31 Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds, According to Their Parents 2024

Shanna Shipin Christa Joanna Lee 3 hours ago

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31 Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds, According to Their Parents 2024

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“Thanks, I hate it” is a reaction you’d never dream a sweet child could be capable of producing—but have you met toddlers? The best gifts for 2-year-olds will help you avoid a seemingly unprovoked fit, general apathy or, worse, more clutter for their parent to cram into a storage bin. But you can ease up on the pressure: “Any parent of a 2-year-old will tell you that when it comes to presents, keep it simple,” says pediatrician Charlotte McKnight, MD, at Pediatric Associates of Richmond in Virginia. “Many have heard the old adage that the box the gift comes in is the most exciting toy for a toddler, and it really does ring true.”

If you’re looking for something a bit more thoughtful than a moving box, McKnight says that early toddlerhood comes with a developmental changes. “Children start to shift to more imaginative play, which really opens the door to fun gift ideas.” Bouncy balls, stuffed animals, “little helper” play sets, and toys with wheels are all fair game.

What shouldn’t you get them? McKnight recommends passing up on anything too high-tech, electronic, or digital. She also cautions that if the parents have expressed they aren’t ready to introduce screen time just yet, you probably shouldn’t take the opportunity to do it yourself.

Without further ado, I’ve rounded up presents that have entertained my own two-year-old daughter, and her older sister, plus polled her little friends, and their parents, as well as educators to find unique presents even the most precocious tykes will love playing with.

The best gifts for 2-year-olds, at a glance

PS: Shopping for more kids? Check out the best baby gifts, gifts for 1-year-olds, 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, 5-year-olds, and 6-year-olds.

1/31

Green Toys Construction Trucks

If the local construction site is the coolest thing their little one has ever seen, these trucks—made entirely out of recycled milk jugs—would make a great gift. Roll them around the living room floor or (even better) dub them outdoor toys since they’re extremely durable.
2/31

Jellycat Bashful Beige Bunny Stuffed Animal

At this age, a doll or stuffed toy can help promote empathy in the little human. McKnight says that 2-year-olds may begin interacting by “pretending to feed the doll, talk to the stuffed animal, and even help put them to bed by snuggling them up with a blanket.” Jellycat makes some of the most popular ones out there, and this particular floppy-eared bunny has over 5,500 five-star reviews on Amazon.

3/31

Material The Kids Cooking Set

Another great way for kids to help? In the kitchen! Material created a line of durable cooking and baking utensils that are sized down for small hands. Later, the little chef can come up with their own recipe with a cute game of flash-card ingredients.
4/31

Lalo The Play Kitchen

Of course, if you want to wow the whole family, you can get the little tyke a kitchen of their very own. It’s an investment, but the pretend-play stage lasts years (hint: this makes a great 3-year-old gift too)—and comes with the added bonus of no burners or knives lurking about.
5/31

Olli Ella Rattan Luggy

Rounding out our miniature grown-up section is this rolly rattan basket. It isn’t just an easy storage solution—it’ll turn every trip to the farmer’s market into an impromptu photo shoot. Radio Flyer who?

6/31

BusyPuzzle Personalized Puzzle Busy Board

This busy board was the most popular present in our guide to the best gifts for 1-year-olds, and it’s still developmentally appropriate for 2-year-olds, who are working on advancing those fine motor skills.
7/31

Lovevery The Playkits Subscription

Whether parents are into Montessori methods or not, Lovevery makes “play with a purpose” super easy. Each Play Kits subscription delivers a box of beautifully crafted wooden toys and developmentally appropriate activities every three months, complete with easy-to-follow instructions for parents or caretakers.
8/31

Manhattan Toy Deep Sea Adventure

If the trip to the aquarium left them speechless, they’ll be floored by this underwater adventure in their very own home. And if you had any reservations: It’s a best seller and one of Maisonette’s most-wished-for items.

9/31

Hape Toy Guitar Wooden Ukulele Instrument

Simple toddler-size instruments can help develop fine and gross motor skills, among a host of other important child developments.
10/31

Melissa & Doug Jumbo Coloring Pads Set

Their toddler may be scribbling or enthusiastically whipping crayons across drywall by this point. These oversized coloring pages are a great way to release some of the budding Matisse’s creative energy—and they’re also the perfect canvas for big stickers.
11/31

Nigwet 7-in-1 Pikler Triangle Set

First steps were just the beginning—now 2-year-olds are all about climbing. This reconfigurable indoor climber keeps their adventurous spirit focused on fun in their play space—not on the nice furniture.

