The best gifts for 2-year-old boys help the little guy in your life learn and develop physical and social skills. But along the way, the toys will bring a smile and laughter to his lips. With everything from cars to drums to the perfect napping sack, you will find unique suggestions to give the gift of awesome!
| Top 6 Gifts for 2-Year-Old Boys | Why It's Best | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| TOP BRIGHT Tools Toy Set | Wood Construction, Fun Tools, Built-In Storage | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| LEGO DUPLO My First Cars and Trucks | Building Toy, First Car, Expandable Set | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| TOP BRIGHT Magnetic Wooden Fishing Game | Includes 2 Fishing Rods and 26 Wooden Ocean Animals | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| Prextex Cartoon R/C Police Car and Race Car | Featuring Honking and Siren Sounds | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| The Learning Journey Remote Control ABC Dancing Dino | Playful Dino that Interacts with Remote Control | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| Radio Flyer Red Rider Trike | A Classic Trike Toy with Storage Bin | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
33 Best Gift Ideas for a 2-Year-Old Boy
TOP BRIGHT Tools Toy Set
Summary
The TOP BRIGHT Tools Toy Set is so cool! It’s full of wrenches and screws and other tools for a lot of fun playtime. The truck not only stores all the materials, but it also comes apart to become a workbench. Toddlers can twist screws, pound plastic pegs into the workbench and there are also gears to rotate on it. The truck can also be pulled behind with the string attached to it.
A top toy for toddler boys with many options for play. Even better, this toy does not make any noise to drive parents nuts. A great toy for little boys to use in the garage as they watch daddy building new shelves or working with his own. With so many bright toys, this one is lighter in color and a nice visual break from all the loud colors.
Up Side
- Wood parts and tough plastic
- Includes one truck with storage, three wood sticks, 3 tools, 1 person, and cogs and screws
- Can screw wood pieces together in multiple patterns
- Versatile learning toy – 3 activities
- Built-in storage
- No noise or batteries
- Learning toy for hand-eye coordination
- The truck can be pushed and pulled
Down Side
- May need some adult help and supervision
Why You Should Buy
Young lads will love building and creating new stuff or pulling the car long. This toy has many ways to play all without noise or batteries.
Lego Duplo My First Cars and Trucks
Summary
Get your toddler started on LEGOs with this LEGO DUPLO My First Cars and Trucks. Little boys love playing with cars and what is better than a custom car they can make themselves! You and your toddler can assemble and disassemble over and over again to make one-of-a-kind creations. Like other Lego toys expand your Duplo collection later on to include other sets, which can all combined together.
Lego created Duplo building blocks for tiny hands and big learning. Even better, this best toy for 2-year-olds can be put together in hundreds of ways to ignite your little guy’s imagination. Pack them up in a little bag and take them along for easy play while siblings are in a dance class or karate. The perfect gift.
Up Side
- Comes with three wheelbases, crane, and vehicle-themed decorations
- Encourages building and role play
- Easy for little hands to assemble
- Great group toy
- Can be combined with other sets
- Fantastic price
- Comes with instructions and building cards
Down Side
- Might be too complicated for some children but will still help them learn
Why You Should Buy
Building toys have been a favorite for children for generations and this toy is made to suit the unique needs of younger children with fun designs for little boys. Great for learning to play and work with friends too.
Top Bright Magnetic Wooden Fishing Game
Summary
The TOP BRIGHT Magnetic Wooden Fishing Game is magnetic and wooden which is great because it’s sturdy and bound to last (unlike the plastic one we had). This toy set comes with 26 ocean animals and 2 fishing rods that actually retract with the turning of a handle like the real ones.
When the child gets older, this set can be used to play a math game, adding up the numbers on all the fish he caught to see if he has the higher score. Parents will love that it comes in a nice round box that can be used to store the game.
Up Side
- Cognitive Development and numbers
- Wooden pieces
- Teaches sea life
- Teaches hand-eye coordination
- Bright and colorful
- No noise
- Great travel toy
- Magnets on the rods to help catch the fish
- Great game for two or more or you can play alone
- Shorter strings for young kids who are learning this new skill
Down Side
- Rods do not fit in the storage container
Why You Should Buy
Let kids learn about sea life and numbers with this fun fishing game that challenges children and increases learning. A fabulous quiet toy that can be played in groups or alone, this is definitely a top toy for 2-year-olds.
Prextex Cartoon R/C Police Car and Race Car
Summary
Your little guy’s first remote control car! The Prextex Cartoon R/C Police Car and Race Car includes 2 interchangeable characters that can go in the car for a ride. The controller is easy to use, with just 2 buttons – one to go forward and one to go backward and turn. Nothing too confusing, just a lot of fun for a toddler!
The car also makes honking sounds and the headlights flash for an added effect. This is a must-have gift for 2-year-old boys! Fun for multiple kids and great for learning to take turns.
Up Side
- Bright colors and a cute design
- Comes with two removable people
- Easy to use the remote control
- Honking sounds and siren sounds
- Flashing lights
Down Side
- Requires 3 AA batteries for the car AND 2 AA batteries for the remote
- The car will not drive on carpet
Why You Should Buy
Let your boy enjoy the world of racing with his own remote-controlled race car ready to drive all around the living room. Buy a big pack of batteries to go with it as each vehicle and controller set requires five batteries.
