7 Best Toys for Today’s Toddlers

Toddlers are often on the move and into everything. Once babies learn to walk, they realize there is so much to explore and so little time in the day to do it. While this activity level exhausts parents, it signals good news—your child’s development is rapidly advancing.

At this age, most toddlers prefer non-toys, such as phones, remote controls, boxes, keys, and hairbrushes. If that’s your child, find ways to allow them to explore those items safely. For example, provide a phone no longer in use, a remote control without batteries, old keys, or hairbrushes. Of course, you must always supervise your baby at all times. But enjoy this phase of your toddler’s development!

When purchasing toys for your toddler, don’t feel pressured to follow the latest trends. To see what child development experts buy, sneak a peek at the toy shelves of most preschools or therapy clinics. There, you’ll find classic toys that engage babies and assist their mastery of the expected developmental milestones.

Here are my top 7 suggestions:

1. Balls and targets—Simple balls and empty containers, child-sized basketballs and hoops, T-ball sets, or a soccer ball and goal will work. Your baby may even toss balls into an empty box! So don’t sweat it if your tot makes up another game. That shows creativity and should be encouraged.
2. Cause-and-effect toys, such as pop-up toys—Look for classic ones with a few different types of switches to activate that pop the door open. Children adore being surprised at this age and love these toys! Plus, your little one learns to turn a key, slide a switch in various directions, or turn a dial. Learning to master those switches builds the strength and coordination your tot will need when they learn to zip zippers, tie shoes, or write their names.
3. Simple shape puzzles—I rarely find these in today’s homes. Your toddler should match three simple shapes (circles, squares, and triangles) at this tender age. Don’t fret if they can’t do a multi-piece shape sorter because they’re too young. They are also not yet ready for more complex puzzles. Maybe next year.
4. Picture books with chunky pages—Your toddler prefers bright, colorful images of objects, such as cups, cats, books, and bananas. Chunky pages last longer and are easier for toddler fingers to turn. Storybooks are more appropriate for older children.
5. Climbing toys—Most toddlers walk, run, and climb! Give them safe climbing things, such as indoor slides or non-electric riding toys. Build forts and tunnels out of boxes for them to crawl in and explore. These are great fun and keep your baby busy. Outside climbing equipment and swings are ideal.
6. Painting and drawing items—I prefer inexpensive, blank paper (like butcher paper), chunky crayons, finger paints, and sidewalk chalk. Your toddler’s hands need thick writing utensils. Don’t expect them to color in the lines or paint neatly with a brush. Instead, offer finger painting. Toddlers love this type of sensory play. Spend as much time outside doing these things as possible.
7. Play sets, such as kitchens or tools—Your child’s brain is growing and learning. Toddlers begin doing pretend play, such as feeding the baby, hammering, or sweeping. Offer play sets that foster those skills.

Most homes today contain a myriad of toys that only light up or require the push of a button to activate. Loving moms buy what’s popular or what their baby wants. However, most quickly discover their little one doesn’t play much with them. Toddlers need toys that challenge their brains. Ones that require figuring something out or allow their amazing creativity to blossom are best. Click To Tweet

Screens (TVs, smartphones, or tablets) captivate toddlers and are more interesting than the toys your baby needs to play with. I suggest turning off all screens. Handheld ones should be hidden from your child’s view. Your youngster needs classic toys to build skills in all areas of development: motor, communication, self-care, cognitive, and social. Yes, screens are fun, but not recommended by early childhood experts.

Preschools, high-quality daycare centers, and therapy clinics tend to have the same toys. Have you noticed? There’s a reason for that. Classic toys are best for your toddler.

Do you shop for gently-used toys at second-hand stores, garage sales, or online?