The best time to start teaching your child about shapes, colors, and numbers is before they turn two years old. To help you on this journey, we’ve come up with a list of educational toys for 12-24 month olds. We hope these will be useful in helping your child learn while having fun! Every child is born to make discoveries. He has a fundamental need to learn, which will be satisfied by the discovery of his environment, including other people. This innate curiosity makes learning possible through play using all available senses without exception. Play is a child's way to explore the world and learn through developmentally appropriate activities. Play also lays a foundation for life-long learning, which also includes school readiness. Basic Requrements for 12-24 Months Old Toys be lightweight and stable enough for little ones to play with under the supervision of adults. This will protect them from injury and help with balance as they grow. help children learn by using their five senses - sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. be made of sturdy materials that will hold up to the heavy use they will receive. come in pieces no smaller than one inch to prevent choking hazards. above all, educational toys for 12-24 month olds must keep children entertained and help them learn through play! Age appropriate choices Here are a few suggestions on what kind of toys are appropriate for 1-2 year old children. Shape sorters Teach your child shapes, colors, and sorting with a shape sorter toy. There are a variety of types out there with different features that can help older kids learn how to count as well as recognize shapes. Some have lids to open and close while others will make sounds when the pieces fit inside. Some types even offer a treasure hunt to find all the shapes that fit in the correct holes. Shape puzzles These are another great way for kids this age to learn how to put items together, sort them by color or shape, and they can work on matching skills too. Many of these also come with activity books that include matching, mazes, and other puzzles. Some can even keep track of progress as they complete each puzzle. Puzzles Puzzles are a great way for kids to develop problem solving skills as well as hand eye coordination to pick up pieces and place them where they belong. Give your child a 3-4 piece puzzle that will be a little more challenging or a 12-piece for more of a challenge. Flash cards Flash cards are great for learning colors, shapes, numbers/counting, and letters (upper and lower case). They can also build vocabulary skills by learning the names of objects around them like cars, trucks, fruits & vegetables, and more. Balls Balls are a great item to have for open-ended play! Balls can roll, bounce, be thrown or kicked. They come in a variety of colors and sizes that will grow with your child. Balls are lightweight and easy to grip which makes them perfect toys for young children just starting out with their fine motor skills. Push/Pull Toys These are perfect for kids to develop their gross motor skills while learning how to walk or run! These toys can be pushed or pulled around on smooth surfaces like floors, carpets, and more. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes that include animals, vehicles (cars, trucks, trains), characters from favorite kid’s TV shows or movies, and more. Many come with sounds that are fun for kids to press while playing with them! Musical Toys Musical toys will develop your child’s auditory skills by introducing different instruments like drums, xylophones, bells & chimes, and pianos. They will play music while your child learns about rhythm & beat! Many of these also come with lights that move in coordination to the sound which makes this learning fun for your little one. Ride on Toys These toys are perfect for active kids looking for something fun to do! These can be pushed or pulled by adults or older siblings while they sit on them and steer. These types of toys come in a variety of shapes, sizes, features (lights, music, steering wheels), and even characters that kids love like Disney princesses & superheros! Stuffed Animals & Dolls These are perfect for kids to learn how to take care of their own “babies”! Stuffed animals are great because they can be played with at home or taken along in the car or stroller. Dolls are also great for pretend play and come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and even special features like talking & singing! Our Top Picks of Toys for 1-2 Year Olds [amazon box="B07427NSPK"] [amazon box="B00712O2D6"] [amazon box="B0774LNVGW"] [amazon box="B072X7CYH4"] [amazon box="B08CTYC1G1"] [amazon box="B01M5AWZKC"] [amazon box="B01DU1CEI6"] [amazon box="B017OW269Y"] [amazon box="B01M1J3E0A"] [amazon box="B07FYT8Z8Z"] The Toddler Ten: The 10 most important milestones in the second year of your child’s life The