Toys & Gifts Infants & Toddlers The 31 Best Toys for Toddlers to Engage in a Learning and Entertaining Playtime Keep littles busy learning indoors or outdoors with these toddler toys By Ashley Ziegler Updated on October 30, 2023 Medically reviewed by Vanessa Nzeh, MD Fact checked by Emily Swaim Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell Family / Lecia Landis From talking to walking to climbing and more, so much development happens for kids between 1 and 3 years old. Toys are a great way to keep toddlers stimulated and their development on track. The best toys for toddlers engage their interests while developing their fine motor, gross motor, cognitive, and social skills. Look for durable, age-appropriate, and easy-to-use toys with different colors, textures, and sounds to engage them in sensory play. We researched popular options from trusted brands with these helpful features in mind. Moreover, we surveyed 875 parents about the toys their children play and what they love about them. We also reviewed guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on developmental milestones for toddlers, child safety, and toddler parenting tips. Lastly, a pediatric physician from our Review Board reviewed this article for accuracy and how to evaluate safe and appropriate toys for toddlers. In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected and Tested What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Fisher-Price Little People Light-Up Learning Garage Amazon View On Amazon $20 View On Walmart $43 View On Nordstrom $45 The Fisher-Price Little People Light-Up Learning Garage earns the top spot on our list because it’s interactive and puts kids ages 1 to 5 in control. One of our writers received a sample of this toy from the brand and loves the light-up car wash, three “Smart Stages,” and dozens of sounds, songs, and phrases. Kids can work on their car at the garage on the first level with the two included tools and figures (a mechanic and driver) or fill up with some gas at the orange pump. Moreover, the car’s hood opens and closes for realistic imaginative play. After they’ve had a tune-up, send the car and its driver up the working, kid-controlled elevator (manually pull it up to move) to prepare for a car wash. Once the elevator reaches the second level, kids will love watching their car shoot out and into the car wash. Press buttons and lift the vehicle track to hear fun bubble-like sounds and fun songs and watch the car wash light up with bright colors. Lift the same vehicle track to send the car down the ramp to do it all over again. Little Tikes T-Ball Set, Pink Amazon View On Amazon $20 View On Walmart $30 This is one of those toys that never goes out of style (just ask the parents we surveyed who recommended this set). Kids as young as 18 months old will have tons of fun with the Little Tikes T-Ball Set. It comes with a stand, two balls, and a lightweight bat. When it’s not in use, the stand folds down and can store all the pieces to be hung on a wall and out of the way. Parents love that the T-ball set entertains kiddos and keeps them moving. The set also comes in a blue and red color theme. Melissa & Doug First Bead Maze Amazon View On Amazon $19 View On Walmart $14 View On Melissaanddoug.com We love this classic toy for its overall value. Made for babies 1 year and up, the Melissa & Doug First Bead Maze allows them to develop their sensory skills, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. It features 18 beads of different textures and shapes, including spheres, cubes, and more. They are painted in bright colors and made from durable wood and plastic, so you know it's built to last. Each bead is easy for little hands to grasp, spin, and push along the soft-coated wires. It's also lightweight and compact, making it ideal to travel with to keep your kids occupied screen-free. VTech Pull and Sing Puppy Amazon View On Amazon $15 View On Walmart $15 The VTech Pull and Sing Puppy plays music and can be pushed and pulled using the attached string. It has three buttons on it to teach numbers, colors, and parts of the body. Also, just for added fun, the ears and tail wiggle! It’s cute for all ages but best for kids between 6 months and 3 years old. Fisher-Price Smart Stages Piggy Bank Amazon View On Amazon $45 View On Walmart $40 View On Kohls.com $18 With two learning levels, the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Piggy Bank grows with kids from 6 months to 3 years old. It teaches counting, sings songs, helps kids learn colors, and develops fine motor