Choosing the Right Toys for Toddlers

A Guide for Supporting Development Through Play

Play is how toddlers learn. The toys your child uses can support important skills like fine motor, gross motor, coordination, communication, and independence. You don’t need a lot of toys—just the right kinds. In fact we recommend limiting access to about 4-5 toys at a time. This promotes increased problem solving, reduces overstimulation, and enhances creativity and focus. 

What Makes a Toy “Good” for Development?

Look for toys that:

• Encourage your child to move, explore, and problem solve

• Can be used in more than one way

• Match your child’s current skill level

• Keep your child engaged without overwhelming them

These help strengthen hands for skills like feeding, dressing, and eventually writing. Try...

• Stacking rings

• Shape sorters

• Peg toys (like Spike the Hedgehog)

• Coin sorting (like a piggy bank)

• Lock and key toys (like the critter clinic or toy locks)

• Toys with buttons/knobs/switches

• Matching eggs

• Large beads and laces

• Child tweezers, bubble tongs, and droppers

Why it matters: builds hand strength, coordination, and early problem-solving

These toys help your child learn how to figure things out. Try...

• Simple puzzles (knob or chunky pieces)

• Shape sorters

• Sorting toys for colors, shapes, category

• Cause-and-effect toys (press a button -> something happens)

Why it matters: supports attention, learning, and flexibility

These are some of the best toys you can have. They can. reused for a variety of skills and leave room for imagination and creativity. Try...

• Blocks

• Stacking toys

• Magnatiles or Magnablocks

• Simple wooden toys

Why it matters: encourages creativity, longer play, and independence

Toddlers need to move throughout the day. These toys provide fun ways for them to move their bodies! Try...

• Push toys

• Ride-on toys

• Balls

• Pull toys

• Balance beams

• Stepping stones

• Nugget couch or foam blocks

Why it matters: builds strength, balance, and coordination

These help your child learn about everyday life and emotions, and they help expand their imagination! Try...

• Baby dolls

• Play food or kitchen sets

• Stuffed animals

• Dress up clothes

• Cars

• Tool box/construction toys

Why it matters: supports social skills, communication, and routines

These toys encourage sensory development and promote regulation. Try...

• Fidgets

• Sensory bins (edible options are great for kiddos still mouthing toys)

• Playdoh with simple tools (cookie currer, rolling pin, etc)

• Pluffle

• Finger paint

• Texture tiles

• Busy books

• Swings/ballpit/slide

• Sand box or water table

Why it matters: help children to learn about sensory input in a fun, engaging way

What to Limit

Some toys can make play harder instead of helping:

• Toys that are overstimulating with too many lights/sounds or are too fast (Vtech)

• Toys that "do everything" for the child

• Toys that are too advanced or frustrating

• Toys that are fragile or decorative only

• Toys with only screen based learning opportunities (Leapfrog tablets, YouTube kids, Amazon fire for kids)

These can reduce attention, creativity, and engagement!

Brands We Love!

• Melissa and Doug

• Fischer Price

• Fat Brain Toys

• Battat or B Toys

• Learning Resources

Therapist Tip!

The best toy is the one you use together!

• Sit with your child

• Model how to play

• Follow their lead

• Keep it fun and low pressure

Connection and interaction are just as important as the toy itself!

Final Thoughts

Simple toys often lead to the best play. When children are actively involved, they build the skills they need for everyday life. If you have questions about your child's development or want personalized recommendations, your child's therapist can guide you!