When choosing a toy for a two-year-old, notice what they keep coming back to. A child who likes sorting things into bowls may enjoy shape blocks. A child who likes handing things to you might enjoy a game where you take turns. Here are five ways to build on those interests at home.
A second-birthday gift that fits the play space
For a small gift, Trixie’s counting puzzle is marked from 24 months and measures 22.5 × 10 × 10.5 cm. If there is room to leave out a larger toy, the activity tree combines four activities in 30 × 30 × 40 cm.
Stack and count together
Trixie’s wooden counting puzzle (ages 24 months and up). Start with two or three pieces. Let your child stack them while you count aloud. Add more pieces when they’re ready. The puzzle uses numbers from 0 to 5 and animal figures you can talk about together.
Catch an animal and pass the rod
Trixie’s magnetic fishing game (ages 18 months and up). Put out a few animals and start with one rod. Take turns catching an animal and naming it. The game comes with eight animal pieces and two rods, so you can also play side by side.
Watch where the ball goes
Woopie’s 4-in-1 activity tree (ages 18 months and up). Let your child release the ball at the top and follow it to the end. Explore one activity at a time. The tree also has turning gears, a bead maze and shapes to fit through openings.
Explore one side at a time
Gerardo’s Toys wooden activity cube (ages 18 months and up). Pick a side of the cube and demonstrate one movement for your child to try. Turn it over when they want to explore more. The cube measures 15 × 15 cm as listed and has four activity sides.
Switch between sorting, stacking and floor play
Woopie’s 3-in-1 toy set (ages 12 months and up). Bring out the shape blocks first and find one matching opening together. The set also includes a stacking figure and a wheeled elephant. It suits children who enjoy switching between short games on the floor.
How to choose a gift for a two-year-old
Start with the kind of play the child already enjoys. Then check how much room the toy takes up, how many pieces it has and the maker’s age guidance. Read the instructions and any warnings for the exact product before play.