The Best Birthday Gifts for 2 Year Olds

The Everymom’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

second birthday graphic with crumbled artwork
Graphics by: Kirra Wallace

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!

 

 

Gifts for 2 Year Olds Under $50

best gifts for 2 year olds
Melissa & Doug

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
Melissa & Doug

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!

best gifts for 2 year olds
Amazon

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.

etsy personalized name crayons
Etsy | Art 2 The Extreme

Personalized Name Crayons

Make coloring even more fun with these personalized crayons featuring your LO's name.

birthday gifts for 2 year olds
Melissa & Doug

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!

birthday gifts for 2 year olds
Etsy | sewkitschyshop

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

birthday gifts for 2 year olds
Melissa & Doug

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!

inflatable pool
THE EVERYMOM X MINNIDIP

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.

birthday gifts for three year olds
Melissa & Doug

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!

birthday gifts for 2 year olds
Melissa & Doug

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!

birthday gifts for 2 year olds
Melissa & Doug

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
KIDO

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.

birthday gifts for 2 year olds
Melissa & Doug

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
Melissa & Doug

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
Melissa & Doug

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!

best gifts for 2 year olds
Melissa & Doug

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

best gifts for 2 year olds
Etsy | Craft Carve

Personalied Name Puzzle Stool

An Everymom reader favorite, this personalized stool is not only handy but includes a fun name puzzle, too.

amazon toddler helmet
Amazon

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

best gifts for 2 year olds
Amazon

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

best gifts for 2 year olds
Crate & Kids

Personalized Large Nod Chair

An adorable add to any bedroom or playroom, we love this toddler-sized chair—plus, the cover is machine washable.

many colors available

wooden shape sorting grocery cart
Melissa & Doug

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!

best gifts for 2 year olds
Etsy | Piccalio

Wooden Montessori Balance Board

This curved wooden board is a fun toy for indoor play and helps your child learn to balance!

best gifts for 2 year olds
Walmart

Step2 Roller Coaster

What kid wouldn't want a roller coaster in their house or yard? Enough said.

best gifts for 2 year olds
Amazon | Way to Play

Flexible Toy Road 40-Piece Set

A reader-favorite gift, this fun set includes 40 pieces for kids to design their own roadway—how cool!

best gifts for 2 year olds
Amazon

Retrospec Balance Bike

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

birthday gifts for two years olds

the everymom playhub

 

melissa & doug logo

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.