You want the best for your toddler. Their little minds are growing and developing at an incredible rate, and you know that play is how they learn best at this age. Educational toys are key for development, but with so many options out there, how do you choose? Never fear, we’ve got you covered. We waded through hundreds of toys to find the best of the best educational toys for toddlers.
These toys will engage your toddler’s mind through fun activities, developing skills like problem-solving, motor skills, language, logic, and more. Your toddler won’t even realize they’re learning as they play for hours with these awesome toys. But you’ll feel good knowing each toy was specially chosen to maximize your toddler’s development in a fun and natural way. Read on for the 10 best educational toys for toddlers that you and your toddler will both love.
List Of The Best Educational Toys For Toddlers
- Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube – Classic Wooden Toy With 12 Shapes
- Educational Insights Shapes Beanbags
- Learning Resources Alphabet Acorns Activity Set
- Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog
- Upgrade Macaron Castle Magnetic Blocks Building Set
- Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars, Binoculars
- Kidoozie Ball Drop
- Battat – Shape Sorter House – Color and Shape Sorting Toy
- LeapFrog Dino’s Delightful Day Alphabet Book
- LeapFrog My First Learning Tablet
Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube - Classic Wooden Toy With 12 Shapes
For under $20, this shape sorter provides lots of developmental benefits and will keep a toddler occupied for hours discovering how the pieces fit into the cube. Between the bright colors and different shapes, this classic toy stimulates the senses and sparks the imagination. Your toddler will develop problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination all while having fun. This shape sorter is a toy that will grow with your toddler for years to come.
Specifications
- High-quality wood
- Varies depending on the specific product version (typically around 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches)
- Weight: Varies depending on the specific product version (typically around 1 pound)
- Typically suitable for children aged 2 years and above, but parental discretion is advised based on the child’s development and skill level
- Comes with 12 different shapes, including circles, squares, triangles, and more
- Sorting Openings: Features corresponding openings on each side of the cube for shape sorting
- Sturdy and durable design to withstand playtime and handling
- Made with child-safe materials, including non-toxic paints and finishes
- Usually comes in a colorful and engaging packaging, suitable for gifting
- Produced by Melissa & Doug, a renowned brand in the toy industry known for quality and educational toys
PROS
- Classic wooden design for timeless appeal
- Promotes shape recognition and problem-solving skills
- Durable construction for long-lasting play
- Safe and non-toxic materials
- Compact and portable for on-the-go entertainment
- Versatile play options for extended engagement
CONS
- Limited variability compared to some electronic or interactive toys.
- No included lid or storage compartment for the shapes, requiring separate storage solutions.
Educational Insights Shapes Beanbags, Learn Shapes
The Educational Insights Shapes Beanbags, Learn Shapes is a set of colorful bean bags designed to help children learn about shapes through interactive play. Each beanbag represents a different shape, providing a hands-on learning experience.
With this set, children can explore and manipulate various geometric shapes in a fun and engaging way. The vibrant colors and different textures of the beanbags stimulate sensory perception, making learning exciting and memorable. By tossing, catching, and balancing the beanbags, children also develop gross motor skills and coordination.
Specifications
- Set Size: The number of beanbags may vary, typically ranging from 4 to 10 beanbags in a set.
- Shape Variety: The beanbags represent different shapes such as squares, circles, triangles, rectangles, and more.
- Material: The beanbags are usually made of durable fabric or vinyl materials with reinforced stitching.
- Dimensions: Each beanbag’s size varies but is designed for easy handling by young children.
- Recommended Age: Suitable for children typically aged 3 years and above, but adult supervision is advised for safety.
