The Ultimate List of Activity Toys for Babies and Toddlers

Activity toys make learning possible through doing. Stack your first blocks, make a peg design, roll the beads along the wire maze, sort basic shapes into slots, create patterns, nest the cubes by sizes – everything that you do with the little fingers develop young minds. Activity toys from Educational Toys Planet nourish cognitive perception and thinking abilities. They come in all shapes, sizes, and materials from the well-recognized toy makers that proved safe educational environment for the young children. From the first months to grade school children make sensorial discoveries, learn to analyze what they could sense, and apply their abilities and skills to the more challenging tasks. Activity Toys are a popular choice for children, and when it comes to quality, there are few that can rival the level of play value that our hand-selected toys offer. Babies are very active and inquisitive. They want to explore the world around them and make new discoveries. Activity toys for babies and toddlers develop many important skills including fine motor, gross motor, visual motor, language, problem solving and emotional development. Educational Toys Planet offers a wide variety of baby and toddler activity toys for your little one to develop their fine and gross motor skills. Our educational toys for babies and toddlers include colorful balls, rattles, musical toys, blocks, construction toys, magnetic toys, shape sorters, educational puzzles and more. We have hand picked a few of the highest rated toys for babies and toddlers. Here are our favorites!

Stacks of Circles Stacking Ring

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Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking Ring STEM Learning Toy, Age 6+ Months, Multi, 9 Piece Set

Straight post accepts different sized rings, strengthening hand-eye coordination
Chunky rings make it easy for baby to grasp, strengthening fine motor skills
Each ring features a different texture and weight; Textural variety is great for mouthing!
Colorful beads in the clear ring allowing baby to connect the sound to sight
9 piece set

The perfect activity for babies starting at 6 months old, this 9 piece set is just what your little one needs for his or her very first puzzle! The pieces are made of high quality plastic and fit together easily. All pieces are colored brightly so that baby can enjoy them as he or she explores. The different pieces also have different textures and weights, so your baby will enjoy discovering which pieces feel the best and which ones are the heaviest. Parent’s Review: “We got this for my 7 month old daughter for her first stacker. I was looking for something that had different pieces, and this seemed like a good choice. It is a 9 piece set, and we have been using it a lot for a few weeks now, and she loves it. It is well made and holds up well.”

Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy

Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy, Blue/Green/Orange, 5 Inch x 4 Inch x 3.5 Inch

BABY TEETHING TOY MADE FOR LITTLE HANDS: The Winkel features a mesmerizing maze of soft, continuous BPA-free teething tubes, and can be refrigerated for additional soothing comfort - a perfect baby chew toy for tiny hands.
DEVELOPMENTAL BABY TOY: Babies are instantly drawn to this colorful and lightweight infant toy. The Winkel promotes clutching and two-handed play while the center cube with tapered corners encases a quiet but pleasing baby rattle to provide auditory stimulus.
TIME-HONORED CLASSIC: With over 25 years engaging babies and soothing even the fussiest of teethers, the Winkel is a perfect shower gift for new moms. Safe and dependable, this classic toy for babies has received numerous accolades and has proven to be a true baby go-to and parent must-have.
BABY TOY FOR NEWBORNS AND UP: Safety rated for newborns and up, the Winkel measures 5" x 4" x 3.5" and easily tucks into the diaper bag when baby is on the go.
STANDING BY OUR BRAND: If you're reading this, you've found a safe toy from a real company and a brand that cares. Since 1978, Manhattan Toy has been a trusted source of imaginative toys for babies, toddlers and kids of all ages. All of our toys are rigorously safety tested and every toy has our 800 number with a dedicated customer support team to answer your call.

The Winkel is a charming and functional sensory toy that encourages the development of your child’s sensory and motor skills. The Winkel‘s maze of soft, continuous teething tubes is irresistible to little hands, and can be refrigerated for additional soothing comfort. The Winkel also features a soothing rattling ball inside, which helps promote cooing and rhythmic baby sounds. Parent’s Review: “This was such a great little teether for my son. He loves it! I love that it has the maze inside to keep him occupied and it is made of silicone. My son was having a hard time with teethers at night and it really helped him sleep. It is a really cute design and I like that it has the tapered edges, because it is a great size for little hands.”

