| 1 to 2 Years
Abilities and Interests
In the second year of life,
children are explorers. Fueled by curiosity and wonder,
toddlers also possess the physical skills that make
it easy for them to play and learn. A busy toddler needs
toys for physical play -- walking, climbing, pushing
and riding -- and ones that encourage experimentation
and manipulation. At this age, children imitate adults
and enjoy props that help them master life skills.
Toy Suggestions
- Balls (1¾ inches and larger)
- Push-pull toys
- Ride-on toys (feet-propelled)
- Wagons
- Backyard gym equipment (infant swing, small slide,
small climbing apparatus)
- Nesting and stacking toys
- Simple shape sorters
- Pop-up toys
- Blocks
- Bath toys
- Sandbox/sand toys
- Wading pool/water toys
- Puzzles with knobs (whole-object pieces)
- Stuffed animals (with short pile fabric)
- Dolls and baby gear
- Play vehicles
- Kitchen equipment and gadgets
- Play household items (telephone, lawn mower, workbench,
shopping cart)
- Playhouse
- Child-sized table and chairs
- Non-toxic art supplies (large crayons and coloring
books, clay, finger-paints)
- Musical instruments
- Cardboard picture books,
pop-up books
2 to 3 Years
Abilities and Interests
Older toddlers love testing
their physical skills - jumping, climbing, and throwing
- and enjoy toys for active play. This age group also
possesses good hand and finger coordination and enjoys
putting these skills to work with basic arts and crafts,
puppets, blocks and simple puzzles. Imaginative play
also begins in the third year.
Toy Suggestions
- Balls (1¾ inches and larger)
- Backyard gym equipment (swing, small slide, small
climbing apparatus)
- Building blocks and building systems
- Blocks with letters and numbers
- Wading pool/water toys
- Puzzles with knobs (whole-object pieces that fit
into simple scenes)
- Dolls that can be bathed, fed and diapered
- Dress-up clothes and accessories
- Hand- and finger-puppets
- Kitchen equipment and gadgets
- Play household items (telephone, lawn mower, workbench,
shopping cart)
- Non-toxic art supplies (crayons and coloring books,
clay, finger-paints, sidewalk chalk)
- Child-sized table and chairs
- Play scenes (e.g., farm, airport) with figures and
accessories
- Sandbox/sand toys
- Tricycle and helmet
- Play vehicles
- Wagon
- Shape sorters
- Playhouse
- Storybooks
- Stuffed animals
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