The 28 Best Gifts for 2

Aug 13, 2023

Keeping up with the developing skills and interests of a 2-year-old can feel like a sprint (sometimes literally) or a guessing game. "Play is how they start to understand the world," said Heather Singh, who was until recently the director of educational programs at the Thinkery, a children's museum in Austin, Texas.

The most engaging toys for 2-year-olds offer lots of different options for hands-on, manipulative play. Kids this age may be able to use their fine motor skills in more-precise ways, such as stacking, fitting, and twisting smaller pieces. Some 2-year-olds are still engaging primarily in "parallel play," while others are interested in playing with other kids; simple board games may help them to practice sharing and taking turns. Toys that let a 2-year-old slide, wiggle, scoot, bounce, or otherwise expend some of their boundless energy are also likely to be a hit.

We spoke with Singh and other child-development experts—along with parents and other caregivers on our staff—to identify memorable and engaging gifts for 2-year-olds. Some of the toys on this list are officially recommended for children ages 3 and up. Our testers have played with these toys outside their official age-range recommendations and found them to be appropriate for this guide.

If you’re looking for more gift ideas for kids, check out our guides to the best gifts for 1-year-olds, 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, 5-year-olds, 6-year-olds, 7-year-olds, 8-year-olds, 9-year-olds, and 10-year-olds, as well as these wonderful stocking stuffers for kids. We also have guides to gifts for tweens and teens. (Just keep in mind that since kids develop at different rates, all age recommendations should be taken with a grain of salt.) And please share your own best ideas in the comments below.

Skoolzy Peg Board Set (about $19 at the time of publication)

Soon after my oldest daughter started preschool, I asked her (then 2) what she liked to play with in the classroom, and she answered, "Pegs!" I bought a set of these brightly colored, stackable pegs for our home and was fascinated to see how intently she and, subsequently, her younger siblings played with them on their own. The pegs offer 2-year-olds just the right level of challenge and open-ended play: Kids can fit the pegs into holes on the included foam mat, stack them one on top of the other to see how high they can go, or string them on a shoelace. As simple as these pegs are, my kids would pull them out of the toy bin again and again.

—Courtney Schley

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Piggy Bank ($18 at the time of publication)

My daughter received this toy piggy bank as a gift when she was a toddler, and as far as noise-making plastic toys go, this one is a winner. She liked being rewarded with the pig's cheerful responses and songs when she pressed its snout or dropped the large coins through the slot. And I liked how mercifully brief—and not too loud or grating—the songs and noises were. The pig helps develop motor skills and also teaches colors, counting (in Spanish, too), and all that other important stuff. I’m impressed by how well it held up through years of rough treatment (and on just two pairs of CC batteries in all that time).

—Winnie Yang

Welcome to the Symphony: A Musical Exploration of the Orchestra Using Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 (about $22 at the time of publication)

Combine Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C Minor with some charming mice narrators, and—da da da dum!—you’ve got Welcome to the Symphony. This accessible, interactive introduction to classical music is written by Carolyn Sloan, author of the similarly structured Welcome to Jazz (which is featured in our guide to the best gifts for 3-year-olds). The book covers the orchestra, musical terms (like dynamics, tempo, and harmony), and groups of instruments (strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion). And while the excitement of pressing the 19 sound buttons may initially overshadow the rich text and lovely illustrations, kids can appreciate this book on deeper levels over time—think of it as an evolving performance. (Both Welcome to the Symphony and Welcome to Jazz have been favorites in my son's reading rotation since he got them at age 3, but we think many 2-year-olds would be ready for them.) Plus, grownups can't help but feel proud when their kids are able to recognize Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 out in the world—even if it is while watching an episode of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood.

—Barbara Kimberly Seigel

Schylling Wooden Stacking Robots ($15 at the time of publication)

A friend gave my son these slightly sinister-looking wooden blocks when he was a toddler, and at age 9 he was still playing with them regularly. The tiny angles allow for all kinds of wacky creations, and the more robots you get (we later added a second pack), the bigger your robot trees can become. Creating a simple pyramid may make a 2-year-old feel triumphant, while older kids can construct some truly impressive designs. These blocks are the type of thing adults may find themselves leaving out on the coffee table—or even playing with themselves.

