Where Play Meets Potential
My guess is you are here because you are looking for 2 year old gifts that are a little more unique than the average advertisement from Target or Amazon. Well, I have curated a list that works with any budget, plus aids in development, stands the test of time, and might be something you haven’t thought of before.
And I say these are 2 year old gifts, but really many of these gifts are great for 18 months to about 3 or 4. I love toys that last for more than one season of childhood.
Many of these unique 2 year old gifts are items we already own and love or I have used in the classroom and have seen success with several children in this age group (or beyond). Some of the items are on our own wish list and have features that are developmentally appropriate and stimulate curiosity, wonder, and hands-on learning.
I have included why I chose each item so that you can reflect on each choice to see if the reasons match your values.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details.
I have created this list of unique gifts for 2 year olds out of popular request and convenience. I want it to be an excellent resource for you and your family and friends.
I also want to spread knowledge about developmentally appropriate materials that aren’t flashy and distracting.
Here is your kind reminder that you do not need all the things. In fact, the most valuable gift you can give your child is your time and connection.
Thank you for taking your time to check out this list. I hope you feel inspired and please don’t hesitate to ask me a question or to get a more personalized recommendation for your 2 year old.
Why we love it:
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There are many options out there, but I chose to highlight these ones because:
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We have various figurines from wooden peg dolls to various animals to Mickey, Baby Shark, and Peppa Pig. These are by far our most beloved toy right now.
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Click on images below to take you to the product.
Read my post on Sensory Play to see “What’s the Deal with Sensory Play?”
Here are some sensory play tools under $15:
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These Melissa & Doug stickers are puffy reusable stickers. Puffy is great for toddlers because they are easier to get off the page.
I love these eyelike reusable stickers because they have realistic images.
These Melissa & Doug stickers are not reusable, but they have so many great themes. We have a pad and love them!
Books make fabulous 2 year old gifts. You can find so many great titles for less than $15. Check out our list of favorites to see if any spark your interest.
Play at Home Mom Co. has so many great kits that are loosely themed in fun ways like Blippi, princesses, unicorns, and construction. Stop into her store to see all her options.
Click the pictures below to take you to the products.
The Creative Learning Co. has so many amazing boards that inspire creativity, problem solving, open-ended play, and fine motor skills.
We really love our pegboard from them and have used it with many successful activities (see pictures below). I would highly recommend it for a 2 year old gift.
You can also use code TOYBOX5 for 5% off their site (not an affiliate).
Another small business I have bought from and love is Busy Puzzle.
Why we love their name puzzle:
MAGBLOX is a lovely small business from Australia, but is also now available on Amazon.
Why we love their name magnetic Lego tiles:
Buy on the MAGBLOX website HERE (10% off with code TOYBOX10).
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We have used an old digital camera with Ruby and she loves it, but I am considering changing to one of these cameras because of the different capabilities and storage space. If you have an old digital camera, your child will love that too.
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We are huge fans of the Pikler triangle here in our house. This climbing structure gets used daily. Not only does it get used for climbing, but we have used it for activities beyond climbing too (find those activities HERE).
If you are looking for a really great quality foldable pikler, we love ours and I highly recommend it! Head over to Simre Home Living on Etsy to get yours within days.
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This is the gift I am most excited to give Ruby this year. We bought the World Needs More Purple People one because it was on sale, but I am excited to add more Tonie characters too.
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I remember the first time I came across these magnetic wooden blocks when a student of mine brought them in for show and tell. They were the coolest! Magnetic AND wood, surprising and fascinating. Thanks Carter!
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I put this gift guide together for inspiration, but please remember that the intention is more important than the gift itself. When gift giving, try to think of YOUR child, not something that you see on social media that looks cool.
If your child is not a climber, don’t buy a Pikler. If your family does not have room for a toddler tower, think of other ways you can have them help without another piece of furniture.
You also do not need to spend hundreds of dollars to make your child happy. Often they love the box more than the toy itself. Try to make gift giving an intentional process that fits your family’s budget. No photo-worthy, expensive toy will buy your child’s happiness.
As the name of this blog suggests, thinking Outside the Toy Box is ideal. The best gifts are one that support an interest or offer your time. Children love experiences and time with the most important people in their life. So, before you go out and spend your whole budget on toys, think about experiences as well.
A study from the University of Toledo in Ohio suggests “an abundance of toys present reduced quality of toddlers’ play.” Having fewer toys can lead a young child to focus and engage in more creative, imaginative play, according to the study, “The influence of the number of toys in the environment on toddlers’ play” published in the journal Infant Behavior and Development. So, it turns out less actually is more when it comes to healthier, more engaged play and the amount of toys available.
One way I manage this is by rotating toys. I have a minimal amount of toys out at one time and keep some in storage. I rotate based on interest level and this extends the life of the toys and materials. If you are interested in starting a toy rotation, check out my post “How to Start a Toy Rotation.”
I also plan to go through all the toys before the holiday season to donate ones we no longer need or use to charity.
You will have noticed by going through all of the various budgets that many of the choices are chosen based on their longevity and open-ended nature.
Open-ended toys (like animals, cars, blocks, dolls) extend beyond the second year. They are a worthwhile investment, so think quality too.
Loose parts are open-ended materials and provide many learning benefits even for infants and toddlers. Check out my post on Loose Parts Play and be sure to sign up for our email list to receive a list of over 100 loose part ideas (you may have many of them around the house).
Thank you for taking your time to read my curated gift ideas for every budget and my thoughts on gift giving. Let me know in the comments below what you are most excited about giving your child this year. Or if you would like a personalized recommendation.
Dauch, C., Imwalle, M., Ocasio, B., and Metz, A. (2018). The influence of the number of toys in the environment on toddlers’ play. Infant Behavior and Development. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infbeh.2017.11.005
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