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We’ve most recently added the Urban Kiddy Baby’s My First Family Album, the Kiddey Ball Pit Play Tent, and the Guardian Balance Bike. Magnetic Sticks Toy
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When you’re trying to keep up with the developing skills and interests of a 2-year-old, it can feel like you’re sprinting (sometimes literally) or playing a guessing game. “Play is how they start to understand the world,” said Heather Singh, director of educational programs at the Thinkery, a children’s museum in Austin, Texas, at the time of our interview.
The most engaging toys for 2-year-olds offer lots of different options for hands-on, manipulative play. Kids this age may be able to use their fine motor skills in more-precise ways, such as for stacking, fitting, and twisting smaller pieces. Some 2-year-olds are still engaging primarily in “parallel play.” And some are now interested in playing with others, so simple board games may help them to practice sharing and taking turns. Toys that let a 2-year-old slide, wiggle, scoot, bounce, or otherwise expend some of their boundless energy are also likely to be a hit.
We spoke with Singh and other child-development experts—along with parents and other caregivers on our staff—to identify memorable and engaging gifts for 2-year-olds. Some of the toys on this list are officially recommended for kids who are 3 and up. Our testers have played with these toys outside of their official age-range recommendations, and they’ve found them to be appropriate for this guide.
If you’re looking for more gift ideas for kids, check out our guides to the best gifts for 1-year-olds, 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, 5-year-olds, 6-year-olds, 7-year-olds, 8-year-olds, 9-year-olds, and 10-year-olds, as well as these wonderful stocking stuffers for kids. We also have guides to gifts for tweens and teens. (Just keep in mind that since kids develop at different rates, all age recommendations should be taken with a grain of salt.) And please share your own best ideas in the comments below.
These simple, rainbow-colored pegs encourage young kids to build tall towers or weave them together with string.
Soon after my oldest daughter started preschool, I asked her (then 2) what she liked to play with in the classroom, and she answered, “Pegs!” I bought Skoolzy’s Peg Board Set for our home, and I was fascinated to see how intently she and, subsequently, her younger siblings played with them on their own. The brightly colored, stackable pegs offer 2-year-olds just the right level of challenge and open-ended play: Kids can fit the pegs into holes on the included foam mat, stack them one on top of the other to see how high they can go, or string them on a shoelace. Despite the simplicity of these pegs, my kids would pull them out of the toy bin again and again.
This cheerful pink piggy bank makes a rewarding sound each time one of the 10 plastic coins is dropped through the slot.
May be out of stock
When my daughter was a toddler, she received the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Piggy Bank as a gift, and as far as noise-making plastic toys go, this one is a winner. She liked being rewarded with the pig’s cheerful responses and songs when she pressed its snout or dropped the large coins through the slot. And I liked how mercifully brief—and not too loud or grating—the songs and noises were. The pig helps kids develop motor skills and also teaches colors, numbers (in Spanish, too), and other important stuff. I’m impressed by how well this bank held up through years of rough treatment (and that it used just two pairs of CC batteries in all that time).
Kids learn about classical music and hear the sounds of the clarinet, trumpet, and other instruments in this entertaining, interactive book.
Combine Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C Minor with some charming mice narrators and—da-da-da-dum!—you’ve got Welcome to the Symphony: A Musical Exploration of the Orchestra Using Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. This accessible, interactive introduction to classical music is written by Carolyn Sloan, author of the similarly structured Welcome to Jazz (featured in our guide to the best gifts for 3-year-olds). The book covers the orchestra, musical terms (such as dynamics, tempo, and harmony), and groups of instruments (strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion). And while the excitement of pressing the 19 sound buttons may initially overshadow the rich text and lovely illustrations, kids can appreciate this book on deeper levels over time—think of it as an evolving performance. (Welcome to the Symphony and Welcome to Jazz have both been favorites in my son’s reading rotation since he got them, at age 3. But we think many 2-year-olds would also be ready for them.) And grownups can’t help but feel proud when their kids are able to recognize Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 out in the world—even if it is while watching an episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.
This eight-page, double-sided cloth photo album holds 17 of your favorite 4-by-6 photos, and there’s a mirror at the end.