skills. It’s a lot of fun for kids to drop the coins into the bank and watch them fall through the transparent door on the piggy’s belly. Delta Children Chelsea Double-Sided Storage Easel Amazon View On Amazon $60 Watch your little one's creativity come to life with this double-sided easel that comes with a paper roll and magnets. Designed for children 3 years old and up, the easel has a chalkboard side and a magnetic whiteboard side. At the bottom of the easel, parents and caregivers will appreciate the storage bins for crayons, markers, and other supplies for easy clean-up. Mega Bloks First Builders Big Building Bag Amazon View On Amazon $16 View On Walmart $16 View On Newegg.com $33 Blocks never get old, and these are big, so you don’t have to worry about choking hazards or stepping on one by accident. The Mega Bloks bag comes with 80 blocks in different shapes and colors. Kids between 12 months and 5 years old can make endless creations with this fun kit. Inspiration Play Tot Tube Playset Amazon View On Amazon $30 You can casually teach kids between 18 months and 5 years old about gravity and physics with this tube playset. It’s designed to fit most types of toy cars (from Little People to Hot Wheels) and is transparent so your little one can watch them as they zoom down at different speeds based on the tube’s angle. CUTE STONE Color Changing Kitchen Sink Amazon View On Amazon $37 View On Walmart $57 View On Sears.com $48 Have a 3-year-old who loves to play in the sink? They can have their own with this toy that actually sprays water. It comes with a sink, cups, plates, utensils, a cleaning brush, a dish rack, and detergent. The dishes even change color in warm water and then return back to their original hue when they cool down. VTech KidiBeats Kids Drum Set Amazon View On Amazon $15 View On Walmart $26 View On Kohls.com $22 Little percussionists between 2 and 5 years old will have fun with this set that comes with three drum pads, one cymbal, and two drumsticks. Watching the lights glow and the sounds their movements make will assist in their sensory development. Each part lights up and makes its own unique sound, and there are four play modes: follow-along, free play, letters, and numbers. The 9 Best Musical Toys for Kids to Confidently Showcase Their Talents Hape Wooden Activity Play Cube Amazon View On Amazon $109 View On Walmart $109 View On Dillards.com $150 There are basically endless options for fun on this toy. The Country Critters Wooden Activity Play Cube has four sides and a top, all with different play options including a bead maze, shape sorter, turning wheel, and more. It comes with 10 accessories, all of which help further motor skills and development. This large toy is great for kids between 12 months and 6 years old, particularly during toddler developmental milestones. Melissa & Doug Slice and Bake Cookie Set Amazon View On Amazon $23 View On Walmart $23 View On Melissaanddoug.com You can’t go wrong with a toy that lets a toddler pretend-bake cookies. This wooden set is great for kids 3 years old and up and includes 12 cookies, interchangeable toppings, a spatula, a cookie tray, an oven mitt, a cookie dough tube, and a pretend knife. Your toddler can practice their fine motor skills, number concepts, and matching skills. VTech Spin & Learn Color Flashlight Amazon View On Amazon $15 View On Walmart $20 View On Kohls.com $15 Tots 12 months to 3 years old can work on their colors, numbers, and animals with this flashlight. It plays music and, with the spin of the top, the light changes color. The buttons and turning top will not only activate the toy but will also help develop fine motor skills. Melissa & Doug Take-Along Shape Sorter Walmart View On Amazon $18 View On Walmart $18 View On Melissaanddoug.com If you’re a family who travels, or you just have a toddler who loves to bring toys with them everywhere they go, this shape sorter is perfect. The soft case paired with a hard top that zips on and off makes it perfect for toting around. The top has nine shape cut-outs that your kid can fit little blocks into. It will help teach colors and shapes and develop fine motor skills and is great for kids as young as 9 months old. VTech Touch and Learn Activity Desk Deluxe Amazon View On Amazon $54 View On Walmart $89 The features on this desk are seemingly endless. Great for kids 2 years old and up, it teaches numbers, colors, letters, body parts, music, speech, and more. The desktop can be propped up and turned into an easel, too. If your kid somehow gets through all of the included