The Learning Journey Remote Control ABC Dancing Dino
Summary
Dinosaur? Great. A dinosaur that has a remote? Better. A dinosaur that has a remote and dances? Yes, please! Meet The Learning Journey Remote Control ABC Dancing Dino, a Tillywig Toy Awards Brain Child Winner.
The remote control dino dances, walks, talks, and sings to the delight of your child and all of his buddies. He comes with multiple modes from the remote to give your child power over dinosaurs. A great learning toy your son can engage with and help him move. Many toys do not encourage a lot of movement but a dancing dino will!
Up Side
- The dinosaur walks forward, backward, dances, and sings at the response of the remote, which is large and easy for your child to use. No worry about a choking hazard where the remote is concerned and the buttons are big and colorful.
- Cute and, from most parent reviews, children really enjoyed it.
Down Side
- Requires 3 AA batteries for the body and two more for the remote
- A bit pricey
Why You Should Buy
Give this dancing gift with a giant pack of batteries. Kids will love this toy (a throwback to Barney?) for the amusement of a prehistoric singing dinosaur.
Radio Flyer Red Rider Trike
Summary
Radio Flyer Red Rider Trike is a name that not only we as parents recognize, but our parents, our grandparents and our great-grandparents recognize, too. This is a company that has been around since 1914 and is known for quality products that last generations and come with a limited warranty through the company. Parts are durable, customer service is reliable, and the FAQs section of the website is easy to maneuver in case of problems.
Despite the fact that parts of this tricycle are made of sturdy plastic instead of all-metal, customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive that this is extremely durable. The seat is adjustable, so even if your toddler’s legs are just a little too short at the beginning to pedal, he can grow into it and keep riding for several years. Plus, a bonus for parents is that all you need to assemble this beauty is a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a bit of patience!
Up Side
- Two designs – red or pink
- Comfortable, sturdy, and fun
- Storage bin included
- For up to 49 lbs
- Classic toys
- Handlebar grips for comfort
- Adult handgrip on the back of the seat
Down Side
- At the price of dinner and a movie, it might seem a tad too hefty for those on a tighter budget.
- Since two-year-olds come in all shapes and sizes, your little guy may not quite be big enough to reach the pedals yet.
Why You Should Buy
Let’s face it, this tricycle is classic and absolutely beautiful! The handlebars are chrome and there’s a cute little secret compartment on the back that your toddler can hide secret treasures (or maybe a snack or sippy cup on a hot day) while tooling around the neighborhood, which is definitely a perk.
VTech Touch and Learn Activity Desk Deluxe
Summary
VTech’s Touch and Learn Activity Desk Deluxe is great for the playroom! It comes with 5 activity sheets, each one with a different theme – Numbers and Counting, Fruits and Colors, Alphabet and Letter Sounds, Human Body, and Music Jammer. Additional expansion packs can be purchased separately for even more educational fun!
The desk flips up to reveal a chalkboard and paper can be clipped to it to make it an art easel. And it has an attached toy phone that they can “call” people with. The desk itself is sturdy and comes with a chair. Encouraging art young helps kids to find their inner talent and not be afraid to display their beginning styles. Ond of the best toys for 2-year-olds to boost self-esteem and exercise creativity.
Up Side
- Interactive desk with multiple sheets, a chalkboard, and tons of buttons and music
- Learning toy – fruits, music, letters, numbers, and body parts
- Has additional expansion packs available
- Transforms into an easel
- Has built-in storage and stool included
Down Side
- 4 AA batteries not included
- Cards can cause issues working
- Noisy toy – too sensitive to touch
Why You Should Buy
This playset is a great introduction to art and a number of other topics to help your little guy learn. Versatile toys are the best for teaching multiple skills and being more interesting for longer times.
Green Toys Car Carrier Set
Summary
Little boys love anything that goes “vroom!” And parents love anything that’s sturdy and easy to clean. The Green Toys Car Carrier Set is something that everyone will love!
This set is made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic, hence the name Green Toys. But don’t get it twisted, these are not made from scary or junky plastic. The plastic is thick, durable, and easy to clean. The best part of being all plastic is that you don’t have to worry about rust or rot when your little one is playing with this car set. It’s even dishwasher safe!
The Car Carrier Set includes the car carrier semi-truck and three cars. Each car is a different color and has a home on board the hauling trailer. The colors come from soy inks, too, so they’re completely non-toxic.
Up Side
- Made from recycled plastic milk jugs and comes in all recycled/recyclable packing to help the environment.
- Bright colors appeal to little eyes and the colors come from soy inks, so they’re safe.
- Includes a semi-truck and three mini cars that load onto the trailer.
- Dishwasher safe!
- Use indoors or outdoors
Down Side
- Cars might fall off while the semi is driving
- Truck and trailer don’t like to stay together
Why You Should Buy
For a reasonable price, you can get a safe toy that any little boy with love. The versatility of indoor or outdoor use is great any time of year.
VTech Smart Shots Sports Center
Summary
Is your little one fascinated with balls of all sorts? Or trying to keep up with older siblings? With this nifty VTech Smart Shots Sports Center, they can be the star too while practicing soccer or basketball skills. The LED scoreboard keeps track of basketball scores up to 10 and encourages the toddler with fun phrases. They can practice dunking the basketball or scoring soccer goals.