—Kalee Thompson

Constructive Playthings Big Tape Measure for Kids ($5 at the time of publication)

There are lots of possibilities for role-playing with this sturdy, oversize tape measure, which is a favorite among young kids at the Toybrary Austin (a local toy-lending library in Texas), according to owner Liza Wilson. Two-year-olds enjoy pulling out and winding back the easy-rolling vinyl tape, which makes a satisfying clicking sound. Older kids love to measure and compare everything in the room using the real inch and centimeter markings printed on the toy—a great way to begin developing spatial awareness and concepts related to numbers, counting, and math. (Note: This toy is recommended for ages 3 and up because the tape can be a choking hazard.)

—Caitlin Giddings

Educational Insights My First Game: Bears in Pairs (about $23 at the time of publication)

My daughter received Bears in Pairs for Christmas when she was 21 months old. She loves it—for reasons that have progressed with each passing month. At first, she simply liked to match each of the three sets of twin bears and open and shut all six compartments on their 3D plastic playhouse. Eventually she started to play the actual game, which involves flicking a spinner and trying to find the coordinating bear set. Bears in Pairs is a perfect introduction to memory matching games—without requiring reading or shuffling cards.

—Caitlin Giddings

IKEA Busa Play Tunnel ($25 at the time of publication)

I found one of these classic collapsible IKEA tunnels at a secondhand store when my older son was 2 years old. Five years and another kid later, it was still in good enough shape to be handed down to a different family. The littlest kids can simply enjoy the challenge of learning to crawl from end to end. Later, the tunnel becomes a cozy spot to play with other toys or a fun component to an elaborate living-room fort (which was my kids’ favorite use for it). IKEA's colorful polyester play tents also offer long-lasting fun for a low price, and we recommend them in our guide to the best gifts for 3-year olds.

—Kalee Thompson

Lego Duplo Number Train (about $20 at the time of publication)

This Duplo Number Train, with its 23 delightfully chunky pieces, is excellent for introducing toddlers to the joys of building with Lego bricks. The train-themed set includes blocks that are numbered from 0 to 9 in bright colors, four wheeled bases, and two figures (plus a cat for good measure). Kids can arrange the pieces in all sorts of configurations, all the while developing their fine motor skills and immersing themselves in imaginative play. When my son turned 2, he happily took over his older brother's collection of Duplos (numbered blocks and numerous vehicle bases included) and never looked back—no doubt all but guaranteeing himself a Lego-filled future.

—Ingrid Skjong

Mudpuppy My ABCs Ring Flash Cards (about $12 at the time of publication)

My 2-year-old son thinks that identifying objects is the greatest form of entertainment. As we approached the, oh, 500th reading (who's counting?) of his 10 favorite board books, I realized we needed something new. I also realized that we didn't own flash cards. To remedy the situation, I bought this ringed set by Mudpuppy. The letters and words are printed in a pleasing, sans-serif-like font. The bold, colorful artwork speaks to my kid—and he speaks back. Our favorite? F: A frog playing a flute for a fly.

—Ingrid Skjong

Mudpuppy 25-Piece Jumbo Puzzle Map of the U.S.A. ($15 at the time of publication)

It feels like we now own every children's puzzle that's ever been stamped and laser-cut into cardboard, but this map jigsaw remains the one I pull out the most. For starters, it's suitably challenging for my preschooler, who can confidently wield the thick, oversize pieces and eventually match the colors and shapes of the United States together. But it also serves as a stellar geography lesson and conversational jump-off for the two of us. We discuss all the states we’ve been to, point out where our friends and family live, and plan future road trips by tracing our fingers from the image of cowboy boots (representing Texas) to the sunflowers or flamingos near her grandparents’ houses.

—Caitlin Giddings

Schleich Farm Animals 4-Piece Set ($20 at the time of publication)

My 2-year-old is totally into cows ("moo moos") and other farm animals, and introducing him to the realistic-looking figurines from Schleich has taken that fascination to new heights. The German company has been developing a growing following in the US. Each tiny replica in its collection has intricate, hand-painted details, and even the plastic is molded to show features like tiny bits of hair and the texture of feathers. (If you’re curious, a New England toy company provides a wonderfully detailed primer on Schleich's history and manufacturing process; Schleich also offers some background on how it designs its figurines). The Schleich Farm Animals 4-Piece Set—which comes with a cow, a sheep, a rooster, and a donkey—is an excellent place to start your collection. But Schleich also makes a variety of dinosaurs, wild animals, and fantasy creatures, sold individually or in sets. Clutching a critter in each chubby hand, my toddler happily runs around our home, placing his animals in toy tractor carts and dump trucks, or just moving them around the sofa. Schleich figurines even make a cameo in Wirecutter's houseplant starter kit guide; when your kids aren't looking, swipe a couple and nestle them next to your succulents, just for laughs.

