If you’re looking for educational toys for 2 year olds, this post shares the best learning toys that teach your toddler skills while they play!
As a mom of two kids, I’ve seen what my kids actually play with and help develop their skills and knowledge.
Mr. Rogers said it best, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning.”
In fact when my kids were 2 years old, they were learning their numbers, colors, shapes, and letters without any worksheets or formal curriculum. We just played!
Here are 9 things I did with my toddler every day.
What is an educational toy?
So let’s talk about what an educational toy actually is. Educational toys encourage your toddler to develop skills and knowledge simply by manipulating the toy and using their imaginations as they handle the toys.
Educational toys help toddlers learn and develop:
- hand-eye coordination
- gross motor skills
- colors
- shapes
- numbers
- letters
- problems solving skills
- awareness of surroundings
- awareness of other people
- role play
- patterns
and so much more!
Most educational toys are pretty basic and don’t require batteries. This is a win-win for parents and kids!
Many of the toys that make loud noises and light up do the thinking for your child. Instead of stretching your child’s imagination, these toys entertain them.
Why do 2 year olds need learning toys?
Your 2 year old’s brain is developing so fast and taking in lots of new information. They are trying to make sense of the world around them and put things and people into categories.
That’s why it’s a perfect time for them to learn colors and shapes.
Now, I must confess that your 2 year old doesn’t need a lot of toys. In fact, sometimes the best learning “toys” are fresh air, going for a walk, or reading a book.
Whatever you are doing with your 2 year old is an opportunity to teach them. You can count trees. Talk about colors that you see and practice motor skills.
But there are some really great educational toys out there for toddlers that you’ll want to check out or at least give you ideas for Christmas and birthdays.
Where to buy educational toys?
Of course, these toys can be found at typical stores like Walmart and Target or ordered online. However, I’ve been able to find some of the best educational toys at book stores such as Mardel, Barnes and Noble and even small “mom and pop book stores”.
Another great place to look is second hand stores. Many times you can get gently used toys for half off the retail price.
Check out local thrift stores and children’s consignment stores. You never know what you may find.
Best Educational Toys for Toddlers
The following is a list of educational toys that help 2 year learn colors, shapes, and numbers. These toys also help children develop motor skills and problem solving skills.
The toys linked are all affiliate links.
Fine Motor Skills and Problem Solving Toys
1. MEGA BLOCKS These giant lego pieces are such a fun toy that have lasted for over 6 years in our home.
My son has loved his Mega Blocks ever since he was 2 years old and he is now 8! Even my daughter enjoyed playing with them.
2. WOODEN PUZZLES
Some of the best wooden puzzles are Melissa and Doug brand. The magnetic ocean puzzle and safari animal puzzle where my kids’ favorites.
3. MAGNETIC PLAY SETS
My kids love playing with magnets, especially when they get to interchange pieces to make new scenes or dress up dolls.
These are easier to pick up and handle than reusable stickers as your toddler is still working on fine motor skills.
Imaginative Play Toys
4. PLAY KITCHEN SET
Your toddler loves imaginative play and getting to do “big people” things. A kitchen set is a great toy to look for second hand.
5. DOLLS
Girls and boys like playing with dolls. Even boys can imitate their daddies as they care for baby dolls.
6. DOLL STROLLER
Along with baby dolls, a doll stroller is a perfect addition. Your toddler can care for their baby dolls and it gets them up and moving as they push the stroller around.
7. PLAY FOOD
Another imaginative toy that is perfect for toddlers is play food. My kids have used play food when playing restaurant, grocery store, ice cream shop, ect.
They also have a play cash register that is always fun for them.
8. CARS
My daughter never really enjoyed playing with cars, but my son has loved cars, trucks, motorcycles, construction vehicles. Basically anything with wheels that he can make loud noises for!
9. LAWNMOWER
Another toy that my 2 year old son loved was his toy lawnmower. Actually, he also had a toy weed eater, leaf blower, and chainsaw!
He loved them all and would play with them for hours.
Colors and Numbers Toys
10. LEAP START
This learning toy does require batteries, but it is a fun one that encourages learning. I like that is uses technology without a screen or flashing lights.
11. LITTLE PEOPLE BOOKS
These books have flaps that your toddler will love lifting up. It also teaches shapes, colors and numbers.
Our favorites are:
12. WOODEN BLOCKS
These are such a simple toy that can be used in so many ways. As you play with your toddler, talk to them about the colors and numbers on the blocks.
Art and Craft Supplies
There are not a lot of arts and crafts that you can let your toddler loose on. Even crayons were some what dangerous to my two year olds who wanted to eat the crayons. 🙂
But the couple of ideas I’ve included here are pretty toddler friendly.
13. DOT MARKERS
These dot markers are a great alternative to regular markers. They are technically recommended for ages 3 and up, but my 2 year old did fine with them. Use your parental instincts.
14. WATER COLOR PAINTS
Water color paints are so inexpensive and easy to wash out of clothes and surfaces. Perfect for toddlers!
Let me know what else you would put on a list of educational toys for 2 year olds. Share your ideas in the comments!
