When I think of 2 year olds, I think of little people on the move. Yes, babies change so much in their first yearâfrom sweet, screaming, helpless little bundles of snuggles to toddlers bubbling with personalityâbut the growth from 1 year to 2 years also seems significant. Everything is louder and more chaotic, but also more fun as they learn to communicate better and gain more independence.
At their second birthday party, theyâll be more skilled at opening the presents and maybe even say a distinguishable âthank youâ (if prompted, of course). Theyâll still delight party guests, whether in person or over a virtual birthday celebration. Their parents will still think it all went by too fast as they watch their baby blow out two candles on their birthday cake.
If you have a special almost-two-year-old in your life, we wanted to round up the best second birthday gifts for every budgetâshop them below!
Gifts for 2 Year Olds Under $50
100-Piece Wood Blocks Set
Perfect for independent play, this 100-piece wooden block set will keep your LOs both engaged and entertained.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Wooden Play Food
Accessorize your toddler's play kitchen with this wooden food set that includes four crates filled with items from the five good groups to encourage healthy pretend play.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Little People, Big Dreams: Women in Art 3-Book Set
An editor-favorite book series, this set will introduce your toddler to amazing women in history including Frida Kahlo, Coco Chanel, and Audrey Hepburn.
Personalized Name Crayons
Make coloring even more fun with these personalized crayons featuring your LO's name.
Shape Sorting Cube Classic Toy
A classic toy that's entertaining while promoting shape recognition, problem-solving skills, and fine motor skills.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Personalized Toddler Sweatshirt
There's nothing cuter than a toddler sporting a personalized tee or sweatshirt, and we love this version from Etsy!
more colors available
Deluxe Pounding Bench Toddler Toy
Littles can play peekaboo with this adorable pounding bench toy that features eight brightly colored pegs. The pegs are non-removable so no tiny pieces will get lost as they improve their eye-hand coordination skills.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
You Are My Sunshine Minni-Minni Luxe Inflatable Pool
Summer is just around the corner, so get ready with this toddler-sized inflatable pool with the sweetest saying.
Happy Giddy Bowling Set
Help your LO practice their hand-eye coordination and gross-motor skills with this super cute bowling set that comes with six pins, a bowling ball, and a carrying case.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Construction Chunky Puzzle
This extra thick puzzle has six easy-grip, chunky vehicle pieces. The pieces can also stand upright for pretend play.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Stacking Train Toddler Toy
With a wooden dump truck and a shape sorter in one toy, this set teaches shape and color recognition and promotes imaginative play.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Hair Love Book
The perfect addition to any child's home library, this book written by Matthew A. Cherry and illustrated by Vashti Harrison teaches kids self love and the beauty of our differences.
Safari Chunky Puzzle
This chunky puzzle features African animals with matching full-color pictures underneath the pieces. Great for encouraging creative expression and fine motor skills.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Wooden Animal Magnets
This set includes 20 wooden animal magnets to help kids develop fine motor, sorting, grouping, and storytelling skills. Plus, it's a great toy to take on travels, too.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Take-Along Sorting Barn
Little ones can work to fit 10 wooden farm-themed pieces into holes in this sorting barn that's great for on-the-go play.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Mine to Love Twins Luke & Lucy Dolls
Encourage pretend play with this two doll set. Plus, if your toddler has a new sibling, they can take care of their own baby while mom and dad tend to their new addition!
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Gifts for 2 Year Olds Over $50
Personalied Name Puzzle Stool
An Everymom reader favorite, this personalized stool is not only handy but includes a fun name puzzle, too.
Toddler Helmet
The perfect gift to pair with the scooter or balance bike linked below, this under $50 toddler-sized helmet is a must-have for active kids.
many colors available
Micro Kickboard Scooter
Get your kid playing outside with this mini scooter that's designed to help toddlers learn balance and coordination.
many colors available
Personalized Large Nod Chair
An adorable add to any bedroom or playroom, we love this toddler-sized chairâplus, the cover is machine washable.
many colors available
Wooden Shape Sorting Grocery Cart
This 16-piece toy helps babies explore shapes and colors and practice problem-solving skills and imaginative play.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Wooden Montessori Balance Board
This curved wooden board is a fun toy for indoor play and helps your child learn to balance!
Step2 Roller Coaster
What kid wouldn't want a roller coaster in their house or yard? Enough said.
Flexible Toy Road 40-Piece Set
A reader-favorite gift, this fun set includes 40 pieces for kids to design their own roadwayâhow cool!
Retrospec Balance Bike
Age 2 is the perfect time for a child's first bikeâand this balance bike by Retrospec is a great option.
many colors available
This post was in partnership with Melissa & DougÂź but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
