12 Best Developmental Toys For Toddlers
As my daughter grows, I’m always thinking about which toys will truly benefit her development—not just entertain her for a few minutes. Choosing toys that encourage problem-solving, creativity, and motor skills can make playtime both fun and educational.
After researching and testing countless options, I’ve put together a list of 12 of the best developmental toys for toddlers. These toys aren’t just popular—they actually help toddlers build important skills like coordination, communication, and critical thinking. Whether you’re shopping for your own little one or looking for the perfect gift, this list will guide you toward toys that make a real difference in your child’s growth.
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12 Best Toys For Toddlers Development
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Wooden Blocks
One of the first toys I got my daughter when she was little. As a preschool teacher, I have used blocks in my classroom for years, and I see the benefits of having open ended toys like wooden blocks around.
Benefits: Fine Motor Skills | Problem solving | Supports Cognitive Development.
Jumbo Puzzles
Puzzles are another one of those toys that children love, and are great for them as well. I love the jumbo puzzles by Melissa and Doug because they are great for small hands!
Benefits: Builds Fine Motor Skills | Great for problem solving | Supports Cognitive Development.
Balance Bike
I didn’t hear much about balance bikes until I had my daughter, once I seen a balance bike in action I was hooked!
Benefits: Builds Gross Motor Skills | Improves Balance and Coordination | Strengthens Core Muscles
Play Kitchen
I wasn’t sure about adding a play kitchen to our play space until I saw the play kitchen from Ikea. I loved the simplicity of it, and it wasn’t to bulky, like most play kitchens.
Benefits: Encourages Pretend Play | Supports Language Development | Promotes Social Skills | Sparks Creativity and Imagination
Picture Books
Over the years we have collected and read a lot of books between my daughter and son. We are regulars at our local library, and read daily. Books ardent toys but they are so important for little kids!
Benefits: Supports Language Development | Builds Early Literacy Skills | Strengthens Attention and Focus | Encourages Imagination
Fun Sensory Bins
This isn’t a toy either, but so good for small children. I have used sensory bins in the classroom and at home now with both kids. The possibilities are endless with different sensory bin themes you could create!
Benefits: Builds Fine Motor Skills | Encourages Sensory Exploration | Supports Problem Solving | Develops Hand Eye Coordination | Boosts Focus and Attention
Magnetic Tiles
This was the toy that got away from me. I never understood the hype around magnetic tiles until we got a set of our own. They are definitely worth the hype, and my kids LOVE them. The possibilities are endless with magnetic tiles. You can build just about anything with them.
Benefits: Builds Fine Motor Skills | Strengthens Problem Solving Skills | Supports Cognitive Development | Encourages Creativity
Lego Duplo
Ive always been a fan of legos, but the smaller legos aren’t safe for toddlers, So these lego dupes
Benefits: Builds Fine Motor Skills | Strengthens Problem Solving Skills | Supports Cognitive Development | Encourages Creativity
Stacking Cups
Stacking cups were the go to toy for both of my kids during bath time. What I love most about stacking cups is they are a great toy for bath times, and for sensory bins.
Benefits: Builds Fine Motor Skills | Strengthens Problem Solving Skills | Supports Cognitive Development | Encourages Creativity
Lacing Beads
We had a great lacing set from a subscription box I use to get for my daughter when she was younger. She loved it, and would play with those lacing beads for a while, trying to figure out how to get all the beads on the thread.
Benefits: Builds Fine Motor Skills | Improves Hand Eye Coordination | Strengthens Bilateral Coordination | Supports Cognitive Development | Encourages Focus and Concentration
Musical Instruments
I love musical instruments for toddlers. I love them because they are definitely beneficial for toddlers. As a preschool teacher we incorporated musical instruments into our daily routine and the kids loved it!
Benefits: Builds Fine Motor Skills | Supports Language Development | Enhances Listening Skills | Encourages Creativity and Self Expression
Squigz
I first saw squigz and how they work at my daughter’s physical therapy session, she loved them and so did i. They can be used in so many different ways and are great for fine motor and gross motor skills.
Benefits: Builds Fine Motor Skills | Strengthens Hand and Finger Muscles | Encourages Creative and Open Ended Play | Supports Problem Solving Skills
Which Toys Do Toddlers Really Need?
Sorting through all the noise to figure out which toys your toddler really needs can feel overwhelming. With so many products marketed as “educational,” it’s hard to know which ones actually support your child’s development and which are just clutter.
The truth is, toddlers don’t need a mountain of toys. A few well-chosen, purposeful toys can provide endless opportunities for learning and growth. Here are some essential toys every toddler should have:
- Books – Build early literacy skills, spark imagination, and create meaningful bonding moments.
- Blocks – Encourage creativity, problem-solving, and spatial awareness.
- Puzzles – Support cognitive development, fine motor skills, and patience.
- Play Kitchen – Promote pretend play, social interaction, and language development.
- Pre-Writing Toys – Strengthen hand muscles and prepare toddlers for writing later on.
- Sensory Toys – Stimulate curiosity and engage the senses, laying the foundation for cognitive growth.
By focusing on a small selection of thoughtfully chosen toys, you can create an enriching play environment that truly supports your toddler’s development.
The best toys for a child’s development are those designed with a specific skill in mind. When a toy has a clear purpose, your child can practice that skill repeatedly, building mastery through play and repetition.
What Toys Can Help A Child’s Development
Here are some excellent examples of toys that support development:
These are just a few examples of toys that promote development—each one offering a unique way for children to learn and grow through play.
- Books – Encourage language development, vocabulary growth, and imagination.
- Sensory Toys – Stimulate the senses and support cognitive and emotional growth.
- Puzzles – Promote problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, and patience.
- Pretend Play (Play Kitchen, Dress-Up, etc.) – Foster creativity, social skills, and role-playing.
- Peg Boards – Strengthen fine motor skills and concentration.
- Stacking Rings – Build hand-eye coordination and early math skills like size sequencing.
- Blocks – Encourage creativity, spatial awareness, and critical thinking.
