Last updated on March 18th, 2019
As your little one turns 2, he or she is already a pro at walking – well running, and exploring things around them. It is also an age when kids begin to experiment with formulating sentences as their vocabulary increases day by day. For these reasons, it is very important to buy age appropriate gifts for 2 year olds that add to their developmental needs.
The fact is, there are plenty of presents for 2 year olds to indulge in, but we researched and gathered a variety of options that also exercise their physical, mental, and social skills. Most importantly, we chose products that are fun and entertaining.
Rest assured, all products selected for the review conform to the guidelines established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and have been selected after reading extensive consumer reports and customer reviews.
This review will benefit everyone in search for 2 year old gift ideas for birthdays, Christmas, or just to see the priceless expression on the little one’s face when they receive their favorite present.
Best Gifts for 2 Year Olds At A Glance
Before we dive into a detailed review of gifts for 2 year olds, below you will find a quick overview of the 10 best gifts for 2 year olds we selected especially for you.
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Brandyn G.
I’m so glad that I got this and not the regular legos because these are so less likely to hurt my boy if is to step on it.
You can never go wrong gifting Lego for 2 year olds for their special day. This versatile Lego box is excellent to give for gifts for 2 year olds and includes colorful shapes, sizes, and characters to keep the small hands busy for hours. Duplo bricks are especially designed to be larger than regular Lego bricks, and kids can use their imagination and build and learn at the same time.
The Good
- Colorful and versatile, with 65 pieces of varying sizes and shapes including two opening windows, a dog, a boy, numbered bricks, and buildable wagon base with wheels
- Duplo bricks designed larger in size so they are easier to handle and less likely to be swallowed by young children
- Sturdy and presentable storage box, Duplo Legos are great gifts for 2 year olds
- Compatible with other Lego Duplo sets
The Bad
- If you want to get the girl figurine you have to buy the pink box
Expert Tip
As your little one grows up and becomes more creative, add on the compatible Lego Duplo sets with this one so your child can build endlessly with more choices
Final Thoughts
Our research shows, and parents can confirm, kids love building – boys or girls. This is definitely one of our top choices for gifts for two year olds.
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Adriana V.
I got this for my 20 month old little girl and before you even know it she’s already learning hear ABCs playing with this!.
By age 2, kids are very much aware of technology around them so this Leapfrog for 2 year old pretend laptop is our top choice for educational games for 2 year olds. With a variety of learning modes, not only does this “leaptop” keep the kids happily busy for hours, but parents also love this as it complements early childhood education
The Good
- Features instructive and informative games for 2 year olds including animal animations, ABCs, music, and messages
- A laptop look-alike so your child does not feel left when the parents are busy on their own computers
- Your child can spell out their own name and customize their “leaptop”
- Screen large enough to not strain their sensitive little eyes
- Folds up compactly with a handle to take along with you
The Bad
- The screen does not have a backlight and can be difficult to use in low light
Expert Tip
Make sure to have enough light in the room when using the “leaptop” so your child’s eye sight is not affected
Final Thoughts
If you’re ever wondering what to get a 2 year old for Christmas that will get him or her excited or resourceful and good gifts for 2 year olds, you will not be disappointed with this option.
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Kerry K.
I’m glad I got this because this taught my little 2.5 year old a lot about balance and muscle coordination!
This foldable fly tricycle is not only our top choice as the best present for 2 year old – girl or boy, but it is also a favorite for families to give as Christmas presents for 2 year olds as it can be ridden both, indoors and outdoors. This no assembly bike folds compactly so your child can practice their balancing and steering skills anywhere they go.
The Good
- Lightweight and durable, safe for 2 year olds to ride
- Easy assembly with three step fold and unfold system
- Designed to develop steering, coordination, and balancing skills in no time
- Can be used all year round so your kid’s physical needs are not interrupted even during the harshest weather
The Bad
- Height of the seat cannot be adjusted for taller or growing kids
Expert Tip
Even though safe to use, make sure your kid wears a safety helmet to avoid accidental injuries
Final Thoughts
When it comes to gifts for 2 years olds you cannot go wrong with a bike. While the pink colors mostly, but not always, makes ideal gifts for 2 year old girls, the same bike can also be found in other colors which make it more appealing as gifts for 2 year old boys.
