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24 Adorable 2nd Birthday Party Ideas For Girls

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You blinked and your little one is turning TWO! How did it happen so quickly? Your little princess is now able to walk, talk, run and play like never before, and yet it seems impossible that you are already looking for 2nd birthday party ideas for girls!

Turning two is a major milestone and definitely deserves a big celebration!

At two years old, your little one may have a few preferences but this is still a year that you can heavily influence the theme choice. Enjoy it! After this year most of the parties will likely be primarily based on the latest cartoon fad.

Here are 16 of the absolute cutest party idea for 2nd birthdays… pick your favorite and have fun!

Related: How to Host a Princess Theme Birthday Party at Home

24 2nd Birthday Party Themes for Girls

#1 Two The Moon

This theme is out of this world! If your little girl is fascinated by space things like rockets, astronauts, planets and stars- this will be the perfect theme to choose. In addition, the modern colors of the solar system like black, white & silver will make this a stylish- yet adorable- 2nd birthday party idea for girls!

Via Happy Life Parties

#2 Oh Twodles!

This Minnie Mouse themed party is simply adorable for any little girl who has Minnie Mouse on the brain! Twodles is the perfect character to really bring this theme together! And with the color scheme of Minnie Mouse, you can easily add in tons of pink, purple, and black accents to make this theme pop! This 2nd birthday party idea for girls is just “two cute”.

Via Etsy

#3 Twotti Frutti

Although a Tutti Frutti Birthday Party is an incredible party for all ages, it’s particularly adorable for a two-year-old’s birthday party – making it a Twotti Fruity Party! If you’re planning a summer birthday party, a Twotti Frutti Birthday Party is an awesome idea. It’s bright, colorful, and makes for a fun 2nd birthday idea for girls.

Via Etsy

#4 Two-tally Awesome

Does your little girl enjoy the beach? Use the surfer vibe of the word “totally” to really pull this theme together. It would be the perfect theme for a pool party, cook out, or barbecue! In addition if your little one is nuts about baby shark- you could add a few in there without having to cave to an entire baby shark theme!

Via Pinterest

#5 Two Sweet

Is your sweet little girl just “two sweet” for her own good? Then this 2nd birthday party idea for girls is the perfect match. Besides who can resist ice cream, donuts, and candies? Choose this 2nd birthday party theme for your little girl and let your sweet tooth run wild.

Via Etsy

#6 Have Your Cake and Eat it Two

This theme is perfect for any little girl who loves pastel colors and girly things. You can pull together some pretty pastels, and add a beautiful cake. Done and done on this 2nd birthday party idea for girls!

Via Pinterest

#7 Tea For Two

Think fancy tea party for this adorable 2nd birthday party idea for girls. If your little girl loves to have tea parties this theme will be perfect! As an added bonus this theme can be super affordable as you can use plenty of items you already have such as tea sets, kettles and a few fancy pieces for accents. Adding lots of floral and lace will be perfect choices for this theme.

Via Style Your Senses

#8 Taco Twosday

If tacos are something your little girl craves this 2nd birthday party idea for girls will be just right. Simply put together a taco bar and throw a fun fiesta for your little one’s birthday. This theme is sure to be a hit for the whole family!

Via Etsy

#9 Donut Grow up Two Fast

Donut let your little one grow up to fast! This adorable 2nd birthday party idea for girls is almost “two sweet”. And luckily you can grab this adorable cake topper off of Etsy to really complete the whole look!

Via Etsy

#9 Two Wild

Do you have a wild thing on your hand? Sometimes your little girl is just “two wild”, and this birthday party idea for girls will fit her just perfectly!

You can really pull this theme together with some fun balloons from Etsy, and to really top it off – offer some wild animal crackers for a snack!

Via Etsy

#10 Two Sassy

Do you have a sassy little girl on your hands? This birthday party idea for girls will be just perfect. You can tie the whole theme together with lots of lace, bows, ribbon, and of course this adorable little outfit from Etsy.

Via Etsy

#11 Baby Shark Two Two Two Two

Is your little two year old a fan of baby shark, and turning “two two two two”?

A baby shark birthday party will be the perfect theme for your little one- even if it will leave the song in your head for days to come!

