What kind of toys are best for toddlers?
Open-ended toys are the best toys for toddlers, of course!
You might be wondering what are open-ended toys. Well in short, open-ended toys are toys that do not limit children’s play.
All a toddler needs is a few open-ended toys and they will find many different ways to use them in their play.
Also, there is no right or wrong way to play with open-ended toys. And there is no need for us to teach kids how to use or play with them either.
What are the best toys for toddlers?
We have learned that open-ended toys are the best toys for toddlers.
Why? Because you want toys that inspires imagination and creativity.
You don’t want toys that the children will find boring after playing with them once or twice. Nope!
I know it can be intimidating or confusing when selecting toys for toddlers. But don’t worry I am here to help you select the best toys.
What are the best educational toys for toddlers?
Wooden Building Blocks
Wooden blocks are a perfect open-ended toy for curious toddlers.
Not only will they add countless hours of play, but a wooden block set like the one here will grow with your child.
For more building block recommendations, check out my post, “Best Building Blocks Toys For Kids and Bock Play Benefits.”
Animal Figurine Toys
I have yet to meet a toddler that doesn’t love playing with animal figurines like these.
This set comes with cute barnyard animals, they are well crafted and look realistic.
Peg Board Toddler Stacking Toy
This pegboard stacking toy is a fun and educational toy for toddlers.
Your toddler can put the pegs in the foam board, stack them, and use them for counting, sorting, and making patterns.
And it’s perfect for toddlers that need extra help with their fine motor skills.
Toy Kitchen for Toddlers
I can’t even begin to tell you how much my children love playing with the toy kitchen.
It’s one of the best additions to our play area and it keeps the kids busy for a long time.
There are many toy kitchen designs to choose from. This one here is cute and it has excellent reviews on Amazon.
To complete your toddlers pretend kitchen, don’t forget to get pots and pans, a dish set, and pretend food.
Dollhouse Family Set
A dollhouse family set is perfect for open-ended play. Toddlers can use the doll set as props when they play with other open-ended toys like building blocks.
Dollhouse
A dollhouse is another toddler favorite. There are many dollhouses to choose from, but I like this one here because it’s cute, and it comes with 20 furniture pieces, 5 dolls, and a pet dog.
Kids Bubble Machine
Every toddler I know loves playing with bubbles. So, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning bubbles.
Also, toddlers love push toys!
Now add bubbles to a push toy like the bubble blower machine here and it will make it that much more enjoyable for the kids.
Finger Paints
Although finger paints aren’t necessarily what you think of as a toy, they are a toddler’s favorite.
Toddlers love getting messy and creating pieces of artwork using finger paints.
Also, painting activities keep toddlers entertained for a long time and it helps boost their creativity.
You can also see our best art supplies post here: “Best Art Supplies for Toddlers and Preschoolers.”
Construction Building Set in a Box
This construction building set is a great tinker toy for beginners. Toddlers can use it to learn about colors, counting, work on fine motor skills, build simple structures, etc.
Kids Toy Cleaning Set
I have yet to meet a toddler who didn’t enjoy picking up a broom, mop, microfiber cloth, etc., to help mommy or their caregiver clean up their space.
So a cleaning set like the one here is the perfect size for toddlers to use in their play while learning practical life skills.
A Potato Head
This is a favorite toy among toddlers and the older kids too. I recommend you get a few potato heads for the children to use.
In our playroom we have a Mr., a Mrs., and a baby potato head like the ones here.
Not only will your children enjoy making silly potato faces but you will love seeing their creations. I know I did!
The Best Toys for Toddlers
When selecting toys, keep in mind that the best toys for toddlers are the ones that let the child do the playing!
In other words, they tend to be open-ended toys and are merely props in a child’s play.
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