Children really start to become little people by the time they are two, with strong opinions on what they like and dislike. Most are walking and running around, often at high speeds, as well as climbing and pulling themselves up on anything they can reach. They are also constantly learning and developing physically, with fine and gross motor skills, and verbally mastering new words every day.
"Two-year-olds learn through repeating the same action over and over again, so gifts that reward repetition are great," says Rachel Carrell, CEO of childcare company Koru Kids. From role-play kitchens and dressing-up to imaginative books and busy boards, there are many opportunities for this. Busy boards, for example, are full of simple repetitive games and tasks, such as fastening buttons and zips, and matching coloured stickers to shapes. Here we pick out 24 of the best gifts and toys for two-year-olds.
How I Selected the Best Toys
The wide range of interests two-year-olds have makes it a wonderful age, but choosing a gift can seem overwhelming. To narrow it down, I spoke to parenting experts and parents with two-year-olds to find out which gifts they personally recommend. I have two daughters, aged three and six, so I have included products they enjoyed when they were two, including toys they constantly returned to and those that lasted as they grew older. Some of my youngest daughter's friends also tested out a few toys, and I have included their favourites. Most two-year-olds enjoy garishly bright and often loud toys, but for the parents' sake, I have kept these to a minimum. All of these toys should keep a child at this age entertained for a few minutes, giving parents a rare chance to drink a coffee while it is still hot.
Story Time with Toniebox
If you are looking for a big gift for a two-year-old, a Toniebox audio player is an excellent choice. It comes in a range of colours and is simple enough for a two-year-old to operate independently. Both my children have loved these little story boxes, and they have staying power; my six-year-old still uses hers. The small characters, called Tonies, are perfect for little fingers. Once you place a character on top of the box, the corresponding book or songs start playing. There are many options, including classics such as Paddington, Mog, and the Gruffalo, as well as Disney and CBeebies characters, costing about £14.99 each, though often discounted in bundles.
Tea and Marmalade Set
A tea set puts the child in control, allowing them to host you, Paddington (included in the set), or their other toys or dolls. The set includes nine pieces: teacups, a teapot, a milk jug, and a sugar pot. It is ideal for small hands, and since everything can be stored in the included suitcase, it is handy for trips out of the house.
Fawning Around with Soft Toys
Soft toys are often bought for babies, but they remain great gifts as children grow older. Both of my daughters were obsessed with babies and dolls when they were two, but these often are not squishy or soft enough for snuggling. The Lilliputiens soft fawn doll makes a perfect new friend for a two-year-old. Stella the fawn wears a colourful, flowery dress and is the ideal size for cuddles.
Bath Buddies for Splash Time
Bath toys often break, discolour, or become dirt magnets. This trio of toys has kept my youngest entertained in the bath and can be easily cleaned to prevent mould buildup. The whale squirts water, the octopus creates a rainfall effect, and the polar bear lights up for a calm bath-time experience. The bear is battery-operated and has lasted over six months of daily baths. Bonus points for the tonal colours.
Bother That Cat: Mog Stories
Judith Kerr's Mog is a firm favourite with small children. This collection wraps three classic books into one hardback edition: Mog the Forgetful Cat, Mog and the Baby, and Mog and Bunny. Hardback books are ideal for two-year-olds as they withstand wear and tear better.
One Step, Two Step: Balance and Coordination
"When children turn two, they start to 'parallel play' with other children but do not always interact directly. Sturdy toys that teach balance and coordination help build these skills, which they will develop further as they grow and start playing more with others. Learning toys with numbers and alphabets can be introduced at this age, such as tiles, stacking toys, and puzzles with four pieces," says Annette Kellow, parenting and lifestyle expert.
Pizza Makes Everything Better
Role-play toys, such as kitchens and mini food sets, are great gifts for two-year-olds. They provide hours of entertainment, letting children whip up various meals for you and visitors. This set includes a little oven, pizza tray, plain dough base, and various toppings. Toy kitchens are great, but most are suitable from age three, so a smaller set like this works well for two-year-olds and takes up less space, which parents will appreciate.
