Two year olds are always on the move, and they're learning new skills every day. These toys allow plenty of fun to keep toddlers engaged in the activity, but most of them also have some educational value, whether they encourage the use of imagination, or build skills like stacking, counting and phonics.
1. Kid-O Bilibo
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You know how toddlers always seem to want to play with the box a toy came in? The Bilibo is the toy version of that box. There are no flashing lights or moving parts. It's all imagination-powered, which is perfect for this age and beyond. Bilibo can be used as a simple chair, or for rocking, scooting, spinning, wearing as a hat, hiding stuffed animals in or whatever else a toddler's mind comes up with. There are even little holes in the sides for fingers to wiggle through or eyes to peek out of.
2. Skip Hop Wishbone Bike
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Active toys are always a good choice for toddlers, and this cool Wishbone Bike is one that can grow a bit with a toddler, for several years of use. Ship Hop's Wishbone Bike can be used as a tricycle for little riders. There are no pedals - toddlers just push along with their legs, which makes it easier for little ones to get the hang of. When your toddler is ready, the tricycle converts to a "running bike," with two wheels. There's a final, taller stage for 4-5 year-olds, too, to help prepare them for a real, pedaled bike. I like that this ride-on toy is made of sustainable wood, and the wheels are made from 60% post-consumer recycled plastic.
3. International Playthings Lift Off Rocket Toy
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Toddlers can be sci-fi fans, too, thanks to this cool rocket ship from International Playthings. The rocket opens up to reveal three areas where the two included space explorers can play. A silly alien friend is also included with the set, as is a cute spotted dog and a little wheeled vehicle for expeditions away from the rocket. What rocket would be complete without a countdown sequence? Toddlers will enjoy counting down along with the rocket and launching new space adventures.
4. Playskool Mr. Potato Head Spud Buds
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A toddler-friendly version of Mr. Potato Head is fun for you and your little one! In this set, Mr. Potato Head is joined by two friends (carrot and corn) and lots of interchangeable pieces so your toddler can customize the whole crew. You'll enjoy playing along with your toddler and remembering how mch fun Mr. Potato Head was when you were a kid.
5. Manhattan Toy Count & Sort Farm
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Three soft pens with flap gates each have a number printed inside. Each one has the same number of animals inside - one chick (in a little nest), two sheep, three pigs and four cows. Toddlers will love stacking the cylinders, hiding the animals, learning to count and practicing animal sounds. This is a fun way to help toddlers get a head start on math skills.
6. Melissa & Doug ABC-123 Wooden Blocks
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A set of alphabet blocks is a perfect gift for a 2-year-old. Blocks appeal to a toddler's desire to stack things up and then knock them over, and then repeat the process. These wooden blocks from Melissa & Doug also have letters and numbers on them so your toddler can get a head start on reading and counting. This block set is the right size for making towers and other structures, and the blocks are a perfect fit for small hands. Best of all, they cost less than $15!
7. LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Set
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Toddlers can learn letter sounds incredibly fast with the phonics toys from LeapFrog. This set has a base that can be used on the fridge or elsewhere, and individual magnetic letters that fit inside the base one at a time. When the letter piece is in the base, a voice sings a song that tells the name of the letter and the sound it makes. Toddlers love putting the various letters into the base and hearing the music, and this is a great way for parents to start teaching the child the letters that make up his or her name.