The First Years Stacking Cups

These cups are the perfect gift for any baby shower. There is a variety of colors and designs. They can be used to play with water, fruit juice, and also with solid food. Great for toddlers, as they love to stack and turn them upside down. The cups come with a unique design, that means you can only stack them together. This is a nice set of toys that will definitely give a lot of fun to your children. Parent’s Review: “We have a bunch of these and they are great. They are sturdy and well made. They are great for stacking cups and the cups fit in each other perfectly.”

VTech Pop-a-Balls Push and Pop Bulldozer

VTech Pop-a-Balls Push and Pop Bulldozer, Red

Push the handle to roll the red bulldozer across the floor and watch it pop balls out of the chimney into the bucket
Press the buttons to learn colors, numbers, phrases and music
Roll the bulldozer and trigger motion sensors to listen to fun tunes and songs on the move stimulating attention and coordination
Grab the chunky handle to encourage motor skill development
This interactive bulldozer requires 2 AAA batteries (batteries included for demo purposes only, replace new ones for regular use)

VTech Pop-a-Balls Push & Pop Bulldozer is a fun way for toddlers to build memory and develop hand and eye coordination. When you push the handle, the red bulldozer rolls across the floor and pops balls out of a chimney into a bucket. You can press the buttons to learn colors, numbers, phrases, and music. To encourage more movement, grab the chunky handle. With two touch-sensitive wheels, the bulldozer rolls wherever your toddler goes. In addition to helping toddlers build their memory, Pop-a-Balls Push & Pop Bulldozer encourages attention and motor skills. Parent’s Review: “My son loves this toy. He’s a little too old for it now, but he loves playing with it. It’s durable, loud and the sound effects are pretty good. The only thing is that the chunky handle gets in the way. I can see where this could be a bit frustrating for little hands, so I recommend it mostly for kids in the age group 2+. It was a great buy.”

Soft Building Blocks

Mini Tudou Baby Blocks Soft Building Blocks Baby Toys Teethers Toy Educational Squeeze Play with Numbers Animals Shapes Textures 6 Months and Up 12PCS

【Relief Design】Baby blocks set included 12 pieces blocks, each blocks has an embossed animal, shape, fruit, Arabic numerals and geometrical patterns on the sides. And Children can develop their sense of touch and vision by touching and observing these embossed patterns. This amazing blocks can help baby better grow up in their early childhood development.
【Stacking Toy】These baby building blocks are soft, durable and easy to be picked up and stacked together by baby’s hand. It also can be squeezed and will making a squeak sound.
【Teethers】It is soft,chewable and perfectly for the baby who are aged 6 months and just get their first teeth.
【Early Learning Play】This blocks for babies provides various fun for kids.Also teaching kids letter, counting, balancing, building and other motor skills. The carved number is a good way for kids to learn Arabic numerals, addition and subtraction. It also can be use as match game.
【Safe Material】Our Baby Blocks are made of food-grade silicone material, which is safe, soft and easy to chew. Baby block has a hole at the bottomto make sounds. DO NOT immerse it in water. We recommend that you use wet wipes to wipe it before playing.

The soft and durable blocks have an embossed animal, shape, fruit, numerals and geometrical patterns on the sides. It is perfect for babies and children who are aged 6 months and just get their first teeth. The blocks can be squeezed and will making a squeak sound. It can also be used as a teether for babies. The blocks are made of non-toxic material,no risk of choking or suffocation.The blocks are made of high-quality plastic,which is very safe and durable.The blocks can be washed by hand, so you don’t have to worry about your baby’s safety. Parent’s Review: “This was one of the most useful purchases I’ve ever made. My 5 month old loves to play with this. She likes to squeeze the blocks and watch them make sounds, and she’s starting to put them together. It’s nice to have a set of blocks that are non-toxic, that don’t fall apart, and that are perfect for her age. I like that it’s soft enough that she can easily handle it, but firm enough that it won’t break.”