Filled with photos of the family we were leaving behind, Urban Kiddy Baby’s My First Family Album was a treasured gift from a relative when we moved across the country. Made with a soft, durable fabric, it holds 17 printed photos, and it’s cute enough to attract your average 2-year-old. For months after our move, my son loved flipping through the photos of “Grandma Mimi,” and he would study shots of himself with all of his cousins. And I loved that he could see family members’ faces without getting my phone involved.
With notched hands and feet, these nine wooden robots can be stacked and balanced in all sorts of acrobatic ways.
When my son was a toddler, a friend gave him Schylling’s slightly sinister-looking Wooden Stacking Robots, and he still has them on display in his room at age 13. The tiny angles allow for all kinds of wacky creations, and the more robots you get (we later added a second pack), the bigger your robot trees can become. Creating a simple pyramid may make a 2-year-old feel triumphant, while older kids can construct some truly impressive designs. These blocks are the type of thing adults may find themselves leaving out on the coffee table—and even playing with themselves.
Made for small hands, this vinyl tape measure rolls out like a real one, with markings for inches and centimeters.
With Constructive Playthings’ Big Tape Measure for Kids, there are lots of possibilities for role-playing. This sturdy, oversize tape measure is a favorite among young kids at Toybrary Austin (a local toy-lending library in Texas), according to owner Liza Wilson. Two-year-olds enjoy pulling out and winding back the easy-rolling vinyl tape, which makes a satisfying clicking sound. Older kids love to measure and compare everything in the room using the toy’s real inch and centimeter markings; this is a great way for them to begin developing spatial awareness and concepts related to numbers, counting, and math. (Note: This toy is recommended for kids ages 3 and up because the tape can be a choking hazard.)
In this seek-and-find memory game, kids look for matching bears behind the doors of a two-story playhouse.
My daughter received Educational Insights’ My First Game: Bears in Pairs for Christmas when she was 21 months old. And she adores it—for reasons that have progressed with every passing month. At first, she simply liked to match each of the three sets of twin bears and open and shut all six compartments on their 3D plastic playhouse. Eventually she started to play the actual game, which involves flicking a spinner and trying to find the coordinating bear set. Bears in Pairs is a perfect introduction to memory matching games—without the need for reading or card shuffling.
Small tubs of this sweet-smelling, soapy goo add sensory fun to bath time.
May be out of stock
For more than a year now, the only way I’ve been able to get my daughter into the bath is to promise the inclusion of this colorful, sensory goo. Less an actual slime than a fragrant jelly, Crayola Bath Slime comes in scents like Wacky Watermelon and Gallopin Grape. It provides all of the fun of its viscous namesake, with the welcome bonus of being easy to clean (since it’s contained in the tub and because it’s literally soap). My kiddo likes to squish it through her hands and swirl the little floating pieces around to the farthest reaches of the bath. Then we grab a couple of strainers and try to rescue and return all the squiggles back to the jar before it’s time to get out.
This simple play tunnel is fun to crawl through, and it cinches up for easy storage.
When my older son was 2 years old, I found a classic, collapsible IKEA Dvärgmås Play Tunnel at a secondhand store. Five years and another kid later, it was still in good enough shape to be handed down to a different family. The littlest kids can simply enjoy the challenge of learning to crawl from end to end. Later, the tunnel becomes a cozy spot to play with other toys or a fun addition to an elaborate living-room fort (which was my kids’ favorite use for it). IKEA’s colorful polyester Cirkustält Tent also offers long-lasting fun at a low price, and we recommend it in our guide to the best gifts for 3-year olds. Availability at IKEA stores varies by location.
A wonderful introduction to Lego, this Duplo set comes with a little bit of everything: Duplo people, numbered bricks, connecting trains, and a cat.
May be out of stock
With its delightfully chunky pieces, the Lego Duplo Number Train is excellent for introducing toddlers to the joys of building with Lego bricks. The train-themed set includes blocks that are numbered from 0 to 9, four wheeled bases, and two figures (plus a cat for good measure). Kids can arrange the pieces in all sorts of configurations, all while developing their fine motor skills and immersing themselves in imaginative play. When my son turned 2, he happily took over his older brother’s collection of Duplos (numbered blocks and numerous vehicle bases included), and he never looked back—no doubt all but guaranteeing himself a Lego-filled future.
