Last Updated on January 2, 2024
Ever wondered how to keep your curious little whirlwind entertained? Look no further! Ready to dive into the world of toddler-approved fun? We’ve got your back with a lineup of the best toys for 18 to 24-month-olds that are bound to bring a whole lot of giggles and learning into playtime. These pint-sized dynamos are at a stage where exploration knows no bounds, and the right toys can make all the difference in their development journey. So, which play companions will make those inquisitive minds light up with joy? Let’s embark on a playtime adventure and uncover the treasures that cater to the unique wonders of Best Toys For 18 To 24 Month Old.
Our Top Picks
Types Of Toys For 18 To 24 Month Olds
Toys play a crucial role in the development and growth of toddlers. Not only do they provide hours of entertainment, but they also aid in the development of various skills. Choosing the right toys for your 18 to 24-month-old can be overwhelming, given the wide variety available in the market.
By focusing on certain types of toys that cater to their specific developmental needs, you can ensure that your little one is engaged and learning while having fun.
Educational Toys That Promote Learning And Exploration:
- Alphabet and number puzzles: These toys introduce your toddler to the letters of the alphabet and numbers, helping them develop early literacy and numeracy skills.
- Shape sorters: These toys encourage problem-solving as your little one learns to fit different shapes into corresponding holes.
- Building blocks: These toys promote creativity, fine motor skills, and cognitive development as your child builds towers and structures.
- Musical instruments: Musical toys enhance sensory development, coordination, and an appreciation for rhythm and melody.
Fine And Gross Motor Skill Development Toys:
- Push and pull toys: These toys encourage physical movement and help your child develop balance and coordination.
- Large puzzles with chunky pieces: These puzzles enhance hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as your toddler learns to manipulate the pieces.
- Ride-on toys: Riding on these toys promotes balance and coordination, while also providing a sense of independence and fun.
Pretend Play Toys For Imaginative Play:
- Play kitchen sets: These toys allow your child to engage in pretend cooking and serving activities, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and social interaction.
- Dolls and stuffed animals: These toys encourage nurturing and empathy, as well as role-playing and imaginative storytelling.
- Dress-up costumes and accessories: These toys promote imaginative play and allow your toddler to explore different roles and characters.
Sensory Toys For Stimulating The Senses:
- Textured toys: Toys with different textures, such as soft, bumpy, smooth, or rough surfaces, provide tactile stimulation and enhance sensory development.
- Water play toys: These toys, like waterproof books or floating toys, provide sensory experiences that engage your toddler’s senses of touch and sight.
- Musical toys with lights: Toys that produce sounds and lights when touched or activated stimulate multiple senses, enhancing your child’s cognitive and sensory development.
10 Best Toys For 18 To 24 Month Old In 2023
1. DUMMA Baby Toys 12-18 Months Musical Bus Toys
- Brand: DUMMA
- Manufacturer: DUMMA
- Color: Multicolor
Features
The DUMMA Baby Toys Musical Bus is an early education delight, merging playtime with learning. Its vibrant building blocks captivate toddlers, helping them identify colors and animal shapes, while promoting crawling through engaging lights and music. Five magical, colorful blocks transform into charming animal figures, encouraging hand-eye coordination. A unique feature, the Universal Driving Function, ignites real car start sounds, and an automatic turn when it hits obstacles, flashing lights, and wonderful music for a fun chase. Crafted with high-quality, eco-friendly ABS material, it includes cute animal sounds and a block game. An excellent gift for 1-4-year-olds, this small bus promises big surprises!
Pros:
- Educational: The toy promotes learning of colors and animal shapes, helping toddlers develop cognitive skills.
- Musical & Light Features: The toy’s music and light features create an engaging, fun environment that encourages physical movement and crawling.
- Enhances Motor Skills: The transformation of the blocks into animal figures assists with the development of hand-eye coordination.
- Universal Driving Function: This unique feature provides a dynamic play experience with real car start sounds, automatic turns and flashing lights.
- High-Quality Material: Crafted from eco-friendly and durable ABS material, the toy is designed to withstand the rigorous play of toddlers.
