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Our Top 3 Picks for Best Toys for 2-Year-Old Girls
If your 2-year-old is unoccupied, unentertained, and uninterested in what’s going on around her, the “terrible twos” are going to become even more terrible. In order to keep up with their rapid development and sometimes rapid mood swings, the little girl in your life needs to be surrounded by loving people and stimulating toys.
According to Kids Health, your 2-year-old girl is “aware of the function of objects, so [she] is more likely to stack blocks, listen or talk into a toy phone, or push a toy car”. This is also the stage where they engage in more pretend play, such as pretending a calculator is a phone, or turning a small box into a hat. They tend — and need — to further develop these skills they are using, so surrounding her with stimulating, educational toys is important. She needs to have a selection of toys that she can use by herself, with a few friends, with older siblings, and even with the adults in her life.
All of the best toys for 2-year-old girls listed here are highly rated, even award-winning products that will educate, entertain, and inspire your little one.
Note: Several of the toys on this list (marked with *) are actually recommended for ages 3 and up, so do ensure that your child plays with them under adult supervision.
- Our Top 3 Picks for Best Toys for 2-Year-Old Girls
- Best Toys for 2-Year-Old Girls: Top 3
- Best Toys for 2-Year-Old Girls: Outdoor Play
- Best Toys for 2-Year-Old Girls: Puzzle, Block, and Game Play
- Best Toys for 2-Year-Old Girls: Pretend Play
- Best Toys for 2-Year-Old Girls: Educational and Artistic Play
- Best Toys for 2-Year-Old Girls: Active Play
- Best Toys for 2-Year-Old Girls: Musical Play
- Final thoughts
Best Toys for 2-Year-Old Girls: Top 3
1. DUPLO Building Kit
Few toys have enjoyed the long-lasting success of LEGO and DUPLO. This set contains blocks that are the perfect size for small hands to grasp, colorful bricks, unique shapes, a rolling wagon/car, and a cute human and dog pair. DUPLO offers endless opportunities for creative play, independent play, and promotes counting, color recognition, and fine motor skills. These toys will last for years and can be enjoyed by many future family members.
2. Play-Doh Starter Set*
Play-Doh has been loved by kids and parents for decades, and your little girl will enjoy endless hours of creative fun with this starter kit. She’ll love the blue, green, yellow, and red Play-Doh that can be cut, rolled, or embossed with the included tools — and adults will love the safety of those tools, plus the convenient carrying case to house all the pieces.
3. Crawl-Through Tunnel
This colorful caterpillar tunnel from trusted name Melissa & Doug is one that can be used inside or out, and collapses, ties, and stores easily. Its sturdy construction means it’s able to withstand the tumbles of toddlers and is also easy to wipe and keep clean. Plus, it’s an item that can be enjoyed over and over as your little girl grows. It’s a well-priced toy that buyers and parents are sure to get their money’s worth from.
Also recommended in our list of best toys for crawling babies!
Best Toys for 2-Year-Old Girls: Outdoor Play
4. Little Tikes Slide
Here’s a sturdy, easy-to-assemble slide that offers both indoor and outdoor fun for your toddler. It can be used in the home, perhaps in a playroom with a small ball pit, or in the backyard, maybe with a kiddie pool. But even when used on its own, the slide is easy for toddlers to use by themselves. It’s a toy that can be enjoyed for several years, even by several kids.
5. Schwinn Balance Bike
The Schwinn brand is known for their quality cycling products, and this adorable pink balance bike is a great example. It’s lightweight with a sturdy steel frame, has an adjustable seat, real air-filled tires (no noisy plastic tires here!), and cushioned grips for little hands. Your youngster can learn the basics of pushing and gliding on a bike before progressing to pedaling.
6. Bubble Mower
Feeling included and helpful is important to every child. Your little one can be just like mom and dad when she pushes this colorful mower across the yard. Included with the mower is a bottle of bubble solution which is poured into the toy, just as an adult pours in gasoline. Plus, assembly is easy: just slide the ends of the handle onto the body until it clicks into place.
7. Outdoor Play House
With its adorable grill, interior kitchenette, fireplace, wall clock, and faux hardwood floors, Step2 has created a unique and entertaining space for outdoor pretend play. The multiple open windows make it easy for adults to supervise playtime. It’s not cheap, but it’s significantly larger than other similar play structures, and its sturdy construction makes it worth the cost. Your 2-year-old can enjoy this for several years.