activities, there are extender packs (sold separately) to make the toy last even longer. Fisher Price See 'n Say Target View On Amazon $13 View On Walmart $15 View On Kohls.com $19 Great for kids between 18 months and 5 years old, this toy teaches kids animals and their sounds. All they do is point the little arrow in the middle at the animal they want to hear. The child then pulls the lever on the right-hand side, and the toy will identify the animal and play the sound it makes. Kiddey Play Tent with Tunnel Amazon View On Amazon $33 View On Walmart $30 View On Sears.com $47 Two tents and a crawl-through tunnel, what’s better than that? Kids as young as 3 years old can enjoy this toy which has tons of play potential (add some plastic balls to make ball pits, for example), and it collapses down into a little carrying case when it’s not in use. The extra-durable, waterproof, and tear-resistant material means that you can take the fun outdoors or just hang out indoors. Melissa & Doug Giddy Up and Play Activity Toy Amazon View On Amazon $157 View On Walmart $122 View On Kohls.com $80 Tots as young as 9 months old can play with this horse, which has so much more to offer than pretend riding lessons. It’s packed with little features to help develop fine motor skills, like various textures, rattles, fringe, a zipper pocket, a mirror, and more. Your toddler will instantly be obsessed with the horsey and galloping sounds when they squeeze the ears. Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano Amazon View On Amazon $29 View On Walmart $29 View On Wayfair $63 This little piano is made of mostly wood and comes with six songs on “sheet music” that your toddler can play. The notes and keys are color-coded so your child can learn to actually play the song on the sheet. Great for kids between 6 months and 3 years old. Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog Amazon View On Amazon $11 View On Walmart $18 View On Office Depot $23 With 12 colorful, removable spikes, this little hedgehog will help toddlers 18 months and older further develop their fine motor skills. Each hole on the hedgehog’s back is numbered to help them learn counting, and the spikes are a variety of colors that are perfect for sorting. The best part is you can store the spikes back in the hedgehog for quick and easy clean-up. The Best Educational Toys for Toddlers to Combine Fun and Learning Kidzlane Bubble Machine Amazon View On Amazon $27 View On Walmart $33 View On Staples $37 Are there any little kids out there who don’t love bubbles? Parents who just can't keep up with making enough bubbles can invest in this bubble maker, which is battery-operated and will fill your backyard with bubbles in a matter of minutes. All you need to start it is bubble solution (it comes with an 8-ounce bottle) and the push of a button. This machine is great for kids 3 years old and up. Hey! Play! Race Track and Racecar Set Amazon View On Amazon $29 View On Walmart $29 View On Kohls.com $30 Kids 3 years old and up can watch their cars zig and zag down this wooden ramp. It comes with four little cars that are sized just right to roll down the ramps with ease. When it’s not in use, all four cars can be parked on the top level and out of the way. Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon Amazon View On Amazon $60 View On Walmart $60 View On QVC $97 This little wagon is great for kids between 12 months and 4 years old and includes multiple developmentally appropriate ways to play. Younger tots can lean on the handle and use it as support while they walk, and older kids can stuff the wagon full of toys and drag it around for transport and play. When your kid isn't playing with it, you can use it in their room as toy storage. Melissa & Doug Match and Roll Shape Sorter Amazon View On Amazon $14 View On Walmart $16 View On Melissaanddoug.com $25 Your toddler can work on colors, shapes, and fine motor skills with this wooden shape sorter. Unlike traditional shape sorters, this one rolls so they can easily find the right hole for their block. Kids as young as 12 months old can play with this toy, which features 6 colors and 12 shapes. Hey! Play! Toy Golf Play Set Amazon View On Amazon $22 View On Walmart $32 View On Home Depot $23 If you have a little golfer on your hands, they will love this set. It comes with a case that has wheels, a strap, a handle, and space to store four golf balls (which are included). There is also a putting cup and flag, two clubs, and one putter. This cute little set is designed for kids 30 months (2.5 years) and