Toys

The 25 Best Educational Toys For Toddlers (Arranged By Age)

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educational toys for toddlers

 

Overview

The best educational toys for toddlers can help their cognitive development and improve other aspects, including sensory development, problem-solving, fine and gross motor skills, and logical thinking.

Montessori toys are best sellers despite the higher price tag than other developmental toys. However, other toddler learning toys can also meet your kiddosdevelopmental needs.

We’ve prepared this list of the 25 best gift ideas and learning toys for young children ages 1-2 years. We hope these toys will make playtime more interesting for your little ones.

 

The 25 Best Educational Toys For Toddlers

Educational Toys For 1-Year-Olds

Montessori-Inspired Toys For 1-Year-Olds

Plantoys Solid Drum (18+ months)

TARGET BUTTONEBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTONBella Luna BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Wood toy drum
  • Product Safety: Organic pigments, water-based dyes, and formaldehyde-free glue
  • Materials: Chemical-free rubberwood
  • Age Range: 18+ months
  • Educational Value: Hand-eye coordination, fine motor skill, creativity, and musical skills
  • Extra Features: Includes one drumstick
  • Certification: ASTM and EN71
  • Made In: Thailand
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

It sounds really nice when struck, and makes a slightly different noise or tone depending where you hit it.” – reviewer on Amazon

SO lound. And the drumstick came apart immediately–the glue didn’t hold for more than a few drumbeats.” – reviewer on Amazon

 

Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog (18+ months)

TARGET BUTTONEBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Colorful puzzle-type learning toy
  • Product Safety: BPA compliant (according to Amazon)
  • Materials: BPA-compliant plastic
  • Age Range: 18+ months
  • Educational Value: Fine motor skills, color recognition, cognitive learning, patterning and sequencing, and hand-eye coordination
  • Extra Features: Hedgehog’s back opens and turns into storage space for the quills when not in use
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: China (according to Amazon)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about quality
  • Customer Reviews:

Our one year old is doing well learning dexterity and studying the shape of the pegs.” – reviewer on Amazon

18-24m toodlers still putting everything into their mouth and I was terrified when after one day I have noticed that my son managed to bite through it.” – reviewer on Amazon

 
Hape Shape Sorter (12+ months)

EBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Wooden shape sorter
  • Product Safety: Water-based, non-toxic paint
  • Materials: Wood
  • Age Range: 12+ months old
  • Educational Value: Shape and color identification, problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and logical thinking
  • Extra Features: Self-correcting puzzle in three shapes
  • Certification: Passes toy safety tests
  • Made In: China (according to Amazon)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about quality
  • Customer Reviews:

These pieces are chunky and I don’t see a risk of choking, but at the same time they are not too big for small hands.” – reviewer on Amazon

…my 9 month old baby had succeeded in gnawing off some of the paint on one of the triangles within 15 minutes.” – reviewer on Amazon

 

KiwiCo Magnetic Car Set (1+ years old)

KIWICO BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Montessori-inspired magnetic train set
  • Product Safety: Non-toxic, baby-safe materials and paint
  • Materials: Wood, child-safe plastic, magnets, and aluminum (dowels)
  • Age Range: 1+ years old
  • Educational Value: Fine motor skills, STEM learning (cause and effect), sensory development, and hand-eye coordination
  • Extra Features: Includes a parent guide
  • Certification: Independent product safety testing labs
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

This toy provides stimulation and learning. It’s perfect!” – reviewer on KiwiCo

My toddlers love this magnetic car set! It really keeps them engaged.” – reviewer on KiwiCo

 

LOVEVERY The Adventurer Play Kit (16-18 months) 

LOVEVERY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Montessori play set for coordination and learning about the real world
  • Product Safety: Free from phthalates and lead or other heavy metals 
  • Materials: Wood, fabric, and child-safe plastic
  • Age Range: 16-18 months
  • Educational Value: Fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, STEM learning (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and practical life skills
  • Extra Features: Includes a baby book on emotions
  • Certification: Global regulatory safety standards
  • Made In: Supplier network in Asia
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