12/31

Fisher-Price Little People Barbie Little Dreamcamper

Even though they’re years away from getting their license, 2-year-olds are already obsessed with all things that go, go, go. This RV is anything but your standard ride with a pop-up roof, cozy beds for their mini figures, and 35+ fun songs and sounds.
13/31

Tubby Todd The Bath Bomb Bundle

Though most 2-year-olds love bath time, getting them in the tub can feel like an impossible mission. They will be easily lured to the bathroom with these gentle, naturally scented bath bombs that turn the bath into a colorful, fizzy delight.
14/31

Mudpuppy Sushi Friends Wooden Tray Puzzle

Who says sushi is just for grown-ups? This adorable puzzle with bright, fun pieces that are easy for little hands to grab is perfect for the foodie in the making.

15/31

Funto Washable Finger Paint for Kids

Embrace the mess without the stress. These bright, bold finger paints lets 2-year-olds get hands-on and creative, while easily washing off the paint when the fun is done.
16/31

Zeoddler Magnetic Wooden Animals Train Set

Thanks to easy-to-connect magnets, even the teeniest hands can snap the train together and build their own zoo on wheels. And since it’s a quiet toy (ahhh…), it’s perfect for restaurants.
17/31

Making Believe Plush Diversity Dolls Set of 5

A playroom isn’t complete without these soft, plush baby dolls. They let the kiddos role play as grown-ups while introducing them to diversity in the sweetest way.

18/31

Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set

As 2-year-olds start to nail hand-eye coordination, this basketball set is the perfect way to level up those skills. The adjustable hoop and oversized ball make it easy for tiny hands to handle.
19/31

Miniature Dyson Vacuum Replica

At this age, toddlers love copying their grown-ups and feeling like little household “helpers.” This mini Dyson vacuum replica has real sound effects, swirling confetti in the clear cylinder, and plenty of twisty-turny action. Maybe it’ll even prime them to do real chores one day.
20/31

Trimate Toddler Sensory Sand and Water Table with Chair

Even if they don’t have a ton of backyard space, this multipurpose sensory table lets the kiddo splash in water, dig in sand, and play with toys all in one spot. Big fun for them, breezy cleanup for parents.

21/31

KiwiCo Peekaboo Play Tunnel

When kids need a fun way to blow off post-dinner toddler energy, just whip out this play tunnel. They’ll learn to master mobility and coordination by crawling through—over and over and over again. Plus, it thankfully collapses for easy storage.
22/31

Lego Duplo Town Truck & Tracked Excavator Construction Vehicle

With chunky building blocks designed for tiny hands, this LEGO DUPLO set is the ultimate combo of fun and skill-building. The best part? The excavator’s arm actually moves—cue hours of scooping action.
23/31

Kiddieland Lights ‘N’ Sounds Spidey Activity Plane

Since they’re still building the skills to pedal, ride-ons are great for helping little ones develop coordination while zooming around the house or backyard.

24/31

Gazillion Bubbles Hurricane Bubble Making Machine

Seriously, there’s nothing that sparks childhood joy quite like bubbles. This machine makes literally a gazillion of them to turn outdoor playtime into a bubble wonderland.
25/31

Fisher-Price Bestway Little People Airplane Ball Bit

Sure parents might have to pick up flying balls all day, but it’s worth it for the big smiles and endless fun when they see their 2-year-old diving in and pretending to fly their very own airplane.
26/31

Guidecraft Classic Kitchen Helper Toddler Tower

Whether parents are ready or not, 2-year-olds are all about their “I-want-to-help” phase. This toddler tower gives them a safe boost so they can “help” in the kitchen—while parents manage to get dinner on the table.

27/31

Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster

If they’re blessed with the backyard space, you won’t regret giving this 9” roller coaster—it’s the hit of every toddler playdate.
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28/31

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Ocean Hide & Seek by Eric Carle

In this cute spin on the beloved classic, their little one will follow along the board book story, tracing shapes and paths as they explore the ocean.
29/31

LeapFrog Scoop and Learn Ice Cream Cart

Kids can scoop, stack, and serve up pretend ice cream while learning colors, numbers, and flavors. Multiple parents we polled said their two-year-olds couldn’t get enough of this.

30/31

Skip Hop 3-in-1 Push Walker to Toddler Scooter

To help keep the toy clutter under control, finding ones that grow with their kid is always a win. This versatile 3-in-1 lets 2-year-old push it as a wagon, ride on the seat, or master scooting.
31/31

Tiny Land Easel for Kids

Just set up this cute little easel, which includes a magnetic dry-erase board, chalkboard, and a built-in paper roll and boom—instant home art studio for the mini Picasso.