Pinterest

#12 Turning Two is a Ball

Turning two really is a ball of fun, and what better way to celebrate that than with this fun birthday party idea for girls? This theme is perfect for any little two-year-old girl in your life! And the ability to hand out bouncy balls as party favors makes this theme a number one choice!

Via Etsy

#13 Two at the Zoo

Is your two-year-old little girl all about zoo animals? How about a zoo-themed birthday party for your special two-year-old? Two at the zoo is the perfect opportunity to showcase all her favorite things!

Via Etsy

#14 Cock A Doodle Doo We are Turning Two

Does your little girl love farm animals and everything on the farm? This will be a great idea for her! You can have farm animal decorations, and fun farm snacks to really highlight the theme! Try these cute invitations from Etsy!

Via Etsy

#15 Our little Cutie is Turning Two

Is your little two-year-old just “two cute?”, does she enjoy cuties? This cutie-themed birthday party idea for girls will be the perfect match! Plus with snacks like cuties, you won’t find an easier party theme!

Via Etsy

#16 Red White & Two

Are you celebrating your two-year-old’s birthday near memorial day or the 4th of July? This theme will fit perfectly! You can celebrate your little firecracker’s birthday with a bang this year! Don’t forget this cake topper from Etsy!

Via Etsy

#17 Monkey See, Monkey Two!

Everyone loves an adorable sock monkey party, and if you have twins or simply want a more gender neutral 2nd birthday theme, this is a great idea. You can go all out with the games and food choices like Nutella cupcakes – yum!

via Hostess with the Mostess

#18 Two By Two

Your guess will love this Noah’s ark theme; animals marched into the boat two-by-two. It’s definitely one of the best 2nd birthday themes, and if you have twin girls, it’s perfect.

via Kara’s Party Ideas

#19 Two Cool Popsicle Party

Got a summer birthday you need to celebrate for your little girl? Two cool is the perfect birthday girl theme for when the weather is hot outside. Serve popsicles, blow bubbles, and get wet in this summer bash.

via Kara’s Party Ideas

#20 Boo! I’m Two!

If your little one’s birthday falls close to Halloween, embrace the holiday to your advantage and have a Boo! I’m Two! party. It’s a great way to use the season for a 2nd birthday theme. Instead of the traditional Halloween colors, go all girly with lavender, white, and shades of pink that pop against black.

@ashwisdom

#21 Two-Nicorn 2nd Birthday Party

Does your two year old girl LOVE all things unicorn? Have a two-nicorn party! It’s a fun little play on unicorns, and you can embrace all the rainbows, balloons, and pastel colors.

via Kara’s Party Ideas

#22 Goody Two Shoes

Does your little goody two-shoes love ballet or likes to walk around on her tiptoes? This is such a sweet 2nd birthday party idea for little girls.

via Project Nursery

You can have all the little kids tiptoeing, dancing, and leaping around the party. Set up an area to try on different dance shoes – so much fun!

#23 Guess Who’s Two?

Your guests will love this adorable owl theme for a 2nd birthday party for girls. Use plenty of bright, adorable girly colors and put owls of all sizes everywhere.

via Still Being Molly

#24 Two Scoops for You!

Who screams for ice cream! We scream – make your little girl’s dream 2nd birthday theme come true and make an ice cream parlor in your house. She will love it, and I guarantee the guests will as well.

via Snapshots and My Thoughts

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I hope you enjoy these 2nd birthday party ideas for girls! Which one will you choose? Have another to share? Put it in the comments below!

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2nd Birthday Ideas for Girl Party Themes

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Goldie Mae is almost two! I don’t even know if my heart can handle knowing that she is my last baby. Each year older we get further away from the baby stage. That being said, let’s just say I am thinking big time about her 2nd birthday! Last year we had a simple, yet perfect birthday for our Goldie girl. It will be hard to top this year, but incase you are also looking for 2nd birthday ideas for girl party themes, I am sharing lots of things to consider in this post!

This post may contain affiliate links

This gorgeous kitten themed party is from Hello Rascal Kids

2nd Birthday Ideas For Girl Party Themes

You can check out what we did last year for Goldie’s birthday here. It was such a fun day, with a simple theme perfect for her. Since Goldie’s birthday is coming up in a few weeks, I need to get in the party planning phase ASAP and narrow down our theme for her big day!

