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