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Vernon T.
I bought this for my little girl because it looked so safe and it seemed like a nice colourful and adorable set for her.
Melisssa and Doug’s puzzles for 2 year olds engages an intuitive method of learning colors, numbers, and alphabets. The vibrant colors and pegged pieces develop fine motor skills and practices hand-eye coordination. All combined, the set of 3 puzzles make for great gifts for 2 year olds and ideal for a fun learning activities.
The Good
- Pack of three: Fish puzzle, Number puzzle, and Alphabet puzzle – a popular choice for gifts for 2 year olds
- Pegged wooden pieces for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
- Vibrant colors and adorable illustrations make it a fun learning activity for 2 year olds
- Well-constructed, with no sharp edges is safe for kids
The Bad
- The alphabets do not come in lower case letters
Expert Tip
If there is any sort of water/liquid spillage on the puzzles, wipe it very gently and let it air dry so that the images don’t come off
Final Thoughts
Whether you are looking for gift ideas for 2 year old boy or gift ideas for 2 year old girls, you cannot go wrong with a Melissa and Doug product. Great start to recognizing and learning colors, numbers, and alphabets.
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Conner E.
I read this to my son and we had an amazing time! He loved it a lot and he sometimes even asks me to read it to him again.
As one of the number 1 best sellers, the lift-the-flap book Dear Zoo is among the must have books for two year olds. Loved by children and parents alike, this books makes it fun to learn about the different animals hidden behind the flaps.
The Good
- Easy to read and catch on phrases to increase vocabulary
- Vibrant and colorful animals hidden behind flaps of varying shapes and sizes
- The book encourages discussion as your toddler tries to figure out why an animal may not make the perfect pet
- Made of durable, high quality paper so your little one doesn’t tear off the flaps easily or after extensive use
The Bad
- There are no female characters in the book and so some might find it inappropriate for this day and age
Expert Tip
Make animal sounds when reading to make it more entertaining for toddlers, and in turn they learn the different animal sounds as well
Final Thoughts
This book is definitely a classic that toddlers have been enjoying for ages. With simple and easy phrasing, it is a great tool for increasing vocabulary. .
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Kelly C.
This book is so well illustrated and colored. I can appreciate it myself and these are exactly the kind of books that I want to be getting her now.
Another best seller and with over 3000 customer reviews, this inspirational book is among our favorite choice for books as gifts for 2 year olds. The book encourages little ones to not give up on their dreams and inspires self-confidence and self-worth.
The Good
- Rhyming text and colorful illustrations make it fun and entertaining for toddlers to listen
- Simple phrasing increase vocabulary
- Made of durable, high quality paper so stays in shape even after extensive use
- Teaches toddlers lessons on morals and values, self-confidence and self-worth at a young age
The Bad
- While most parents love the book, others feel that not all the bullying was addressed properly in the book
Expert Tip
Use the book as a tool to teach your children about bullying in schools and the confidence to stand up to bullying and confiding in adults
Final Thoughts
It is definitely among recommended books for two year olds to teach them some very serious concepts in a fun and entertaining way, and thus making it to our top 10 list for gifts for 2 year olds.
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Robertson S.
I got my little madam this last week and I was fortunate enough to be invited to her posh tea party she planned.
When looking for the best gift for 2 year old girl, this green Toys tea set should be on top of your list. Rated favorite among birthday gifts for 2 year old girls, this colorful tea set is made from 100% recycled material, and is FDA approved to eat and drink from.