I thought I’d share some 2nd birthday ideas for girl party themes with you in case you’re planning a party for your little girl as well.

Many of you may be planning a big special bash for your toddlers to make up for last year’s quarantine party or virtual birthday party. Parties can be stressful and add the additional pressure of making up for the previous year’s pandemic birthday and you’ve got yourself a recipe for full on panic mode.

Believe it or not, parties can be fun for parents too! I am all about sharing ways to make things ‘Pinterest perfect’ while making them realistic and stress free. This post will give you great ideas on how the whole family can enjoy the day. I’ll chat all things party related and break it down for a stress free day. 

This gorgeous party can be found here

Pick A Good Birthday Theme

Birthday parties don’t necessarily need to be stressful. The easiest place to start is to decide on a birthday theme for your child. Having a themed party narrows down your decisions considerably and allows you to focus on the details within that themed genre. This is basically the direction you will go when it comes to planning a birthday outfit, party decorations, cake and so on.

There are so many popular party themes these days. A quick search on Google for second birthday party themes will yield thousands of results. 

this gorgeous set up can be found here!

You may ask your child to help and pick out the theme together or surprise them for the big day. I love picking out themes based on my child’s personality and something that is meaningful to them.

But, you may have a very spirited 2 year old who has lots to say about her party and prefers to have her favorite characters (think a Minnie Mouse “Oh Twoodles” or Baby Shark “Two Two Ta Two” themes).  There are tons of 2nd Birthday ideas for girl party themes to pick from!

Examples Of Fun, New, & Uniques Parties For Two Year Old Girls

Tea For Two Or Let’s Partea! 

“Tea for Two” is girly, classy, and such a fun idea for a 2nd birthday! You’ll want to incorporate vintage tea cups, whimsical decor, tiny bites, and toddler fascinators! I love the idea of collecting vintage tea cups from antique stores or borrowing these items from grandparents and family members.

This gorgeous Tea for Two party can be found here!

It is such a sophisticated theme for a little girl. You can even get your kid’s favorite stuffies and dolls in on the fun too and set up their very own special table to encourage imaginative play.

I think that this simple theme is a good mix of something beautiful that mom will love with also being something that plays well into what a child will love.

Two Sweet! Sprinkles, Ice Cream, & Candy!

Here is a parenting tip for you. You can put sprinkles on any food and your toddler will try it because it has sprinkles on it! Sprinkle oatmeal, sprinkle pancakes, sprinkle broccoli! Sprinkles for everyone! This theme is great if you have a specific color palette in mind because you will likely be able to tie in the decor.

Not only is this theme super fun but it is so versatile. There are so many DIY projects you can do for a sprinkle themed birthday party. Can you say sprinkle party favors? Sprinkle sensory bins! Decorate your own cookie stations.

What a fun way to get the children involved! You’ll create an impressive mess too! When they are all done, you can even set up a sprinkler to hose them off. This theme can also be used in a non-sprinkle sense and instead be used as more of a general sweets theme.

In lieu of toys, you can fill candy jars full of sweet treats for party favors. Don’t all toddlers love sweets? Keep things simple and you have a perfect set up. This is a great 2nd birthday ideas for girl party themes.

Boo! I’m Two! Halloween

Do you have a fall birthday? I have TWO, so I have done my fair share of fall parties. One great way to make a fall birthday into a 2nd birthday party is to do a “Boo! I’m two!” theme.

Follow Ash Wisdom for more parties on Instagram

My friend Ashley throws the most insane parties ever and her inspiration is picture perfect. You could even hand out spooky baskets as party favors. I actually have lots ideas for what to put in them linked in this post.

DIY color block pumpkins make a great accessory to any Halloween table! See my post.

Two The Moon 

This is a theme I am considering with my sweet Goldie girl – can you just imagine pink and gold and stars and moons? So darn cute.

Twinkling lights, starry skies, and iridescent accents would make this galaxy birthday far out! You could go in so many directions with this theme. For those who prefer less pink in their parties, this theme gives way to using colors of rich deep blues, silver, white, and gold.

this party is gorgeous and can be found here

I also love the idea of incorporating the sun, moon, stars, and clouds into the decor. A little goes a long way and you don’t need to overdo the decor to get this theme across. Something simple with twinkling lights, hanging stars, moon themed food (think moon pies), and accents of deep blue would be stunning!

