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Ever since we were hunter-gatherers painting in caves, the “terrible twos” have been a challenging time for parents. At least that’s our guess: the power of this age feels positively primordial. But while tantrums, emotional rollercoasters, and fierce, stubborn independence do kick into overdrive at this age, it’s not all bad. After all, it’s a rollercoaster and not a downward spiral.
Toddlers become sillier, more capable, and lots more fun than when they were infants. Their brains are bursting with new information and capabilities. This, of course, means that gifts for 2-year-olds are more fun, too.
Some of these toys celebrate all the developmental milestones they’ve achieved in the past couple of years, which is monumental when you consider they were inside someone not too long ago. Others encourage them to develop further skills. But all of these toys, regardless of developmental importance, are just plain fun. Because they may not always know what to ask for (or how to count past 10), but they know what they like!
If you had one of these as a kid, then you don’t need me to tell you how much fun they were. If you didn’t, please allow me to assure you personally this indoor toy is loads of bouncy fun. And since it has a weight capacity of 80 pounds, they can enjoy it for years to come.
This toddler-friendly toolbox is great not only for imaginative play but using the tools can help them develop fine motor skills. And because the toolbox even sings songs about how everything works, less-than-handy caregivers may find they learn a thing or two as well.
Your toddler will love spinning themselves on this Playskool. Appropriate for indoor or outdoor play, this toy is the perfect outlet for working out energy while staying in one place. It’s all in the name — just sit and spin!
We absolutely love this platform swing for hours and years of outdoor fun with friends. With a weight capacity of 700 pounds, this can provide an entire childhood of fun.
MOLLYBEE KIDS Scavenger Hunt Cards at Home
These sturdy, double sided cards provide simple questions and prompts to guide your toddler on an exciting game around the house. Can they find, say a piece of fruit? Can they find a pot and play it like a drum. Perfect for developing language, bonding, and having fun on a cold or rainy day.
They may not be out of their own stroller yet, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want one for their own baby doll (or stuffed animal: babies come in all shapes and sizes). This sturdy, versatile stroller can even perform double duty as a carrier, so they can take their lovey anywhere with them.
Toddlers have this unfortunate habit of drawing on walls. It’s a great sign of creative development, but not so fun for you to clean up.p.
Designate the bath as an OK place to scribble with these all-natural crayons. Just wipe away when they’re done.
Anyone who has ever held a flashlight within 100 yards of a toddler already knows that those little guys love flashlights. So before they steal yours, go ahead and let them enjoy this one, which plays songs, sounds, and phrases.
More:Gift Ideas for 1-Year Olds That Will Entertain for Hours
Straight from the Clubhouse, Mickey and Minnie are all aboard the birthday train! The set includes everything your little one will need to build a train that really moves and Mickey and Mini figures. Hot dog, that’s a fun toy!
Fisher-Price Little People Helpful Neighbors Garage
This is the perfect gift for 2-year-olds who can’t get enough of anything with wheels. We love the elevator and twirly ramp of this sweet garage, which comes with two cars and drivers.
I can say from personal experience that this play kitchen is where it’s at — and if I’m being honest, there were times when I wished my cooking space was this nice. Complete with a stove, microwave, refrigerator, cabinets, and more, there’s plenty of space to keep your little chef entertained through grade school.
There are lots of play tents out there, but we absolutely love this one, both for its unique shape and for the aura of calm it exudes. Just imagine the chill space you can create with this for your 2-year-old to imagine, nap, and daydream.
Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Snappy Turtle Lawn Mower
One day, your 2-year-old will be a salty teenager who groans when you ask them to mow the lawn, but it is not this day. Today they will love playing grown-up with their very own push lawnmower. The dials really click and the pull cord makes a realistic motor sound, too.
Your little one will have so much fun removing the magnetic worms from their tree and feeding them to the hungry bird that they won’t even know they’re building up their fine motor skills. Fun and educational? Yes please!
This set of six wooden puzzles are a great way for toddlers to learn their shapes, develop fine motor skills, stack, sort and much more. Their simple but versatile design means they’re sure find lots of ways to play no adult could ever figure out on their own.
Melissa & Doug Let’s Play House 6 Piece Pretend Play Set
Toddlers love imitating adults, so why not set the right tone with this adorable, child-sized set, including a broom, mop, duster, dustpan, brush, and storage stand?
They’ll love to help you throughout the house … and if you’re lucky, this behavior will stick as they get older! (Hey, we can dream.)
Have fun building creativity and spatial intelligence with this simple but limitless toy. This is another one my kids got as toddlers, and they still play with them to this day. In fact, we bought a second set in the past couple of years because they kept fighting over them!
One of Sesame Street’s most famous residents, Elmo has taught kids vital lessons for decades. Now, this plush little monster wants to come live with your 2-year-old. Perfect for bringing to the playground or snuggling next to at bedtime.
Little Tikes First Washer-Dryer
Kids can pretend to wash and dry clothes just like their parents with the super realistic washer-dryer set. It’s packed with interactive features like a tumbling drum and built-in slots for storage baskets. Plus, it makes realistic sounds to really extend the pretend play for hours.
Yeah, dogs are cool, but can they teach your 2-year-old colors, numbers, parts of the body, and play music? We didn’t think so. This adorable Dalmatian is the perfect pal for your toddler – plus none of the mess of a real puppy!