Cons:
- Overstimulation: The variety of sounds, lights, and movement could potentially overstimulate some children, leading to restlessness or agitation.
- Limited Shapes: With only five block shapes, there could be limited options for play and learning diversity.
- Batteries Required: The toy’s light and sound features likely require batteries, which could result in additional costs and the inconvenience of frequent replacements.
2. Toys 18-24 Months Drop and Go Train Toys
- Brand: LAGSEAN
- Manufacturer: LAGSEAN
Features
Discover the joy of learning and play with our Drop and Go Train Toy, perfect for kids aged 18 months to 4 years old. With cool, authentic sounds and charming cat-design trains, this engaging toy captivates young minds. Navigate around your home with the universal moving wheel, promoting chase and play. The toy requires 4x 1.5V AA batteries (not included). With three colorful soft balls, it encourages interaction, with modes to drop the balls or rotate them in a compartment, teaching counting skills. Constructed from durable ABS plastic, it fosters fine motor skills. It’s an excellent gift for Christmas or birthdays, bringing fun for the whole family.
Pros:
- Engages and Stimulates: The authentic train sounds and fun lights captivate young minds, stimulating imaginative play.
- Educational: This toy teaches counting and fine motor skills through interactive play with the soft, colorful balls.
- Versatile Modes: The train has different modes for dropping or rotating balls, adding variety to playtime.
- Durability: The train is made of high-quality ABS plastic, ensuring it can withstand rough and tumble play.
- Great Gift: It makes an excellent present for special occasions like Christmas or birthdays, providing fun for the entire family.
Cons:
- Battery Not Included: The toy requires 4x 1.5V AA batteries which are not included, leading to potential disappointment upon initial unboxing.
- Volume Settings: With only two volume settings, the noise level may not be suitable for all environments or preferences.
- Limited Age Range: While perfect for kids between 18 months and 4 years, older kids may find it less engaging, limiting its lifespan.
3. HISTOYE Baby Piano Toys for 1 Year Old Boy Girl
- Brand: HISTOYE
- Manufacturer: HISTOYE
- Color: Blue
- Dimensions: Height: 1.181102361 Inches Width: 1.181102361 Inches Length: 1.968503935 Inches
Features
Unleash your child’s musical potential with the HISTOYE Baby Piano Toys. Crafted from safe, high-quality ABS plastic, this toy is perfect for little hands to explore. With fun features like a twistable elephant nose, turnable small balls, and a pully flower, your toddler’s fine motor skills will thrive. The toy offers two engaging modes: musical and learning, enhancing their music perception and hearing development. The baby elephant piano produces exciting sound effects, paired with soft, eye-friendly lights that flash rhythmically. Its portable design is perfect for on-the-go fun. Ideal as a first toy or a special gift, make your child’s playtime educational and enjoyable.
Pros:
- High-quality Material: Made from premium ABS plastic with smooth edges, ensuring the safety and durability of the toy.
- Enhances Fine Motor Skills: Features like a twistable elephant nose and turnable balls provide opportunities for developing fine motor skills.
- Dual Modes: The toy offers both musical and learning modes, promoting a comprehensive learning experience.
- Sound and Light Effects: The rhythmic flashing lights and sound effects make it an entertaining and interactive toy.
- Portability: With a handle design, the toy is easy to carry, making it suitable for traveling or outdoor play.
Cons:
- Volume Control: While it has a volume adjustment feature, loud settings might be disturbing for parents and potentially harmful to sensitive baby ears.
- Limited Keys: With only five keys (do/re/mi/fa/so), it might not provide a full range of musical exploration.
- Potential Overstimulation: The various features, while educational, could potentially overstimulate some children, making the toy less enjoyable for them.
4. Kidpal Baby Toys 18 to 24 Months
- Brand: Kidpal
- Manufacturer: Kidpal
Features
This Kidpal Baby Toy is designed for children aged 18 to 24 months, providing both fun and educational content. Made from high-quality, smooth ABS plastic, this toy ensures the utmost safety for your toddler. It combines multiple activities promoting fine motor skills and includes musical and learning modes, fostering musical perception and hearing development. The baby elephant design offers funny sound effects, light up cheeks, and volume control for adjustable fun. Easy to carry and perfect for travelling, this charming elephant music toy is a brilliant gift choice for 1-2 year old toddlers on any occasion.