PROS
- Hands-on learning experience
- Promotes shape recognition
- Stimulates sensory perception with vibrant colors and different textures
- Develops gross motor skills and coordination
- Fosters independent exploration and problem-solving skills
- Durable construction for long-lasting use
- Safe for children to handle
CONS
- Limited focus on shapes, may not cover other aspects of geometry
- Choking hazard for younger children, requires adult supervision
Learning Resources Alphabet Acorns Activity Set
The Learning Resources Alphabet Acorns Activity Set is an engaging educational toy designed to help toddlers develop letter recognition skills. This set includes colorful acorn-shaped containers, each featuring an uppercase letter on the top and a lowercase letter on the bottom.
Inside each acorn, there are small objects corresponding to the letter, allowing children to match and sort the acorns to their corresponding letter sounds. This hands-on activity set provides a fun and interactive way for toddlers to explore the alphabet and enhance their early literacy skills.
Specifications
- Set includes 26 acorns, each representing a different letter of the alphabet
- Acorns are made of durable plastic material
- Acorns measure approximately 2 inches in height
- Recommended for toddlers aged 2 years and above
PROS
- Engaging hands-on learning experience
- Promotes letter recognition and letter-sound association
- Colorful and appealing design
- Encourages fine motor skills development
- Supports early literacy skills in a fun and interactive way
CONS
- Small parts may pose a choking hazard for younger children, adult supervision is advised
- Limited scope in terms of educational content beyond letter recognition and matching
With the right guidance, the Alphabet Acorns Activity Set can be an engaging way for toddlers to learn their ABCs. By associating each letter with a familiar object, this toy helps build the foundation for reading readiness and a lifelong love of learning.
Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog - 14 Pieces
The Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog is a fun and interactive toy designed to develop fine motor skills in young children. This hedgehog-shaped toy features colorful quills that children can easily grip and remove, as well as a designated storage space on its back. The set includes 12 multicolored quills that children can insert into the hedgehog’s back, practicing hand-eye coordination and fine motor control. Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog provides a playful way for children to enhance their dexterity and strengthen their hand muscles while engaging in imaginative play.
Specifications
- Includes one hedgehog-shaped base and 12 multicolored quills
- Quills come in various colors and measure approximately 2 inches in length
- Hedgehog base measures approximately 6 inches in diameter
- Suitable for children aged 18 months and above
PROS
- Develops fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
- Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving
- Provides sensory stimulation through tactile play
- Promotes color recognition and sorting skills
- Supports imaginative and open-ended play
CONS
- May pose a choking hazard for younger children, adult supervision is required
- Limited educational scope beyond fine motor skill development
For an educational toy, the Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog offers a lot of benefits at an affordable price. It’s a toy that will grow with your toddler, keeping them learning and developing new skills for years to come.
Upgrade Macaron Castle Magnetic Blocks Building Set
The Upgrade Macaron Castle Magnetic Blocks Building Set is a delightful toy designed specifically for toddlers. This set features a variety of magnetic blocks and accessories that allow children to construct their own imaginative creations. The blocks are made of high-quality and durable materials, ensuring long-lasting play.
With vibrant colors and an engaging design, the Macaron Castle Magnetic Blocks Building Set captures the attention of young children and stimulates their creativity and imagination. As they experiment with the magnetic blocks, toddlers enhance their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, improving their dexterity and precision.
Specifications
- Macaron Castle Magnetic Blocks Building Set
- Designed for toddlers
- Set includes various magnetic blocks and accessories
- Blocks are made of high-quality and durable materials
- Colorful and engaging design
- Recommended for children aged 2 years and above
PROS
- Promotes creativity and imagination
- Enhances fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
- Provides hands-on learning through magnetic construction
- Encourages problem-solving and spatial awareness
- Durable construction for long-lasting play
- Easy to clean and maintain
CONS
- Small parts may pose a choking hazard for younger children, adult supervision is advised
- Limited educational scope beyond basic building and creativity
This educational toy provides hours of fun and learning for toddlers. As they get older, toddlers can continue using the set to build more complex structures. The magnets are securely enclosed in the pieces, so no loose parts. Overall, this is an engaging toy that helps toddlers develop essential skills while stimulating their imagination.