8. Saucer Swing*
Not just any swing, this surprisingly wide and sturdy swing is a unique shape and size that allows for your 2-year-old girl and a few of her friends to play safely. She can use it for swinging, a place to hold a tea party with toys, or even as a picnic spot. This swing is even safe for special needs children, who have lots of room to stretch out and enjoy watching the sky.
Also included in our list of best outdoor toys for 10-year-olds!
9. Beach Toys
Experiencing playtime in different outdoor environments is good for the healthy development of your child. Bring along these bright pink beach toys the next time you’re by the water and watch your 2-year-old girl use her imagination to play as she digs with the shovel, builds with the castle mold, and pours with the bucket. The sand sifter acts as a lid as well, making cleanup and transportation easy.
10. Ride-On Car
Step2 is known for the sturdy construction of their children’s products, and this ride-on car is fun for the toddler but also convenient for the adult. The safety belt will keep your toddler secure and the strong handle is a convenient height for most adults. With the newer model, the wheels are more like rubber than hard plastic, reducing noise and creating a smoother ride.
Best Toys for 2-Year-Old Girls: Puzzle, Block, and Game Play
11. Peg Puzzles
Puzzles are one of the best activities for developing numerous skills, such as hand-eye coordination, spatial vocabulary, sequencing, problem-solving, and many others. Plus, the Melissa & Doug brand is well known for their quality products, especially their wooden ones. These particular puzzles can also help your little one practice their numbers, shapes, and letters, plus they have recognizable Disney characters for decoration.
Find more great puzzles for 2-year-olds here!
12. Roll and Play Game
If you’re looking for an interactive game to play with your toddler, Roll & Play is a safe and simple choice. Even 2-year-olds can roll the plush, colored die, then find the coordinating card that has instructions to “Roar like a lion, “Sing a song,” or “Find something blue”. This game has won awards and even been featured on The View for its simplicity, entertainment value, and opportunity to strengthen family bonds.
13. Name Puzzle
This multipurpose toy helps 2-year-olds practice puzzle-making skills, and encourage them to recognize and spell their own name. The puzzles are made with high quality plywood and colored with water-based dyes, which means they are safe, sturdily constructed, and yet light enough for toddlers to lift and handle. As your 2-year-old gets older, this quality item can be used as décor in her bedroom or any other space.
14. Waffle Blocks
Block play provides a list of education opportunities, including building problem-solving skills, introducing mathematical concepts, growing self-esteem, and engaging spatial senses and motor abilities. Waffle blocks are a unique break from the simplicity of regular building blocks. Plus, this set comes with an impressive 80 different pieces, including a princess, knight, dragon, and two horses. It also has a storage bag for easy cleanup and storage.
15. Two-Piece Puzzles
If your toddler has already mastered most of the simple peg puzzles you’ve given her, this two-piece, self-correcting puzzle is a great way to stretch her skills. Each piece fits perfectly with only one other piece, and the illustrations on both pieces match up: the tail of each animal on one side, the head on the other. It’s a great way to explore animal discussion while simultaneously exercising your 2-year-old’s problem-solving skills.
16. Wooden Letter Blocks
Wooden stacking blocks are a favorite among parents since they develop a toddler’s matching, stacking, sorting, letter recognition, number recognition, and picture recognition abilities. This set from Melissa & Doug includes 200 one-inch multicolored blocks made from solid wood and hand painted, plus a bag for easy storage. Blocks are something that your toddler can play with as they grow, and they’re so well made that they’ll last for years.
Best Toys for 2-Year-Old Girls: Pretend Play
17. Unicorn Outfit
Dress-up play can be a great way to get your little one to be more comfortable with buttons, zippers, Velcro, and other fasteners. It can also promote empathy in your child (playing doctor vs patient), enhance problem-solving skills (what props go with which costume?), before teaching them to think creatively (they can wear whatever combo they want), and is a great form of social play. This beautifully bright tutu and unicorn headband combo will be both fun and educational for your little girl.
18. Kitchen Set*
This realistic set includes a stovetop with lights and sound, a faucet that produces blue light to simulate running water, and tiny ice cubes that come out of the fridge. The adorable planters above the sink are an excellent way to teach your little girl about where her food comes from, plus the veggies can be “cut” with the included wooden knife. Independently or with others, she’ll enjoy hours of imaginative play.
