The best Christmas gifts for 2 year olds: first trikes, balance bikes, magnet tiles and pretend play they'll use every day. Picks from Radio Flyer, Magna-Tiles and Melissa & Doug, chosen for toddlers right at this stage. Partnerships disclosed.
Best big gift for a 2 year old: the classic steel first trike, with a back step so a sibling can ride along. Built to be handed down. About $90.
Classic Red Dual Deck Tricycle
The starter magnet tiles set. Strong magnets snap together easily for little hands, and it grows with them for years. About $50.
Builder™ 32 Piece Set
Low, light balance bike sized for 2 year olds. Kids who start here usually skip training wheels later. About $50.
My 1st Balance Bike
The silly pretend-pet set 2 year olds play with for months (yes, the puppy “poops”). Great for kids begging for a dog. About $27.
Feed, Walk & Poo Pup Play Set
Pretend doctor kit that doubles as a way to ease real check-up nerves. A preschool classic. About $30.
Get Well Doctor's Kit Play Set
Wooden starter train track sized for small kids; works with most wooden train brands as they add on. About $47.
Figure 8 Train Set
Pretend soft-serve set that's great for turn-taking play with siblings and parents. About $33.
Swirl and Serve Ice Cream Play Set
Foot-powered push car with a chalkboard body they can draw on. Indoor-friendly and easy to steer. About $40.
Creativity Car: Pink Ride-On Push Car
The basic wooden block set every playroom needs. Cheap, nearly indestructible and played with for years. About $25.
100-Piece Wood Blocks Set
Mess-free “painting” with just water; reusable forever. The best car-ride and restaurant toy for toddlers. About $20.
Water Wow!® 3-Pack: Colors & Shapes, Fairy Tales, Animals
Magnetic dress-up in a flat travel tin; quiet play for church, flights and waiting rooms. About $15.
Billy Magnetic Dress-Up Set
Buttery bamboo toddler PJs in a holiday print, perfect for Christmas morning photos. Sizes 18 months to 3T. About $38.
Long Sleeve Pajamas in Holiday Pups
Wheels that snap onto any magnet tiles (works with Magna-Tiles). A cheap add-on that doubles the fun. About $13.
PicassoTiles Magnetic Tile Car and Truck Base Set
Sticker stamper toddlers can use alone, no peeling. A great stocking stuffer. About $13.
Sticker WOW!™ Activity Pad & Sticker Stamper - Shark
Wooden shape sorter a 2 year old can work out alone; good for learning shapes and colors. About $27.
Geometric Shape Sorter Wooden Toy
Pretend mailbox with letters to sort and post; a good bigger gift from grandparents. About $50.