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars, Binoculars for Toddlers
The Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars are binoculars specifically designed for toddlers. These colorful binoculars provide a kid-friendly introduction to exploring the world around them. With their chunky design and easy-to-use focus-free feature, young children can easily observe and discover the wonders of nature, animals, and their surroundings. The Kidnoculars are durable and lightweight, making them perfect for little hands and outdoor adventures.
Specfications
- Kid-friendly binoculars designed for toddlers
- Focus-free feature for easy use
- Lightweight and durable construction
- Colorful and appealing design
- Suitable for children aged 3 years and above
PROS
- Promotes observation and exploration skills
- Enhances curiosity about nature and the environment
- Develops fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
- Encourages outdoor play and engagement with the surroundings
- Kid-friendly design for easy use and handling
CONS
- Limited magnification power compared to professional binoculars
- May not be suitable for older children or those seeking more advanced features
The GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars offer an engaging way for toddlers to explore the world up close. With help from parents, these binoculars can nurture a lifelong love of discovery and the natural world. For budding young explorers, these kid-friendly binoculars are a perfect first pair of eyes on the wild.
Kidoozie Ball Drop
The Kidoozie Ball Drop is an exciting toddler toy designed to stimulate curiosity and fine motor skills. The toy features a multi-level tower with colorful ramps and spinning wheels. Toddlers can drop the included balls into the top of the tower and watch as they spiral down through the various ramps and obstacles. This interactive play experience provides endless entertainment and encourages hand-eye coordination, cause-and-effect understanding, and sensory exploration.
Specifications
- Toddler toy with a multi-level tower and ramps
- Includes colorful balls for dropping and rolling
- Made of durable and child-safe materials
- Suitable for children aged 1 year and above
PROS
- Promotes fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
- Encourages cause-and-effect understanding
- Provides sensory stimulation through visual and auditory feedback
- Enhances problem-solving skills and cognitive development
- Durable construction for long-lasting play
CONS
- Balls may occasionally get stuck in the ramps, requiring adult assistance
- Limited variety of play options beyond ball dropping and rolling
This toy provides an enjoyable learning experience for toddlers through physical and mental challenges. By experimenting with the ball drop, toddlers gain an understanding of cause and effect in a fun, hands-on way. The Kidoozie Ball Drop makes a great gift for any toddler.
Battat – Shape Sorter House – Color and Shape Sorting Toy
The Battat Shape Sorter House is a colorful and engaging toy designed to help children learn about shapes and colors. The toy features a house-shaped sorting box with various openings and corresponding shape blocks. Children can match the blocks to the correct openings, enhancing their shape recognition and fine motor skills. The Shape Sorter House provides a hands-on learning experience that promotes problem-solving, critical thinking, and cognitive development.
This shape sorter house from Battat is a perfect combination of education and entertainment for toddlers. Your little one will have a blast putting the different shaped blocks through the matching holes in the roof and walls of the house.
Specifications
- Colorful shape sorting toy with a house-shaped sorting box
- Includes shape blocks in different colors and shapes
- Made of durable and child-safe materials
- Suitable for children aged 2 years and above
PROS
- Promotes shape and color recognition
- Enhances fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
- Encourages problem-solving and critical thinking
- Provides a hands-on learning experience
- Durable construction for long-lasting play
CONS
- Limited variety of shapes and colors compared to some other shape sorting toys
- Some children may quickly master the sorting activity, potentially leading to reduced long-term engagement
LeapFrog Dino's Delightful Day Alphabet Book
The LeapFrog Dino’s Delightful Day Alphabet Book is an interactive educational toy that introduces toddlers to letters, phonics, and early vocabulary. The book features colorful pages with engaging illustrations and a friendly dinosaur character named Dino.
Toddlers can explore the alphabet, letter sounds, and words by pressing buttons, turning pages, and interacting with the book. With lively music and sound effects, this interactive book provides a fun and engaging way for children to develop early literacy skills.
