The Best Developmental Toys for 2-Year-Olds

Help make the "2s" terrific instead of terrible by introducing your child to a variety of toys and activities that will stimulate her developmental growth. At 2 years old, kids are typically more social with other children than before. They are able to solve simple puzzles, to put things together, to follow directions and to speak in simple sentences.

  1. Simple Puzzles

    • Simple puzzles are perfect for this age because they focus on making a child use his mental reasoning and problem-solving skills, as well as his physical dexterity. Wooden puzzles with a minimal number of knobbed or pegged pieces are popular. Also follow-the-line or route puzzles on paper printouts are good, because they are about following a specific element through a winding course to reach the end.

    Sports Toys

    • Sports toys are good choices, because they teach hand-and-eye coordination and agility, as well as providing exercise. A plastic baseball bat, baseball, soccer ball or pre-school golf set are good developmental toys for 2-year-olds.

    Matching Games

    • Games that focus on matching two like elements work for this age. Card games with numbers, alphabet letters or shapes are good choices. One excellent developmental toy is a box with shaped holes and matching pieces--kids have to recognize the shapes and then put them in through the holes, so this toy is both a matching game and a puzzle.

    Ride-On Toys

    • Toys that a toddler can ride on, such as foot-to-floor bikes and scooters, teach coordination and provide an opportunity for parents to begin teaching their children about safety measures. Plus they provide exercise and are fun outdoor entertainment for young kids.

    Coloring

    • Coloring books and crayons are some of the cheapest and best toys around. Coloring expands the imagination and teaches children to use their fine motor skills such as holding crayons and trying to stay on of the page and within the lines of the design.

    Mimicking Toys

    • Toys that mimic everyday life teach toddlers important skill sets and introduce daily tasks. Give children a play lawn mower, shopping cart, phone or kitchen playset. They can role-play and learn to be "big people" by watching you and mimicking.

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