Kids Gear

The Best 2nd Birthday Gifts That Aren’t Toys

written by AMANDA SHAPIN MICHELSON

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2nd birthday gifts"
2nd birthday gifts
Source: @raven.vasquez
Source: @raven.vasquez

Age 2 is a beautiful sweet spot of gift giving and receiving. Sure, 2-year-olds get a bad rap for the terrible 2s and tantrums galore, but let’s focus on the positive side.

Kids at age 2 are becoming more independent and opinionated, but they aren’t quite at the level of asking for specific toys for their birthday. You still get to be in control of what they end up getting. Of course, you want to get gifts that they will be excited about, but it doesn’t always have to be toys. Start to think beyond the toy box. Consider items that will encourage them to be active, be adventurous, be crafty, learn, and explore.

When seen through the eyes of a toddler, shoes just aren’t shoes. Instead, they can be puddle-jumping park shoes. Cookies cutters aren’t just kitchen supplies, they are a fun way to get messy (that ends with a sweet treat!).

For my baby’s first birthday, I had created a wishlist full of toys. By the time she was turning 2, I focused on items we needed (like those water shoes) and things that would get a lot more use than a toy (like a craft table). Don’t get me wrong, toys are great, and having a few around the house is wonderful. But it can very quickly go from a few nice toys to an overwhelming amount of stuff you don’t really need or use.

Whether you are brainstorming a gift wishlist for your own 2-year-old or are buying for another toddler, here are some of the best 2nd birthday gifts that aren’t toys.

2nd Birthday Gifts Under $25

Target
Crayola 3ct Finger Paint Set

Allow kids to get messy with a set of fingerpaint.

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Target
Melissa & Doug Wooden Tabletop Paper Roll Dispenser

This roll of paper will make the perfect gift packaged along with other art supplies.

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2 year old gifts
Amazon | stbeyond
Cookie Cutter Set

Encourage a love of baking with a fun set of cookie cutters.

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Amazon | Herve Tullet
Press Here Interactive Book

This sweet book is simple yet interactive, perfect for a 2-year-old.

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KiwiCo
Giant Bubbles Set

Kids of all ages love bubbles, and this set is a great way to get little ones running around outside.

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Amazon | VIVOHOME
Bird House

Set up a birdhouse in a spot where a toddler can keep tabs on who stops by for a midday snack.

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2nd Birthday Gifts Under $50

Target
Radio Flyer Scooter

Two is a great time to get a toddler their first set of wheels!

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Target
Bell Sports Bike Seat

A toddler bike seat is a great way to spend time outside with little ones.

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second birthday books
Amazon | Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Little People, Big Dreams Book Bundle

This board book bundle comes with five inspiring stories that you can read with kids.

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The Dough Project
Play Dough 6-Pack

This plant-based play dough is a great way to get toddlers' creativity juices flowing.

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Minnidip
The Everymom x Minnidip Minni-Minni Luxe Inflatable Pool

Create a mini backyard oasis with this adorable inflatable pool.

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Kyte Baby
Twirl Dress

What toddler doesn't love playing dress up and twirling around? Whether you are getting a gift for a budding ballerina or just a toddler who likes to spin in circles (don't they all?), this super soft dress from Kyte Baby is a fun piece of clothing that feels special.

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toddler rain boots
Target
Rain Boots

Encourage outdoor play and puddle jumping with a fresh pair of waterproof shoes or boots.

Bonus: Add a cute umbrella for a themed gift.

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Clover Baby & Kids
Love Set Pajamas

Hopefully you know a 2-year-old that loves to sleep. Gift them a unique pair of pajamas, like this custom limited edition one from Clover Baby. Plus, a portion of proceeds goes to charity.

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Hedley & Bennett
H&B x Rifle Paper Co. Kids Apron

For a budding baker or chef, a kids-sized apron is a sweet gift.

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gifts for two year old
Rey to Z
Personalized Hat

This super cute hat can be personalized with an initial or a saying as a special and useful gift.

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second birthday gift
Etsy | Club Chainstitch
Embroidered Toddler T-Shirt

It's no secret we love a personalized gift, especially when it's something they can wear over and over again. This custom embroidered tee comes in a number of colors with 10 stitching color options.

personalized sweatshirts also available

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best 2nd birthday gifts
Source: @mrscofieldandco

2nd Birthday Gifts Under $75

second birthday
Nutcase
Toddler Helmet

Age 2 is when toddlers may start to get more adventurous, and a helmet will come in handy as they start scootering or riding a bike.

multiple patterns available

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Ten Little
Adventure Bundle

This Adventure Bundle will get kids outside exploring nature.

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Kido
Felt Alphabet Learn and Play

Around age 2 is when toddlers are learning the alphabet. This set is a fun way to help with the learning.

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Amazon | Braoses
Saucer Tree Swing

A tree swing is sure to get a lot of use for years to come.

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Kido
Weather Station

This interactive weather station will get toddlers excited about the daily forecast.

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Amazon | GONGE
American Educational River Stone Set

These stones help kids practice their balance and are a fun element to at-home obstacle courses.

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helper tower
Amazon | SDADI
Kitchen Helper

Kitchen helpers are an amazing way to get kids involved in the kitchen. It's not only a fun bonding activity but may also help with picky eaters.

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Source: @shapinup

2nd Birthday Splurge-Worthy Gifts

Etsy | Domestic Objects
Canvas Playhouse

Use this fun playhouse to set up a reading nook for a book-loving toddler.

multiple colors available

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Lalo
The Play Kit Play Table and Two Chairs

This play kit is perfect for kids but also works for adults to join them at the table (chairs hold up to 200 pounds, far more than most kids; play chairs!). Use this table for meals, crafts, and eventually even school work.

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Etsy | Wood and Room UA
Montessori Set of Three Toddler Gym

Indoor climbing is made possible with this 3-piece Montessori set.

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Shenanigan Kids
The Figgy Playcouch

Encourage kids to build, jump, and even do a little rough-housing with this play couch.

multiple colors available

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Amazon | Keenz
Keenz 7S Stroller Wagon

Around age 2, you might find that toddlers are a bit resistant when it comes to time in their stroller. It's a great time to ask for or get a wagon. It will make adventures a bit easier and make any 2-year-old feel like a cool big kid. This one from Keenz is versatile with lots of fun features.

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Woom
Balance Bike

Balance bikes are a great splurge item for toddlers as they learn to ride.

multiple colors available

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second birthday gift
Pottery Barn Kids
Personalized Luggage

Little ones will feel so grown up when they have their own personalized suitcase for upcoming travel.

multiple prints available

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The House of Noa
Portable Playmat

Toddlers tend to love two things: snacks and play. Get them their own special playmat that they can use for imaginary and real picnics. This one from House of Noa wipes clean and is easy to use at home or on-the-go when adventuring with toddlers.

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