19. Doctor’s Kit
One of the most comprehensive kits on the market, this set of doctor’s tools includes the typical stethoscope and blood pressure cuff, but also a clipboard with pen, pulse machine, kidney dish, and 26 other items. The included lab coat and eyeglasses will ensure your little one looks the part. It’s a great deal for such a large assortment of items and for the hours of fun it will provide.
20. Princess Play Tent
Having a specific play area is important to both parents and children, and this sweet princess tent offers an adorable and safe space. It sets up in seconds with only a few support rods necessary for assembly, is brightly colored, has glow-in-the-dark stars printed on the fabric, and can easily be cleaned with simple soap and water. 2-year-olds will love playtime in their castle and enjoy sleepovers and imaginative play even as they grow older.
21. Dollhouse
Many little girls love to “play house” and this playset from Fisher-Price is a great gift to encourage her imaginative play. Little People are small, simple characters loved by parents and kids around the globe, and Emma and Jack are no different. They’re easy for 2-year-olds to grasp, can be moved all around the playhouse, and can interact with the Discovery Buttons that provide common sounds and phrases your toddler hears around the house.
Also mentioned in our list of best dollhouses!
22. Finger Puppets
Paw Patrol is one of North America’s most popular children’s shows, and these finger puppets are a small, simple way for your toddler to play with her favorite TV characters. Marshall, Skye, Chase, Rubble and Zuma are made of soft rubber that’s easy to clean and fits perfectly on your little one’s fingers. These kid-approved finger toys offer plenty of opportunity for imaginative play, and are extremely affordable.
23. Disney Skating Party
The characters in this set can skate, swing on the moveable swing, and enjoy a popup visit from Sven. It’s simple enough for toddlers to enjoy independently but can also be used for shared play or with adult interaction. Plus, this set can be used interchangeably with any other Little People sets your little girl may already have. Fisher-Price is known for its quality products, so buyers are assured the product will last.
24. Plush Doll
Many toddlers love playing with dolls, and this type of play can improve their social, emotional, and language skills, among others. The Wee Baby Stella doll is a sweet and safe toy that comes with a pacifier, bottle, removable outfits, teddy bear, and a book about animal friends. Best of all, these dolls come in a variety of skin tones and hair styles so you can match her to the child who’ll be playing with Stella.
Also mentioned in our list of best dolls for toddlers!
25. Mrs. Potato Head
Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head are classic toys for a reason: their silly faces and accessories make for great imaginative play, they can be enjoyed independently or with friends, and they are a great way to teach your child about feelings and emotions (happy face = happy feelings, angry face = angry feelings, etc.) This kit comes with an impressive 33 pieces and includes a carrying case that’s great for storage and transportation.
26. Pete the Cat Stuffie
Pete the Cat is a popular book series for toddlers and preschoolers and this plush toy is a perfect replica of the story character. It’s easy to throw into the washing machine and keep clean, plus he’s a great way to help your child connect their favorite books with reality. He’s small enough for little hands to hold and enjoy, but big enough to be played with like a real kitty.
Best Toys for 2-Year-Old Girls: Educational and Artistic Play
27. Disney Me Reader
Encouraging a love of reading is important for all toddler parents, and this set is a great combination of convenience and education. Your little one can choose her preferred book from the collection, push the corresponding button, and have the story read aloud to her. With 8 Disney books to choose from, she can spend hours with her favorite characters. This teaches independence, reading skills, and helps to develop visual perception abilities.
28. Fridge Phonics
Educational toys from LeapFrog are known to be sturdy and reliable. When your child puts a letter into the frame, they’ll hear Tad the Toad say the letter aloud. This magnetic set teaches letter recognition, including their shapes and sounds, plus there are some cute learning songs too. The set doesn’t take much room on the fridge and is easy to keep clean after being used by sticky fingers.
29. Flashlight Toy
You may not think that a flashlight could enhance fine motor skills and dexterity, as well as color and number skills, but this item does. Plus, it has an automatic shut-off and a volume control button, so the batteries won’t be wasted, and the rest of the family isn’t bothered by the noise. As with most VTech products, this is a durable item that won’t break if dropped or dragged around.