Two Wild 

This was the ‘theme’ I did with my older daughter when she turned two and it was so cute. It was a theme that worked well because my oldest son loves animals and shares a birthday week with her, so I tied things together, and we did a sweet little family party then set out for some quality time together and headed to the zoo to really keep the theme in tact.

Grab your leopard print and let’s go! Okay, you really don’t need the leopard print! This is another theme where a little goes a long way and you don’t need to go overboard.

Accents of animal prints, animal figurines, an animal balloon, and fun pops of color are great examples of easy decor. Your child will love having a zoo at their very own party! Or you could bring the party to the zoo. We are fortunate that we live in St. Louis where we have an amazing zoo.

I know not everyone is able to do that but what a fun idea to spend the morning at the zoo with family and go home to a zoo themed party.

More Themes to Consider for a 2nd Birthday Party for Girl

There are so many great 2nd birthday ideas for girl party themes that I can’t even fit them all in one post. If you are still looking for birthday party ideas, here are a few more that I love:

• Garden Party – What a sweet and simple birthday party
• Farm animals – Perfect for a first birthday party or 2nd birthday!
• Taco Twosday – Who says adults can’t have some fun too?
• Two Baller – We did this for my 4 year old. It was beach ball themed but you could pick any ball

this gorgeous party can be found here

Other Factors For Your Two Year Old’s Party

Once you’ve determined your theme, you’ll need to keep a few other considerations in mind while planning for a 2nd birthday!

Birthday Party Locations For Your Two Year Old

Before you go inviting your second cousin’s best friend’s sister-in-law, you’ll need to have an idea of where you are having your party. Is this going to be in your home? If you are throwing a big party you can also look at the picnic area at many parks for a free location to host.

Most just need to be pre reserved online. Another option is to look at some fun party rental locations. Most of the time party packages are available for an additional fee. There are also a multitude of other places to consider but those are top three.

Find this donut wall here

When it comes to stress in some ways I would say that having an in home party tends to be the most stressful on the host. It typical requires the most planning and prep, but also can take some stresses out of the equation such as weather when it comes to a park. An in home party also allows for more prep work to be done ahead of time if you are looking for that perfect set up.

Who to Invite To A Two Year Old’s Party?

I think who to invite is one of the harder questions for a second birthday party. It is that middle ground before many ‘friends’ and isn’t the big milestone that is the first birthday.

First things first I think you need to remember that whoever you want to invite or not invite is up to you. Every family and friend group is different, and you should never feel bad inviting people or not inviting people. Make this about your 2 year old.

Find this party here

Obviously I’d keep in mind location and budget when determining the amount of people as those are your major constraints. We generally keep our parties to families and a few good friends. As our kids have gotten older we have transitioned out of family and to only friend parties.

As far as invitations you have plenty of options. You can always send out invitations electronically. This saves on postage and allows you to have people RSVP directly to the website which will track it for you. There are many websites that offer free options for electronic invitations.

Find this party backdrop here

Evite.com and punchbowl.com are two sites that offer those services as well. If you prefer a more traditional route, you can find some great printables on Etsy for invitations. 

Activities For Two Year Olds

2 year olds are SO MUCH FUN and super easy to please. I don’t think you have to feel obligated to have activities and a schedule of events, but you can if that suits your guest list better. I would base that on your stress levels so you can enjoy the party too.

Kids are mainly concerned with what type of cake and ice cream will be present. Adults on the other hand, just want conversations with other adults.

Easy Activities For Home Parties

1. Pool/ Sprinkler: If it is a summer birthday you can do a small pool and sprinkler to keep the kids entertained for hours. For our sons first birthday that was burger themed, we got a hamburger pool and everyone had so much fun!

find this party here

2. An outing: You may want to tie the activity into the party entirely and hit the zoo or do the birthday party at a bounce house rental.

3. Sensory Tables or Sensory Play: This is such a fun option for the age and is something you can tie into the theme. Add small objects into whatever you want (kinetic sand/ beans/ noodles and so on). I have also seen recently small cute play dough kits you could do. Kids LOVE play dough!