Pros:
- Safety Assured: The toy is crafted from high-quality ABS plastic with smooth edges and corners, ensuring the child’s safety.
- Skill Development: Various games integrated into the toy foster fine motor skill development in toddlers.
- Educational and Fun: With both musical and learning modes, the toy provides a fun way to enhance musical perception and hearing development.
- Interesting Effects: Funny sound effects and rhythmically flashing lights stimulate toddlers’ interest and curiosity.
- Portability: The handle design and appropriate size make it easy for toddlers to carry, making it an ideal travel companion.
Cons:
- Limited Scope: The toy only has two modes, which might limit its appeal as the child grows and seeks more complex interactive experiences.
- Volume Control: While there is a volume adjustment feature, high volume settings might be too loud for some children.
- Light Effects: The flashing light feature, although rhythmically synchronized, may be a little intense for some toddlers, particularly those with sensitivity to light.
5. Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog
- Brand: Learning Resources
- Manufacturer: Learning Resources
- Color: Multicolor
- Dimensions: Height: 3.9 Inches Width: 9.1 Inches Length: 9.1 Inches Weight: 0.05 Pounds `
Features
Boost your toddler’s development with the Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog. This 14-piece, educational toy promotes fine motor skills through peg-shaped pieces that fit into a friendly hedgehog. Spike’s colorful quills not only aid in color recognition, sorting, and counting, but also serve as an excellent tool for children with visual impairments. Designed for tiny hands, this fine motor set includes a 2-piece hedgehog, 12 quills, and an activity guide. When playtime concludes, the quills store conveniently inside Spike for easy cleanup. Perfect as a gift, this toy sparks learning joy on any occasion, from holidays to everyday playtime.
Pros:
- Enhances Fine Motor Skills: The chunky, peg-shaped pieces encourage development of fine motor skills as children maneuver them into the hedgehog.
- Educational: The colorful quills provide an engaging way for kids to learn color recognition, sorting, and counting.
- Versatile Use: Besides its primary purpose, Spike can be utilized for occupational therapy exercises and is suitable for visually impaired children.
- Designed for Toddlers: The pieces are easy to grasp, making them the perfect size for toddler and preschool hands.
- Easy Storage: The quills can be stored inside the hedgehog when not in use, promoting clean and organized play spaces.
Cons:
- Choking Hazard: Despite being designed for toddlers, the size of the quills could pose a choking risk if not supervised.
- Limited Activity Scope: The toy mainly focuses on color recognition and fine motor skills, and may not cater to a broad range of developmental areas.
- Durability Concerns: Depending on the materials used, the longevity and resilience of the toy under robust toddler play could be a concern.
6. ZHIHUAN Bath Toys for Toddlers
- Brand: APSDRENS
- Manufacturer: ZHIHUAN
- Color: White
Features
ZHIHUAN Bath Toys offer pure, splashy fun for kids aged 1-7. These innovative toys light up and automatically spray water when submerged, stopping when removed. Ideal for bathtubs, pools, showers, and beach outings. Powered by 3 AAA batteries (not included), installation is simple using a screwdriver. Its sealing ring ensures no water intrusion. Please remove batteries and wipe dry after use. Crafted from high-quality, durable ABS material, these bath toys are built to last. Their flashing colors and exciting fountains keep children engaged, making bath time a blast. A memorable gift for toddlers, ZHIHUAN toys redefine bathing fun!
Pros:
- Versatile Usage: The toy can be used in various water environments, such as bathtubs, swimming pools, showers, and can even be taken to the beach.
- Interactive Function: It automatically sprays water and lights up when submerged, providing engaging and interactive play.
- High-quality Material: The bath toys are made of high-quality ABS, promising durability and long-lasting use.
- Easy to Maintain: The toy is designed with a sealing ring to prevent water from getting inside, and it’s easy to clean by simply removing the batteries and wiping dry.