Award Winning Activity Toys

We love to play and we know you do too. We have picked award winning activity toys that are fun, safe and educational for kids of all ages. Our award winning toys are designed to stimulate the brain and help children develop their problem solving skills and motor skills. These toys will keep your child’s hands busy while keeping them entertained and occupied.

Award Winning Durable Pound A Ball

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Durable Pound A Ball Toys for Toddler, Stacking, Learning, Active, Early Developmental Hammer Montessori Toys, Fun Gifts for Boy & Girl - STEM Educational Toy - Great Birthday Gift Ages 1 2 3

FINE MOTOR PROMOTION: This Multi-color pound a ball is ideal for hammering practice, Promotes dexterity, hand eye coordination, manipulation, arm movement, cause and effect.
KID FRIENDLY: The design of hammer and balls are specially made for little hands and suitable for an easy grip. your child will love seeing the ball slide from layer to layer
EASY PLAY: The smooth-sanded balls Drop down after hammered/pounding and sends the balls rolling down the ramp out the on the bottom tray.
STIMULATING: Keep kids busy with this particular pounding ball action toy it is very helpful to grow up your infant's mind.
GREAT GIFT IDEA: This pound ball makes a perfect birthday gift for your child and their friends. They'll unwrap it at the party and play together!

It’s a great birthday gift for your child or the child in your life! This ball is designed to give kids hours of fun as they pound away and roll the ball down the ramp. The ball is made from durable plastic so your child can use it for years to come.

Activity Tree – Forest Friends Discovery Tree

Fat Brain Toys Forest Friends Discovery Tree - Early Learning Activity Center, 2+

Wooden tree-shaped playset with sensory and early-learning activities for toddlers to explore
Features bead rails, spinning gears, opening doors, a clock with moveable hands, and more
Perfect for ages 2 years and up
Encourages fine motor skills, sensory exploration, cause-and-effect learning, experimentation
Measures 24 inches tall; Assembly required - tools and instructions included

The Jungle Friends Activity Tree is designed to stimulate your little one’s imagination as they learn about the world around them. Each side of the tree has its own unique activities and materials to explore. The side with the clock features moving hands that spin the wheels of the clock. The side with the beading rails is perfect for beadwork. And the side with the doors is perfect for opening and closing. This jungle of early-learning excitement is great for ages 2 years and up.

Country Critters Wooden Activity Play Cube

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Country Critters Wooden Activity Play Cube by Hape | Wooden Learning Puzzle Toy for Toddlers, 5-Sided Activity Center with Animal Friends, Shapes, Mazes, Wooden Balls, Shape Sorter Blocks and More, 13.78 x 13.78 x 19.69 inches

See what antics the little friends of the Animal Adventure Play Center can get into
Keeps kids busy and loving it with four activities and a bevy of small animal friends
Consists of ten pieces, including three wooden balls, six wooden shapes and the Play Center itself
Materials include Baltic Birch and Maple from FSC managed forests; Hape finishes are all non-toxic, child safe and of the highest quality
Hape has been a leader in designing and manufacturing high quality baby and children's toys made from sustainable materials since 1986

Hape – Country Critters Wooden Activity Play Cube by Hape – Wooden Learning Toys. This sort and discover activity play cube consists of five sides. Watch them enjoy the beaded adventure land, a shape sorter, a stand in a queue, a turnplate and tap to the bottom activity. A wooden pounder and ball on the top of the play cube are used to tap the pieces to the bottom. The pieces in this activity toy are made from durable hardwoods and water-based paint that is safe for children under three years old. It includes ten pieces featuring wooden balls, shapes, wooden pounder, and more. This is an award-winning shape sorter, recommended for ages 12 months to 6 years. Hape’s Country Critters Wooden Activity Play Cube is a fun learning activity toy for toddlers. This learning puzzle toy for toddlers assists in motor skills, logic skills and perseverance.

