our family would still be looking to send presents her way, I set out beforehand to pick out a number of really great, age appropriate gifts for 2 year olds.
Our 2 year old’s life is pretty full. She has plenty of what she really needs, and lots of what she wants. And I still do my best to not get ‘all of the things’ in terms of kid toys, gear, and extra stuff. At the same time, I was realizing that her developmental needs are rapidly changing. What she plays with and how she plays is changing in the most incredible way, and I want the toys around her to support that growth.
Age Appropriate Gifts for 2 Year Olds
So the list of gifts for 2 year olds that I shared with grandparents and family consisted of things to get her outside and playing, open ended play toys, and plenty of preschool learning toys.
Whether you’re looking to buy your own child something for his or her 2nd birthday, or you’re shopping around for gifts for 2 year olds in your life, I highly suggest snagging something from this list.
Yes, there are a few items that traditionally might scream “buy this and the parent will hate you” (like… 100 plastic balls, or a set of a million tiny dinosaurs). But chances are by the time a child is 2, parents have a safe play space defined in their home, and a classic set of wooden building blocks is definitely an amazing toy to grow up with, despite all of its parts.
Active Gear
- Balance bike for toddlers
- Kid sized basketball hoop
- First t-ball set
- First slide
- Small indoor trampoline
- Wonder Playball Non-Toxic Phthalate Free Crush Proof Pit Balls
Classic Wooden & Open Ended Toys
- PlanToys Wooden Blocks (50 pcs)
- Ramp Racer for Toddlers and 4 Wood Cars
- Grimm’s 6-Piece Rainbow Stacker
- Grimm’s Set of 12 Rainbow Friends Peg Dolls
- Mega Bloks 80-Piece Big Building Bag, Classic
Pretend Play
- Melissa & Doug, Let’s Play House! Dust! Sweep! Mop!
- Melissa & Doug Spray, Squirt & Squeegee Play Set
- IKEA Pretend Play Kitchen
- Jumbo Safari Animals Figures
- Learning Resources® Farmers Market Sorting Set
Early Learning Toys
- Birds in a Nest Sorting Set
- Sort & Count Cups
- Preschool Bee Hive
- Large Lacing Beads for Kids
- Kids Percussion Lollipop Drum
No Mess Arts and Crafts