"Every stage of a baby’s growth is special, important, and oh-so enjoyable. 2-year-olds are no exception—they deserve plenty of fanfare (and maybe a few gifts!). Sure, year two may come with its challenges. The beauty of this time, though, is that we get to see our little ones’ personalities come to life more than ever before. They have more abilities, desires, and likes and dislikes. And they’re not afraid to show it! When it comes down to it, turning 2 may be one of the most exciting milestones yet.
If you have an almost 2-year-old in your life, you’ve probably got a lot on your mind. You may be thinking about the exciting years ahead with things like preschool. Maybe you’re planning an extra-special birthday party for your little one. And more likely than not, you’re working tirelessly to make sure their childhood is extra special. If the exciting milestone has you searching for the perfect birthday gift, look no further.
How we chose the best gifts
There are moms with kids of all ages on The Everymom team. They’ve conquered the baby phase, changed all the diapers, and celebrated second birthdays. On top of that, our commerce and editorial teams are always on the hunt for the best products for kids, moms, and families. If there’s a new must-have, must-try, or must-see in the kids or parenting space, we’re on it. Real life experience combined with knowing the current trends allows us to put together a well-rounded list of gifts.
What makes a great gift for a 2-year-old?
Two may be known as the “terrible” year, but that’s likely because little ones go through a lot at that age. When you think about it, after two years of working hard on physical and brain development, the desire for a little independence is understandable. The growth from year one to year two also seems significant. Everything is louder and more chaotic, but also more fun as they learn to communicate better and gain more independence.
We wanted to cover all of the bases by taking into consideration the developmental stage of 2-year-olds. The gifts below will help them explore creativity and independence, and progress their motor skills. At a variety of different price points, we know there’s something perfect for every kiddo. We’ve rounded up the best birthday gifts for 2-year-olds that can encourage their development, aid in their independence, or are simply as darling as your little one.
Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds Under $50
Encourage physical, cognitive, and social development with this adorable set from editor and reader favorite brand, Melissa & Doug. Little ones will love finding new ways to knock down the pins for plenty of indoor and outdoor fun.
Education and entertainment are wrapped in one with these fun puzzles perfect for growing toddlers. As they play, they’ll learn about different animals and planets.
A pull toy that doubles as a shape-sorter is a great 2-for-1 deal. They’ll learn about shapes and problem-solving, all while enjoying the fun animals and colors.
An adorable tea set is something all little kids will enjoy. It’s perfect for pretend play and imaginative exploration.
A new set of pajamas may not be high on their list (if they had one), but seeing how cute they are when you put them to bed is definitely a win for parents!
available in sizes NB-3T
“PJs are a fun and practical birthday gift and Hanna Andersson is my go-to for high-quality pjs. Bonus: every pair lasts without fading for literal years, so you can pass them down to younger siblings, cousins, or friends.”
– Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor
They may not be able to fully appreciate an heirloom-type gift like this one yet, but they certainly will down the road. Brighten up their room with a sweet personalized music box.
Giggles guaranteed with this one! This exciting pounding toy is sure to put a smile on their face each time they hear “peekaboo” and see a new fun face.
Balance is a new skill little ones will be working on perfecting around this age. This set is perfect for animal lovers to aid in developing their motor skills.
Is your little one fascinated by everything going on in the kitchen? Get them in on the fun with this set of plush fruits and veggies and baking essentials.
“My eldest son got a play kitchen for Christmas when he was two and we stocked it with this food. 3 years later, both the food and the kitchen are going strong. My boys love to set up a “restaurant” and cook for us. The food is super durable, holds up well, and is easy to store. Bonus that it is also adorable!”
– Ally Pagar-Wolf, Chief of Sales & Marketing
Foster social and emotional development with this book set that’s all about gratitude, joy, friendship, and kindness.
If you can’t wait until their special day to give them something—or want something for them to wear at their birthday party—this adorable tee is the perfect option!
Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds Over $50
Few things are as exciting to little ears than the sound of music. Help them find their sound with this precious personalized instrument set.
It doesn’t get much cuter than this precious rocker. Toddlers will love spending time rocking back and forth with a big smile on their face. Plus, it can be personalized!
Looking for more bedroom additions? This custom name chair is one you won’t want to pass up. Plus, it comes in tons of colors, fabrics, and patterns to suit your little one’s personality.
“When my son turned 2, his grandmother gave him a Pottery Barn Anywhere Chair and it was one of his favorite gifts! From having his own little place to sit to when he got a bit older and started to read his own name on the chair, it always felt like his place to sit. He’s 7 and we still have it!”
– Roberta Correia, Editor in Chief
When it comes to baby’s first bike, one that grows with them is the way to go. This 3-in-1 trike is good for kiddos up to the age of 5 and as young as 1.
Littles will love following in adult footsteps by placing anything and everything in their very own shopping cart.
This engaging nightlight is one your kiddo is sure to love. Not only does it provide soft lighting, but the top can be removed bringing the stars to life around their room. On top of that, it’s programmed with eight nighttime songs so they can soundly drift off to dreamland.
Imaginations always run wild when in a play tent. Give the gift of imaginative play with a play tent that opens a world of possibilities.
Allow your little one to reach new heights with this fun and functional Montessori-style climbing gym. As an added bonus, it’s foldable for easy storage.
Designed specifically for the curiosity of 2-year-olds, this Lovevery play kit is a purchase you won’t regret. It’s crafted to support independence, routine development, fine motor skills, and more.
“These subscription playkits, were a must-have in our house. With toys that target specific developmental milestones, my boys were always engaged and challenged with fun and functional toys at the right time. The sink-set was a favorite, and they both loved washing everything from dishes to their cars in it.”
– Ally Pagar-Wolf, Chief of Sales & Marketing
For something extra special, get your little one their very own personalized lullaby. Answer a few questions about your kiddo and the musician will craft an original song based on them.
A car-loving family will have the best time collecting toy cars and filling the garage with all of their fun finds.
Complete any play room with a versatile wobble board! It can be used as a slide or balance board for active, imaginative play for years to come.
2 sizes and 8 colors/patterns available
Why You Can Count on Us
The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.