Lamaze Developmental Activity Center

Lamaze 3-in-1 Airtivity Center – Developmental Sensory Toy Activity Center, Grows with Baby, Mess-Free Water Table Alternative

Air-Powered Activity Table: First of its kind, this sensory activity center engages your child through air powered play; it’s the mess-free water table alternative that parents and kids are loving
The Magic of Air: Baby’s love feeling the air as they play, and watching how it affects the toys keeps them engaged
Multiple Sensory Toy: Entertaining air-powered toys and games means there’s always something fun to play with
3-in-1 Grow-With-Me Fun: Floor play for babies learning to sit, Table play perfect for learning to stand and walk, and Game play that helps encourage development with fine motor toys built right in
Developmental Toy: Promotes visual development, tactile processing, fine and gross motor skills, and problem solving through engaging play

With three different ways to play, Lamaze 3-in-1 Airtivity Center allows your child to enjoy a variety of activities. Simply place the center on the floor, stand the base on the ground, or attach the base to a table. The base is then filled with air, which provides the air-powered fun. Once the air has been exhausted, the center will return to its original position. This activity center is a great way for your baby to learn to sit, stand, and walk. It also promotes visual development, tactile processing, fine and gross motor skills, and problem solving. Whether you are at home or on the go, your child will be having fun while learning at the same time.

Award Winning Hape Walk-A-Long Activity Snail

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Hape Walk-A-Long Snail Pull Toy |Award Winning Toddler Wooden Push and Pull Toy with Removable Color

LEARNING AND EXPLORING COMPANION: Perfect tagalong push or pull toy for your little one as they gain confidence in learning and exploring
REMOVABLE SHAPE SORTER SHELL: Bright and colourful toddler toy. The shell features three differently shapes holes for toddlers to practice shape sorting on one side and an elastic-banded opening on the other. Sorter comes with a blue triangle, red cylinder and yellow square
CONVENIENT PULL STRING: The string is long enough to pull easily behind as sorted blocks spin round and the snail’s tail waves
SAFE TO PLAY WITH: Durable and sturdy wood toddler toy, contains water-based paint and has non-toxic finishes
AWARD WINNING: The winner of the 2013 Play Advances Language Award and the 2014 Parent’s Choice Recommended Award

Little ones will be mesmerized by this award-winning shape sorter. Three differently shaped holes on one side of the toy and an elastic-banded opening on the other provide children with an opportunity to practice shape sorting. The bright colors of the toy also help toddlers develop color recognition skills. A simple but effective design, this toddler toy is a must-have for your little one.

Types of Activity Toys for Babies and Toddlers

There are all kinds of activity toys — and you’ll find a big range of prices and quality. Your child’s age and interests will help decide what the best activity toys for them are. Some types of such toys include:

Educational toys that teach skills such as color, counting, letter recognition and more. They may have a board or other pieces to build with. They may be educational in nature, or they may simply be fun and engaging.
Physical toys like building blocks, stacking cups, puzzles, and dolls. These are usually fairly inexpensive, and can be used in many ways.
Toys that encourage movement, like balls, balls with different textures, and ball pits. These are also very affordable, and most kids love to play with them.
Toys that encourage imagination, like cardboard boxes, buckets, and dress-up clothes. These are typically more expensive, but will encourage your child to be creative, and sometimes help with self-expression.
Toys that stimulate the senses, such as music, light and sound. These may be educational, or just fun. A musical keyboard, drum set, or guitar are good options. These are also wonderful to pass down to younger siblings.
Toys that encourage creativity are always a good choice. They allow your child to explore their environment, and express themselves through play.
Activity toys that promote fine motor skills are especially useful when your baby or toddler is young. Your baby can grab, pull, push, and put things in their mouth. This helps with developing coordination, hand-eye coordination, and motor skills. Toys that promote problem solving will help your baby develop a sense of confidence and patience. These are also helpful for children who have learning disabilities.

