Last week I started a series of post on gifts for our little loves. It’s the most wonderful time of year again and to help make this holiday season just a little easier for you I’ve collected ideas on great gifts for babies up through preschool age. So many of the gifts I shared last week would suit well for a younger two year old as well. In this post I’m sharing just 6 ideas for toys that help develop creativity, spark imagination, and are just plain fun for the terrific two year old in your life! 

 

First up is the Fisher Price Medical Kit. Pretend and Role play begins around 2 years old. This adorable set is perfect to take real life experience and pair it with fun. Everyone visits the doctor for their well check ups. Sometimes those visits come with a negative stigma. Why not help encourage the heart of your little with a medical bag of fun? Our Sadie had a number of doctor/specialist visits early in her life and continues to today. One way we helped alleviate her fears was to play check up at home. From checking her sister’s temperature to listening to little brother’s heartbeat the doctor kit was a big hit. (We even brought it with us on a check up once to help ease her nervousness!) In addition it, “helps little ones develop healthy habits and sharing skills while giving imagination a big boost.” Whether your little loves the doctors office or not this 7 piece set is sure to be a whole lot of fun! Cost: a little over $12

Fisher Price Medical Kit

This one needs little explanation. What two year old doesn’t love a little messy fun!? Paint that you can do with your hands- why not? This kit comes with three tubes of washable color (red, yellow, and blue) and 10 sheets of large sized paper specifically designed to work with finger paint. Read: paint doesn’t seep through! 🙂 Washability is always a big factor when I choose paint for the children to play with here as I imagine it is for you. I’m happy to report we have never had a problem washing out any of Crayola’s washable paints. It’s easily removed from fingers, nail beds, clothes, workspaces, etc. Cost: $9

In addition to this set, I highly recommend IKEA’s roll of white paper if you happen to live near one you can hop over to. 

Crayola My First Finger Paints

Mega Bloks are probably one of the very best ways to support developing creativity and make for perfect open ended play. Dream up, build, or take apart any creation you can think of! Little developing fingers and hands get great practice with hand-eye coordination using Mega Bloks. This is another toy to grow with your child. He/she will enjoy it for years to come as their maturity and creativity grows. For less than $15 you get 80 large sized, easily to build with blocks. The packaging is durable for reusability too! Hello after Christmas organization! Mega bloks are all interchangeable within the brand so should you decide to get more they will all work together! Cost: $14.92

Classic Mega Bloks

Board books are really perfect for any age but I especially love them for two year olds because they can survive the crib. 🙂 Around 2 we start leaving a board book or two in bed with our children to look through and enjoy should they wake early or as they are preparing to nap. Board books stand up to the test of little fingers tearing, toss, or banging on them. They also play a role in developing that love for reading and learning we all desire for in our children.  [I have, however, lost a few to the washing machine R.I.P. so you definitely want to grab them out of the crib sheet before tossing it into the machine and save yourself the disappointment.] Cost: $7-$15

Little Blue Truck Board Book

This one I have to say has been a HUGE hit in our house! Even for Rutledge (1) and Macie Jane (4) but especially  Sadie (2). There are plenty of times where she pretends the pot is for coffee and she enjoys her morning “coffee” (AKA an empty cup) with me. The cake comes in 4 pieces for practicing stacking. The teapot has three different levels of play and sings 7 different songs. But most importantly for Mom and Dad- it has an off switch and volume control. One of the kids’ favorite feature is it’s real pouring sounds when they tilt the teapot! A great gift for the tea party animal in your life. Cost: $20

Fisher Price Laugh and Learn

Smart Stages Tea Set

I saved my very most favorite for last! You really can’t go wrong with anything from Melissa & Doug, but this one takes the cake in our family this year! It’s 6 pieces of pretend play- from sweeping to dusting or moping your little is sure to have fun while “helping” around the house. Again, role/pretend play begins at this stage of development and how many times do we hear our little loves ask, “I help?” Wouldn’t it be great to say “Yes!” I also love how this toy is made of durable wood and comes with it’s own storage rack for easy access and clean up. 🙂 The price really isn’t too bad either considering the type of sturdy construction this toy is made with. Cost: $25

Melissa & Doug Let’s Play House

There you have it! My favorite toys for two year olds! What does your two year old love? Anything I missed? Sharing is caring- let me know your thoughts! 🙂