Keep Them Busy with a Busy Book
"The perfect item for a child this age is just challenging enough that they can do it with mild frustration, but without getting overwhelmed. Two-year-olds are just starting with 'busy books'—get one now, and they will use it during travel and at restaurants for a couple of years," says Rachel Carrell.
Whose Hat Is It Anyway?
The Jon Klassen books have been a firm favourite in our house. They have minimal text, making them quick to read before bed, and they are funny even for adults. The large pictures and repeating themes are ideal for two-year-olds. There are three books in the series; start with the original, I Want My Hat Back.
Be Kind with Cuddle + Kind
These soft toys from Cuddle + Kind are built to last, and buying one helps fight child hunger. Handmade by female artisans in Peru, providing sustainable, fair trade income, the natural, high-quality cotton dolls are soft and cuddly. For every doll bought, the company donates 10 meals to children in need through a network of humanitarian agencies.
All Aboard the Wooden Bus
You cannot go wrong with a toy with wheels. This little wooden bus allows children to play with eight animal passengers. My children spent hours placing figures on and off the bus and playing pretend journeys. The brightly coloured London bus is the perfect size for two-year-old hands and works as an early colour-matching game: animals can be placed in matching coloured seats. The top deck comes off, and the bus is made from sustainable wood, designed to withstand toddler handling.
Get Moving with a Scooter
Three-wheeled scooters are perfect for two-year-olds, giving them independence while helping with balance and coordination. It is worth buying one that folds, as you will likely carry it at some point. The Micro Scooters range comes in many colours and designs with light-up wheels. Suitable for ages two to five, they come with a two-year warranty. I gave this to my youngest daughter as a big present when she turned two, and it has been in constant use. Accessories like baskets, bells, and ribbons are available. Since they are popular, check secondhand websites like Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay.
Go Bananas with a T-Shirt
A T-shirt covered in smiling bananas is a fun choice. These T-shirts are made from 100% organic cotton, soft against small children's skin. Polarn O Pyret clothes are designed to be "worn, washed and passed on" and are high quality and robust. Check the secondhand section of their website for discounts. If bananas are not their thing, consider ice-cream or a dog on a skateboard design.
Colour Matching and Memory Games
This simple game helps children match colours and develop memory skills, ideal for Beatrix Potter fans. It is easy to set up; testers loved picking a colour to collect and posting coloured pieces through boxes. Cards feature classic characters like Tom Kitten, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, and Jemima Puddle-Duck, and can be played independently or with others.
Wear Your Snacks
The Wexbaby Croissant Club sweatshirt is a fun clothing item. Most two-year-olds love buttery pastries, and the soft cotton is gentle on young skin.
Sticker Dollies for Creative Fun
Our house is frequently covered in stickers—walls, tables, floor, and even the cat. Usborne sticker books provide a specific place for stickers. This 32-page book comes with brightly coloured stickers for placing on fairy drawings. It is designed for younger children with larger stickers, making it easy for them to do most of the sticking. It is a screen-free way to keep kids entertained while out of the house, on a journey, or waiting for a meal.
Building Bricks with Duplo
This set creates a fire engine with a hose, detachable trailer, brick water tank, and rotating ladder with a basket. Designed for small hands, Duplo was one of my daughter's favourite toys when she turned two. It allows independent play, building both the set and original designs. The firefighter figure, squirrel, tree, and fire brick lead to endless imaginative scenarios. It is bright, colourful, and a great introduction to Duplo and Lego.
Clothes to Get Messy In
Most two-year-olds love messy or muddy play, so practical waterproofs make a great gift that parents will appreciate. They keep children warm, dry, and happy, extending park trips. Clip fasteners make it easy to get children in and out of the dungarees set, perfect for potty training. Available in four colours.