4. Small Little Games : Party City also has tons of little games that you can tie into your theme.

5. Bubble Machines: I can think of very few things that kids like more than bubbles. We have this bubble machine and it is my go to during a birthday party for a fun activity. The good news is that there is little to no work for you.

6. Painting: Painting can also be a really fun way to tie an activity, theme and small party favor into one. I have done a pumpkin painting station, or you can paint little ceramics, or even cookie painting kits!

One of my absolute favorite mom-hacks is giving my kids time for sensory play. It encourages independent play and they are able to work on those fine motor skills that are essential for our toddlers. I love the kits at Young Wild and Freidman.

Each kit is themed and contains the best smelling playdough and little knick knacks that go along with that theme.

What to Serve Two Year Olds

Let’s be honest, food might be the most important part of any birthday party. Everyone wants to know what will be served. Make sure to consider the amount of people, time of day, and your budget when determining what to serve. You don’t have to feed a full meal at your birthday party. If you want to provide that, by all means I don’t think anyone will complain!

Heavy appetizers, sweets and savories, or a full meal is completely your call. Just make sure you have something to offset all the sweets. No parent wants to deal with a toddler who is crashing from a sugar high at naptime. 

Take into consideration your theme too. You can offer some clever menu items based on your theme. A garden party could have mini sandwiches, scones, and crumpets, while “Two the Moon” could have moon pies, Milkyway bars and moon cheese!

If you want to offer alcohol to the adults that attend (know your crowd) that is your choice too. Jungle juice does have a nice sound to it for our “Two Wild” party. Just make sure it is clearly marked adults only! 

And now for the main event- the cake! I am a sucker for fun, whimsical, and elaborate cakes, but those can be very pricey! Try keeping your cake simple and adding a personalized cake topper. Or, forgo the cake and have cookies, cupcakes, or cake pops instead.

2nd Birthday Party Outfits

Birthday party outfits are always so fun for little girls, but always keep in mind what you will be doing and if you will stress it getting ruined. I love a good simple party birthday outfit that ties into the theme, but always try to make sure my kids will be as comfortable as possible during the party!

Party Favors 

I remember as a kid stuffing bags for party favors for each of my birthday parties. To be honest, none of the favors I had were anything I’d ever play with again after that day. If you decide to provide favors at the end of your birthday party, consider your guest list.

this pink pumpkin party is gorgeous

What are the age ranges of the kids, how many kids, budget, and of course try to narrow it down to something your child would like to play with. 

For the “Two Sweet” party, I love the idea of providing sprinkles for your guests to take home and use in their baked goods. You could give individual scone mixes for party goers at your “Tea for Two” party. For your “Two Wild” toddlers, animal figurines for sensory play bins are always a hit in our home.

Buy a couple of extra bags of moon sand and you can send your “Two the Moon” guests home with their own. Other great favor ideas include cookies, play dough, Water Wow books by Melissa and Doug, bubbles, and stickers! 

Many times for me I serve my decorative cookies as a party favor knowing our guests will be too full to enjoy them during the birthday party. It is a useful parting gift that everyone will love!

2nd Birthday Party Gifts

Picking out gifts for a 2nd birthday can be tricky. Some people expect gifts while other invites may say “no gifts please’. Most of the time many people don’t follow that and it ends up causing people to be uncomfortable or to feel bad. Whatever you decide to do, it is a good plan to have time for your child to open their birthday gifts if you do accept them.

If you are looking for ideas on what to gift – I have a whole page with gift guides for any age here, but also have a 2 year old girl gift guide here that is really helpful in terms of what your little girl might want.

When I put these guides together I try to find items and toys that are unique and not something you necessarily see everyday. At the same time, I want the toys to also be exciting and something that will get a lot of play!

Other Posts You May Love

If you loved this post on 2nd birthday ideas for girl party themes then be sure to check out these other great options below!

Pink Puppy Party | Pink Fluted wall | DIY Flower wall

Pin the Photo Below for Later

Hopefully you feel fully ready for a birthday party and found this 2nd birthday ideas for girl party themes post super helpful in planning. Be sure to pin the photo below for later, and follow me on Instagram (@arinsolange) and Tik Tok (@arinsolange)  so you don’t miss any of my parties to come!