30. Spike the Hedgehog
Specifically made for toddlers ages 18 months and up, little Spike provides a fun game involving colors, numbers, sorting, and coordination. The “quills” are the perfect size for little hands to grasp and they all fit inside the hedgehog in a handy little compartment, making cleanup a breeze. The toy’s sturdy plastic construction makes it easy to keep clean as well.
31. Ice Cream Stand
Kids love ice cream, and this educational product combines fun and education. Scooping ice cream is a great way to teach your little lady about colors and counting, plus this LeapFrog product can help build memory and sequencing skills. The cart can easily be moved around the house, sings fun songs, and has a handy storage drawer for easy cleanup.
32. Easy-to-Hold Crayons
While not technically a toy, these unique crayons can provide plenty of entertainment. Artwork and coloring offer numerous benefits to toddlers, like improving fine motor skills, training the brain to focus, and can teach numbers, colors, geography, history, and even spelling (depending on the subject being colored). These ergonomic crayons are a perfect fit for any little hand, erasable, and thick enough that they rarely break.
33. Artwork Easel
Exploring art allows toddlers to learn multiple skills, including hand-eye coordination and gross and fine motor skills. This easel has two sides — one chalkboard, one whiteboard — for your 2-year-old girl to draw, paint, color, and explore magnetic play. It comes with 94 foam magnets to attach to the whiteboard. Adults can work alongside the toddler, kids can play with their friends, or the artist can work individually.
Best Toys for 2-Year-Old Girls: Active Play
34. Bilibo Seat
The Bilibo seat is not just a funky-shaped seat on the floor. It can be used as a chair, can spin, rock, become a turtle shell, and many other things. Children with autism or behavior disorders will especially enjoy this iconic stool since it offers movement and stimulation while seated. Teachers and parents will appreciate how this item combines both functionality and fun.
35. Roller Coaster Toy*
Even with its high price tag, this colorful, kids-sized roller coaster is a great toy and activity for a busy toddler. It’s made with quality, sturdy materials, plus Step2 offers a great 3-year warranty. It’s safe, fun, and versatile enough to be used in the rec room or out in the backyard. Although the description says this toy is best for ages 3-5, your 2-year-old can use this safely with adult supervision.
Also recommended in our list of best ride-on toys for 4-year-olds and best indoor toys for active toddlers!
36. Toddler Trampoline*
Lots of kids love trampolines, and letting them jump out their energy is helpful for both the child and their caretakers. Little Tikes has made a quality, sturdy product with a convenient hand bar for extra safety. This item is recommended for indoor use, and also for kids ages 3-6, but it’s perfectly safe for your 2-year-old as long as she’s being supervised.
37. Hopping Ball
This giant bouncy ball comes uninflated so that you can fill it to the exact size your 2-year-old needs, and reinflated as she grows. It’s made from latex, BPA, and phthalate-free vinyl that is still soft and comfortable. The patented hand grip makes it easy and safe for her to bounce around the house, improving her coordination and sense of balance.
Best Toys for 2-Year-Old Girls: Musical Play
38. Musical Instruments*
Music can help improve numeracy and literacy skills, improve coordination, build socio-emotional skills, and exercise the patterns and sequencing part of their brain. This kit includes 8 different, brightly-colored instruments made of high-quality, non-toxic materials. The handy backpack is great for cleanup and storage, keeping all the pieces safely together.
39. Toddler Keyboard*
This is a multifunctional toy that can record and play back the music your toddler makes. There are more than 40 songs and sounds pre-programmed in, and your little one can compose her own melodies too. Learning rhythm, tempo, melody, and other musical skills are important for your toddler to learn, and music can also help them to develop language, math, and memory skills. It’s a well-priced item that can offer entertainment for years.
40. Learn and Groove Mat
The jumbo-sized, multicolored circles feature adorable animals playing instruments, and each time your child steps on one, a new song or dancing instruction is heard. It’s essentially a 4-foot mat that encourages your toddler to get up, dance, be active, and enjoy musical playtime. It’s also a great way to have fun with friends and siblings, since there’s lots of room on the mat.
Final thoughts
Children often copy the words and actions of the adults in their lives. They tend to mimic what they see on television as well, so less screen time and more playtime is important. Your home is your child’s first classroom, and you are her teacher. Our above picks for the best toys for 2-year-old girls will offer opportunities for you to jump, sing, ride, and/or build with her, and show your little girl how to have fun with the people and toys around her.