These colorful alphabet flash cards are held together with a plastic ring, which can be opened and closed.
At age 2, my son thought identifying objects was the greatest form of entertainment. As we approached the, oh, 500th reading (who’s counting?) of his 10 favorite board books, I realized we needed something new. I also realized that we didn’t own flash cards. To remedy the situation, I bought the Mudpuppy My ABCs Ring Flash Cards. The letters and words are printed in a pleasing, sans serif–like font. The bold, colorful artwork spoke to my kid—and he spoke back. Our favorite? F: A frog playing a flute for a fly.
Once assembled, this 25-piece puzzle displays a map of the 50 states, along with what each one is known for, like Idaho potatoes.
It feels as if we now own every children’s puzzle that’s ever been stamped and laser-cut into cardboard. But the Mudpuppy Jumbo Puzzle Map of the U.S.A. remains the one I pull out the most. For starters, this 25-piece puzzle is suitably challenging for my preschooler, who can confidently wield the thick, oversized pieces and eventually match together the colors and shapes of the United States. This one also serves as a stellar geography lesson and conversational jump-off for the two of us. We discuss all of the states we’ve been to, point out where our friends and family live, and plan future road trips by tracing our fingers from the image of cowboy boots (representing Texas) to the sunflowers or flamingos near her grandparents’ houses.
Schleich’s small animal figurines are beautifully detailed and wonderful for imaginary play.
My 2-year-old is totally into cows (“moo moos”) and other farm animals, and introducing him to the realistic-looking figurines from Schleich has taken that fascination to new heights. The German company has been developing a growing following in the US. Each tiny replica in its collection has intricate, hand-painted details, and the plastic is molded to show features like tiny bits of hair and the texture of feathers. (If you’re curious, a New England toy company provides a wonderfully detailed primer on Schleich’s history and manufacturing process; Schleich also offers some background on how it designs its figurines.) The Schleich Farm World 4-Piece Set—which comes with a cow, a sheep, a rooster, and a donkey—is an excellent place to start your collection. But Schleich also makes a variety of dinosaurs, wild animals, and fantasy creatures, sold individually or in sets. Clutching a critter in each chubby hand, my toddler happily runs around our home and places his animals in toy tractor carts and dump trucks—and sometimes he just moves them around the sofa. Schleich figurines even show up in Wirecutter’s houseplant starter kit guide—when your kids aren’t looking, swipe a couple and nestle them next to your succulents, just for laughs.
Made with a rugged, long-lasting plastic, this dump truck includes a roomy, moveable truck bed.
When my kids were little, we accumulated a sizable pile of toy vehicles. The truck, plane, and boat from Green Toys are simpler (and quieter) than most. And I found that they aged better than similar toys from other companies, even when they were left for months outside in the beating Southern California sun. The Green Toys Dump Truck is a classic gift for a 2-year-old. We also had the popular Red Fire Truck and the Submarine, which carried a zoo’s worth of Duplo animals around the bathtub for several years. Everything from this company is made in the US from recycled plastic and is dishwasher-safe. (At Wirecutter, we’ve also found that the Green Toys Sand Play Set is far superior to disposable sets made of brittle plastic, and we recommend it in our guide to the best beach and pool toys.)
This boxed set includes five award-winning board books that showcase photographs of children and families from diverse backgrounds.
A picture is worth a thousand words. And the We Are Little Feminists Box Set, with five board books featuring photographs of real people, sends a message about the importance of respecting others and embracing our differences. Each book covers a distinct theme—Hair, Families, Celebrations, How We Eat, and On-the-Go—with an emphasis on representation and inclusivity. The photos—which feel intimate and joy-filled, as if you’ve been granted access to other families’ photo albums—depict kids and parents of many races, LGBTQ families (including a trans man who's pregnant, prompting curious questions from my 9-year-old), children with disabilities, and various ceremonies and faiths practiced throughout the world. The books are recommended for infants through 5-year-olds, and there are age-appropriate questions at the end to help encourage discussions about the material. It will likely be a while before my 2-year-old fully understands some of the bigger issues at play. But for now, I can confirm—with apologies to Sandra Boynton and company—that these books have surpassed my daughter’s other board books to become her new favorites.
This animal puzzle’s 26 wooden pieces are assembled in alphabetical order, and they fit into a decorative storage box.