—Kerry Davis

Green Toys Dump Truck (about $30 at the time of publication)

We accumulated a sizable pile of toy vehicles when my kids were little. The truck, plane, and boat from Green Toys are simpler (and quieter) than most, and I found that they aged better than similar toys from other companies—even when they were left for months outside in the beating Southern California sun. We had the popular red fire truck and the submarine, which carried a zoo's worth of Duplo animals around the bathtub for several years. For a classic 2-year-old gift, the Green Toys Dump Truck is another can't-go-wrong choice. All of Green Toys's stuff is made in the US from recycled plastic, and it is dishwasher-safe. (At Wirecutter, we’ve also found the Green Toys Sand Play Set to be far superior to disposable sets made of brittle plastic, and we recommend it in our guide to the best beach and pool toys.)

—Kalee Thompson

We Are Little Feminists Box Set (about $50 for a boxed set of five board books at the time of publication)

A picture's worth a thousand words. And this boxed set of five board books, featuring photographs of real people, sends a message about the importance of respecting others and embracing our differences. Each book covers a distinct theme—Hair, Families, Celebrations, How We Eat, and On-the-Go—with an emphasis on representation and inclusivity. The photos—which feel intimate and joy-filled, as if you’ve been granted access to strangers’ private albums—depict kids and parents of many races, LGBTQ families (including a trans man who's pregnant, prompting curious questions from my 9-year-old), children with disabilities, and various ceremonies and faiths practiced throughout the world. The books are recommended for infants through 5-year-olds, and there are age-appropriate questions at the end to help prompt discussions about the material. It will likely be a while until my 2-year-old fully understands some of the bigger issues at play, but for now, I can confirm—with apologies to Sandra Boynton and Co.—that these books have surpassed her other board books to become her new favorites.

—Ingela Ratledge Amundson

BeginAgain Animal Parade A to Z Puzzle and Playset (about $40 at the time of publication)

My son received this clever animal puzzle as a baby gift. The chunky wooden creatures nest together into a single block, and reassembling the menagerie may provide a slight challenge even for grownups (though we assembled it together over the years, my son was 5 or 6 before he could complete it on his own). Each animal is printed with the letter that corresponds to its name (A is for Alligator, U is for Unicorn) and guides a kid into puzzling out the proper placement. The oblong shape of the completed puzzle makes it a bit novel, and it stands upright in its wooden box—a nice decoration for a nursery shelf. The same company also makes similar puzzles with ocean, farm, and outer space themes, but I think the classic animal parade makes the nicest decorative piece.

—Kalee Thompson

Tomy John Deere Big Scoop Tractor (about $60 at the time of publication)

For the kid who loves scooping sand and rocks, the Tomy John Deere Big Scoop Tractor (which has a sturdy steel and plastic frame) allows them to play outdoors as long as they want. Indoors, this tractor is also fun to scoot around and scoop up toys with. My 2-year-old nephew (for whom trucks are less of a passing interest and more of a lifestyle) was equally excited that the 21-inch-long tractor is large enough to sit on. (There is also a smaller 15-inch one for about $25).

—Signe Brewster

Babybug (about $35 for a one-year print subscription at the time of publication)

We gave a Babybug magazine subscription as a birthday gift when our friend's kid turned 2. And since then, they report it's been a constant source of delight. They appreciate the high quality of the illustrations and that the stories are short enough for a toddler's attention span but still interesting. They also like that the magazine is made of "destruction-resistant paper," with rounded corners and no staples. No, it won't stand up to a truly dedicated attacker, but this magazine is a bit better under the grabby hands of a toddler than a standard one. Cricket Media (which publishes Ladybug and Spider magazines, among others, for older kids) also offers printable gift announcement cards. So you can give something on the day to let people know a new subscription is on the way. One caveat: It took around three months for the subscription to actually start after we bought it.

—Tim Barribeau

Haba My Very First Games—First Orchard ($35 at the time of publication)

My Very First Games—First Orchard is a cooperative board game, so players work together rather than compete. It's designed to teach the youngest players the fundamentals of board games: how to set up a board, roll a die, make choices, and take turns. (It's a favorite in our guide to the best board games for kids.) To play, you match different-colored apples, pears, and plums to their respective trees, and then roll a die to try to gather all the fruits in a basket before a pesky crow reaches them. I started playing First Orchard with my daughters when they were 4 and 2, and I was always amused to see how the race to beat the crow created just the right amount of dramatic tension to hold their interest (and, at times, provided an opportunity to navigate the disappointment of "losing"). And even if your 2-year-old doesn't yet have the patience or interest for the game structure, they can simply play imaginatively with the brightly hued wooden fruits.