Hit the Decks with a Record Player
The Fisher-Price record player is a classic children's toy for a reason. It lasts (my mum has mine from almost 40 years ago and it still works), and young children can operate it easily. First made in 1971, it is suitable from 18 months. It comes with five playable records stored inside and is compact enough to take out of the house.
Rainbow Towers for Learning
"A rainbow stacking tower is an appealing unisex toy to be enjoyed repeatedly. This task-oriented game aids social connection or independent play, but its real value is encouraging cognitive development, colour recognition, and counting skills. It also supports balance, dexterity, and fine motor skills," says Candice O'Neil.
Link and Stack Them
"A great gift helps developing language and dexterity. Large blocks and bricks in various colours are versatile and can be played with in many ways. You can play alongside your child, commenting on colours and asking about their creation. They are good for spatial and motor skills and develop imagination," says Becky Goddard, wellbeing author and child psychotherapist.
First Wheels with a Balance Bike
Balance bikes are an investment gift and a first introduction to cycling. The B'Twin 12in balance bikes from Decathlon are affordable and lightweight (handy when adults carry them). They include features for small children, such as a low frame and footrests. Fun accessories like a brightly coloured horn and confetti bell are available.
Time for Walkies with Waffle
My sister gave my two-year-old a singing, walking Waffle the Wonder Dog toy for Christmas, and it was the best gift she opened. It sings, walks, and comes with a brush and lead. It is great for fans of the CBeebies programme and is less offensive than other noisy toys. Waffle even made it into the car, so we all enjoyed the theme tune on a long journey (not recommended).
Welcome to the Bug Hotel
A bug hotel is a great gift for curious little minds, providing long-term entertainment as children watch it get installed and filled with new guests. We have had one for years, and my daughters love inspecting it for new inhabitants and seeing holes filled with leaves or families. It inspires kids to get outside and learn about insects in their garden or outdoor space.
What You Need to Know
What to Buy for a Two-Year-Old
"The best gifts for young children are ones that create memories or spark curiosity, rather than adding clutter," says Clare Cahill, former primary school teacher and owner of A Little Bird Co. "I have never been keen on stuff 'just for the sake of it.'" Most parents know children can be overwhelmed with toys, especially on birthdays or Christmas, and often the smallest, simplest things are played with most, such as the cardboard box the toy came in.
"Children aged two to six are natural explorers; they love repetition, discovery, asking questions, and doing things alongside adults," says Cahill. "Simple, open-ended gifts that grow with them—like nature kits, loose-parts play, or art materials—usually last longest. Toys that direct play, those that light up, talk, or have just one 'right' way to use them, might look exciting but often get played with less."
What Do Two-Year-Olds Play With Most?
"The simpler the toy, the deeper the play, and the longer it lasts," says Cahill. "The more active the toy, the more passively a child plays with it." From stacking toys and stepping stones to role-play kitchens and play food, "a well-made toy from natural materials is tactile, durable, and beautiful to keep." Books also make wonderful gifts, sparking imagination and encouraging conversation as children grow.
"At two, children are deep in what we call transporting and connecting play schemas; they want to move things from one place to another, over and over again," says Roma Norriss, an attachment and nervous system specialist. "It is how their brains wire up cause and effect, sequencing, and a sense of agency." Gifts that encourage independent play and include repetition are perfect. Norriss warns against "overcomplicated, noisy toys that interrupt their flow" because "a toddler wants to do, not be done to."
Gifts that encourage interaction are also key, says Marc James, head of quality, learning and development at Tiney. "Children learn and absorb so many things when we engage with them, whether singing, reading, playing, or simply talking. When considering a gift for under-3s, ask: Can we interact with this gift together? Can a sibling get involved? Will it open up their world or imagination? Or will they withdraw into another room with it, without space for conversation or creativity? Ultimately, we want to support young children's development by engaging, not just entertaining, them."
