31 Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds That’ll Keep Them Engaged

“Thanks, I hate it” is a reaction you’d never dream a sweet child could be capable of producing—but have you met toddlers? The best gifts for 2-year-olds will help you avoid a seemingly unprovoked fit, general apathy or, worse, more clutter for their parent to cram into a storage bin. But you can ease up on the pressure: “Any parent of a 2-year-old will tell you that when it comes to presents, keep it simple,” says pediatrician Charlotte McKnight, MD, at Pediatric Associates of Richmond in Virginia. “Many have heard the old adage that the box the gift comes in is the most exciting toy for a toddler, and it really does ring true.”

If you’re looking for something a bit more thoughtful than a moving box, McKnight says that early toddlerhood comes with a developmental changes. “Children start to shift to more imaginative play, which really opens the door to fun gift ideas.” Bouncy balls, stuffed animals, “little helper” play sets, and toys with wheels are all fair game.

What shouldn’t you get them? McKnight recommends passing up on anything too high-tech, electronic, or digital. She also cautions that if the parents have expressed they aren’t ready to introduce screen time just yet, you probably shouldn’t take the opportunity to do it yourself.

Without further ado, I’ve rounded up presents that have entertained my own two-year-old daughter, and her older sister, plus polled her little friends, and their parents, as well as educators to find unique presents even the most precocious tykes will love playing with.

The best gifts for 2-year-olds, at a glance

PS: Shopping for more kids? Check out the best baby gifts, gifts for 1-year-olds, 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, 5-year-olds, and 6-year-olds.