Boys love to play sports and this little interactive and can even play with their buddies. They will love the light-up scoreboard, the multiple buttons, and of course the soccer and basketball. The cute design is meant to stay standing even when hit with a power kick!
Up Side
- Your little guy can still be active on a rainy day or when winter hits, either shooting hoops or scoring soccer goals.
- There are several educational games to play, whether you’re learning shapes, numbers, or phrases (there are over 50 built into the toy).
- The flashing lights and sounds will keep your toddler entertained and engaged and it only takes three AAA batteries. (And yes, parents, it has an OFF button!)
- This best gift for 2-year-old boys is affordable, especially considering all the playing options.
Down Side
- A common complaint was that the basketball hoop wasn’t as high as most parents hoped. (However, several parents solved this problem by putting it on a higher surface, stabilizing the base.)
- Requires 3 AA batteries
- This toy can’t be folded up to be stored while not in use.
Why You Should Buy
Bring the world of sports to your home. Turn on ESPN and let your son try to mimic athletes with their favorite new toy.
The Wonderful Things You Will Be Hardcover
Summary
The book The Wonderful Things You Will Be Hardcover will delight parents and children alike. Often, children’s books are absolutely annoying to read but this book has rave reviews for its theme and whimsical drawings. The book shows young children how much parents love their kids, although the topic might be lost on little ears parents will definitely enjoy this short story. Toddlers will love the sweet pictures and the natural cadence that comes with the words.
Up Side
- Beautiful drawings
- Rhythmic cadence
- Often humorous and fun pictures
- Great for adults and children
- 36 pages – the right length for a bedtime story
Down Side
- Not interactive
Why You Should Buy
Rhyming books are fantastic for toddlers to start to learn the cadence of words and songs. A sweet story for parents instead of some of the obnoxious books that only appeal to children.
Aqua Magic Doodle Drawing Mat
Summary
I love the ingenuity that abounds in kids’ toys. Things like this Aqua Magic Doodle Drawing Mat did not exist 10 years ago but what a great idea! They can draw all they want without making a mess. The pens have water in them and the “art” disappears as the water dries. The mat itself is waterproof and can be rolled up. It’s also 40″ x 32″, big enough for multiple kids to draw on or to draw with a parent.
Up Side
- Safe and mess-free
- No chemicals or ink – only requires water
- Doodles in rainbow colors
- Strong colorful mat with different colors pictures
- Cultivates creativity
- Includes magic pens and more can be purchased separately
- Multiple accessories for added fun.
Down Side
- The built-in color can “stain” after time
- Takes a while to dry
Why You Should Buy
Two-year-olds are messy and not quite cleaning up after themselves yet. With this amazing mat, they can color but with no mess for mama.
Anyshock Car Play House
Summary
Kids love forts of all kinds and this one Anyshock Car Play House already comes in the shape of a car. It can be used indoors or outdoors as the fabric is waterproof. You can put it in their playroom and fill it with balls for a DIY ball pit. You can put some blankets in there for playing or sleeping in. The side can be opened or closed and either way, it’s well ventilated at the top.
Tents are great for imaginative play and to encourage children to enjoy their own space as they tend to love being in mom’s space. They can take naps in the tent for a fun adventure or take outside. Multiple kids can play and pretend they are in a car driving around town.
Up Side
- Collapsible for easy storage
- Primary colors and fun car design
- For use indoors or outdoor
- Fiber rods for stability
- Mesh windows
- Great for imaginative play
- Can be used as a ball pit
Down Side
- The tent can get small holes quickly
- Seams may come apart
Why You Should Buy
Your boy will love this private little tent for his own play or turn into a ball pit for added fun. Do not leave up as this material can rip easily, duct tape maybe your best friend.
Also, see a list of the best playhouses here.
VTech KidiBeats Kids Drum Set
Summary
Parents might get tired of hearing the VTech KidiBeats Kids Drum Set, but most kids love to bang on drums for hours. A great toy for encouraging music skills. It also has modes to teach them letters and numbers as well as to follow along with a song.
He can try the drums, cymbals, a ton of melodies, dance songs, and even letters or numbers. A great toy to help children decide the right instrument for them and their unique sound along with sensory development and cause and effect.
Up Side
- LED lights and bright colors
- Teaches letters and numbers
- Comes with two drumsticks
- Has three drum pads and cymbals
- Music included – rock, dance, and pop and more
- Automatic shut-off to preserve battery life
- Volume control for quieter play
- Four modes of play, numbers, alphabet, free play, or follow along play
- Low to the ground for easy play and small for easy storage
Down Side
- Requires 3 AA batteries
- Noisy
Why You Should Buy
The louder and more annoying the toy the more likely children are to love it because parents will hate it. Buy this best toy and then keep it in a room far away from the kitchen and your office because toddler boys will love beating on the drums.
Check out more toddler piano toys to help teach your kiddo music.
LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book
Summary
Look no further — the LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book is one of the best word toys for your 2-year-old boy. With a simple touch, your child can hear the name, sound, and fact of 100 different things! There are also plenty of songs and the option to learn in Spanish.
Up Side
- Interactive touch-screen
- Variety of 100 words to learn about
- English or Spanish mode
- Adjustable volume
- 12 learning categories
- Brightly-colored pages
Down Side
- Requires 2 AA batteries (included)
- Some say this toy doesn’t entertain their child
Why You Should Buy
This is a fun toy to introduce your child to words without sitting them in front of a screen. They will love being able to touch all the pictures on every page!
