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

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 kiddos’ developmental 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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

Certification: GREENGUARD Gold Certified (low chemical emissions and VOCs or volatile organic compounds)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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/