period of life from 12 to 24 months is one which sees unprecedented growth, unique learning, and an overall collection of astounding developments in a child’s life. These are the ten most noticeable and most important changes that a toddler may go through. A Stair-ing Contest An infant will take his/her first steps at around a year old. After this, walking will become a second nature, and many important developments will take place. One of these developments is the ability to ascend and descend stairs. This requires a high level of muscular coordination and a solid sense of balance. The sense of balance comes from development of the spinal cord and back muscles that takes place at the start of the second year of life. Climbing the stairs will suit toddlers well until they discover the true way to go down the stairs - sliding down the bannister. Tiptoeing Through the Tulips Your child will learn how to tiptoe around 14 months of age. This ability, which is made possible due to the development of the extensor muscles in the foot, makes many wonderful activities possible. The toddler becomes a much more apt hide-and-seek player. Not to mention, the ability to tiptoe around the house and over to the cookie jar. While standing on tiptoes may not seem like a big deal, it further displays the rapid development of the toddler’s locomotive skills and balancing abilities. Not to mention, the toddler’s knowledge of when he/she should tiptoe shows an awareness of movement abilities. A Life Sentence Your child learned to say monosyllabic, partially babbly words like “mama” and “papa” by the end of year one. By 18 months of age, he/she will start saying actual words such as “fire truck” and “dog”. This will give the toddler more freedom to express intentions and desires. He/she will go from “mama ma mama” to “I Hungry”. In another 6 months, the child’s linguistic abilities will develop to a whole new level. By the end of his/her second year, a toddler will start producing complete sentences. “I hungry” will transform into “Mom, I’m hungry.” It is a true pleasure to see your child begin expressing him/herself through such eloquent and complex dialogue. These abilities all stem from the development of Wernicke’s Area, Broca's Area, and the Arcuate Fasciculus, the 3 main language areas in the brain. In addition to speaking his own words, your child may also begin imitating words he hears from you or from books that are read aloud to him (so be careful what you say!). Two Directions Toddlers are not necessarily the best at following directions. However, this is usually because of a choice to not follow directions. Around 18 months, your child will develop the capacity to obey 2 part complex commands. Such commands include “pick up the toy and bring it to me” or “stop riding the dog and pet it instead”. This capability is due largely to developments in the neural pathways of the brain. These pathways transmit input from the outside to signals that cause the brain to make certain decisions and certain action to be taken. Now, whether or not your child will actually choose to follow directions is a different story. The Color and the Shape At around 16 months, your child will begin to identify colors and shapes. This is a huge step because it opens multiple doors and gives your child different opportunities for development and self-expression. With the transition to a color world, your child will have a lot more fun playing with colorful toys. The toddler will also start showing artistic prowess by drawing with chalk or crayons. It’s fascinating to see what kinds of ideas and thoughts your child can convey through art. The concept of shapes is also a new one that your toddler will pick up. This new skill will allow him/her to construct towers of 2-4 blocks. First Pitch With an increased affinity for recognizing shapes and a better ability to control movement comes the development of the combination of the two - hand-eye coordination. The brain’s input and output sensors start to work in sync with the spinal cord to give your toddler the ability to react to approaching objects more smoothly. One activity that he/she will be able to do is throw a ball. While you may not be able to enjoy full out sporting events and intense games of catch, the foundation for numerous catch sessions will develop at around 18 months in the form of the capability to throw a ball for the first time. Dress Up Day With an increase in your toddler’s ability to coordinate movements and function comes an increased sense of independence and pride in doing things on his/her own. This doesn’t mean that your child is ready to move into college at 24 months. However, small tasks that you used to do for your child may become independent activities. One such activity is dressing up and undressing. Prepare yourself to judge copious amounts of fashion shows and costume