Push and Go Toy Trucks Construction Vehicles
Summary
This Push and Go Toy Trucks Construction Vehicles cute little toy set of construction vehicles are friction powered so just with a little push in either direction, they will use the momentum to wheel themselves forward. Perfect size for toddler’s hands, bright colors to keep them engaged and sturdily built to last. This playset of 4 includes a dump truck, cement mixer, bulldozer, and tractor.
Up Side
- Includes 1 push and go tractor, a bulldozer, 1 mixer truck, and 1 dump truck.
- No batteries or noise
- No supervision required
- Bright colors
- Promotes hand-eye coordination, sensory perception
- Cooperative play
- Strong will not break
Down Side
- The trucks are a bit smaller than expected
Why You Should Buy
Boys love wheels and commanding their movements. With trucks, your son can play with four friends. He will love laying on the floor and watching the trucks move.
LeapFrog My First Learning Tablet
Summary
LeapFrog My First Learning Tablet will broaden your son’s language with cute and fun interactive tablet that will make them feel like they have their own iPad. The toy includes twenty-five “apps” to teach a variety of subjects for little learners. Your little man will love this toy because of all the buttons, bright colors, and fun characters. The home button helps them to navigate back out of an app easily.
He will love the phone on the dock to talk to the puppies. With the explore mode they can hear fun phrases, sports, weather, and health just like a grown-up tablet. Can also be played in music mode for songs and melodies. He can even create his own songs. A great versatile toy.
Up Side
- 25 learning “apps”
- 20+ songs and melodies
- 3 different modes to play in
- Small for little hands
- Fun design and pictures
- Encourages pretend play
- Interactive lights
- Buttons are flat for easy cleaning
Down Side
- No headphone jack
- No screen to hold attention or display the apps
- Requires 3 AAA batteries
Why You Should Buy
A great interactive toy for the playpen or to keep kids sitting and playing while parents mop the floor. The kids may not have a screen but can enjoy the noisy toy.
100-Piece Orbrium Toys Triple-Loop Wooden Train Set
Summary
Little boys love trains and the 100-Piece Orbrium Toys Triple-Loop Wooden Train Set is the perfect starter kit for your little one. It’s very reasonably priced for a 100 piece toy set, which is full of not only tracks but also buildings, street signs, trees, and trains. It’s really everything you need to set yourself up for a while and have lots of fun with.
Your boy’s imagination will go wild creating an entire town with train stops at each station. He will spend hours rearranging the tracks and wheeling the train around the track. He can learn tons of skills about logic, spatial reasoning, hand-eye coordination, and more by figuring out where to place and how to build a track. This is a winning gift for 2-year-old boys who love trains, but make sure you buy a storage bin.
Up Side
- Compatible with Thomas the Train and Brio
- 100 pieces including tracks, trees, cars buses, trains, signs, people, buildings, bridges, and more
- Encourages a generation of future engineers
- Solid beech wood and safe paint
- Expandable with more sets
Down Side
- Not enough parts to make the set on the box picture
- Not enough tracks compared to the other pieces included
Why You Should Buy
Train your boy to build and become an engineer with this track that will provide hours of fun. Kids never tire of creating tracks and running the train around the tracks.
3 Bees & Me Bath Toys for Boys and Girls – Magnet Boat Set
Summary
With the 3 Bees & Me Bath Toys Magnet Boat Set your son can have a blast sailing the seven seas from their bathtub. Each little tugboat comes with a number and picture of sea life and the boats are in bright primary colors. Your boy can sail the world and will enjoy bath time a little while longer with little toys to encourage play.
Great for siblings to play with in the tub, they can race the boats around the water! Also, these boats can go to the pool or the lake for added fun. In the sand, they can build a moat or a lake for their little boats. The options are endless!
Up Side
- BPA, Phthalate, and Lead-free
- Bath fun
- Numbers and bright colors
- The boats have eyes for cuteness
- Made for little hands
- 4 pack
Down Side
- Can store mold
- May leak but not easy to drain
Why You Should Buy
Make baths fun with these adorable boats. Be sure to hang upside down to dry out water caught inside and prevent mold.
VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Spinning Spiral Tower Playset
Summary
A lot of car toys are made for two-year-old boys like the VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Spinning Spiral Tower Playset because little guys are fascinated by spinning wheels and moving cars. This brightly colored toy allows them to watch cars spin around a ramp and fly across the room. Delight their senses with this toy as they find other things to push down the ramp like marbles, building blocks, and unsuspecting hamsters (please keep the cage away from their toys).
Up Side
- Comes with 2 course and 4 levels for tiny cars
- Interactive role-play
- Teaches some letters and animals
- Kids will love watching cars roll down the ramps
Down Side
- Requires 2 AAA batteries (included)
- The track can come apart easily
Why You Should Buy
A fun toy for little boys who love cars or just enjoy watching toys roll, which is common at the age of two. Not the best learning toy, but fun toys are great gifts too.
yisibo Kid Toddler Dinosaur Backpack
Summary
Your big boy can carry all of his favorite toys in this yisibo Kid Toddler Dinosaur Backpack. It comes in multiple designs to mimic 3D animals and delight your kids. The little bag is the right size for little kiddos with a roomy main compartment for storing toys and books. Can be used as a diaper bag and they can take it to daycare or preschool.
