This post was in partnership with Melissa & Doug but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
When I think of 2 year olds, I think of little people on the move. Yes, babies change so much in their first year—from sweet, screaming, helpless little bundles of snuggles to toddlers bubbling with personality—but 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, they’ll be more skilled at opening the presents and maybe even say a distinguishable “thank you” (if prompted, of course). They’ll 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 budget—shop them below!
In this article
Gifts for 2 Year Olds Under $50
Melissa & Doug
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!
Melissa & Doug
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!
Amazon
An editor-favorite book series, this set will introduce your toddler to amazing women in history including Frida Kahlo, Coco Chanel, and Audrey Hepburn.
Etsy | Art 2 The Extreme
Make coloring even more fun with these personalized crayons featuring your LO's name.
Melissa & Doug
This makes a great gift for both boys and girls that encourages fine motor and problem-solving skills and promotes imaginative play.
Etsy | sewkitschyshop
There's nothing cuter than a toddler sporting a personalized tee or sweatshirt, and we love this version from Etsy!
more colors available
Melissa & Doug
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!
THE EVERYMOM X MINNIDIP
Summer is just around the corner, so get ready with this toddler-sized inflatable pool with the sweetest saying.
Melissa & Doug
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!
Melissa & Doug
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!
KIDO
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.
Melissa & Doug
Hear eight realistic animal sounds with this 8-piece wooden sound puzzle that any little animal lovers will be obsessed with!
Melissa & Doug
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!
Melissa & Doug
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!
Melissa & Doug
This cart is a timeless playroom staple that encourages hands-on and screen-free play.
Gifts for 2 Year Olds Over $50
Melissa & Doug
This set of 60 hardwood blocks is ideal for introducing early math concepts, including shapes, parts-to-whole, and sorting to your little one!
Etsy | Craft Carve
An Everymom reader favorite, this personalized stool is not only handy but includes a fun name puzzle, too.
Amazon
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
Amazon
Get your kid playing outside with this mini scooter that's designed to help toddlers learn balance and coordination.
many colors available
Crate & Kids
An adorable add to any bedroom or playroom, we love this toddler-sized chair—plus, the cover is machine washable.
many colors available
Melissa & Doug
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!
Etsy | Piccalio
This curved wooden board is a fun toy for indoor play and helps your child learn to balance!
Walmart
What kid wouldn't want a roller coaster in their house or yard? Enough said.
Amazon | Way to Play
A reader-favorite gift, this fun set includes 40 pieces for kids to design their own roadway—how cool!
Amazon
Age 2 is the perfect time for a child's first bike—and this balance bike by Retrospec is a great option.
many colors available
This post was in partnership with Melissa & Doug® but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