—Courtney Schley

ENNBOM Basic Beat 8-Note Resonator Bells with Case (about $32 at the time of publication)

For banging and making noise, just about any xylophone for kids will do. But many of them (which are actually glockenspiels, since they have metal and not wooden bars) are out of tune and terrible for learning about music. Most are toys, not tuned instruments. Our toddler played this set of eight resonator bells in a music class, and we got a set for home. They’re durable, sound good, and allow for all kinds of musical (and other) exploration. Kids can get a hands-on feel for the sequence of a diatonic octave by ordering the blocks by size or note (each bell is marked with its letter on the scale) or by grouping two or more blocks together to experiment with intervals or chords. The bells come in a sturdy carrying case and are made to last: The ones at the music school have taken a beating from who knows how many kids, and they’re all still in good shape.

—Winnie Yang

Crayola Bath Slime ($18 for a 6-pack at the time of publication)

For more than a year now, the only way I’ve been able to get my daughter into the bath is to promise the inclusion of this colorful, sensory goo. Less of an actual slime than a fragrant jelly—it comes in scents like Wacky Watermelon and Gallopin Grape—this bath slime provides all the fun of its viscous namesake, with the welcome bonus of being easy to clean (not just because it's contained within the tub, but also because it's literally soap). My kiddo likes to squish it through her hands and swirl the little floating pieces around to the farthest reaches of the bath. Then we grab a couple of strainers and try to rescue and return all the squiggles back to the jar before it's time to get out.

—Caitlin Giddings

MOLUK Bilibo ($30 for a large or $20 for a 6-pack of minis at the time of publication)

It might not be immediately clear what a child is supposed to do with a Bilibo, and that's precisely the point: All ideas are valid when it comes to this sturdy plastic, shell-shaped object. (Is it a helmet? A seat? A spinner? Yep.) Research shows that open-ended play fosters creativity and resilience in children, especially toddlers who are not yet accustomed to more-programmed activities with a "right" and "wrong" way. My daughter started occupational therapy when she was 15 months old. The Bilibo—which measures 15 inches across and comes in a range of bright colors—was hands-down her favorite prop. At the beginning of each session, the therapist plopped my daughter's butt into the cupped seat and slowly twirled her around in circles (if a kid is younger than 2, they will likely need adult help to keep them from toppling). She’d giggle uncontrollably, all the while developing the core and neck strength needed to balance and sit up on her own. Now that my daughter is 4, we use the Bilibo as a container for sensory play materials—rice, dough, and foam. And for my 8 year-old son, it's the perfect addition to a mini-golf course … in our living room. The Bilibo also comes in a miniature (4.7 inch) size, sold in a set of six, that's perfect for shoveling, scooping, and serving tea to stuffed animals.

—Julie Kim

Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike ($120 at the time of publication)

A balance bike can help kids learn to steer, brake, and keep themselves upright on a two-wheeler from a very young age. Many families find that balance-bike riders graduate to pedal bikes earlier and without the training-wheels phase (training wheels don't really teach a kid to balance, which is, of course, exactly what a balance bike does). The Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike is easy to assemble, durable, and offers a range of adjustability for kids of different sizes and ages, including 2-year-olds. (It's the top pick in our guide to the best balance bikes.) Our son started riding the Strider when he was 2½ years old, and within a week of daily use he was zooming confidently around our local park with his feet off the ground. When he eventually graduated to a pedal bike, the transition from striding to pedaling took about five minutes.

—Erica Ogg

American Girl Bitty Baby ($60 at the time of publication)

First released in 1995 to help children acclimate before the arrival of a baby sibling, this American Girl classic has evolved over the years. Today's Bitty Baby comes in different combinations of skin tone, hair color, eye color, and outfit color; you can even customize a set of Bitty Baby twins. The doll is a hard-to-find hybrid; its soft fabric torso and brushed knit outfit offer some of the cuddliness of a plushie, while the molded face and operable eyelids provide the interactivity of a doll. We learned through our research into doll manufacturing that it takes great skill to design a face (like Bitty Baby's) that's realistic without being creepy—many cross the line. And although every Bitty Baby comes packaged in American Girl's signature bright pink boxes, the dolls themselves aren't assigned a gender, or traditionally gendered names, and you can choose between pink, blue, and gray sleepers. (Note that the doll is $60 but comes with an optional board book and knit stuffed lamb for an additional $20.)