older. Step2 Best Chefs Kitchen Playset Amazon View On Amazon $90 View On Walmart $90 View On Wayfair $91 This kitchen has it all: an oven, stove, sink, coffee maker, fridge, shelving space, and 25 accessories to go with it. The open design makes it perfect for kids to play together. Kids between 2 and 5 years old who love to play pretend in the kitchen will have so much fun with this set that includes everything from cups and utensils to little bottles of ketchup and mustard. Best Choice Products Land Rover Ride On Amazon View On Amazon $400 View On Walmart $400 View On Bestchoiceproducts.com Your toddler will basically be the coolest kid on the block with this play Land Rover. It has two seats for 3-year-olds and up to sit back and relax in while they cruise the sidewalks (either manually or with the use of your parental remote control). It is available in four colors, all of which feature an AUX plug, working lights, a car horn, and more. Learning Resources Grow It! Gardening Play Set Amazon View On Amazon $28 View On Walmart $28 View On Wayfair $29 For the little gardeners 18 months old and up, this set comes with 3 planters, 2 veggies, 2 flowers, a shovel, and a watering can. The flowers and veggies can be changed out across the planters where they can be “planted” and “pulled” when ready. It’s a fun way to get them excited about gardening! VTech Smart Shots Sports Center Amazon View On Amazon $44 View On Walmart $67 View On Kmart.com Want to teach your toddler basketball or soccer? This little sports center is the perfect toy for that. It comes with both sports balls, a net for kicking, and a hoop for shooting baskets. The scoreboard keeps count of shots, makes noises, lights up, and it’s just generally a lot of fun! This is a great toy for 18-month-olds that can keep them entertained up to age 3. My Kids Play With These 12 Outdoor Toys All Spring Long—and They Start at Just $11 at Amazon Learning Resources Healthy Lunch Play Food Set Amazon View On Amazon $20 View On Learningresources.com $24 Toddlers as young as 18 months old can do some grocery shopping or pack a picnic using this playset. It comes with a basket, a bowl, a smoothie, fruit, pretzels, and the fixings for a sandwich. It’s the pretend version of a very delicious real-life meal. VTech Care For Me Learning Carrier Amazon View On Amazon $25 View On Walmart $37 View On Kohls.com $28 Animal lovers from 9 months to 3 years old will have so much fun with this veterinarian toy. It comes with a plush puppy, a bowl, a bone, a bottle, ball, comb, and carrier. The carrier is decked out with buttons that light up, play music, and teach letters, colors, numbers, and sounds. How We Selected and Tested Toys for Toddlers Expert Input: We spoke with North Carolina-based occupational therapist Meredith Soucie to find out what to look for in toys for toddlers. Moreover, we reviewed guidance from the CDC on developmental milestones for toddlers, positive parenting tips, and child safety. Parent Survey: We surveyed 875 parents to learn more about what toys their children play with, how they play with them, and why they love them. Moreover, we asked parents and caregivers about their top brands and what makes them well-loved among their families. Design and Features Research: After reviewing guidance and insights from our expert, the CDC, and parents, we studied the design and features of more than 70 toys for toddlers on the market. Safety and Convenience Assessment: We considered toy safety, age recommendations, ease of use, developmental milestones, and value when reviewing products. What to Look for in Toys for Toddlers Interests Toddlers can be very clear about what they like—but their interests can also change quickly. They aren’t afraid to throw a toy down on the ground and yell “no” if they don't like it. One safe bet is to look for toys that feature some of their favorite characters, like Mickey Mouse or Sesame Street friends, or toy versions of grown-up stuff they love (like golf clubs or kitchen tools). Those tend to be a hit because toddlers love imaginative play, especially if it mimics real life. These toys are also good for providing teaching moments when you are playing with your toddler. Soucie says adults can help kids learn about the things around them by identifying and labeling objects and then asking and answering questions about their environment while playing together. Milestones It's important for caregivers to support little ones as they continue to master and strengthen their skills. Toys are an excellent, fun way to do