The kit has a variety of differing skills for my kiddo to practice and enjoy.” – reviewer on LOVEVERY

“…My daughter was not interested at all in the pegs toy or cloth pouch.” – reviewer on LOVEVERY

 

BabyBoo BusyBoard Montessori Busy Board (toddlers and older)

ETSY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Handmade sensory busy board
  • Product Safety: Non-toxic materials and paint
  • Materials: Wood, metal, and non-toxic plastic
  • Age Range: Toddlers and older
  • Educational Value: Sensory development, hand-eye coordination, auditory learning and musical skills, problem-solving, logical thinking, and early STEM learning
  • Extra Features: Available in different board sizes
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Ukraine (ships to the US)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey; possible shipping troubles
  • Customer Reviews:

The most incredible perfect piece! My one year old spends HOURS playing with this activity board, he loves it so much.” – reviewer on ETSY

The board is pretty, but some workshops deserve to be improved…” – reviewer on ETSY

 
GRIMM’S SPIEL & HOLZ 12 Pastel Wooden Peg Dolls (1-6 years old)

Grimm's Spiel & Holz - 12 Pastel Wooden Peg Dolls - Bella Luna Toys

Bella Luna BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Play set with multi-colored peg people
  • Product Safety: Non-toxic, water-based color stain
  • Materials: Maple wood
  • Age Range: 1+ years old
  • Educational Value: Pretend play to develop imagination
  • Extra Features: Different skin tones to teach diversity
  • Certification: FSC (Forest Steward Council) certified wood (according to Bella Luna Toys)
  • Made In: Europe
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

These are truly stunning and we love the different wood tones!” – reviewer on The Natural Baby Company

…From the photos the “skin” colors look like there is more variety than in real life.” – reviewer on The Natural Baby Company

 

STEM & Other Educational Toys for 1-Year-Olds

Boon Pipes – Navy (12+ months)

WALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Bath toy set with different pipes that can be used individually or in a chain
  • Product Safety: Free from BPA and PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
  • Materials: BPA-free and PVC-free plastic and silicone
  • Age Range: 12+ months
  • Educational Value: STEM learning, early engineering skills, problem-solving, and logical thinking 
  • Extra Features: Includes suction cups to attach the pipes to the bathtub or bathroom walls
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Vietnam (according to The Natural Baby Company)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about quality
  • Customer Reviews:

My 2 year old loves these son much and could spend hours watching the different ways the water pours from each one.” – reviewer on The Natural Baby Company

The suction is lacking. Falls off the tile quicker than I can get another put up. Water does not flow well throw them. A couple of them that have gears, the gears don’t move when water runs through it.” – reviewer on Amazon

 
MEGA BLOKS T-Rex Dino Building Set (1+ years old)

AMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Dino-inspired building block set with electronic sounds
  • Product Safety: Free from BPA (bisphenol-A), lead and other heavy metals, phthalates, formaldehyde, and SVHC chemicals (Substances of Very High Concern)
  • Materials: BPA-free plastic
  • Age Range: 1+ years old
  • Educational Value: Shape recognition, hand-eye coordination, logical thinking, problem-solving, auditory perception, and gross motor skills
  • Extra Features: Converts into a pull-along toy
  • Certification: US and EU (European Union) regulations
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about the small number of blocks included in the set
  • Customer Reviews:

The plastic is super thick, so very durable. I like that the blocks have their own little holder, and you can build off of the Dino.” – reviewer on Walmart

…It great to store just a few mega blocks; however I think they could’ve offered some more blocks with the Dino.” – reviewer on Amazon

 

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Farm Animal Puzzle (12-36 months)

WALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Animal puzzle set with music and sounds
  • Product Safety: Free from BPA, lead and other heavy metals, phthalates, formaldehyde, and SVHC chemicals
  • Materials: BPA-free plastic
  • Age Range: 12-36 months
  • Educational Value: Problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and hand-eye coordination
  • Extra Features: Includes animal sounds and printed ABCs
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: China (according to Amazon)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about quality
  • Customer Reviews:

I gave this toy to my 16 month old and I was so surprised that he was able to figure out the concept of getting the puzzle pieces to fit. The music and songs definitely helped!” – reviewer on Mattel USA

Volume is very low, can’t hardly hear the sounds.” – reviewer on Amazon

 
Janod Pure Ball Track – Wood (12-36 months)

EBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Wood ball tracker set
  • Product Safety: Child-safe, water-based paint
  • Materials: Natural wood
  • Age Range: 12-36 months
  • Educational Value: Visual acuity, dexterity, and STEM learning
  • Extra Features: Includes a bell that rings when the wooden spool reaches the bottom
  • Certification: FSC-certified wood; US and European standards
  • Made In: China (according to Amazon)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about the design difficulty that can make it unsuitable for independent play by a 1-year-old
  • Customer Reviews:

…The color scheme is so soothing and aesthetically pleasing. The pieces move through the grooves with ease and rings the fun bell at the bottom!” – reviewer on Amazon

The toy falls over easily and isn’t righted easily by 1 year old. In addition, the rollers must be placed in one at a time slowly or they will jam…” – reviewer on Amazon

Fat Brain Toys Woodland Friends Stacking Cubes (1+ years old)AMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTON
  • Pros & Best Features: Set of large-sized nesting and stacking cubes
  • Product Safety: Passes toy safety standards; BPA-free and non-toxic
  • Materials: High-quality, heavy-duty cardboard
  • Age Range: 1+ years old
  • Educational Value: Number learning, creativity, fine motor skills, visual-spatial skills, and imaginative play
  • Extra Features: Includes colorful nature scenes and animal images
  • Certification: ICTI (International Council of Toy Industries), ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), EU safety standards, and CPSC (U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission)
  • Made In: China
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about quality
  • Customer Reviews:

My twins love to stack these and knock them down. I love that they are lightweight so the chances for getting hurt by tumbling cubes is much less than a heavier block.” – reviewer on Fat Brain Toys

“…Unfortunately, after about 30 minutes of having these out for my child to play with, I noticed that a part of the picture/sticker was disintegrating/peeling off due to drool.” – reviewer on Amazon

 

Little Partners Learn ‘N Discover Developmental Activity Boards (18+ months)

AMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Interactive learning board
  • Product Safety: Child-safe, non-toxic materials and paints; free from lead or other heavy metals and phthalates
  • Materials: Wood
  • Age Range: 18+ months
  • Educational Value: Color recognition, fine motor skills, logical thinking, and hand-eye coordination
  • Extra Features: Includes 20 sequencing cards
  • Made In: China
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about bolt head size
  • Customer Reviews: 

Great quality and just a fun little fine motor tool!” – reviewer on Amazon

Our twins love playing with the board. I dropped one star as they both have been able to take off the colored pieces at the transitions (the t’s in the routed channels). We believe that the bolt heads could be slightly larger to fix this.” – reviewer on Amazon

 

B. Toys Portable Water Doodler (18+ months)

AMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Water-based drawing board
  • Product Safety: Non-toxic; free from phthalates, BPA, and PVC (according to Amazon)
  • Materials: Variety of ABS plastic (according to Amazon)
  • Age Range: 18+ months
  • Educational Value: Fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity
  • Extra Features: Includes four water pens
  • Certification: CPSC, US, Canadian, and EU toy regulations
  • Made In: China (according to Amazon)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about design issues
  • Customer Reviews:

It’s safe because it’s just water and it’s durable.” – reviewer on Amazon

The writing BARELY shows up. And it disappears super quick.” – reviewer on Amazon

 

You can also find more toy choices for 1-year-olds from the following lists:

 

Educational Toys For 2-Year-Olds

Montessori-Inspired Toys For 2-Year-Olds

Melissa & Doug Counting Shape Stacker (2+ years old)

WALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTONMacy's ButtonAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Math-based stacking toy
  • Product Safety: Free from lead (a heavy metal) and other toxic materials
  • Materials: Natural wood
  • Age Range: 2+ years old
  • Educational Value: Fine motor skills, logical thinking, shape and color recognition, sequencing, and early STEM learning
  • Extra Features: Includes printed number guide
  • Certification: FSC-certified, CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act), and EU safety standards
  • Made In: China (according to Amazon)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

