These little tots can be more opinionated than you may think, so it may help to choose a gift that aligns with their interests, whether that means trucks, fairies, unicorns, superheroes, or something else entirely. And no matter whether your gift is a simple toy or a cute backpack, they should be durable and easy to clean. We researched gift ideas with these features in mind. These are the best gifts for 2-year-olds on the market today. Price at time of publication: $16 Finally, this toy is packed with different sounds, lights, and other fun features that will certainly keep toddlers occupied. Price at time of publication: $70 When it’s set up, the chair has a little handle at the top so that it’s easy for grown-ups to pick up and for toddlers to drag around when they want to move it to another room. The best feature, however, is that the cover can be removed and tossed into the washing machine whenever it needs to be cleaned. Price at time of publication: $129 Price at time of publication: $18 Price at time of publication: $150 It starts as an infant trike (basically, a sporty looking stroller), complete with a three-point harness for safety, as mom and dad do the work pushing. Then as little legs get bigger and stronger, the trike can transform into a steering trike and a learn-to-ride trike. Finally, it can be turned into a classic trike when they’re ready to pedal off on their own into the sunset (or at least to the end of the driveway). Price at time of publication: $80 Price at time of publication: $6 Price at time of publication: $36 Price at time of publication: $118 The straps are padded and adjustable for a comfy fit. There is a hook on the top of the backpack so your toddler can hang it up like a big kid when they’re not using it. It’s a great gift because it’s functional as well as fun for little ones to play with. Price at time of publication: $22 Price at time of publication: $20 Kids will have a blast moving the arrow of the Say ‘N See around to get to know the sounds of some of their favorite animals. Price at time of publication: $33 Price at time of publication: $13 Price at time of publication: $19 Each robe is made from polyester fleece, comes with a tie, and features a hood with an animal face or other object embroidered onto it. Price at time of publication: $59 Price at time of publication: $13 Price at time of publication: $50 Adults can control how much or how little water comes out simply by turning the hose up or down. This splash pad is made from high-quality materials and comes with a hose spigot tool to ensure a good, tight fit. Price at time of publication: $27 Price at time of publication: $64 As you read through the pages with your child, little button pictures come up in the text, offering them an opportunity to find the button (animal) on the panel that matches the one on the page and hear an animal sound. It has everything from a snake hiss to a bear snuffle to a dolphin chatter. Your kiddo will love it. Price at time of publication: $14 Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $34 Made of lightweight ABS plastic and food-grade silicone, you can trust that this toy is hazard-free. It’s also easy to transport from room to room or on the go because there are no loose pieces. The silicone and plastic wipe down easily when you need to clean this toy, but the Dimpl isn’t dishwasher safe. Price at time of publication: $15 Price at time of publication: $9 Price at time of publication: $16 Price at time of publication: $55 Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $16 From castles to cars and so much more, there’s no limit to the things they may create. This is a perfect starter set, but it also works with all other Mega Bloks sets. Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $25 All of the garages can be stacked on top of one of another as well, for stacking (and knocking down) and building. Price at time of publication: $30 Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $9 Price at time of publication: $24 Price at time of publication: $22 Price at time of publication: $45 Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $12

What to Look for in Gifts for 2-Year-Olds

Fun

Toddlers love to have fun! They want to explore, learn, seek sensory stimulation, and do things independently. Look for toys that feed into this sense of wonder and curiosity, such as those that make noise, light up, have bright colors or fun textures, or get them moving. Two-year-olds, in particular, tend to love exploring the world around them, so gifts that allow them to move and explore are a safe bet. According to Natasha Burgert, MD, a pediatrician in South Overland Park, Kansas, these types of gifts also help hone their burgeoning physical skills. They will also enjoy puzzles and other toys that provide challenges.

Safety

Keep an eye out for any toys labeled 3+, as these toys may contain small parts that pose a choking hazard, even to older toddlers. It’s also smart to avoid items that are too hard and heavy, as well as those that are long and unwieldy, since your toddler may not have the finesse and stability to handle these appropriately.

Function

Toddlers are busy, grow quickly, and tend to need a lot of outfit changes and other supplies. So, their parents often appreciate practical and functional gifts, like socks, casual clothing, bath products, toddler-sized furniture, eating utensils, and board books. What could be more welcome than giving a gift that promotes literacy?

Theme

Another surefire way to choose a gift for a 2-year-old is to follow their interests. Toddlers tend to have intense passions, such as for a certain animal, sport, profession (like fireman, ballet dancer, or doctor), or equipment (like lawnmowers, vacuums, trucks, or leaf blowers). If you find a toy, outfit, book, or another item that embodies their preferred theme, they will surely love it.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer and mom to a two-year-old and a five-year-old. Over the years, she has researched and tested hundreds of children’s products from clothes, to diapers, to car seats, to toys, both professionally and personally. When creating this list, she considered the products’ quality, longevity, entertainment value, and safety, as well as shopper reviews.