Specifications
- Interactive alphabet book with colorful pages
- Includes buttons for sound effects, music, and interactions
- Features a friendly dinosaur character named Dino
- Suitable for toddlers aged 2 years and above
- Requires batteries (specific battery type may vary)
PROS
- Introduces letters, phonics, and vocabulary in an interactive way
- Enhances early literacy skills and letter recognition
- Engaging illustrations and sound effects capture children's attention
- Promotes fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through button pressing and page turning
- Encourages curiosity, imagination, and early love for reading
CONS
- Batteries are required and may need to be replaced periodically
- Limited educational scope beyond basic letter recognition and vocabulary development
With colorful illustrations and music on every page, this book makes learning the alphabet an exciting adventure. Your toddler will love meeting each new prehistoric pal while developing an early understanding of letters.
LeapFrog My First Learning Tablet
The LeapFrog My First Learning Tablet, Scout, is a fun and interactive toy designed to introduce toddlers to early learning concepts. This tablet-shaped toy features a colorful screen and buttons that respond to touch, providing a hands-on learning experience.
With Scout as their guide, toddlers can explore letters, numbers, shapes, and more through engaging activities and games. The My First Learning Tablet encourages curiosity, imagination, and early problem-solving skills in a child-friendly and interactive way.
Specifications
- Tablet-shaped learning toy for toddlers
- Colorful screen and touch-responsive buttons
- Features interactive activities, games, and songs
- Suitable for children aged 1-3 years
- Requires batteries (specific battery type may vary)
PROS
- Introduces early learning concepts in a fun and interactive manner
- Enhances letter and number recognition, shapes, and basic vocabulary
- Interactive activities and games promote curiosity and problem-solving skills
- Engaging songs and sounds capture children's attention and stimulate auditory senses
- Durable construction suitable for young children
CONS
- Batteries are required and may need to be replaced periodically
- Limited screen interactivity compared to actual tablets or devices
This kid-friendly tablet provides interactive learning games and activities for toddlers ages 18 months to 4 years. With big, bright buttons and a durable, drop-safe design, the LeapFrog My First Learning Tablet is easy for little hands to navigate and hard to break.
What To Keep In Mind While Getting The Best Educational Toys For Toddlers
Safety First
When choosing toys for toddlers, safety should be your top priority. Look for toys specifically designed for toddlers that don’t have any small parts that could cause choking. Soft blocks, nesting toys, shape sorters and push or pull toys are all great options for little hands.
Learning Through Play
Toddlers learn best through interactive play. Look for toys that help develop motor and cognitive skills. Toys that encourage stacking, sorting, building and counting are ideal. Simple puzzles with large pieces, shape sorters and nesting toys are great for developing problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination.
Keep Them Engaged
Look for toys that stimulate their senses and capture their attention. Toys with different textures, sounds and bright colors are always a hit. Activity tables with lots of knobs, doors and latches will keep toddlers engaged for hours. Toys that play music or have flashing lights are also very engaging for toddlers.
Open-Ended Play
The best toys for toddlers are open-ended, meaning they can be played with in many different ways. Blocks, nesting toys, shape sorters and push or pull toys allow toddlers to use their imagination. These types of toys will grow with your toddler and provide hours of entertainment.
Educational Value
While play is the priority, toys that help develop skills are important. Look for toys that help reinforce numbers, colors, shapes and the alphabet. Simple puzzles, stacking toys, nesting toys and shape sorters are all great for developing cognitive skills in a fun way.
Conclusion
So there you have it, some of the best educational toys for toddlers that will stimulate their minds and keep them engaged. With options for different ages, skill levels, and interests, you’re sure to find something perfect for your little one. The most important thing is to have fun while learning. Keep playing, keep exploring, and keep discovering. The toddler years go by fast, so make the most of this time to nurture their natural curiosity about the world. With the right toys and your encouragement, the opportunities for growth and development are endless. Now get out there and let your toddler’s imagination run wild!