Up Side
- Made of Neoprene for easy cleaning and to resist water
- Easy to grip and hold
- Fun design and adjustable straps
- Functional – great for school, daycare, sleepovers, or overnight trips
Down Side
- Very small not meant for a lot of items
- Difficult zipper
Why You Should Buy
Let your son carry his toys in style with this 3D dino-inspired backpack small enough for little bodies. The size is great to not overfill to be too heavy for toddlers.
Skoolzy Peg Board Set
Summary
The Skoolzy Peg Board Set is a fabulous learning toy for young kids but do not let them play with this toy unsupervised. Two-year-olds still tend to put some items in their mouth and these pegs might look mighty tasty! The pegs come with a storage bag, a mat, and tons of colorful pegs to help your son develop hand-eye coordination, sorting, stacking, color recognition, and patterns. This is a great Montessori toy that kids will play with over and over again.
Up Side
- Helps with fine motor skills, color recognition, coordination, and more
- Kids can stack high and watch it tumble for cause and effect
- Helps strengthen visual perception
- Fun colored pegs and mat
- Includes a storage bag for easy storage
- Great price
- No batteries or noise
Down Side
- Pegboard is flimsy
- Some of the pegs might have sharp parts that were not cut off properly
Why You Should Buy
This may not be your son’s favorite toy but teaches important skills for two-year-olds to help with understanding to use their hand and new abilities.
Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night?
Summary
Books are the best way to bond with children and teach them to read. With the book Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? enjoy a cute story with your little man about how busy diggers wind down for bed. A great way to introduce sleep patterns and rhyming patterns.
Up Side
- Buy on the Kindle, or a board-book, or Hard-cover
- Vivid details and pictures with smiling bulldozers dozing
- Shows a mom, dad, and baby bulldozer and trucks for bonding
- 26 pages making it a perfect bedtime books
- A great starter reader when your boy grows a little older
- Asks questions to engage young minds
Down Side
- The story has run-on sentences
- Does not teach about the trucks or diggers
Why You Should Buy
Bedtime stories are an important part of the evening for children and parents to bond and this book helps to show the bond of parents and child in fun rhymes. Books are always top gifts for 2-year-olds!
If your son is into books, he might like something from our best books for 2-year-olds list.
Kid Trax Disney Quad Ride On Toy
Summary
Give them the gift of their first ride-on toy with this cool Kid Trax Disney Quad Ride On Toy. Push-button operation makes it really easy for them to figure it out and since it’s a beginner one, it doesn’t go over 2 mph and has a bunch of cool sounds and gadgets. This would definitely be a favorite gift of any toddler boy!
Let’s face it, even grown men look at this best toy for 2-year-old boys with nostalgia as this was the toy on their wish list too when they were little. Guys, even little guys, love the power of being behind a wheel and navigating the world with a set of wheels. Encourage a love of driving now. A great time to introduce kids to beginning lessons on directions, road signs, and road courtesies.
Up Side
- Power-operated car, he can really drive!
- Push-button operation for easy stop and go
- Easy to open doors
- Realistic colors
- Only goes 2 miles per hour for safety
- Works on hard surfaces or grass
- Includes 6-Volt battery and charger
- Great opportunity to start learning directions, driving rules, and road signs
Down Side
- Only big enough for one kid
- Must be charged for 18 hours before first use – requires planning before giving
- Have to remove the seat to charge the battery
Why You Should Buy
Young boys love carrying or driving cars around and making all the appropriate noises. With this toy, they can really drive the car and feel the wind in their fuzzy hair!
Check out all the best power wheels for 2-year-olds.
P is for Potty! (Sesame Street) (Lift-the-Flap)
Summary
At two, some little boys are ready to potty train and what better way than with Elmo with this board book P is for Potty! (Sesame Street) (Lift-the-Flap)? Potties can be scary for children who have always gone to the bathroom in their diaper. This book takes out the scary factor and shows how fun the potty can be and that it is a normal part of daily routine.
Elmo makes everything better with his fun voice (which you will have to mimic) and sunny disposition. Let him share the entire potty training process with your kids from diapers to pull-ups, and even flushing the potty like a big boy. A great bedtime book or gift to go along with a new potty. Your little man will enjoy lifting the flaps too.
Up Side
- Elmo and Sesame Street book
- Over 30 flaps to flip and find
- Teaches about potty training and daily self-care
- Thick board-book
Down Side
- Does not teach the alphabet as the cover suggests
- Written like Elmo talks which might be unappealing to adults
Why You Should Buy
Any book that encourages your kids to get out of diapers is a win-win! Time to let your “big boy” start understanding the concept of using the potty instead of going in their pants.
Disney Mickey’s Toddler Rolled Nap Mat, Flight Academy
Summary
Disney’s Mickey’s Toddler Rolled Nap Mat, Flight Academy is the perfect blanket and pillow combo for two-year-old boys. Most toddlers love Mickey and will love this aviation-themed soft blanket. While not super thick, this blanket can fit in your son’s backpack or he can carry himself. Great for daycare, preschool, overnight travel, or for when family or friends are over.