- Educational Fun: The colorful lights and water sprays can stimulate children’s sensory development while making bath time enjoyable.
Cons:
- Batteries Not Included: Requires 3 AAA batteries which are not included in the package, adding to the overall cost.
- Manual Battery Installation: The need to manually install and remove batteries for every use may be inconvenient for some users.
- Screwdriver Required: The installation of the battery cover requires a screwdriver, which could be a hassle if one is not readily available.
7. Dreampark Baby Toys 18 Months
- Brand: Dreampark
- Manufacturer: Dreampark
- Color: Pink
Features
The Dreampark Baby Musical Dinosaur Toy is a uniquely engaging toy designed to stimulate babies’ development. Encouraging crawling and coordination, its realistic dinosaur movements, colorful lights, and captivating music captivate infants’ attention. Made from BPA-free, non-toxic ABS material, it’s safe, durable, and gentle for baby’s exploring hands and mouths. It features two adorable mini dino cars, offering varied play modes and obstacle-avoidance technology. The toy auto-sleeps after 30 seconds for battery conservation, easily reactivated by a touch. Beautifully packaged, it’s a thoughtful gift for birthdays or Children’s Day. Dreampark promises 100% satisfaction, guaranteeing a delightful experience for your little ones.
Pros:
- Interactive Design: The toy encourages crawling and improves hand-eye coordination, promoting the development of large muscle control.
- Safe Materials: The toy is made from BPA-free, non-toxic ABS, ensuring the safety of your child during play.
- Multi-Mode Play: With two mini dino cars and multiple play modes, it provides varied and engaging play experiences.
- Smart Technology: The auto-sleep feature after 30 seconds helps conserve battery, and the toy can easily be reactivated with a touch.
- Excellent Gift: The toy comes beautifully packaged, making it a great gift for birthdays, Children’s Day, or other occasions.
Cons:
- Battery Not Included: The toy requires 3 AAA batteries, which are not included in the package, potentially causing inconvenience.
- Not for Younger Infants: The toy is specifically designed for babies aged 18 months and older, and may not be suitable for younger infants.
- No Volume Control: The toy does not seem to have volume control, which could be overwhelming or disruptive in some situations.
8. 7 8 9 10 12 18 Month Old Baby Toys
- Brand: Playcasually
- Manufacturer: TCFK
- Color: Colorful
- Dimensions: Height: 4.1 Inches Width: 3.7 inches Length: 5.1 Inches
Features
Introducing our 6-in-1 Montessori Toy, perfect for babies aged 7 to 18 months. This Busy Cube features engaging elements like an analog faucet, eye opener switch, and a fidget spinner, designed to stimulate cognitive development and attention in children, including those with autism. Made with safe, sturdy, and burr-free ABS material, it’s friendly to little hands and helps improve tactile development. The fun design assists in practicing hand-eye coordination, fostering curiosity, and enhancing imagination. Its vibrant colors and sound features boost sensory development, color recognition, and practical ability. Portable and lightweight, this Busy Cube is the perfect gift for any occasion. A must-have travel toy, teaching aid, and beloved educational toy for toddlers.
Pros:
- Cognitive Stimulation: The 6-in-1 design including features like an analog faucet and fidget spinner fosters cognitive development, attention, and learning ability in children.
- Safe and Durable: Made with high-quality, burr-free ABS material, the Busy Cube is safe, sturdy, and designed to withstand regular use by little hands.
- Sensory Development: The rich colors and funny sounds from the buttons enhance sensory development, color recognition, and practical ability.
- Versatile Gift: Portable and lightweight, this Busy Cube is perfect for a variety of occasions, serving as an excellent gift, travel toy, or teaching aid.
- Suitable for Special Needs: This product is designed to be beneficial for children with autism, making it a mindful and inclusive toy.
Cons:
- Overstimulation: With so many features and sounds, the toy might overstimulate some children, causing them to feel overwhelmed.
- Battery Dependent: If the sound features rely on batteries, they’ll need regular replacement which could be inconvenient.
