Top Toys for Toddlers and How to Play
Fun toys that actually help your child grow—no screens required!
Have a little one at home and want to avoid toys that just collect dust—or worse, melt brain cells? I’ve got you covered.
As a behavior analyst who works with kids ages 2–10 (many with autism), and a mom to a 2 year old toddler, I’m basically surrounded by toys 24/7. I’ve seen what works, what kids actually play with, and what helps build important developmental skills.
So let’s jump into my favorite toy picks—and what to skip!
🚫 First up: What Not to Buy
Skip the tablet/iPad!
I cannot say this enough: screens are not toys. I know it’s tempting, but kids are becoming addicted to screens at younger and younger ages, and it’s wrecking their ability to play, focus, and engage in imaginative or social play.
Want smarter play? Give them smarter toys.
🧠 What to Look for in a Toy
✅ Multi-purpose
✅ Open-ended (can be played with in lots of ways)
✅ Encourages imagination, movement, and/or language
✅ Bonus: Works on developmental skills like fine motor or problem-solving
Now here are my top toy picks that check all those boxes—and are toddler and therapist approved!
1. Mega Blocks
Perfect for ages 1+
These classic chunky blocks are a must-have! You can use them to build towers, houses, cars—whatever your child can imagine.
Skills to work on:
- Fine motor skills (stacking, pulling apart)
- Counting (how many pegs? how many blocks?)
- Color ID
- Pretend play and storytelling
2. Color Sorting Kits (Ages 3+)
These sets usually come with colorful counters (like animals or dinosaurs), matching cups, and tongs.
Color sorting kit! And a dinosaur version!
Skills to target:
- Color sorting
- Color and animal ID
- Animal sounds
- Language (e.g., “The cow says moo!”)
- Fine motor (using tweezers or fingers to sort)
🦕 Bonus: They come in dinosaur versions too!
3. Farmer’s Market Sorting Set
Perfect for toddlers (18 months+)
My daughter loves this one! It’s a great intro to sorting and early pretend play with fruits and veggies.
Skills to work on:
- Food identification
- Colors
- Matching and sorting
- Vocabulary building
4. Reusable Water Coloring Books
No mess, no stress. Just fill the pen with water and watch your child “paint” pictures that magically appear. Let the page dry, and they can do it again.
Perfect for:
- Car rides or travel
- Hand-eye coordination
- Teaching patience and focus
5. Baby Dolls
We gifted our daughter a baby doll for her first Christmas and it’s still a favorite. Dolls are so underrated when it comes to learning.
Skills to encourage:
- Pretend play
- Imitation (feeding, rocking, diapering)
- Naming body parts
- Emotional development and empathy
6. Water Table
Outdoor play with a purpose! Ours is out almost every day in warm weather.
What they learn while playing:
- Fine motor skills (scooping, pouring)
- Cause and effect
- Imitation
- Language (labeling items, colors, actions)
You can switch out toys often to keep the play fresh. Add cups, toy animals, small boats—whatever your little one is into!
Final Thoughts
When you’re choosing toys, remember: play is how kids learn. The best toys don’t have to light up, sing, or be expensive. Just give your little one something they can explore, create with, and interact with—because that’s where the magic happens.
Have a favorite toy that your child loves? Share it in the comments—I’m always on the hunt for new ideas!