parties, as your child will realize that he/she can make decisions about what to wear on his/her own. This skill combines hand-eye coordination with a growing ability to think logically and make decision. Fair warning, however: the ability to think logically may not be too evident from your child’s self selected outfits. Feeding Frenzy Your child will also gain independence in the dining arena. It will all start with the toddler’s ability to wash their own hands. Then the ability to choose foods will commence to develop. He/she may start to develop preferences for certain types of foods and not be inclined to eat other types. This, combined with the toddler’s increased capacity for conveying ideas through words may lead to some enticing conversations such as “Mom, give cookie” or “No broccoli, I want ice cream!” Watching the scope of your toddler’s diet increase can be a rewarding and funny experience. However, it is also at this age that many food allergies become evident because of the new foods tried. It is important to keep an eye on the toddler when he/she is trying new foods. Pretend Play Your child may start to develop a vivid imagination around the age of 20 months. When paired with a grasp of muscular movement and an ever-growing vocabulary, this can give your child hours of pretend play fun. The toddler will, at first, try and emulate the biggest role model in his/her - parents. You can watch in awe as your child pretend plays through your various daily activities - from driving a car, to talking on the phone, to feeding a doll. It will be impressive to see this growing sense of independence and imitation. Your child may also be more inclined to attempt other “grown-up” activities, such as using a toilet. This is actually a big helper during the potty training years. Someone Your Own Age Through the first two years of life, your child will only interact with a handful of people - family friends, nurses, relatives, et cetera. At 2 years old, he/she will gain an affection for other people, particularly ones his/her own age. After all, the toddler can only have so much fun playing with non-toddlers. It’s a lot more fun to spend time with kids that are going through what your child is going through. You child may be drawn to other kids more than ever. This is the start of a new, fascinating phase of development - the social phase. Now that your child has developed skills for his/her own benefit, it’s time to see what skills he/she develops when interacting with others. Social interaction will help the brain grow and new connections to form. It will truly be exciting to see your child start to gain independence and associate him/herself with others socially.
The Jada Toys Fast & Furious 1:24 Brian's Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R Die-cast Car combines thrilling movie memorabilia with valuable educational experiences. This detailed model encourages imaginative play, enhancing fine motor skills as children explore opening doors, hoods, and trunks, while also sparking conversations about engineering and automotive design. Perfect for building those STEM connections, this die-cast car is a fun way to ignite curiosity and creativity in both kids and adults alike! 8+ years
The Get Ready Kids Insects and Bugs Playset is a delightful way to introduce little ones to the fascinating world of insects. Ideal for toddlers 12 months and up, this soft plastic set not only sparks imaginative storytelling but also enhances sensory development and early learning about nature. Perfect for homeschooling or daycare settings, these colorful bugs encourage hands-on exploration while supporting fine motor skills as children play. 12 months & up
Transformers Age of The Primes Titan Class The Thirteen Star Optimus Prime is more than just an action figure; it’s a gateway to imaginative and educational play! As our young ones transform Optimus from a robot to a truck and then into battle station mode, they engage in critical thinking and problem-solving. Each of the 30 and 36 transformation steps not only enhances fine motor skills but also fosters concentration and patience. Plus, with included accessories and articulated features, it encourages storytelling and creative gameplay that can lead to a deeper understanding of narrative structure and character development. 15+ years
The B. toys Shore Thing Large Bucket Set is a vibrant and engaging beach playset perfect for kids aged 18 months and older. This educational toy encourages imaginative play while developing crucial fine motor skills, coordination, and sensory exploration through sand and water activities. With a delightful array of colorful sand toys, including molds and a watering can, this set elevates family beach outings, turning simple moments into joyful learning experiences. 18 months+