My son received the clever BeginAgain Animal Parade A to Z Puzzle and Playset as a baby gift. The chunky wooden creatures nest together in a single block, and reassembling the menagerie may provide a slight challenge even for grownups (we assembled it together over the years, but my son was 5 or 6 before he could complete it on his own). Each animal is printed with the letter that corresponds to its name (A is for Alligator, U is for Unicorn) and guides a kid into puzzling out the proper placement. The completed oblong puzzle makes this one a bit novel, and it stands upright in its wooden box—a nice decoration for a nursery shelf. The same company also makes similar puzzles with city, farm, and outer space themes. But I think the classic animal parade makes the nicest decorative piece.
Tough and durable for outdoor play, this oversized tractor can scoop up large mounds of rocks and dirt.
For the kid who loves scooping sand and rocks, the Tomy John Deere Big Scoop Tractor (which has a sturdy steel-and-plastic frame) provides tons of outdoor fun. Indoors, this tractor is also fun to scoot around and scoop up toys with. My 2-year-old nephew—for whom trucks are less of a passing interest and more of a lifestyle—was equally excited that the 21-inch-long tractor is large enough to sit on. There is also a smaller, 15-inch model.
With colorful illustrations and short, simple stories, this magazine introduces young kids to the joy of reading.
When a friend’s kid turned 2, we gave them a Babybug Print Subscription as a birthday gift. And since then, they report that this magazine has been a constant source of delight. They appreciate the high quality of the illustrations and that the stories are short enough for a toddler’s attention span but still interesting. They also like that the magazine is made of “destruction-resistant paper,” with rounded corners and no staples. No, it won’t stand up to a truly dedicated attacker, but this magazine withstands the grabby hands of a toddler better than a standard print publication. Cricket Media (which publishes Ladybug and Spider magazines, among others, for older kids) also offers printable gift announcement cards. So you can give something on the day to let people know a new subscription is on the way. One caveat: After we purchased the subscription, it took about three months for it to actually start.
In this toddler-friendly board game, players work together to gather fruits from the orchard before the hungry crow reaches them.
My Very First Games: First Orchard is a cooperative board game, so rather than competing, players work together. It’s designed to teach the youngest players the fundamentals of board games: how to set up a board, roll a die, make choices, and take turns. (This game is a favorite in our guide to the best board games for kids.) To play, you match different-colored apples, pears, and plums to their respective trees, and then roll a die to try to gather all of the fruits in a basket before a pesky crow reaches them. I started playing First Orchard with my daughters when they were 4 and 2, and I was always amused to see how the race to beat the crow created just the right amount of dramatic tension to hold their interest (and, at times, it provided an opportunity to navigate the disappointment of “losing”). And even if your 2-year-old doesn’t yet have the patience or interest for the game structure, they can simply play imaginatively with the brightly hued wooden fruits.
Unlike many other models, this rainbow xylophone set has correct pitch and plays a full scale.
May be out of stock
For banging and making noise, just about any kids’ xylophone will do. But many of these instruments (which are actually glockenspiels, since they have metal and not wooden bars) are out of tune and terrible for learning about music. Most are toys, not tuned instruments. Our toddler played the Basic Beat 8-Note Resonator Bells in a music class, and we got a set for home. They’re durable, sound good, and allow for all kinds of musical (and other) exploration. Kids can get a hands-on feel for the sequence of a diatonic octave by ordering the blocks by size or note (each bell is marked with its letter on the scale) or by grouping two or more blocks together to experiment with intervals or chords. The bells come in a sturdy carrying case and are made to last—the ones at the music school have taken a beating from tons of kids, and they’re all still in good shape.
This indoor/outdoor pop-up ball-pit tent offers a contained space for active play.
We purchased the Kiddey Ball Pit Play Tent a few years ago with the hope of giving my then-2½-year-old an outlet for his energy—and it came through. The tent has six sides (five of them mesh and the sixth a “door”) and an open top, so it doesn’t feel claustrophobic and is easy to clean (you can order the tent alone and buy balls separately, or choose an option that comes with balls). Warning: At some point, expect your kid to start diving in from the top. My son loved burying himself under the colorful balls, tossing them around, and “swimming” through them. As he’s gotten older and a little sister has joined in the fun, this tent has also become a receptacle for stuffies and a favorite location during hide-and-seek. It comfortably holds two kids (and an adult). When you want to put it away, the tent folds down and fits in an included storage bag (you’ll need a separate container to hold the balls).