- Potential Choking Hazard: Depending on the size of the toy’s parts, there could be a potential choking hazard if parts become detached.
9. iValea Montessori Toys for 1+ Year Old Girl Gifts
- Brand: iValea
- Manufacturer: iValea
- Color: Soft Multicolored
Features
The iValea Montessori Toys are the perfect educational tool for toddlers, promoting early development in a fun, engaging manner. The toy set encourages stacking and matching skills, helping little ones develop their fine motor skills. With 4 colors and 5 shapes to choose from, it aids in cultivating shape and color recognition, counting skills, and sensory development. Unleashing a world of imagination, it can be used as puzzles or building blocks, sparking innovative play. Crafted from natural wood and finished with water-based paint, safety is ensured. A delightful and educational gift for toddlers, this Montessori toy will surely bring joy to their learning journey.
Pros:
- Educational: The iValea Montessori Toys enhance early development by improving fine motor skills, color and shape recognition, counting skills, and sensory development.
- Versatile: The set can be used as a puzzle or as building blocks, encouraging varied forms of imaginative play.
- Safe Material: Crafted from natural wood and coated with water-based paint, the toys are non-toxic and safe for children.
- Quality Craftsmanship: The exquisite polishing process ensures a smooth, burr-free surface, providing a pleasant tactile experience.
- Great Gift: This toy set serves as a perfect gift for toddlers, offering endless learning fun.
Cons:
- Choking Hazard: Although made with safety in mind, the small pieces can potentially pose a choking hazard for children under three years old.
- Durability Concerns: Depending on usage, wooden toys may not be as durable as plastic alternatives over time.
- Limited Complexity: While it encourages basic skill development, the toy set may not challenge older or more advanced children.
10. Aoumi Busy Cube Sensory Busy Board Travel Toy
- Brand: Aoumi
- Manufacturer: Aoumi
- Color: Classical
- Dimensions: Height: 5.5 Inches Width: 4.5 Inches Length: 6.1 Inches
Features
Introducing the Aoumi Busy Cube, a 7-in-1 Montessori marvel for your curious toddler. This multifaceted toy, encompassing a fingertip gyroscope, anti-theft safety lock and key, spring bolt, switch, universal wheel, water tap, and rotating screw cap, promotes cognitive and motor skill development while captivating your child’s attention. Ideal for traveling, the Aoumi Busy Cube provides engaging, self-contained play, easing potential travel anxiety. It doubles as an effective fidget toy, aiding kids, including those on the autism spectrum, in relieving stress. A brilliant, safe, and educational gift for children 18-24 months, it boosts parent-child interaction, making learning fun for both.
Pros:
- Versatile Learning Tool: The 7-in-1 design caters to various learning needs, promoting cognitive development and fine motor skills in children.
- Travel-Friendly: Compact and portable, it provides engaging playtime during travel, mitigating the stress associated with long journeys.
- Therapeutic Benefits: Doubles as a fidget toy, offering therapeutic benefits for children experiencing anxiety or those on the autism spectrum.
- Safe Construction: Crafted with high-quality materials, it ensures child safety with a careful, hand-made design void of sharp edges.
- Promotes Interaction: This toy encourages parents to play along, fostering interaction and strengthening parent-child bonds.
Cons:
- Age Limit: Primarily aimed at children 18-24 months, it might not be suitable or engaging for older children.
- Limited Activities: Despite the 7-in-1 design, the number of activities might seem insufficient for some children, making the toy less captivating over time.
- Maintenance: The busy cube’s complex design may require occasional maintenance or repair if components become loose or damaged over time.
How To Choose The Right Toys For 18 To 24 Month Old?
To choose the right toys for 18 to 24-month-olds, consider their developmental needs and safety requirements.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Toys
Choosing the right toys for 18 to 24-month-olds is crucial for their development and growth. At this stage, toddlers are curious, active, and exploring the world around them. It is important to provide them with toys that are not only safe but also stimulate their senses and promote their cognitive and physical development.
When selecting toys for your little one, there are several factors to consider.
Age-Appropriate Toys For 18 To 24-Month-Olds
- Toys that are specifically designed for this age group ensure that they are both enjoyable and safe for your child.