Good learning and fun, – utilizes many skills – counting, colors, shapes, addition, subtraction. Quite versatile.” – reviewer on Melissa & Doug

It would be great if the pegs were painted to match the colors of the blocks. This would help the younger ones.” – reviewer on Melissa & Doug

 

LOVEVERY The Free Spirit Play Kit (34-36 months)

LOVEVERY BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Montessori play set that promotes curiosity and independence 
  • Product Safety: Free from heavy metals (e.g., lead) and phthalates
  • Materials: Wood, cardboard, and fabric
  • Age Range: 34-36 months
  • Educational Value: Imaginative play, problem-solving and balancing skills, logical thinking, and fine motor skills
  • Extra Features: Includes a play guide and baby book
  • Certification: Global regulatory safety standards
  • Made In: Supplier network in Asia
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

This play kit was everything and more that my child needed with all the activities crafted in a way that keep him engaged and entertained.” – reviewer on LOVEVERY

I thought the cards though were thin and not as durable as would expect for toddler use.” – reviewer on LOVEVERY

 

STEM & Other Educational Toys for 2-Year-Olds

Step2 Ball Buddies Truckin’ & Rollin’ Play Table (2+ years old)

STEP2 BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Versatile activity table
  • Product Safety: Can be disinfected using household cleaners or disinfectant wipes
  • Materials: Polyethylene and/or polypropylene plastics
  • Age Range: 2+ years old
  • Educational Value: Fine motor skills, STEM learning, and social skills
  • Extra Features: Includes accessories (plastic balls, toy trucks, and tongs)
  • Certification: CPSIA, ASTM, and EN71
  • Made In: USA
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Requires adult assembly; some complaints about difficulties in assembling this toy
  • Customer Reviews:

I honestly think this is great for all ages because my youngest is 3 years old and my oldest is 7 years old and they both love it.” – reviewer on Step2

I had to poke majority of the holes in the product. It was not made correctly. Took forever to assemble.” – reviewer on Step2

 
LEGO DUPLO Town Wild Animals of The Ocean (2+ years old)

LEGO BUTTONEBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Ocean-themed building set that can be used as bath toys
  • Product Safety: Passes rigorous safety assessment
  • Materials: Different plastic materials
  • Age Range: 2+ years old
  • Educational Value: Imaginative play, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving skills
  • Extra Features: Includes foldable playmat that can be used as 3-dimensional play space
  • Certification: ASTM, CEN (European), and International (ISO) Toy Safety Standardization Committees
  • Made In: Hungary (according to Amazon)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about the play mat’s durability
  • Customer Reviews:

There’s a direction book and pieces are a nice size.” – reviewer on LEGO

The play mat is not as durable as the toys and doesn’t seem like it will last as long as the other pieces…” – reviewer on LEGO

 
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Pounding Bench Toddler Toy (2+ years old)AMAZON BUTTONMacy's ButtonWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTON
  • Pros & Best Features: Colorful pounding toy 
  • Product Safety: Free from lead (heavy metal) and other toxic materials
  • Materials: Wood
  • Age Range: 2+ years old
  • Educational Value: Fine motor skills, cause and effect, and hand-eye coordination
  • Extra Features: Includes mallet and non-removable pegs
  • Certification: FSC certified, US and EU safety standards, and CPSIA
  • Made In: China (according to Amazon)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey; some complaints about quality
  • Customer Reviews:

My Granddaughters love this pounding bench. They hit one peg down and the one on the opposite side pops up. The pegs never come out.” – reviewer on Amazon

The pieces are very stiff so it takes force to hammer them down.” – reviewer on Amazon

 
HABA Symphony Croc Musical Toy (2-4 years old)

AMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Set of musical instruments
  • Product Safety: Non-toxic water-based stains
  • Materials: Birch plywood and metal
  • Age Range: 2-4 years old
  • Educational Value: Creativity and musical skills
  • Extra Features: Includes detachable drum for solo or dual performance
  • Certification: HABA’s safety standards, EU and US toy standards, and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)
  • Made In: China
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

