Parents Everywhere Are Buying the "Bilibo" for Their Kids (2024)

When it comes to toddler toys, 2-year-olds are capable of so much more than they were a year ago — which is great when it comes time for shopping for the best gifts for kids for the holidays or their birthdays. Whether they're into Montessori-style play sets that help them work on their skills or sensory toys that play music and have textures to feel, they're drawn to so much more around them.

"This is a huge jump in their thinking skills!" says Rebecca Parlakian, M.A., E.D., a parenting expert from Zero to Three, an organization that focuses on kid development during the early years. "As they are discovering that they, themselves, are individuals with their own thoughts and feelings, they are also learning that others have their own thoughts and feelings too. Pretend play gives children a chance to take on these different perspectives. Usually the first pretend play parents see is 'playing house,' since it’s what children know best, but really children act out any familiar scenario — like when my daughter picked up a toy phone and said, 'Shhh, I have a conference call.'"

Parlakian also says roleplaying items can encourage pretend play, including toy kitchen items, dolls and strollers or vehicles with chunky figures that can fit inside. In addition, she suggests looking for toys that encourage problem-solving like wooden blocks, building toys and puzzles. Toys and games that support open-ended play and can be used multiple ways are good, too.

With all this and in mind, when it comes time to find the best toys and gifts for 2-year-olds in 2024, the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute see hundreds of toys each year, and call in the best ones to test them for safety, functionality and fun factor. They look for toys that build on these developmental skills, toys that are well constructed and playthings toddlers will return to again and again. Some of our recommendations are even current or previous Good Housekeeping Best Toy Award winners!

Toddlers will delight in balancing the ball on the "mansion's" chiminey and then using the hammer to bop it into the ball run. Then, they can watch it zoom around the house as it travels down the ramp (which is good for eye-tracking), until the final surprise: When the ball rolls over the xylophone, it strikes the notes! Kids can also play the xylophone with the hammer directly.

What's a Bilibo? What isn't it? It can be a seat that they wobble around. Flip it over, and it's a tunnel or a shell. They can wear it on their heads like a helmet or use it as a landscape for their figures. The open-endedness means that kids can really be creative when they play with it. It also comes in several colors or in a set of six mini versions. Ages 2+

They'll have to practice their focus and aim — or just get their sillies out hitting the ball in wild arcs — with this toddler-sized golf set. It comes with its own goal-like putting hole, three balls and two clubs, plus a rolling cart that'll also help them roleplay the part of master golfer. It's part of Little Tikes's sports line, which also includes tot-sized basketball, T-ball and soccer sets. Ages 1+

If they ever wanted to ride their stuffies around the room like a trusty steed, now they can. This comes with a plush cover that you can take off for washing, and as kids hop around they learn about balance and coordination. It comes in a lot of animal forms, too. Ages 18 months+

Take the idea of stacking and nesting boxes to the next level with this early board game for kids. To play, parents and kids take turns hiding the bear under the different boxes, and guessing where it is. It promotes turn-taking and patience, and Good Housekeeping Institute testers reported that their kids wanted to play it again and again. Ages 2+

This full-service cart was a Good Housekeeping Toy Award winner in 2018, and we still think it's awesome. The scooper picks up the ice cream, and also recognizes colors and flavors. It comes with six different order cards and instructions, so your 2-year-old child can learn how to follow directions and boost their memory and sequencing skills. They can also practice counting with play money, or by using the syrup pump. Plus, the cart can actually be pushed around, so kids can play and move at the same time. It also comes in pink. Ages 2+

They'll get a lesson in cause-and-effect when they see these cars zip down the slanted ramps. It feels like a cool stunt each time the cars reverse direction. It comes with seven cars in different colors of the rainbow. Ages 18 months+

John Deere fans with instantly recognize the green and yellow color scheme on this tractor, which toddlers can use alongside their favorite vehicles. But this one has a twist: It comes with a battery-operated toy drill that kids can use to take the tractor apart and put it together again, turning it into an early STEM toy. Ages 18 months+

This puzzle will definitely give their brains a workout: Because it's not square or rectangular in shape, it gives more of a challenge than a regular jigsaw puzzle. But practicing the alphabet will give them a hint, since the animals connect in alphabetical order. When they're separated, the wooden pieces are chunky enough to use for imaginative play. Ages 2+

Your toddlers can ride anywhere on this sporty ride-on. It features wide-set front wheels that help with stability, while the handlebars help them steer. There's even a storage compartment under the seat. It holds up to 42 pounds, so they can ride around starting at age 1 and until they're about 3 years old. Ages 1+

If you're interested in trying out Montessori-inspired toys for 2-year-olds this is a good place to get started. There are 33 pegs in different colors, sized for toddlers' hands. The rest is open-ended: Kids can sort them by color, stack on the board as tall as they can, create patterns or find their own ways to play. Ages 2+

Make an at-home playground on a budget with this indoor foldable slide. This one-time Parenting Award winner is available in a rainbow or sunny print is made with strong cardboard that holds up to 50 lbs. The best part—it won’t take up much space when not in use. Simply fold the slide flat when your child is done playing, and it is thin enough to fit into super tight spaces. Break it out on rainy days, and put it away when the sun comes out. Ages 2+

Kids can practice nurturing and empathy during their imaginative play with this toddler-friendly baby doll. And, if they love too much, it can also go in the washing machine. It comes in several different outfits and skin tones, too. Ages 1+

Complete with utensils, a plate and food, this interactive toaster lets kids pretend to cook just like their favorite adults do. It can help your 2-year-old get familiar with numbers, colors and opposites, too. Ages 2+

This Good Housekeeping Institute Seal-holding LEGO train set is just the right size for toddlers: only 22 pieces, with lots of fun accessories like gifts, a cupcake with a candle, balloons and a train to carry them all. There are even some numbered bricks so kids can practice counting and stacking. Ages 2+

As expected, you get two of every animal (including giraffes and zebras) in this Noah's Ark play set. When playtime is over, they all fit neatly into the inside of the boat, and the ark can actually float on water! Ages 18 months+

This cutie walked away with a Good Housekeeping Institute Toy Award a few years ago because the 12 pegs were easy for little hands to grasp. Parents will love how every piece stores neatly away inside the hedgehog's body, making for easy storage (and on-the-go transportation). And if they become Spike fans, they can get even more toys, including a fidget toy, a rainbow stacker and more. Ages 18 months+

These egg-shaped crayons are easier to grip, but they'll still help them draw whatever creations they can dream up. And one of these crayons is equal to 14 regular-sized ones, so they'll last a long time, too. Ages 1+

Kids will learn about matching, shapes, letters and numberswith these educational puzzles from Melissa & Doug. They're easy to grasp for little hands, so they help develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Plus, they'll be able to recognize some of their favorite Disney friends among the pieces. Ages 2+