A Toddler's Toy Box
Toddlers love toys that allow them move, think, and interact with others.
Here is a list of low-cost, easy-to-find toys and materials for your toddler's toy box!
Movement
- 9-15 months: Walker wagon or ride-on toy (with a push handle for early walkers)
- 12-18 months: A pull toy (string must be less than 12 inches long)
- 15 months-3 years: Big bouncy balls
Using Hands
- 6-15 months: An old set of keys
- 6 months-3 years: Blocks (made of wood, plastic, or recycled milk cartons or boxes)
- 12-18 months: Dump and fill containers (use recycled plastic containers)
- 12 months-2 years: A shape sorter, nesting cups
- 18 months-3 years: Scrap paper, old magazines, grocery bags, carry-along notebook,
crayons, flashlights
- 2-3 years: Edible play dough, simple puzzles
Water Play
- 9 months-2 years: Squeeze Bottles, sponges
- 12 months-2 years: Plastic cups
Pretend Play
- 6 months-2 years: A mirror
- 9-18 mos: A toy phone
- 15 months-3 years: Toy vehicles
- 18 months-3 years: Plastic kitchen utensils, empty cereal boxes, milk cartons, spoons,
dollies, bottles, blankies, toy tool sets
- 3 years: Parent's old clothes for dress-up
Music
- 12 months-2 years: A drum, or old pots and pans
- 18 months-3 years: Sing-along videos
- Babies and toddlers of all ages: Musical tapes, child's tape player
Language
- 9 months-2 years: Sturdy, colorful board books