Stack-a-Roos Baby Cow is more than just a cute toy; it’s an engaging way for our littlest learners to develop essential fine motor skills. As our little ones stack the chunky blocks, they’re also honing their hand-eye coordination and critical thinking abilities, all while having a blast! The delight of hearing a trumpet sound and seeing lights flash when they succeed adds a wonderful layer of encouragement, boosting their confidence. This interactive educational toy is the perfect blend of play and learning, making it an ideal gift for curious minds aged 12 months and up. 12+ months
Heroes of Goo Jit Zu Sonic the Hedgehog, Speed Surge Sonic, introduces an exciting way for kids to learn while they play! This stretchy, squishy figure not only stimulates sensory exploration and fine motor skills through creative and tactile play but also encourages imaginative storytelling as children engage in endless adventures. Parents can feel great about choosing Glow Surge Sonic, a toy that combines fun, functionality, and developmental learning in one gooey package! 4+ years
The Learning Resources Ocean Emotions Seashells set is a fantastic tool for teaching preschoolers social-emotional skills while they dive into imaginative play! With 6 adorable ocean friend figures and their 12 expressive feelings faces, children can explore a wide range of emotions through engaging sensory experiences. This unique toy enhances memory and fine motor skills too, making it a memorable addition to any classroom or playroom. Plus, it's eco-friendly, made from 70% post-consumer recycled plastic, ensuring that our little ones play and learn sustainably! 3-5 years
Jada Fast & Furious 1:32 Mr. Little Nobody's Subaru WRX STI Die-Cast Car is more than just a cool collectable—it's a gateway to imaginative play! This intricately detailed model features rubber tires and a stunning exterior that encourages kids and adults alike to explore the exciting world of cars. Engaging with this die-cast car can foster fine motor skills as young hands maneuver it, while also igniting curiosity about engineering and design. Perfect for creative storytelling and role-play, it helps children develop social skills while they share their motor racing adventures. A great choice for parents looking to spark their child's imagination and learning! 8+ years
Peppa Pig Peppa's Club Friends Carrying Case Playset is a delightful way for our little ones to engage in imaginative play while learning valuable social skills! This portable playset comes with four standout figures – Peppa Pig, Lottie Llama, Gabriella Goat, and Mandy Mouse – encouraging storytelling and role-playing that reinforces communication and cooperation. With the inclusion of Mandy’s detachable wheelchair, children are also introduced to themes of inclusivity and empathy. Perfect for on-the-go fun, this playset not only sparks creativity but also builds fine motor skills as kids handle and interact with the figures. It’s a fantastic gift for fostering early childhood development! 3+ years
Kindi Kids Scented Sisters - Pre-School 10" Play Doll - Berri D'Lish is sure to become a cherished companion for your little ones! With her delightful strawberry blossom scent and wobbling head, Berri encourages imaginative play while sparking creativity. Dressing and undressing her not only develops fine motor skills but also enhances storytelling as children weave their own adventures. Watch as your child's social skills flourish through interactive play with Berri and her siblings, making learning fun and engaging! 3+ years
G.I. Joe Classified Series Retro Cardback Cobra Commander is not just another action figure; it’s a gateway to imaginative play and storytelling! As parents and educators, we truly appreciate how this 6-inch figure, with its rich detailing and eight accessories, encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and role-playing scenarios. Our kids can indulge in building their own narratives while learning about teamwork, conflict resolution, and character development through that classic Cobra Commander flair. Plus, the retro cardback packaging makes it a perfect addition to any playroom or collector's shelf, promoting an appreciation of history in toys! 6+ years
Transformers Legacy United Leader Class Beast Wars Universe Tigerhawk is an incredible action figure that bridges imagination and learning! With 43 transformation steps from robot to tiger-falcon, kids develop critical thinking and fine motor skills. The stunning detail and articulated design invite storytelling and role-play, fostering creativity. Plus, with engaging accessories like blasters and wing blades, your child can explore problem-solving as they navigate their own play scenarios! 8+ years
The Nuby Flow N' Grow Garden Bath Toy with Flower and Watering Can is a delightful way to transform bath time into an exciting educational experience for children 18 months and older. It encourages children to explore cause and effect through interactive play, helping them develop essential fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination—all while fostering imagination and a love for learning. Parents will appreciate how this fun toy instills good hygiene habits during a familiar routine. 18+ months
The Hape Fold and Go Beach Toy Set is perfect for toddlers 18 months and up, making beach trips both fun and educational! This engaging playset promotes sensory exploration as little ones dig, mold, and sculpt with their hands, enhancing their fine motor skills and creativity. Designed with safety in mind and convenient portability, parents can confidently foster outdoor learning and imaginative play while enjoying quality time at the beach. 18 months+
The Wild Republic Penguin Figurines Tube is an engaging collection that introduces children to the wonderful world of penguins through playful discovery. Perfect for sparking imagination, these hand-painted figurines enhance fine motor skills, promote narrative development, and provide a fun way to learn about different penguin species. Parents and educators will love the versatility of these toys for bath time, dioramas, or educational-themed parties! 3+ years
The Melissa & Doug Multi-Sensory Market Basket Fill & Spill Infant Toy is a delightful introduction to the world of sensory exploration for infants and toddlers. Designed for little hands, this vibrant toy encourages crucial skills like sorting, squeezing, and problem-solving while they engage in imaginative pretend play. The charming assortment of textures and sounds—from the crinkly lettuce to the squeaky carrot—fosters curiosity and fine motor development, making it an ideal choice for parents looking to inspire discovery in their little ones. This educational gem provides hands-on, screen-free fun for babies aged 6 months to 12 months! 6-12 months
Chuckle & Roar Educational Puzzle Counting and Matching 25 PC Edition is a delightful way for our little ones to explore the world of numbers! With 25 charming two-piece puzzles, kids will love counting their way to 25 while matching adorable illustrations. This engaging activity promotes independent play and reasoning through self-correcting pieces, making it a great tool for developing problem-solving skills. Plus, the durable design ensures that these puzzles can withstand the enthusiasm of curious minds for countless learning adventures! 3+ years
MasterPieces Kids Games - Educational Numbers Matching Puzzle brings joy and learning into your family's playtime! Designed with our little ones' needs in mind, this puzzle helps nurture problem-solving abilities and fine motor skills while keeping them entertained without screens. We can bond as we tackle challenges together, making it a treasured activity that promotes critical thinking and creativity. With its sturdy, eco-friendly materials, this puzzle promises fun for years to come! 3-6 years
The B. toys Mini Doctor Care Kit is a delightful introduction to the world of pretend play, perfect for our little future healthcare heroes aged 18 months and up. With realistic tools like a stethoscope and otoscope, this kit nurtures their creativity, enhances communication skills, and fosters empathy as they engage in make-believe medical scenarios. An excellent choice for parents wanting to encourage role-playing that’s not only fun but also educational! 18 months and up
New-Ray 1:12 2005 Yamaha YFZ450 (Blue) is not just a finely detailed die-cast replica; it's an exciting tool for imaginative play and learning! As our kids zoom around with this vibrant ATV model, they develop essential skills such as fine motor coordination, color recognition, and creative storytelling. This toy sparks curiosity about vehicles and engineering, making it a fantastic addition to any educational playtime. Plus, its realistic design encourages discussions about safety and responsibility while fostering an interest in the mechanics of how things work. 6+ years
Kero Big Sofvimates Figure is a delightful addition to any child's collection celebrating the beloved Cardcaptor Sakura series! As parents and educators, we know that engaging with their favorite characters can spark creativity and imaginative play, allowing little ones to explore storytelling and art in newfound ways. This perfectly sized 5.5” figure encourages not only a love for the show but also promotes fine motor skills through interactive play and display. Whether for role-playing adventures or simply decorate a shelf, Kero is both an enchanting toy and an educational companion. 3+ years
The Ghostbusters Fright Features Phoebe Spengler Action Figure with Ecto-Stretch Tech Bonesy Ghost Toy Accessory is an exciting way for kids aged 4 and up to engage their imagination while learning. This dynamic playset not only encourages creative storytelling and role-play but also enhances fine motor skills as children stretch and manipulate the Bonesy ghost. Designed for both play and educational value, it’s a fantastic gift that fosters cognitive development through interactive ghost-busting adventures! 4+ years