This plastic, curiously shaped bowl can be a helmet, a turtle shell, a spinny seat, or whatever your child imagines.
May be out of stock
It might not be immediately clear what a child is supposed to do with the Bilibo by Moluk, and that’s precisely the point: All ideas are valid when it comes to this sturdy, shell-shaped plastic object. Is it a helmet? Is it a seat? Is it a spinner? Yep, yep, and yep. Research shows that open-ended play fosters creativity and resilience in children, especially toddlers who are not yet accustomed to more-programmed activities with a “right” and “wrong” way. My daughter started occupational therapy when she was 15 months old. The Bilibo—which measures 15 inches across and comes in a range of bright colors—was hands-down her favorite prop. At the beginning of each session, the therapist plopped my daughter’s butt into the cupped seat and slowly twirled her around in circles (if a kid is younger than 2, they will likely need an adult’s help to keep from toppling). She’d giggle uncontrollably, all the while developing the core and neck strength needed to balance and sit up on her own. Now that my daughter is 4, we use the Bilibo as a container for sensory play materials—rice, dough, and foam. And for my 8 year-old son, it’s the perfect addition to a mini golf course … in our living room. The Bilibo also comes in a miniature (4.7-inch) size (sold in a set of six), and it’s perfect for shoveling, scooping, and serving tea to stuffed animals.
This top-notch bike is sturdy and easy to assemble, with air-filled tires, a steering limiter, and a handbrake that gets kids one step closer to riding a pedal bike.
A balance bike can help kids learn to steer, brake, and keep themselves upright on a two-wheeler from a very young age. Many families find that balance-bike riders graduate to pedal bikes earlier, skipping the training-wheels phase altogether. The Guardian Balance Bike (the upcoming new top pick in our guide to the best balance bikes) offers easy-to-grip handlebars, a low stand-over height, air-filled tires, and a well-constructed handbrake; the brake slows both the front and back wheels and gets kids one step closer to riding a pedal bike, since they learn how to stop without dragging their feet on the ground. My son started riding a balance bike at age 2. The Guardian quickly became his favorite because it’s easy to ride, comfortable, flashy, and that handbrake felt powerful.
This baby doll, from the popular American Girl doll brand, is available with various skin tones, hair colors, and eye colors.
First released in 1995 to help children acclimate before the arrival of a baby sibling, this American Girl classic has evolved over the years. Today’s American Girl Bitty Baby is available in different combinations of skin tone, hair color, eye color, and outfit color; you can even customize a set of Bitty Baby Twins. The doll is a hard-to-find hybrid: Its soft fabric torso and brushed-knit outfit offer some of the cuddliness of a plushie, while the molded face and operable eyelids provide the interactivity of a doll. We learned through our research into doll manufacturing that it takes great skill to design a face (including Bitty Baby’s) that’s realistic without being creepy—many cross the line. And although every Bitty Baby comes packaged in American Girl’s signature bright pink boxes, the dolls themselves aren’t assigned a gender or traditionally gendered names. Also, you can choose between pink, blue, and gray sleepers. (Note that for an additional $20, this doll comes with an optional board book and knit stuffed lamb.)
These pint-sized wooden chairs and a table can be configured in multiple ways, including as a desk, a bench, or multiple stools.
Little ones who want a grownup space of their own will be eager to get to “work” with the ECR4Kids Bentwood Multipurpose Kids Wooden Table and Chair Set. The three-piece station—it comes with a table and two chairs—is compact and convertible. And it’s made of an attractive birch plywood. So it won’t scream “kids’ table” if you choose to keep it in one of the common areas of your home (this is something I have especially appreciated since I’ve spent a lot of time looking at it in our family’s New York City apartment). The table serves as a shallow desk with a wraparound backboard; when flipped over, it becomes a high-backed bench. The chairs can also be flipped for different seat heights as kids grow, and when the chairs are not in use, they can be tucked neatly under the table to save space. My now-4-year-old son has been using this set for almost three years, and it has survived plenty of messy art projects and snack times with minimal wear and tear. ECR4Kids also makes a “premium” edition, which, according to a company rep, is thicker and about 10 pounds heavier, due to added layers of wood. But otherwise it is the same (and the price is also similar). Neither set requires any assembly.
