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Choosing gifts or toys for two year olds should not be an issue. BUT, the terrible twos present lots of twists and turns that any toy buyer or gift giver will need to navigate. So discovering awesome two-year-old-toys or second birthday gifts must be taken seriously. Is it a toy for a 2 year old boy? Or a gift for a 2 year old girl? Because let’s be honest, toys for 2 year olds are very different than toys an almost 3 year old. And the objective is finding the right toy or gift for the right development. Should they be puzzles or dolls or construction sets? What about the dreaded plastic toys? What is an appropriate gift for a 2 ½ year old? As you look surf through ebeanstalk’s selection of unique toys for 2 year olds, here are a few guidelines to help you on your journey (if you want more detail on what toys and gifts are good for 2 year olds, please check out our developmental milestones for 2 year olds).

Toys for 2 year olds: At two years, a toddler’s needs are quite different than just 3 months prior. Two-year-olds really make a significant jump as they start to use more toys appropriately. Sounds simple, but it’s not – they just start to ‘get it’. They recognize letters of the alphabet, match shapes and chooses toys selectively. They can propel themselves on ride-on toys, and can jump down from a 16 inch object. These 2 year olds are really going mobile.

Toys for two-and-a-quarter year olds: The changing just aint stopping. Just three months later and some 2 year old toys will seem outdated. This kid will understand toy sizes (big versus little), will listen to stories much more attentively (books) and the level of interaction with other 2 year olds will increase dramatically. They will string beads, get more advanced with their stacking toys, and start to take pride (or more interest) in their clothing. Careful, these little ones really understand you, and respond better to humor than to discipline.

Toys for two-and-a-half-year olds: Now our little two year old (who is now really two and a half) will pretend ‘caregiver activities’ with pretend play (like cleaning the kitchen, helping to make bottles and more) They will talk to their dolls. And arts and crafts will really kick into gear as these 2 year olds can start to draw circles. They are also becoming a little more terrible – as the 2 year old is demonstrating extremes in emotions and could have difficulty with transitions.

Toys for one and three-quarter year olds: Let’s pretend and expand and grow. This 2 and ¾ year old is changing the outcome of familiar scenarios. They are using unplanned sequences. Their coordination should have kicked into gear…as they are catching balls without securing them against their trunk and are pushing & pulling large objects around obstacles. And from a fine motor perspective, these fine little 2 year olds are getting really good at puzzles.

Oh how time flies – where did the past year go? And thus completes the 3rd year of life. It was a lay-up, righ? With all of the development that happens to a two year old, it’s certain that selecting the right toys for the right stage of development is super important.

Life is certainly more about just toys and gifts for 2 year olds. If you want to learn more about 2 year olds…here is an interesting article written by our Special Educator, Gopi Patel...it’s all about tantrums.