Best Gifts for Toddlers (Ages 1-2)

A 1980s classic for a reason. Twelve chunky shapes, twelve matching holes, endless attempts. Lasts through three kids.

Five rings, one post, and a satisfying click when they nail the order. Lightweight enough to throw, dishwasher-safe.

Subscription-style developmental kit. Spendy but every piece pulls its weight. Skip if grandparents already stocked the shelves.

The red and yellow ride-on car everyone recognizes. Holds up outdoors, indoors, and across siblings.

Soft, textured rings with peek-through patterns. Good for younger end of this range; tactile play.

Tap balls through holes and a tiny xylophone catches them. Hand-eye coordination plus cause-and-effect.

Six sides, five activities. Compact enough for an apartment, busy enough for a long afternoon.

Sixty-year-old classic that still works. Tactile pages, simple prompts, perfect for laps.

Quieter, prettier alternative to plastic activity cubes. Bead maze on top, mirror, gears, shape sorter.

Magnetic translucent tiles. Two-year-olds make towers; older kids build cities. Cannot recommend enough.

Made from recycled milk jugs, no BPA, no metal axles to rust. Heavy enough to roll on real dirt.

No toddler library is complete without it. The pictures hold attention before the words do.