Busy boards, bath buddies and Tonies: the best toys and gifts for two-year-olds

Parenting experts recommend toys that reward repetition for two-year-olds, who learn by looping actions, according to a new gift guide [1]. The guide highlights durable, engaging items like audio players and bath toys. Rachel Carrell, CEO of childcare company Koru Kids, notes that gifts rewarding repetitive play are effective for this age group [1]. The guide, informed by expert and parent recommendations, suggests items such as the Toniebox audio player, which is simple for a child to operate and has long-term appeal [1]. Individual Tonies, featuring characters like Paddington, cost about £14.99 each [1]. For bath time, a set including a polar bear that lights up has maintained its battery for more than six months of frequent use [1]. The selection also emphasizes role-play items, sturdy toys for balance, and hardback books to withstand handling [1]. Annette Kellow, a parenting expert, states that toys teaching coordination and introducing basic concepts are important as children begin to parallel play [1].