This large plastic rocket opens up to reveal a homey space station.
I did not expect to love this rocket. It was a gift to my son, and at first I was like, “Okay … here’s a giant plastic thing.” But I should have had more faith. The Lakeshore Play & Explore Rocket is giant and plastic; the chunky, 16½-inch-tall behemoth stands at nearly half the height of my 2-year-old. It was also an immediate hit with our toddler playgroup. My son will do a countdown to blast-off, happily move the two peg-sized astronauts in and out of the four-wheel moon rover, and then steer them around for at least 20 minutes at a time. The red, white, and blue rocket has three pleasing levels—doors swing open to reveal the cockpit, a kitchen, a computer station, a shower area, sleeping quarters (with a fold-down bed), and a mechanic’s garage. When my son is done exploring for the day, the astronauts and moon rover can be conveniently tucked inside. (Note that this toy is recommended for ages 3 and up, though I was unable to identify any choking hazards.)
Young kids can climb onto this colorful vinyl horse, grab its ears, and bounce away.
The Gymnic Rody is a rounded, inflatable vinyl pony that’s perfect for a toddler who’s bouncing off the walls. My little kids loved to hop, scoot, and bump around the house on it. And because the Rody is soft and springy, I loved not having to worry about my children scuffing the floor or banging into walls. It’s hard not to smile at the pony’s cuddly shape, poppy colors, and cartoony cuteness (it kind of looks like a Jeff Koons sculpture). The Rody comes deflated, so you’ll need a bicycle or hand pump to start bouncing.
Great for indoor sleepovers, this sleeping bag features a snuggly bear-head pillow, as well as adorable little paws.
Over the years, my mom has given each of her grandkids one of these Pottery Barn Kids personalized sleeping bags as a crafty enticement to stay over at her house. More of a slumber-party sleeper than the kind of bag you’d take camping, the soft zip-up rolls easily and has two straps for carrying and storage. My daughter loves the Shaggy Head Bear Sleeping Bag’s pillow and cotton shell—it’s ideal for cozying up on the floor to play games or to watch a movie. She also adores that her name is on the bag. But be warned: The monogram font is a bit cramped and hard to read compared with her cousins’ earlier editions. If you decide to personalize, I’d recommend one of the blockier fonts.
This high-quality, easy-gliding sled should last through multiple kids (or even generations).
Babies and toddlers don’t need to tear down hills at breakneck speeds to have a blast in the snow—they’re mostly content with being pulled around in a comfy, well-constructed sled like the L.L.Bean Kids’ Pull Sled and Cushion Set. I’ve had this classic wooden sled for nine years—through four kids—and it’s still in great shape (it’s a top pick in our guide to the best sleds). This sled has smooth-gliding wooden runners that are reinforced with metal bars, for durability. Its supportive side rails keep tots from tumbling out; they also make this sled an accessible option for kids working on their trunk strength. So with its classic red cushion, this sled is like a snow stroller. It’s expensive, but it will last through many winters—or even generations.
If, like me, you live much farther south—where snow is just a mythical ground cover kids see only in holiday books—the PlaSmart PlasmaCar is the ultimate toddler toy for gliding around. The brightly colored ride moves almost as quickly as a sled across flat surfaces, without any batteries, pedals, or gears. The wheels work much like in-line skates or cross-country skis, so when the handlebar is wiggled rapidly, the car moves forward through lateral friction force. Toddlers can achieve exhilarating speeds with just the occasional push and steady cranking of the handlebar. The PlasmaCar is sturdy enough to hold up to 220 pounds, so adults may be able to tear around the house a few times too—strictly to conduct safety checks, of course.
Small wooden cars go clickety-clack as they zip down this tower’s rainbow track.
Sometimes it seems like the simpler the toy, the more engrossing it is for babies and toddlers (a theory supported by my child’s love of playing with a bookmark above all else). Of all the toys in our pediatric audiologist’s waiting room, The Wooden Wagon Cascade Tower (made of beech and birch plywood) is the one that draws the biggest and most competitive crowd of little ones. Kids can place the three-part “millipede” car at the top and watch as it works its way down to the base of the wooden tower, making a satisfying clicking sound at every turn.
