Based on child development research, the following guide will help in your selection of toys this age group. Some playthings are recommended for more than one age category, as children of different ages often enjoy the same toy, each playing with it at his or her own level.

Two to Three 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