Best Toys for Every Age

Toys aren’t just fun—they’re powerful tools for learning, development, and creativity. From the moment a child is born, the right toy can spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage healthy growth across all developmental stages. Whether you’re shopping toys for infant, toddler, or preschooler, this guide breaks down age-appropriate toy recommendations to suit your child’s needs and interests.

Infants (1 to 12 Months)

In the first year, baby toys should focus on sensory play, encouraging your little one to explore through sound, touch, and sight. These toys support hand-eye coordination and spark curiosity about the world.

Best Toy Types for Infants:

•    Baby mobiles for visual stimulation
•    Rattles, textured balls, and squeeze toys
•    Light-up mats and toys with gentle sounds
•    Teething rings and pacifiers
•    Books with nursery rhymes and lullabies
•    Stacking toys and soft blocks
•    Push-and-pull toys for crawling babies

As your child grows, start offering cause-and-effect toys that teach them how their actions produce a result like squeezing a toy to hear a sound. These early interactions help establish foundational skills through repetition and discovery.

Toddlers (12–24 Months)

By their first birthday, children are more mobile and curious than ever. The right toddler toys should match this newfound independence while still reinforcing balance, recognition, and fine motor skills.

Top Toys for Toddlers:

•    Push cars and walkers to support balance
•    Stride-and-ride toys for coordination
•    Themed toys and puzzles (animals, vehicles, objects)
•    Themed books for visual and language development

Themed toys help children develop fine motor skills while sparking early language and recognition abilities. It helps toddlers learn to associate objects with their sounds and names, enhancing vocabulary and memory. Puzzles and books also promote shape recognition and storytelling skills.

Considering toys that are not only for fun but also educational? Explore the toy collection here.

Two-Year-Olds (2+ Years)

By two, children begin role play and understand more about emotions, roles, and storytelling. Their toys should support imagination and early problem-solving.

Recommended Toys for 2-Year-Olds:

•    Toy kitchen sets
•    Dolls and pretend strollers
•    Wooden blocks and buildable toys
•    Beginner puzzles
•    Electronic musical instruments

If you’re searching for toys for 2-year-olds, go for interactive sets that support both physical and emotional development. Through role-play, children start to grasp emotions, relationships, and how to express themselves creatively. Problem-solving toys like puzzles and blocks also help strengthen fine motor skills and patience.

Preschoolers (3–4 Years Old)

At this age, they begin forming distinct interests and preferences. Whether they love building, pretending, or running around outdoors, the best toys for 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds encourage creative play and social development.

Great Toy Ideas for Preschoolers:

•    Tricycles and outdoor play sets
•    Counting toys and simple board games
•    Drawing easels and magnetic tiles  
•    Building block sets for open-ended creativity  
•    Role-playing costumes or action figures

Preschool-aged kids thrive on toys that support group play, helping them navigate cooperation, rules, and empathy. At this age, it’s also important to encourage physical activity and creative outlets through art and motion.

Beyond Preschool: 5–8 Years Old and Up

Even though this guide focuses on infants to preschoolers, it’s worth thinking ahead! As your child grows, so should the complexity and creativity of their toys.

For older kids:

•    Imaginative toys for 6-year-olds like DIY kits and costumes
•    Board games and card games for critical thinking
•    Wooden STEM toys for 8-year-olds to spark interest in building and science
•    Art supplies, gardening kits, or music sets to fuel passion projects
•    Jump ropes, hopscotch, and sports balls

Whether it’s through group games or project-based kits, kid toys for learning can nurture independence and confidence. Activities that involve steps, creativity, and collaboration are perfect for preparing them for school routines.

No matter your child’s age, the right toy supports learning, creativity, and growth. From sensory toys for infants to imaginative play for preschoolers, matching toys to your child’s stage helps them discover the world—and themselves—through joyful, purposeful play.
Let your child’s curiosity guide the way and remember: the best toy is one that encourages connection, confidence, and plenty of smiles.

Looking for toys that is not only for fun but also educational? Explore the toy collection here and read more about How Toys help in Early Childhood Development.

References:

Elizabeth, D. (2024) Age-by-Age Guide to Toys. Parents. Available at: https://www.parents.com/fun/toys/kid-toys/toys-for-all-ages/ [Accessed: 30 June, 2025].

How Toys Affect Child Development (2022) Kids Care Club. Available at: https://kidscareclub.com/how-toys-affect-child-development/ [Accessed: 30 June, 2025].

National Association for the Education of Young Children (2024) Good toys for young children by age and stage. Available at: https://www.naeyc.org/resources/topics/play/toys [Accessed: 30 June, 2025].