Linzy Toys 16" Dark Skin Educational Doll is a delightful way for our little ones to explore the world of dressing and problem-solving! With fun features like buttons, zippers, and laces, this doll not only entertains but also empowers children to develop essential motor skills. It's more than just a plush companion; it's a step towards independence as kids learn to dress themselves in a playful and engaging manner. Parents and educators alike will appreciate how this colorful, safe doll encourages skill development while captivating young imaginations. 2-5 years
The Schleich Dinosaur Toy Truck with Dino Outpost & Giganotosaurus 15-Piece Playset is a fantastic gateway to the age of dinosaurs, designed for kids ages 4 to 12. This imaginative playset encourages open-ended exploration, helping children develop fine motor skills, creativity, and a budding interest in prehistoric animals without the distractions of screens. With realistic details and endless play possibilities, it's perfect for sparking curiosity and educational conversations about the fascinating world of dinosaurs. 4-12 years
The National Geographic Kids Tub of Realistic Dinosaur Toy Figures invites young paleontologists on an exciting journey back to the Cretaceous period! Packed with exhilarating dinosaur figures like the mighty T-rex and the intriguing Velociraptor, this educational toy fosters curiosity and imaginative play while teaching kids about prehistoric creatures and their environments. With a convenient storage container and a landscape-themed lid for creative adventures, families can bond over learning as they explore fascinating dinosaur facts together. The added bonus of a QR code unlocks exclusive National Geographic Kids content, perfect for quenching their thirst for knowledge! 3+ years
Folkmanis Mini Rattlesnake Finger Puppet is the perfect companion for imaginative storytelling and interactive learning! This delightful puppet allows children to explore their creativity while enhancing their fine motor skills as they animate the playful antics of this realistic rattlesnake. It's not just a toy; it's a powerful educational tool for teaching about reptiles, ecosystems, and role-playing scenarios. Parents and educators will love how it sparks conversations and encourages cooperative play during lessons and storytelling sessions! 3+ years
Fisher-Price Baby Musical Toy Set Glow and Grow Kick & Play Piano Gym is the perfect companion for your little one’s first months! With its four engaging play modes—Lay & Play, Tummy Time, Sit & Play, and Take-Along—it grows right alongside your baby, making playtime educational and adaptable. Parents will love the smart stages that introduce animals, colors, numbers, and shapes through over 85 cheerful songs and phrases, all while stimulating your baby’s sensory skills. The soft, machine-washable playmat and interactive piano not only spark curiosity but also encourage motor skills and cognitive development through music and movement! 0+ months
Infantino Link & Spin Suction Cup, Turtle is an incredible educational toy that captures our little ones' attention while promoting fine motor skills and sensory exploration. With its flexible legs and engaging high-contrast spinning and bead bouncing action, this delightful turtle not only sticks around but also encourages our babies to pull, spin, and discover. We love that it’s designed to stay put, making playtime mess-free and enjoyable! Perfect for tiny hands, it’s a wonderful way to spark curiosity and develop coordination right from 3 months old. 3 months +
Educational Insights Bright Basics Nest & Stack Cubes is the perfect toy for curious toddlers eager to learn through play! With 10 vibrant, stackable cubes featuring animals and numbers, this engaging set supports essential skills like fine motor development and spatial reasoning. Watching our little ones build towers over three feet tall while learning about quantity and numbers is truly delightful. Not only does this inspiring activity keep toddlers entertained, but it also keeps their minds engaged at home—making learning as fun as stacking! 2+ years
Meet Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog, our delightful companion for toddlers aged 18 months and up! This engaging toy not only captivates little hands with its colorful, easy-grip quills but also develops essential skills like hand-eye coordination and cognitive growth through sorting, counting, and color matching. Perfect for home or classroom settings, Spike transforms simple play into a rich educational experience that grows alongside your child's developmental journey. 18 months+