Compact and fun with several musical instruments.” – reviewer on Amazon

I worry about durability of the drum long term. Wished it was sturdier given how expensive it is.” – reviewer on Amazon

LeapFrog Letter Band Phonics Jam (2-6 years old

WALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Talking and singing phonics toy
  • Product Safety: Phthalate-free (according to Amazon)
  • Materials: Plastic
  • Age Range: 2-6 years old
  • Educational Value: Literary skills and early STEM learning
  • Extra Features: Includes handle for carrying the toy around
  • Certification: CPSC (according to Amazon)
  • Made In: China
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

Best toy in our arsenal— smart and fun and the music is awesome!” – reviewer on Amazon

Product is good…. But a bit expensive….” – reviewer on Amazon

 
Fao Schwarz Medieval Princesses Wooden Castle Building Blocks – 75 Piece Set (2-4 years old)

EBAY BUTTONWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Princess-themed building set
  • Product Safety: Smooth sanded
  • Materials: Pinewood
  • Age Range: 2-4 years old
  • Educational Value: Creativity, imagination, fine motor skills, spatial awareness, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
  • Extra Features: Includes connector pieces
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about quality
  • Customer Reviews:

Obsessed with this set! Love the variety in shapes.” – reviewer Target

The unpainted ones are kinda splintery.” – reviewer Target

 
Skoolzy Lacing & Peg Board Set (2+ years old)

AMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

 

  • Pros & Best Features: Lacing and peg board stacking set
  • Product Safety: Free from phthalates 
  • Materials: Wood and plastic
  • Age Range: 2+ years old
  • Educational Value: Hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, STEM learning, visual perception skills, and visual motor coordination
  • Extra Features: Includes a drawstring bag for keeping the toys in one place
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about product quality
  • Customer Reviews:

I liked that this toy is age appropriate and has bright colors to attract the attention of a 2 year old, with no tiny parts.” – reviewer on Amazon

They are big enough for me to feel comfortable letting small kids play with but still needs supervision.” – reviewer on Amazon

 
Plan Toys Birthday Cake Set (2+ years old)

AMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Two-sided toy cake with different toppings to mix and match
  • Product Safety: Child-safe; free from formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals
  • Materials: Chemical-free rubberwood, water-based dyes, and organic pigments
  • Age Range: 2+ years old
  • Educational Value: Creativity, social skills, Math skills (introduction to fractions), and cognitive learning
  • Extra Features: Includes wooden toy knife for “slicing” the cake
  • Certification: Passes US (ASTM) and European (EN71) safety standards
  • Made In: Thailand
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about quality and safety concerns
  • Customer Reviews:

I looked through so many wooden cakes for my kid, and this is the only one I liked. The other options have too many colors and shapes, making them look ugly and cheap. This one looks beautiful, yet simple, and good quality -it is made in good taste. My son loves it!” – reviewer òn Amazon

Cons: the candles go nearly all way down when pick up due to being double sided so hole goes all the way through which is frustrating to toddlers. It is on the smaller side so not for those who still mouth. Wish there was little more design on the candles themselves.” – reviewer òn Amazon

 
Bajo Educational Clock (2+ years old)

  • Pros & Best Features: Manual clock with colorful parts
  • Product Safety: Non-toxic paint
  • Materials: Wood
  • Age Range: 2+ years old
  • Educational Value: Hand-eye coordination and cognitive development
  • Extra Features: Adjustable clock hands and different number formats
  • Certification: FSC and EN71
  • Made In: Poland
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews: None yet

 

We’ve also created these lists of toys for 2-year-olds to help you find more options:

FAQs

What Are Learning & Educational Toys For Toddlers?

These toys help develop a special skill or let your child learn about a particular concept. 

For example, many educational toys teach your child STEM concepts while others let them develop their logical reasoning, cognitive ability, and problem-solving skills.

 

Are Educational Toys Necessary For My Toddler’s Development?

You aren’t required to buy educational toys for your toddler. However, depending on your chosen toy, these learning materials can help with their development in different aspects.