Up Side
- Easy to carry strap – great for travel or daycare
- 100% polyester microfiber
- Machine washable
- Disney’s Mickey Mouse theme
- Calmer colors to encourage sleep
- Safe – no zipper for an easy exit if they get nervous or need to go to the bathroom
Down Side
- No mat included for added padding but because it does not have padding it can fit in a backpack
- The blanket is thin but warm material so thick is not necessary
- Pillow is not detachable for washing
Why You Should Buy
Little guys will love the cute and soft blanket for naptime. You will still want a mat for cushioning but this item stores well and takes up little space. It’s the perfect gift for grandparents to give to their grandbabies to use at their house!
Boon Building Bath Pipes Toy Set
Summary
Upgrade your 2-year-old’s bath toy collection with the Boon Building Bath Pipes Toy Set. This set includes 5 pipes that can suction to the bath walls, so your child can design their own pattern of pipes for water to run through. Add in a set of tubes for a variety of design options.
Up Side
- Stimulates creativity
- Almost 5-star rating
- Multiple ways to design
- Water runs through pipes and tubes
- Pipes and tubes suction to the wall
Down Side
- May have trouble suctioning to the tub
- Must clean to avoid mildew
- Only a little bit of water trickles through
Why You Should Buy
Bath toys might be the most played with toys there are — after all, what else is there to do in a bath except play with the toys inside? Spark your 2-year-old’s creativity with these building bath pipes — the gift that keeps on giving.
2-in-1 Kick Scooter with Removable Seat
Summary
What we love about the LaScoota 2-in-1 Kick Scooter with Removable Seat is that it grows with children all the way until they are 12 years old. It comes with a removable seat to attaches to the handlebar at two different heights. The handlebar itself has 4 different height options, from 25 1/2″ to 34″, to accommodate kids of all heights. The deck is wide, non-slip, and has flashing wheels.
Another cool thing about this scooter is it uses Lean to Steer technology so it’s a more natural way of maneuvering the scooter. If your little one is into scooters at all, this would be a great gift that would last a long time. Despite the picture of the scooter in pink, this scooter comes in multiple colors including gender-specific or neutral colors.
Up Side
- Comes in blue, green, red, yellow, pink, and purple plus a few more
- 2-in-1 adjustable and removable seat for sitting or scooting
- Can be used as a balance bike
- Handlebar has 4 adjustable height options
- For a weight of up to 11o lbs
- Has three wheels for learners
- Extra-wide foot deck for stability
- Learn-to-Steer technology
- Durable and slip-resistant
- Soft handlebars
Down Side
- Does not turn well – may need to be oiled
Why You Should Buy
A scooter that can also be a balance bike to entertain your boy for years and a way to keep up with older siblings or friends.
If you would like to find more scooter ideas, take a look at our ultimate guide here.
VTech Spin and Learn Color Flashlight
Summary
Shed some light on your kid’s day with the VTech Spin and Learn Color Flashlight. Your boy will love the color-changing light that sings and makes animal noises. Boys love to press buttons and make lots of noise and this flashlight is ready to get down to business! Just be careful he does not flash the light into the dog, cat, or his sibling’s eyes as it is bright! While not the best teaching toy, the flashlight is a great musical and portable toy. Great for the car or travel.
Up Side
- Comes in three colors: yellow, pink, and green
- Great price
- Musical toy with over 50 songs, sounds, and animal noises
- Teaches counting
- Works as a flashlight
- Color changing
- Interactive toy with tons of buttons
Down Side
- Requires 2 AAA batteries
- Does not work as a flashlight without the noises
- Too bright
Why You Should Buy
This fun toy is great for low-light rainy days and even fun for blackouts. Will light up a tent and sing fun songs your son can sing along with. It’s one of the best-selling and top toys for 2-year-olds.
FUN LITTLE TOYS Kids Play Tent Set
Summary
This Kids Play Tent Set from FUN LITTLE TOYS features so many cute camping toys — your 2-year-old is going to be pumped! Included within the set are 18 camping accessories such as a cooking pan, plates, shovel, battery-powered gas stove, tent, and more!
Up Side
- 18 camping toys
- Gas stove and oil lamp are battery-powered
- Includes pop-up tent
- 4-in-1 whistle (with flashlight, compass, and thermometer)
- Great for “indoor camping”
Down Side
- Requires 4 AA batteries (not included)
- Recommended for age 3+ (adult supervision for younger children)
Why You Should Buy
Your 2-year-old is going to love setting up camp and gathering all the things he needs for a night “under the stars.”
Little Tikes Go Green! Indoor Jr. Play Slide
Summary
Bring the outside to the playroom on rainy days with this fun little slide. The Little Tikes Go Green! Indoor Jr. Play Slide is collapsible for easy storage or to take inside or back outside. Great for multiple kids to learn to take turns or even for your little boy to take turns with his stuffed animals or another ramp for his toy cars and trains.
Up Side
- Folds for easy storage
- Has grips on the rails for easy climbing
- Double-wall resin construction
- For weights up to 50 lbs
- Very little assembly required
- Great size for inside play
Down Side
- On the expensive side
- The colors are a little off the normal colors
- The strange shape too that may make sliding a little different than with a different slide
Why You Should Buy
Boys will love using this ramp to go up and down themselves but also so their teddy bears can slide, their cars can have a large ramp, and their trains too. A great active toy for inside play.