- Look for toys that encourage them to use their fine motor skills, such as puzzles with chunky pieces or stacking toys.
- Choose toys that promote imagination and creativity, like pretend play sets or building blocks.
- Simple musical instruments, such as toy drums or xylophones, can help them explore sounds and rhythms.
Safety Features And Materials To Look For
- Safety should be your top priority when choosing toys for your child. Make sure they are free from small parts that could pose a choking hazard.
- Opt for toys that are made from non-toxic materials, such as BPA-free plastic or natural wood.
- Check if the toy has been tested and approved by relevant safety standards, such as ASTM or CPSC.
- Avoid toys with sharp edges or loose parts that could cause injuries.
Stimulating And Developmental Toys
- Choose toys that engage your child’s senses and promote their overall development.
- Look for toys that offer different textures, colors, and shapes to stimulate their sensory exploration.
- Toys that encourage learning and problem-solving, such as shape sorters or activity play sets, can help develop their cognitive skills.
- Consider toys that promote physical activity, like push toys or ride-on toys, to enhance their gross motor skills.
How To Assess Toy Quality And Durability?
When it comes to choosing toys for your 18 to 24-month-old, ensuring quality and durability is crucial. After all, you want toys that can withstand the curiosity and rough play of your little one. Here are some key points to consider when evaluating the quality and durability of toys:
Checking For Safety Certifications And Standards
- Look for toys that have been tested and certified to meet safety standards, such as those set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
- Ensure that the toys are free from small parts, sharp edges, and other potential hazards that could pose a risk to your child.
Evaluating The Toy’s Construction And Materials Used
- Opt for toys that are made from durable materials like wood, metal, or BPA-free plastic. These materials are less likely to break or wear out quickly.
- Check the construction of the toy to ensure it is sturdy and well-made. Avoid toys with loose parts or weak joints that may pose a safety hazard.
Reading Reviews And Recommendations From Other Parents
- Seek out reviews from other parents who have purchased the same toys. Their feedback can provide valuable insights into the durability and quality of the toys.
- Look for recommendations from trusted sources, such as parenting websites or mommy groups, to get a better understanding of which toys are known for their quality and longevity.
Investing in toys that are of high quality and durability not only provides better play experiences for your child but also saves you from potential hazards and the hassle of constantly replacing broken toys. With these guidelines in mind, you can make informed decisions and choose the right toys that will entertain and withstand the active play of your 18 to 24-month-old.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Best Toys For 18 To 24-Month-Olds?
Toys that promote physical activity, fine motor skills, imagination, and problem-solving are ideal for this age group.
Why Are Open-Ended Toys Beneficial For Toddlers?
Open-ended toys, such as building blocks or play dough, encourage creativity, imagination, problem-solving, and cognitive development in toddlers.
How Can Toys Promote Language Development In Toddlers?
Toys with sounds, words, and interactive features can help toddlers learn new words, improve vocabulary, and develop language skills.
Are There Any Safety Considerations When Choosing Toys For Toddlers?
Ensure toys are made of non-toxic materials, have no small parts that can be swallowed, and don’t have sharp edges or cords that could pose a safety risk.
How Do I Choose Age-Appropriate Toys For 18 To 24-Month-Olds?
Look for toys that match their developmental stage, offer sensory experiences, and are challenging enough to promote growth and learning.
Conclusion
To ensure the best toys for 18 to 24-month-olds, keep in mind their developmental milestones and interests. Opt for toys that promote sensory exploration, fine motor skills, and imaginative play. Consider toys such as shape sorters, stacking toys, musical instruments, and building blocks.
Puzzles and books with large, colorful pictures are also beneficial. Electronic toys can be engaging, but limit their usage to avoid excessive screen time. It’s important to choose toys made of safe and non-toxic materials. Always supervise playtime to ensure your child’s safety.
Every child develops at their own pace, so it’s crucial to observe your child’s progress and adjust toy choices accordingly. By providing age-appropriate toys, you can support your child’s development and foster their creativity and cognitive skills.