—Julie Kim

ECR4Kids Bentwood Multipurpose Kids Wooden Table and Chair Set (about $220 at the time of publication)

Little ones who want a grown-up space of their own will be eager to get to "work" with the ECR4Kids Bentwood Multipurpose Kids Wooden Table and Chair Set. The three-piece station—it comes with a table and two chairs—is compact and convertible. And it's made of an attractive birch plywood that won't scream "kids table" if you choose to keep it in one of the common areas of your home (something I have especially appreciated as I’ve spent a lot of time looking at it in our family's New York City apartment). The table serves as a shallow desk with a wraparound backboard; when flipped over, it becomes a high-backed bench. The chairs can also be flipped for different seat heights as kids grow, and when they’re not in use, they can be tucked neatly under the table to save space. My now-4-year-old son has been using this set for almost three years, and it has survived plenty of messy art projects and snack times with minimal wear and tear. ECR4Kids also makes a "premium" edition, which, according to a company rep, is thicker and about 10 pounds heavier, due to added layers of wood. But otherwise it is the same (price included). Neither set requires any assembly.

—Barbara Kimberly Seigel

Lakeshore Play & Explore Rocket ($60 at the time of publishing)

I did not expect to love this rocket. It was a gift to my son, and at first I was like, "Okay…here's a giant plastic thing." But I should have had more faith. The Lakeshore Play & Explore Rocket is giant and plastic; the chunky, 16½-inch-tall behemoth stands at nearly half the height of my 2-year-old. It was also an immediate hit with our toddler playgroup. My son will do a countdown to blast-off, happily move the two peg-sized astronauts in and out of the four-wheel moon rover, and then steer them around for at least 20 minutes at a time. The red, white, and blue rocket has three pleasing levels; doors swing open to reveal the cockpit, a kitchen, a computer station, a shower area, sleeping quarters (with a fold-down bed), and a mechanic's garage. When my son is done exploring for the day, the astronauts and moon rover can be conveniently tucked inside. (Note that this toy is recommended for ages 3 and up, though I was unable to identify any choking hazards.)

—Kerry Davis

Gymnic Rody (about $60 at the time of publication)

Rody is a rounded, inflatable vinyl pony that's perfect for a toddler who's bouncing off the walls. My little kids loved to hop, scoot, and bump around the house on it. And because Rody is soft and springy, I loved not having to worry about them scuffing the floor or banging into walls. It's hard not to smile at the pony's cuddly shape, poppy colors, and cartoony cuteness (it kind of looks like a Jeff Koons sculpture). Rody comes deflated, so you’ll need a bicycle or hand pump to start bouncing.

—Courtney Schley

Pottery Barn Kids Shaggy Head Bear Sleeping Bag ($100 at the time of publication)

Over the years, my mom has given each of her grandkids one of these Pottery Barn personalized sleeping bags as a crafty enticement to stay over at her house. More of a slumber-party sleeper than the kind you’d take camping, the soft zip-up rolls easily and has two straps for carrying and storage. My daughter loves its fuzzy, bear-headed pillow and cotton shell—ideal for cozying up on the floor to play games or watch a movie. She also adores that her name is on the bag, but be warned: The monogram font is a bit cramped and hard to read compared with her cousins’ earlier editions. If you decide to personalize, I’d recommend one of the blockier fonts.

—Caitlin Giddings

L.L.Bean Kids’ Pull Sled and Cushion Set ($200 for small version at the time of publication)

Babies and toddlers don't need to tear down hills at breakneck speeds to have a blast in the snow—they’re mostly content with being pulled around in a comfy, well-constructed sled like this classic wooden one from L.L.Bean. I’ve had this sled for nine years and through four kids, and it's still in great shape (it's a top pick in our guide to the best sleds). With its smooth-gliding wooden runners (which are reinforced with metal bars for durability), supportive side rails (which keep tots from tumbling out and make this an accessible option for kids working on their trunk strength), and classic red cushion, this sled is like a snow stroller. It's expensive, but it will last through many winters—or even generations.

—Doug Mahoney

PlaSmart The Original PlasmaCar (about $90 at the time of publication)

If, like me, you live much farther south—where snow is just a mythical ground cover kids see only in holiday books—the PlasmaCar is the ultimate toddler toy for gliding around. The brightly colored ride moves almost as quickly as a sled across flat surfaces, without any batteries, pedals, or gears. The wheels work much like in-line skates or cross-country skis, so when the handlebar is wiggled rapidly, the car moves forward through lateral friction force. Toddlers can achieve exhilarating speeds with just the occasional push and steady cranking of the handlebar. The PlasmaCar is sturdy enough to hold up to 220 pounds, so adults may be able to tear around the house a few times too—strictly to conduct safety checks, of course.