The Good
- Non-toxic and environmentally friendly, made from 100% recycles material
- Encourages and practices fine motor skills
- FDA approved so your little can eat and drink out of it
- Dishwasher safe
- The tea set also makes for ideal Christmas gifts for 2 year old girl
The Bad
- The tea set is quite small in size
- While kids love pouring liquid into cups, parents don’t necessarily enjoy clean up time as 2 year olds are still practicing pouring without spilling
Expert Tip
Encourage your toddler to play with the tea set outdoor to avoid spillage indoors
Final Thoughts
Any little girl would love to own a pretty tea set like this one. It also encourages to develop social skills among children, an important point to consider when looking to buy gifts for 2 year olds.
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Ashley B.
My boy got this for his birthday and it’s nice that he did he’s been wanting to help around with the cleaning and slightly worried he may become a clean freak haha!
Surprisingly, toddlers love to clean around the house, especially when they see their parents doing it. While regular sized brooms and mops can be difficult and heavy to use for kids, this Melissa and Doug 6 piece cleaning set is ideal for the little hands. As a tool to teach kids responsibility and encourage movement, this cleaning set made it to our top 10 list of best gifts for two year olds.
The Good
- The 6 piece set that includes a broom, mop, duster, dust pan, brush, and storage stand, it will keep your toddler busy for hours during various chores
- Encourages social responsibility and physical movement
- Well-constructed, made strong material
- Ideal choice for gifts for two year old boys and gifts for two year old girls
The Bad
- The wooden handles can sometimes be used as a weapon when the little one is feeling a bit naughty
Expert Tip
The cleaning set mimics an adult cleaning set and therefore traps dust and dirt. Therefore all individual items should be cleaned periodically
Final Thoughts
Socially responsible gifts for 2 years olds are any parent’s favorite toy for their children to have. Toddlers also thoroughly enjoy doing chores around the house as it’s sized to their height.
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Kate P.
This was a fun little puzzle toy that my son keeps doing every now and then. Would recommend.
The 4-in-a-box puzzle set is another trusted choice when looking to buy gifts for 2 year olds. The box depicts familiar and fun animal characters that your little on gets to put together to develop their recognition and problem solving skills.
The Good
- Appropriately sized for the tiny hands
- As your child expands on his/her recognition skills, the puzzle also gets more complicated – progresses from 2 pieces to 4 to 6 and finally to an 8 piece puzzle set
- Features colourful and familiar, every kid’s favorite animals
- Assists in building problem solving skills
The Bad
- The puzzle pieces easily detach themselves which can be frustrating for some toddlers
Expert Tip
This puzzle is made of paper, so you have to prevent it from getting wet if you want it to last
Final Thoughts
A recommended choice when looking for educational games for 2 year olds..
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Melissa F.
Nothing beats cooling off on a hot day! We got out toddler this and it sits beside our pool.
There is not a single 2 year old out there who wouldn’t like this gift. Great for warmer weathers, your toddler will indulge in the many ways to manipulate and play with water. This present also makes for an excellent choice for a 2 year old birthday present.
The Good
- Versatile, large water pail with the option to rearrange multiple pieces
- Features 13 separate pieces including water figures, buckets, and maze pieces
- Great for learning cause and effect
- Includes a drain plug for convenient cleaning
- Awarded as one of the Most Wanted Summer Toys in 2017
The Bad
- Recommended for outdoor use.
- The size and activities associated do not allow for easy indoor use
Expert Tip
Use some sand and convert it into a sand pit for a change
Final Thoughts
While limited by weather, the Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table Playset still makes for an excellent gift for any 2 year old – boy or girl.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the best gifts for 2 year olds can easily be an overwhelming task for many. Keeping in mind that a 2 year old’s personality is still evolving, and that their natural curiosity and short attention span gets the best of them, we put together only those items that will give children the best value and entertainment.
The diversity of choices available in our review will help entertain the needs of anyone looking to buy the best gifts for 2 years olds. The only question remains is what option best suits your budget and the child’s personality the most. Rest assured, neither you, nor the 2 year old receiver will be disappointed by any of the above choices.
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