this because they offer toddlers opportunities to practice skills and learn concepts in an engaging way. Gross Motor Skills: Especially in the early toddler years, kids can usually walk and run, but they are still working on strengthening their muscles and gross motor skills. In general, Soucie says toddlers learn how to move their bodies by enjoying playgrounds and other toys that will give them space to make big movements, like the Kiddey Play Tent and Tunnel. Pretend Play: At around a year old, toddlers begin to imitate the behaviors of others, which is where imaginative play comes in. The Cute Stone Color Changing Kitchen Sink encourages this kind of play. Early Math Skills: Once they get closer to 2 years old, toddlers will start sorting objects by shape or color, which helps them get ready to learn math later. Both the Take-Along Shape Sorter and the Match and Roll Shape Sorter support this development. Thinking Skills: The best toys for cognitive development will have some sensory aspect to them, and Soucie suggests caregivers designate time for messy sensory and fine motor activities regularly. That might include “finger painting, drawing with crayons, playing in water, sculpting with play-dough, rice play, and gardening/planting activities," Soucie says. Entertainment Value Toddlers are curious, they have a lot of energy, and they often have little regard for their own safety, which means the most entertaining toys will allow them to explore and move around, but will also keep them safe. Look for toys that get them running and/or jumping around, like a soccer ball or trike, as well as some that allow them to get creative and think critically (in a fun way). Frequently Asked Questions How many toys should a toddler have? For toddlers, it is less about the number of toys and more about the quality of the toys you have. For example, you could have some toys that use both colors and shapes to inspire play, which would take the place of two separate toys only focused on one element. Toys that focus on imagination, motor skill development, cognitive development, and problem-solving are appropriate. Having a few toys on hand that promote these things is better than having more toys to simply have more toys. What skills should my preschooler be working on? Preschoolers should be working on creativity, problem-solving, and gross and fine motor skills, to name a few. Gross motor skills can include activities like walking and pushing, and fine motor skills work on manual dexterity, which includes things like pushing, squeezing, and grasping small objects. How do I get my preschooler to share their toys? Sharing is a super complex concept, and it truly depends on your child’s development and age. A toddler who is 2 years old might not understand sharing, but one who is 4 could. In order to teach your child how to share their toys, first know that it is a lengthy and involved process that will take a lot of patience. If you think your child is old enough to understand sharing, you can start by modeling the behavior, talking about feelings they have when asked to share, and offering choices. Why Trust Verywell Family Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce for a variety of platforms. She’s a wife to a public school administrator and mom to 1-year-old and 3-year-old daughters. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families. More Toys for Kids When it comes to toys for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top toy picks for every developmental stage and personality phase here: The Best Christmas Gifts for Kids The Best Developmental Toys for Babies The Best Tummy Time Toys The Best Active Toys for Toddlers The Best Outdoor Toys for Toddlers The Best Educational Toys for Toddlers The Best Phonics Toys for Preschoolers The Best Toys for Learning Letters and Numbers The Best Musical Toys for Children of All Ages The Best Montessori Toys to Encourage Thoughtful Play The Best Sesame Street Toys The Best Outdoor Toys for Kids of All Ages The Best Dinosaur Toys The Best Toys for Fine Motor Skills Development The Best Toys for Independent Play The Best Snow Toys for Kids The Best STEM Toys for Kids Best Laptop Toys for Kids The Best Social Emotional Learning Toys The Best Robot Toys The Best Ride-On Toys The Best Cleaning Toy Sets The Black-Owned Gift Guide 2 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Toddlers (1-2 years of age). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Toddlers (2-3 years old). See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit