20 Best Gifts for 2

Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

They can play and work on developmental skills!

Trying to keep up with your little ones can sometimes feel like a sprint—and now that they're walking, sometimes it quite literally is! The skills and interests of toddlers are constantly growing and changing as they continue to explore the world and become more and more curious by the day. While that's part of what makes the 2-year-old age group so great, it can also make finding gifts for toddlers pretty difficult. They’re no longer a baby but not quite a big kid and their playtime is definitely changing as they exhibit more imagination and independence. That's why the best gifts for 2-year-olds lean into those advances by helping to further their knowledge.

Here, we've rounded up toys for toddlers that are both fun and educational. They can work for birthdays, as Christmas toys, or even just-because gifts! No matter when you gift them, they'll make the so-called terrible twos less terrible and more terrific. There are picks perfect for playing pretend like a baby doll or shopping cart as well as toys that advance motor skills and encourage problem-solving like building blocks and sorting games. Get them moving with their first scooting tricycle or a tiny basketball hoop, then help them learn with flashcards or an interactive educational tablet. There are even options for aspiring creatives like musical instruments and of course, chalk! When you're done picking out your gift, be sure to check out these toy organizer ideas, too. You'll thank us later!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for this sweet toy! Your toddler can build memory and sequencing skills by following order cards to create delicious dessert combinations using the different ice cream flavors, magic scooper, syrup pump, and more. They'll also further their counting skills by taking play money. It's all done while listening to fun music, too! Ages 2+

For a truck load of fun (and imaginative play), grab this 5-in-1 construction truck toy set that includes a big construction truck, small excavator, crane, mixer truck, and dump truck. If they push the trucks forward then release, they'll zoom off by themselves. Then can also press a button on top of the cab to see and hear bright lights and sirens. Ages 1.5+

Sidewalk chalk is classic for a reason! They'll spend hours outside coming up with their own drawings and creations thanks to these jumbo 4" chalks. They come in seven colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and white. Better yet, they're washable and have a tapered conical shape so they won't roll away. When your tot is done using their imagination, you can easily store them in the handy plastic bucket until next time. All ages

Getting your first doll is such a special moment and we think they'll hold onto this one for years to come. The amazingly detailed soft body doll with open and close eyes comes with two outfits, a pair of adorable shoes, a baby bottle, pacifier, rattle and feeding accessories so your little one can learn nurturing skills as she cuddles and plays with her. Ages 2+

Say hello to Elmo! Your kiddo will love learning along with Elmo and his friends on this play pretend phone as they teach them over 50 learning phrases that have to do with counting, colors, shapes, rhyming, Spanish, and more. They'll count with the Count, learn weather with Tamir, learn about daily habits with Grover, and hear animal facts with Gabrielle. They can even sing "Wheels on the Bus." Ages 2+

This fishing toy will make bath time a blast. Seriously, your tot will think it's the catch of the year! With a magnetic fishing hook fit for their little hands, they can easily pick up bobbing sea creatures. It's great for developing hand-eye coordination and teaching cause and effect. Plus, the characters are air-tight to help prevent mold and mildew. Ages 2+

If they enjoy helping you during your trips to the grocery store, they'll really love having their own kid-sized shopping cart to use around the house. The simple wooden design will increase their maneuverability, balance, and push-and-pull skills. Just grab some fake food to go with it! Ages 2+

Trust us, this one will quickly become their favorite! First, your tiny tot can learn to scoot in a comfortable contoured seat. When they are ready to learn how to pedal on their own, simply extend the EZ flip-out pedals then watch them ride away! No tools required. The extra-wide wheels offer stability and the covered storage bin can transport toys for each and every adventure. Ages 1-3

We can't think of any kiddos who wouldn't want Baby Shark as their teacher! With this interactive tablet, that's exactly what they'll get. Five learning activities will help them develop memory, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination as they get to know undersea creatures and characters. If they press the ‘Spelling’ button, they'll hear Baby Shark spell the word associated with different images. If they play ‘Where Is?’ they can identify letters, objects, numbers, and musical instruments. Of course, they can also sing along to the Baby Shark theme song! Ages 2+

Grab these adorable blocks and they'll have hour upon hour of creative play right at their fingertips (literally)! The set includes Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, and Eeyore characters along with 23 other building blocks so they can create their own Disney block party! Not only does this one further their imagination, but it also introduces fine motor skills like building and balancing. Ages 1.5+

With this super cute slide, you can bring the playground right to your own home. Rain or shine your kiddo will have the time of their life! It's just as fun for parents too considering it sets up in a snap (in under 5 minutes) then folds up for simple storage. It's also easy to wipe clean, lightweight, and portable for even more fun. You can grab it in this vibrant sunny design or themes like Barbie, Paw Patrol, and Baby Shark. Ages 2-5

Meet Spike! This darling little critter is here to teach your tot color recognition, sorting, counting, and other fine motor skills using his colorful quills. The 12 peg-shaped pieces are just the right size for their little hands to hold. Plus, when playtime is over, they easily fit into the back of the friendly hedgehog. Ages 1.5+

This isn't your ordinary stuffed animal. Nope! It's a weighted stuffed animal (4.5 pounds to be exact) developed with doctors and therapists to lower stress and anxiety in little ones. It offers both comfort and the cutest companion! To make it even better, if their new fluffy friend ever gets dirty, the weighted insert can be removed so the plush can be thrown in the wash. Ages 2+

One side of these rubberwood tiles has a letter written out in upper and lowercase while the other side has the hand position for that letter in American Sign Language. It's such a great pick for strengthening their communication and language skills! Ages 2+

Your little squirt can have some fun in the sun all while soaking up knowledge with this educational splash pad. The shallow base is actually a learning mat with letters and numbers. You can even buy matching flash cards and bath toys to go with it. And we can't forget about those fun fountain sprinklers! Ages 1+

We just have to include Ree's book titled Charlie the Ranch Dog. Little kids and adults alike will love learning all about Charlie's silly adventures on Drummond Ranch. It has a reading level of preschool to third grade so it's perfect to read aloud to your kiddo. Ages 2+

Here's one for building their vocabulary and language development. This is how the neat toy works: they'll put a card into the card reader's slot then it'll pronounce the words! When an animal or transport card is inserted, it'll play the noises they make. There are 112 double-sided themed cards that include ABC's, numbers, shapes, colors, fruits, flags, animals, vegetables, transportation, jobs, nature, and daily necessities. Ages 2+

You'll score major parent points as soon as this basketball hoop is all set up. Designed with an oversized rim and a base that can be weighted for extra stability, it can be used both indoors and outdoors. It also adjusts to six heights from 2.5 to 4 feet to accommodate your growing kiddos and comes with 3 junior sized basketballs. Along with building an interest in sports, it'll help them develop social, coordination, and motor skills. Ages 1.5+

Introduce them to concepts like climate and weather with this super cool (or hot) toy. It has 2-sided play so they can switch from day to night. With a touch, they can light up the sun and moon, move clouds to make a glitter rainstorm or move the thermometer up and down. They can also press piano keys or move animals and gears. It'll even teach them about colors, shapes, and manners through 100+ phrases, sounds, and activities. Bonus: the window easily converts into an activity table. Ages 1+

With a wide variety of instruments to play with, they'll be moving and grooving all day long! The set comes with a xylophone, tambourine, hand bell, finger clapper, two maracas, two shaker eggs, two wrist bells, and rainbow blocks. Not only will they learn rhythm, but they'll improve hand-eye coordination, too. Ages 3 months+

Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.

20 Cute Women's Flip-Flops with Arch Support

50 Last-Minute Father's Day Gifts That Ship Fast

Alex's Cute Belt Bag Is Finally Back in Stock

12 Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin

The Best Products from Ree's Collection Under $15

Shop Udderly Adorable Cow Décor for Your Home

Shop Ree's Favorite Blouse from Her Summer Line

Celebrate a New Dad with These Cute Gifts

15 Best White Jeans That'll Go with Everything

The Best Gifts for Grandpa to Make His Day

These Halloween Inflatables Will Delight Everyone

Ree's New 'Mommy and Me' Clothing Line Is Here