Fisher-Price Little People Caring for Animals Farm
Summary
Old McDonald had a farm, and your little boy wants one too! The Fisher-Price Little People Caring for Animals Farm is a must-have for any little guy.
This farm features an interactive farm building with a popping corn silo, animal stalls, a drop-through hayloft, hatching chicks, and enough songs and sounds to keep your boy happy (and drive you to the edge of sanity). The set comes with a cow, a chicken, a piggy, and a horse for your child to learn to take care of. And if he forgets, they’re just plastic, so it’s alright.
One of the best parts is that the whole thing folds up with the animals and Farmer Jed inside so that you can store it and put it away.
Up Side
- Childhood play staple
- Lots of sounds and music
- Animals and farmer included
- Fun activities like popping corn and tucking in cows
- Sized right for toddler’s hands
- Folds for storage
Down Side
- Sounds are loud
- Kids might get bored with the few activities after a little while
Why You Should Buy
We all had some kind of toy farm growing up. This farm playset is a much-loved childhood toy that’s well-made and will stand the test of time in your home.
Melissa and Doug Construction Chunky Puzzle
Summary
Little kids love puzzles! So why not embrace their love of learning and get some of the best puzzles out there? The Melissa and Doug Construction Chunky Puzzle is not only durable, but it’s adorable too.
The construction and vehicle theme is sure to please your little guy. The puzzle pieces are large and easy for still-growing hands to grab onto. The puzzle pieces slide into little cutouts to click into place. The spots for the puzzle pieces have full-color illustrations underneath, so your younger child can easily find where the pieces go. With only six pieces, you don’t have to worry about chasing down a bunch of tiny pieces.
Upside
- The wood is thick and durable and non-toxic.
- Each puzzle and piece is painted, not printed for a lasting look.
- Chunky pieces are perfectly sized for toddler’s hands.
- The bright illustrations are easy to learn and see.
- Kids can play with the construction puzzle pieces apart from the board.
Downside
- A puzzle is probably not the most exciting toy on the planet
- Little guys may have trouble getting the puzzle piece into the exact right spot to get it to click.
Why You Should Buy
Melissa and Doug’s toys are made to last and these puzzles are no exception. While technology and flashy toys can be fun, sometimes you just can’t beat an old-fashioned educational toy.
You can find many more puzzle ideas here.
3D Dinosaur Night Light for Kids
Summary
Boys tend to gravitate towards prehistoric animals and with the 3D Dinosaur Night Light for Kids, they can have a dinosaur help them fall asleep in seven bright colors. Kids will show this 3D visual effect night light to all of their friends and family! Kids love fun lights but not all children can sleep with constellation lamps that end up distracting them from falling asleep. This lamp is simpler and less distracting while still being fun and colorful.
Up Side
- Available in three different dinosaur designs: T-Rex, Stegosaurus, and Triceratops
- Comes with a remote control to change lights to 16 different colors
- LED light for low cost
- Can be charged with a USB cord
- Touch mode
Down Side
- Requires 3 AA batteries if not connected to a power supply
- 3D effect (not physical 3D)
Why You Should Buy
Give the gift of light with this unique and adorable night light that will turn your boy into an explorer in his dreams. He can hunt dinosaurs and let his imagination soar!
Gifts for Similar Ages
- Best Toys and Gifts for 1-Year-Old Boys
- Best Toys and Gifts for 3-Year-Old Boys
- Best Toys and Gifts for 4-Year Old Boys
- Best Toys and Gifts for 5-Year-Old Boys
How Gifts and Toys Were Chosen
Two-year-old boys are absorbing the world around them. They have learned a lot since their first birthday but still have a long way to go. We pick the best toys for 2-year-olds based on the milestones your child is reaching for this year as well as the fun factor. Here are some of the milestones you can expect this year from your little boy.
Physical Milestones
Your chubby-legged little cherub is becoming long and lean as he builds muscle and during his second year, he will begin to climb, kick balls, climb over furniture and run farther. He might even run so far he wears you out! His fine motor skills will increase too as he learns to scribble, stack, paint, and put even small objects in the right spaces.
Walking will be much smoother as your little man masters the skill. He will be less clumsy and will not even need help to get up if he falls. This is a sign that his gross motor skills are working hard. The second-year is a busy and fun time for your little guy as he masters his body and movement.
Emotional Milestones
At two, your little boy may start to lash out with temper tantrums as a part of the “terrible twos.” The tantrums are his way of expressing his frustration over any conceived slight like hunger, tiredness, or dislike of a rule. Their verbal skills are still not up to par to tell adults what has him upset but he does have control over his body.
Give him the words he needs and make sure he knows tantrums are an unacceptable form of communication. Praise good behavior as he is still learning what is acceptable and what is not acceptable. Consistency is key during this age. Everything is a learning experience for a two-year-old. Someone is going to be trained, either the parent or the toddler.
Two-year-old boys are full of emotions ranging from sadness to anger and everything else in between. Along with a range of emotions come frequent mood changes as he learns to curb his impulses, feelings, and actions. This process takes eighteen years or longer depending on the child. The world, in your son’s meager opinions, still revolves around him as he is only just barely beginning to understand others have needs, wants, and emotions too.