Kids can jump, exercise, and release excess energy with this indoor trampoline.
Our pediatrician recommended a mini trampoline, like The Original Toy Company’s Fold & Go Trampoline, as a tool to combat toddler constipation. I can’t say definitively that it was effective for that purpose, but it worked great for bouncing out a lot of pent-up energy. And it was generally a big hit with our own kids as well as with any visiting friends. The trampoline obviously takes up some space, but our two kids used it just about every day from the ages of (roughly) 2 to 5.
Children’s museums provide a kid-friendly space where they can play, explore, experiment, and learn.
For me and my wife, the gift of annual membership to the Thinkery children’s museum in Austin, Texas, was an immense relief from cabin fever when the summer heat made it impossible to be outdoors. Suddenly we had a bright, educational fortress to escape to with our then-2-year-old daughter. Millie loves the water science room’s cascading series of water tables, the earth science exhibit’s hurricane and tornado simulators, and the Light Lab’s magnets and mini LEDs. Memberships to children’s museums like the Thinkery make excellent gifts. They offer educational play spaces and workshops for kids. And they have special events that include adults and families, such as Pride nights and parents’ night out.
Play kitchens inspire fun, imaginary play, from whipping up a tasty meal to washing the dishes.
The compact, white-and-birch-colored IKEA Duktig Play Kitchen is enduringly popular for good reason: It’s inexpensive, sleek, relatively durable, and neutral enough to blend seamlessly into nearly any decor, like a sneaky Scandinavian chameleon. If you’re more of a play-kitchen maximalist, KidKraft kitchens come in a variety of sizes and configurations, including ones with refrigerators with built-in ice makers. Whatever play kitchen you choose, your young chef is sure to stock it with all kinds of ingredients, edible and otherwise, soon enough (think stray socks, rotting strawberries, forgotten field-trip permission slips). You can add Learning Resources’ baskets of colorful fruits and veggies to that treasure trove. Or get your kid’s collection of cookware started early with Melissa & Doug’s Let’s Play House Stainless Steel Pots & Pans Playset, featured in our guide to the best gifts for 3-year-olds. Availability at IKEA stores varies by location.
This sturdy chair can be flipped around and used in multiple ways: as a 6-inch seat or, when a child grows taller, as a 9-inch seat. Turned on its side, it can also become a table or stool.
My toddler needed a more-supportive (read: less flimsy) first chair. And as her parent, I needed the peace of mind from knowing she wouldn’t tip over while sitting in it. A physical therapist recently introduced us to the Children’s Factory Cube Chair, which is stable without being heavy. It’s made of a lightweight plastic that’s much easier to maneuver than the Montessori-style wooden furniture we’d tried before. But what makes this chair a true winner is the 6-inch seat height with cozy “walls” on three sides; when she grows out of the lower height, I can flip the chair over and have a higher, 9-inch seat with less enclosure. (Note: The manufacturer recommends this chair for ages 12 months and up, so use your judgment based on what’s best for your kid.) Available in bright primary colors as well as more-muted “woodland” tones, the Cube Chair can also double as a side table or stool, and this versatility helps take the edge off the price tag.
We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend.
Additional reporting by Julie Kim.
This article was edited by Ellen Lee and Kalee Thompson.
Caitlin Giddings is a freelance writer based in Austin, Texas. Her work has appeared in Bicycling, Runner’s World, Lonely Planet, Outside magazine, and more.
by Caitlin Giddings and Wirecutter Staff
Open-ended toys that inspire role-playing and beginner board games that encourage cooperation make great gifts for 3-year-olds.
by Ingrid Skjong and Wirecutter Staff
Stocking stuffers can be small but meaningful presents. Whether they’re traditional, whimsical, or practical, they add a final touch to gift giving.
by Kelly Glass, Caitlin Giddings, and Wirecutter Staff
Toys that encourage building, puzzling, role-playing, and creating will engage curious 4-year-olds.
by Kelly Glass, Caitlin Giddings, and Wirecutter Staff
Gifts that tap into art, science, sports, or construction are often great choices for 5-year-olds, since many of them are developing personal interests.
Magnetic Building Blocks Set Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).