These skills include:

  • Color recognition
  • Communication
  • Creativity
  • Executive functioning
  • Fine motor skills
  • Gross motor skills
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Imaginative play
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Sensory development
  • Social skills
  • Teamwork and cooperation

 

What Toys Can Help A Child’s Development?

There isn’t a perfect, one-size-fits-all toy for child development. Still, these toys can be ideal for toddlers:

  • Animal figures
  • Board games
  • Dolls
  • Drawing or doodle boards
  • Educational building toys (e.g., wooden blocks)
  • Flashcards
  • Fruit baskets
  • Lacing toys
  • Learning matching toys
  • Musical instruments
  • Play scarves
  • Puzzles
  • Sensory toys
  • Shape sorter
  • Stacking toys
  • STEM toys
  • Toys for practical learning (e.g., cleaning toys and cooking play sets)
  • Toys for pretend play
  • Words, ABCs, colors & numbers

 

What Are The Best Toys For My Child’s Intellectual Development?

Toys that encourage critical thinking, logical reasoning, problem-solving, and pattern recognition can help with your child’s brain development.

However, you don’t have to limit them to these toys because they can still learn even with toys that many parents might not consider educational.

 

What Are Good Learning Toys For 2-Year-Olds?

Montessori toys can be a good choice because they’re designed for open-ended, independent play and learning.

 

Does My Toddler Need Many Toys?

According to a 2018 Infant Behavior and Development journal review, toddlers might engage in longer play periods when given fewer toys than those provided with more toys. (1)

The researchers concluded that children playing with fewer toys can focus more on their playthings to “explore and play more creatively.”

 

What Are Toddlers’ Skills & Developmental Milestones?

These are some of the milestones for toddlers (ages 1-2 years old), according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): (2)

  • Playing independently
  • Talking (learning simple words and phrases to create short sentences)
  • Moving (e.g., jumping, walking, crawling, running, etc.)
  • Self-awareness
  • Imitating other people’s behavior
  • Understanding and following simple instructions

 

How To Help My Toddler Learn With Educational Toys?

Let them pick up the toy they want to play with, then study how kids should play with them. Read the manual or instructions sheet.

Sometimes, you might need to explain or demonstrate how the toy is used. 

You can also let your child play with the toy in any way they think appropriate because that might help develop their imagination and cognitive skills.

 

Factors To Consider When Choosing Educational Toys For Toddlers

Safety

At this age, many kids still put things in their mouths, including toys. 

So, aside from ensuring that your child’s toys don’t have sharp edges or choking risks, it’s also important to check for non-toxic materials. Toys made of food-grade materials can be a good pick.

Read our MC Philosophy to learn more about these harmful chemicals and how to keep your children safe.

 

Developmental Milestones

Toys close to their development milestones can be more interesting to your toddler. 

For example, a child still learning to walk might consider walkers or push toys useful and fun.

 

Your Child’s Interests

Kids’ interests can vary. For example, boys might have other interests than girls.

Observe what your child might prefer playing with, so you’ll know what other toys to get them the next time you’re shopping for some.

 

Learning Activities & Skills

Different educational toys help develop or improve varied skills. 

You can diversify by choosing different kinds of toys or opt for curated and subscription boxes, such as those offered by LOVEVERY and KiwiCo.

 

Fun Value

Playtime doesn’t have to be boring for your child to learn. 

Studies have shown that play can be an essential part of learning and is linked to social and cognitive development. (3)

 

Durability

When buying toys, it’s ideal to determine their durability instead of just focusing on finding budget-friendly options. 

Durable toys that can last long and withstand repetitive use offer better value for your money than a cheap toy that breaks down after a few uses.

 

Real World Vs. Make Believe Vs. Technology

  • Montessori toys use natural materials and are based on the real world
  • Waldorf toys also use natural materials but are based on imagination and make-believe
  • Other educational toys use technology and might use synthetic or man-made materials

 

Other Learning Toys For Different Age Groups

 

Toy Recalls To Monitor

 

References

(1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29190457/

(2) https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/toddlers.html

(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7159209/

 

 

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