Toys that let a 2-year-old slide, wiggle, scoot, bounce, or otherwise expend some of their boundless energy are also likely to be a hit. Some 2-year-olds are still engaging primarily in “parallel play.” And some are now interested in playing with others, so simple board games may help them to practice sharing and taking turns. Kids this age may be able to use their fine motor skills in more-precise ways, such as for stacking, fitting, and twisting smaller pieces.
The most engaging toys for 2-year-olds offer lots of different options for hands-on, manipulative play. “Play is how they start to understand the world,” said Heather Singh, director of educational programs at the Thinkery, a children’s museum in Austin, Texas, at the time of our interview. When you’re trying to keep up with the developing skills and interests of a 2-year-old, it can feel like you’re sprinting (sometimes literally) or playing a guessing game.