—Caitlin Giddings

The Wooden Wagon Cascade Tower (about $60 at the time of publication)

Sometimes it seems like the simpler the toy, the more engrossing it is for babies and toddlers (a theory supported by my child's love of playing with a bookmark above all else). Of all the toys in our pediatric audiologist's waiting room, this basic tower made of beech and birch plywoods is the one that draws the biggest and most competitive crowd of little ones. Kids can place the three-part "millipede" car at the top and watch as it works its way down to the base of the wooden tower, with a satisfying clicking sound at every turn.

—Caitlin Giddings

The Original Toy Company Fold & Go Kids Trampoline (about $105 at the time of publication)

Our pediatrician recommended a mini trampoline like this one as a tool to combat toddler constipation. I can't say definitively that it was effective for that purpose, but it worked great for bouncing out a lot of pent-up energy. And it was generally a big hit with our own kids as well as with any visiting friends. The trampoline obviously takes up some space, but our two kids used it just about every day from the ages (roughly) of 2 to 5.

—Dan Koeppel

Annual Family Membership to the Thinkery in Austin, Texas ($115 for a family of 3 at the time of publication)

For me and my wife, the gift of an annual membership to the Thinkery children's museum in Austin, Texas, was an immense relief from cabin fever when the summer heat made it impossible to be outdoors. Suddenly we now had a bright, educational fortress to escape to with our then-2-year-old daughter. Millie loves the water science room's cascading series of water tables, the earth science exhibit's hurricane and tornado simulators, and the Light Lab's magnets and mini LEDs. She even loves to watch kids scale the giant outdoor climbing structure (though it will be at least another year before she can try it herself). Memberships to children's museums like the Thinkery make excellent gifts: They offer educational play spaces and workshops for kids, as well as special events that include adults and families, such as Pride nights and parents’ night out.

—Caitlin Giddings

IKEA Duktig Play Kitchen (about $100 at the time of publication) KidKraft Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen Set (about $240 at the time of publication)

The compact, white-and-birch-colored IKEA Duktig Play Kitchen is enduringly popular for good reason. It's inexpensive, sleek, relatively durable, and neutral enough to blend seamlessly into nearly any decor, like a sneaky Scandinavian chameleon. If you’re more of a play-kitchen maximalist, the KidKraft Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen Set comes in both white and dark wood finishes, and it has a faux-subway-tile backsplash; the sink detaches for easy cleanup. (KidKraft kitchens come in a variety of sizes and configurations.) Whatever play kitchen you choose, your young chef is sure to stock it with all kinds of ingredients, edible and otherwise, soon enough (think stray socks, rotting strawberries, forgotten field-trip permission slips). You can add Learning Resources’ big baskets of colorful fruits and veggies to that treasure trove. Or get your kid's collection of cookware started early with Melissa & Doug's Let's Play House Stainless Steel Pots & Pans Playset, featured in our guide to the best gifts for 3-year-olds.

—Ingela Ratledge Amundson

Children's Factory Cube Chair (about $65 at the time of publication)

My toddler's body needed a more-supportive (read: less flimsy) first chair. And as her parent, I needed the peace of mind to know she wouldn't tip over while sitting in it. A physical therapist recently introduced us to this Children's Factory Cube Chair, which is stable without being heavy. It's made of a lightweight plastic that's much easier to maneuver than the Montessori-style wooden furniture we’d tried before. But what makes the cube chair a true winner is the 6-inch seat height with cozy "walls" on three sides; when she grows out of the lower height, I’ll flip it over for a higher 9-inch seat with less enclosure. (Note: The manufacturer recommends this for ages 12 months and up, so use your judgment based on what's best for your kid.) Available in bright primary colors as well as more muted "woodland" tones, the cube chair can also double as a side table or stool—versatility that helps take the edge off the price tag.

—Julie Kim

We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend.

—Additional reporting by Julie Kim

This article was edited by Ellen Lee, Ingela Ratledge Amundson, and Kalee Thompson.

Caitlin Giddings

Caitlin Giddings is a freelance writer based in Austin, Texas. Her work has appeared in Bicycling, Runner's World, Lonely Planet, Outside magazine, and more.

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