Between 18 and 24 months, toddlers go through a big period of learning and growing. They’re walking (or running!), talking more, and trying to do things on their own. This is a great time to support their development with fun, safe, and smart toy choices.
In this simple guide, we’ll look at the best toys for 18 24 months that help with learning, imagination, and physical activity. Whether you’re shopping for your child or picking a gift, these toys are great for the toddler stage.
1. Pretend Play Sets
At 18 to 24 months, toddlers start to copy what they see adults doing every day. This is called pretend play, and it’s an important part of how they learn and grow. Toys for 18 24 months that support pretend play include things like toy kitchens, play food, doctor kits, and cleaning sets.
For example, when a toddler “cooks” with a toy pan, “cleans” with a toy broom, or “checks your heartbeat” with a toy stethoscope, they’re practicing real-life actions in a fun and safe way. These simple games help toddlers understand the world around them.
Pretend play also helps children use their imagination. They can pretend to be a chef, a parent, a doctor, or anything they want. This kind of play also builds language skills. As they pretend, they start using new words and sounds—like “hot!”, “yum!”, or “check-up!”.
These good toys for 18 24 months aren’t just fun—they help your toddler think, talk, and grow through playful learning.
2. Building Blocks and Mega Blocks
Big, chunky building blocks are some of the best toys for 18–24 months because they’re easy for toddlers to hold and fun to play with. Kids can stack them to build towers, then knock them down with giggles and joy. This simple play teaches cause and effect—how one action leads to another.
These blocks also help toddlers learn how to solve problems. As they figure out how to balance or fit pieces together, they’re building thinking skills. At the same time, they’re using their hands and fingers, which helps develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
When choosing learning toys for 18–24 months, look for soft or lightweight blocks made from safe materials. Bright colors and simple shapes are great for catching your toddler’s attention. Whether your child is building up or knocking down, block play is a fun and smart way to help them grow.
3. Interactive Learning Toys
Toys that light up, play music, or talk are amazing learning toys for 18 24 months. They make learning fun and exciting by helping toddlers hear new sounds, learn simple words, and recognize numbers, colors, and letters. When a child presses a button and hears a song or sees a light, they quickly learn that their actions create something fun. This teaches both cause and effect and builds early language and thinking skills.
Many educational toys for 18 24 months are made with bright buttons, colorful shapes, and easy-to-use activities. These toys grab a toddler’s attention and encourage them to explore, push, pull, and turn parts. This helps not only their minds but also their little hands and fingers get stronger and more coordinated.
Look for toys that are sturdy, safe, and not too noisy. Light-up and talking toys turn playtime into a fun way to grow, learn, and discover new things every day!
4. Art Supplies and Creative Kits
Let Creativity Shine with Art Toys
Art toys are some of the best learning toys for 18 24 months because they let little ones explore and create. Toddler-safe crayons, finger paints, and washable markers are perfect for small hands. These tools help toddlers practice holding and moving objects, which builds fine motor skills.
Drawing and painting also help children learn about colours and how to express their feelings. Simple art activities let toddlers be creative in their own way—whether they scribble, splash, or make colourful shapes. It’s all about having fun while learning new skills!
When setting up art time, make sure the space is easy to clean. Using big sheets of paper, washable supplies, and wearing old clothes can keep the mess under control. Giving toddlers time to play with art helps boost their imagination and makes learning fun and exciting every day.
5. Busy Boards
Toys with zippers, buttons, textures, and spinning parts are some of the best toys for 18–24 months. They help toddlers practice using their hands and fingers, making them stronger and more skilled. These toys are also great learning toys for 18–24 months because they help little ones think, explore, and solve simple problems.
Sensory play—touching different materials and moving small parts—helps a toddler’s brain grow and builds confidence. It teaches them that they can do things on their own, like zipping or buttoning, which are important skills for everyday life.
Busy boards with lots of different things to touch and move, or sensory bins filled with safe objects like soft balls or big beads, can keep curious toddlers happy and focused for a long time. These toys make learning feel like a fun adventure, helping kids grow their minds and bodies at the same time!
Final Tips: Choosing Toys for 18–24 Months
Here are some things to keep in mind when picking toys for toddlers:
- Go for safety – Look for toys labeled for 18+ months with no small parts.
- Keep it simple – Too many buttons or sounds can be overwhelming.
- Make it fun – Toddlers learn best through play!
- Look for variety – A mix of physical, creative, and learning toys is great.
The toddler stage is all about discovery and movement. With the right toys, you can help your child learn, play, and grow every day.
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