Best Developmental Toys for 18-24 months

The 18-24 month period is a huge time of development for your child. Expect to see bursting expressive and receptive language, creativity in play, advancements in fine motor skills, and of course, all the big feelings. 

When it comes to toys, I’m all about intentionality and practicality. The last thing busy parents need are random toy parts that create chaos and clutter. Toys take up precious real estate in our home and we want toys that will stand the test of time while providing opportunities for growth. 

I’ve compiled this list of my favorite toys for children 18-24 months that specifically target developmental goals we would expect to see during this timeframe. Play doesn’t need to be elaborate to be effective. Follow your child’s lead as they explore toys and develop important skills.I hope your family enjoys these toys as much as we have! 

1. Magnetic Fishing Game

Encourage turn-taking and incorporate hand-eye coordination into this magnetic fishing game! The fish are various colors and numbers making it easy to include early academic concepts. 

2. Mr. Potato Head

Mr. Potato Head is a fun way to incorporate learning about body parts into play. By 18 months, most children can point to at least one body part when named, and by age 2, your toddler will be capable of naming many different body parts. The Big Feelings Pineapple is also a fantastic toy for social-emotional development as your toddler learns about feelings.  

3. Housework Sets

Imitating housework and pretend play in general is a hallmark skill for the 18-24 month range. This cleaning set is perfect for children imitating household chores. Encourage your child to pretend to pour from a container while playing with this color changing kitchen sink. My toddler loves to help tidy up and is building confidence and independence in the process. 

4.Stacking Cups

These stacking cups may seem simple, but there are so many wonderful options for how to use them. Strengthen thinking and problem solving skills by introducing your child to relative size & shape, how things fit together, and the concept of cause and effect. At this point in development children typically are able to stack and assemble 3+ cups. 

5. Barn and Animal Matching Set

This sweet  barn and animal matching set are great for learning how to sort objects by color and develop basic matching skills. I especially love that the animals double as finger puppets and can be used to practice language skills like combining words, imitating animal sounds, and understanding prepositions.

6. Sports Balls

These soft sports balls are a versatile toy that will grow with your child. See if your child can throw the ball overhand and be somewhat accurate. Balls are a fantastic open-ended toy option with endless opportunity for play.

7. Simple Puzzles

Don’t underestimate the power of a puzzle! Children 18-24 months should focus on simple puzzles with 2-5 pieces like this or this to develop visual-perceptual skills. 

8. Lacing Beads

Lacing beads are a fun way to encourage fine motor skills, color recognition, and sorting and sequencing skills. Be sure your child is supervised at all times with these smaller pieces. 

9. Blocks

A simple block set is a great way to incorporate problem-solving, language, and motor skills with one toy. Aim for your child stacking about 6-7 blocks to make a tower.  

10. Dot Markers

My son really enjoys sitting down and playing with these dot markers. You can demonstrate the pincer grasp (holding the dot marker between your thumb and index finger) to promote fine motor control. This grasp will lay the foundation for holding pencils or crayons and later writing.

11. Bird and Worm Toy

Enhance your child’s pretend play skills with this engaging bird and worm  toy. Target action words (“feed”, “catch”, “drop”) and develop fine motor skills with magnetic birds and worms. This is one of my son’s favorites!

12. Latch Board

Help your child build problem solving skills and dexterity with this wooden latch board. It also builds fine and gross motor skills while little ones discover vibrant colors, numbers, and animals.

13. Object and Picture Matching Game

This wild animal game is a fun way to practice matching pictures to physical objects. For a fun challenge,  hide the animal figurines in a sensory bin! I was surprised with how well my son engaged with these simple toys and pictures.

14. Shape Sorter

A classic shape sorter is a nostalgic problem-solving toy that has entertained children for generations. Your child may have many trial and error opportunities as they learn to sort based on basic attributes. Look forward to around 30 months when your child may begin to sort basic geometric shapes.

15. Balance Bike

Promote dexterity and lay the foundation for successful bike riding with this balance bike. Many children have success transitioning directly from their balance bike to a two-wheel bike and skipping the training wheels.  

Play doesn’t need to be elaborate to be effective. Follow your child’s lead as they explore toys and develop important skills.

Wondering which skills your baby should be meeting & when?

Here is a FREE Communication Milestones Checklist to guide you!