Tips for Choosing Activity Toys

Baby and toddler activity toys should be durable, safe, and affordable
Babies don’t need as many toys or gadgets as adults
Toys should be chosen based on child’s interest and abilities
Toys should be chosen to keep your child active and challenged
Buy soft, colorful toys that baby will play with on his own, then put away when he’s tired
Play music or sing songs together to build language skills
Toys that stimulate babies’ sensory and motor development should not be noisy, bright, or flashy
It would be beneficial to seek out activity toys that are made out of natural materials like wood
Children need to learn how to interact with each other, develop social skills, and learn about others, so we should use activity toys to encourage group play, sharing and interacting

What activities help toddler development?

Toddlers need a variety of things to learn and develop physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, culturally, and spiritually. Activities that foster this development are listed below:

Physical – Riding a bike, roller skates, playground equipment, sports, playing with other kids
Mental – Books, songs, puzzles, playdough, board games, card games, memory games, talking to each other
Emotional – Coloring, drawing, singing, dancing, puppets, music, story telling,
Social – Going to a park or playground, playing in a sand box, going to the library, attending a birthday party, watching TV or movies
Cultural – Reading stories, learning new languages, playing instruments, visiting museums, going to the zoo, going to an ethnic restaurant, watching foreign films, going to a museum exhibit.

Safety checklist when playing with activity toys

Always use your best judgment when playing with activity toys. The following is a list of tips and questions to ask yourself before, during, and after playing with activity toys:

Choose appropriate toys for your child’s age and abilities. Check the toy packaging to ensure that recommended ages are in range. Use a toy only when it is in good condition – free from tears, cracks or other damage, clean from dust and dirt, undamaged paint and batteries intact in battery powered toys where required.
Do not let your child play with the toy if it appears damaged or has sharp or pointed edges and avoid toys which can be choked on.
Check for small parts, long cords and strings, sharp objects and loose fasteners which may present a choking hazard. Avoid toys with sharp blades as these may cause serious cuts. Keep ribbons out of reach of children under 3 years.
Avoid toys which require assembly or supervision at all times – give to your child when they have the skills and ability to play with the toy safely without supervision e.g., a tricycle for a 5 year old not a 20 month old.
Check that the height is appropriate for the space available in your home and keep toys with cords out of reach – do not tie or string them up so children can’t climb up and play on the toy.
Do not leave batteries in a child’s reach as they may be swallowed or cause burns.
Turn off and unplug the toy when it isn’t being played with.
Avoid giving your child toys containing small removable batteries.
Avoid mixing old batteries with new ones, don’t mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc), or rechargeable (nickel-cadmium) batteries because they have different voltages and can leak into each other causing damage.
Don’t let your child play with the packaging to avoid suffocation.

Examples of Brands of Activity Toys Available on the Market Today

Little Tikes. There’s nothing that little kids enjoy more than playing. From baby toys to stimulate and teach them as they reach developmental milestones, to pre-school toys to help them interact with the world around them, there’s plenty to keep them entertained.
Melissa and Doug. The assortment of products include baby toys, infant toys, bath toys, beach toys, blocks, pull toys, puzzles, plush toys, play food, magnetic activities, musical toys, playsets, dollhouses, activity tables, dollhouses, sticker pads, toddler toys, toy cars and trucks, sturdy wooden toys, educational toys and more.
Fisher-Price offers a collection of baby and kid’s toys, including walkers, tricycles, play mats, soft toys, baby mobiles, bath time toys, push toys, rattles, stuffed animal and plush toys, highchairs, baby entertainment centers, electronic learning toys, and feeding toys. Play is the best gift for any baby shower, birthday, holiday, or anytime.
VTech manufactures many types of interactive toys for babies and toddlers that offer cuddly plush toys, teethers, night light projectors, and other fun items.
Manhattan Toy activity toys. Their mission is to bring joy to everyday play. Manhattan Toy believe that kids learn through the experience of play. Play isn’t just fun, it’s essential to a child’s cognitive, emotional and social development. At Manhattan Toy, they remember that the most powerful thing any of us play with in this life is our imagination.