Social Milestones
The twos come with some good news despite the scary emotional changes, such as they can dress themselves (although their styles may be too bold for society). He may not be ready to share with other kids but he is ready to start learning the societal norm of sharing. Either way, he will love a full social life with a variety of people around him.
He will love copying his parents, siblings, and mimicking everyone he meets throughout his day. He is also fully engaged in pretend play and probably babbles to himself or his toys. Do not be surprised if you find him defiant even in front of others as this is just him testing his boundaries. Do remember that someone will be trained, either him or you!
Cognitive Milestones
Every toddler is different when it comes to speaking, many have a large vocabulary while others are still speaking baby-ese. Some babies may find language a little easier and could be speaking in sentences. Do not fret if your baby is behind. Some babies like to focus on one skill at a time and many prefer to focus on moving or emotions and hold off on language until they master the other skills.
Your little man is playing hard. It’s his job and he takes it very seriously. He wants to understand how things work and repeat the actions of others to learn the process. Because of this, he can now begin to follow two-step commands and can even complete lines in his favorite books (probably because he has handed you these books 85 million times in the last three days).
Other Milestones
By now your boy should be sleeping through the night for 11 hours or even longer. You may want to start teaching him to wake up for the need to pee. Also, set a bedtime routine for consistency to help him find a pattern to follow. Some toddlers still need two naps during the daytime. Try cutting the naps a little shorter if he has problems sleeping at night.
Your little climber maybe hoisting himself out of his crib. If he can get out of his crib it no longer serves its purpose and will not keep him safe. He may even fall trying to get out so it’s probably time to move to a toddler bed.
Summary
As your little guy focuses on language, movement, and fine motor skills the majority of the toys focus on these three areas of development. Most toddlers love to watch items move, like cars, or they like to move objects which is why a lot of the toys have wheels. Books are extremely important to help them learn words and to grow.
Talk to your baby often and read often too as reading is a great bonding time and the best method of developing language skills. Try not to speak baby talk as they are mimicking at two and learn what you teach them. If you talk baby talk, they will talk baby talk and it will be another habit to break in the future. Talk about what you are doing while you are doing it to help him understand the whys and hows of his world.
Try to pick toys that teach but are also fun as the toys above which appeal to his abilities and what he is learning but also appeal to his desire for fun and imagination. The simpler the toy the more he will use his imagination. Make sure not all of his toys are noisy toys. Try to keep a broad range of toys to stimulate new skills.
FAQs about Gifts and Toys for 2-Year-Old Boys
Can my two-year-old play with toys alone in his room?
Yes, but be careful what toys he has in his room. Do not leave any toys that require adult supervision. By now he is probably in a toddler bed and can get out of bed alone so all toys need to be safe. Do not leave him alone playing for long periods. A quiet toddler can be a very scary thing indeed.
Is my son ready for a big boy bike instead of a scooter or trike?
Stick with a scooter, trike, or balance bike because balance is one of the skills he is still working on. If he or you really want him to try a bike make sure to get a short bike with training wheels.
What do I do if my son doesn’t show any interest in sports toys?
Not all boys are interested in sports. Some may not be interested in sports until much later in life while others may never find an interest in sports. Try a variety of sports to spark an interest but do not become upset if none of them excite him. Try taking him to live games at the local schools or even let him play in a toddler team if your area has one.
Is my son old enough for STEM toys?
Almost all toys (without batteries) are STEM toys for two-year-olds as the toy helps your child to understand spatial reasoning, encourage building, focus on hand-eye coordination, and teach cause and effect. Try to make sure he has plenty of toys without batteries and fun building toys and he will be all set.
Should I encourage my son to read?
Most toddlers cannot read but they may begin to pick out letters. Try to take the opportunity at this age to point out letters and read books focused on the alphabet. Some, a very few, babies begin to read at two but this is not the norm and not necessary to encourage. Every child reads in their own time.
Some babies are fascinated by letters and focus on letters and words more than other babies while other focus on movement. Let them focus on what they want at the moment they will have plenty of time to read later and when they are ready to enjoy the process.
My son only seems to scatter his toys and not play with them. What do I do?
Welcome to life with a toddler. Some kids are just messier than others while others tend to pick up after themselves with minimal encouragement. Neither is wrong, just different. Encourage your son to play with toys instead of throwing them by showing him how to play with each toy. Some toddlers throw toys because they are overwhelmed and do not know how to deal with the emotion. Try reducing the number of toys to a less overwhelming amount.
Is my son ready for a playground?
By two, your boy is ready for smaller playgrounds away from a lot of bigger kids. He can maneuver the stairs and slides. He will probably need a lot of help but will be excited about the challenge. Make sure to pay attention to the designated ages of each playground set as you do not want him to get hurt.
Wrap Up
Let’s face it, every kid is different, and that’s totally okay, embrace those awesome differences! Maybe your two-year-old is absolutely crazy about snakes or pretending he’s an astronaut or maybe one of these ideas is perfect for him. It’s not the dollars spent (although keeping a budget in mind is definitely important!), it’s truly knowing the child for whom you’re buying and picking for to gain that perfect SMILE.
Our top toy and gift recommendation for 2-year-old boys is the [easyazon_link identifier="B017B19LD2" locale="US" tag="experiencedmommy-20"]LEGO DUPLO My First Cars and Trucks because it is a building toy encouraging imagination and creativity.
Good luck and happy shopping!