The 27 Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds of 2022

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

1. Gifts
2. Gifts for Babies and Kids

By

Caitlin Giddings and Wirecutter Staff

Updated September 28, 2022

Photo: Michael Hession

FYI

We’re continuing to see price fluctuations on children’s toys. We’ve updated prices on several of our picks.

September 28, 2022

Keeping up with the developing skills and interests of a 2-year-old can feel like a sprint—at times literally—or a guessing game. “Play is how they start to understand the world,” said Heather Singh, associate director of school and gallery education at the Thinkery, a children’s museum in Austin, Texas.

The most engaging toys for 2-year-olds offer lots of different options for hands-on, manipulative play. Kids this age may be able to use their fine motor skills in more-precise ways, such as stacking, fitting, and twisting smaller pieces. Some 2-year-olds are still engaging primarily in “parallel play,” while others are interested in playing with other kids; simple board games may help them to practice sharing and taking turns. Toys that let a 2-year-old slide, wiggle, scoot, bounce, or otherwise expend some of their boundless energy are also likely to be a hit.

We spoke with Singh and other child-development experts—along with parents and other caregivers on our staff—to identify memorable and engaging gifts for 2-year-olds. Some of the toys on this list are officially recommended for children ages 3 and up. Our testers have played with these toys outside their official age-range recommendations and found them to be appropriate for this guide.

If you’re looking for more kids gift ideas, check out our guides to the best gifts for 1-year-olds, 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, 5-year-olds, 6-year-olds, 7-year-olds, 8-year-olds, 9-year-olds, and 10-year-olds, as well as these wonderful stocking stuffers for kids. We also have guides to gifts for tweens and teens. (Just keep in mind that since kids develop at different rates, all age recommendations should be taken with a grain of salt.) And please share your own best ideas in the comments below.

Under $20

Playful pegs

Photo: Skoolzy

Soon after my oldest daughter started preschool, I asked her (then 2) what she liked to play with in the classroom, and she answered, “Pegs!” I bought a set of these brightly colored, stackable pegs for our home and was fascinated to see how intently she and, subsequently, her younger siblings played with them on their own. The pegs offer 2-year-olds just the right level of challenge and open-ended play: Kids can fit the pegs into holes on the included foam mat, stack them one on top of the other to see how high they can go, or string them on a shoelace. As simple as these pegs are, my kids would pull them out of the toy bin again and again.

—Courtney Schley

A first piggy bank

Photo: Michael Hession

My daughter received this toy piggy bank as a gift when she was a toddler, and as far as noise-making plastic toys go, this one is a winner. Andie liked being rewarded with the pig’s cheerful responses and songs when she pressed its snout or dropped the large coins through the slot. And I liked how mercifully brief—and not too loud or grating—the songs and noises were. The pig helps develop motor skills and also teaches colors, counting (in Spanish, too), and all that other important stuff. Andie has outgrown this toy, but now she likes to show her baby brother how it works. I’m impressed by how well it’s held up through years of rough treatment (and on just two pairs of CC batteries in all that time).

—Winnie Yang

Acrobatic robots

Photo: Schylling

A friend gave my son these slightly sinister-looking wooden blocks when he was a toddler, and at age 9 he was still playing with them regularly. The tiny angles allow for all kinds of wacky creations, and the more robots you get (we later added a second pack), the bigger your robot trees can become. Creating a simple pyramid may make a 2-year-old feel triumphant, while older kids can construct some truly impressive designs. These blocks are the type of thing adults may find themselves leaving out on the coffee table—or even playing with themselves.

—Kalee Thompson

A toddler’s tape measure

Photo: Craftsman

There are lots of possibilities for role-playing with this sturdy, oversize tape measure, which is a favorite among young kids at the Toybrary Austin (a local toy-lending library in Texas), according to owner Liza Wilson. Two-year-olds enjoy pulling out and winding back the easy-rolling vinyl tape, which makes a satisfying clicking sound. Older kids love to measure and compare everything in the room using the real inch and centimeter markings printed on the toy—a great way to begin developing spatial awareness and concepts related to numbers, counting, and math.

—Caitlin Giddings

A fun intro to games

Photo: Educational Insights

My daughter received Bears in Pairs for Christmas when she was 21 months old. She loves it—for reasons that have progressed with each passing month. At first, she simply liked to match each of the three sets of twin bears and open and shut all six compartments on their 3D plastic playhouse. Eventually she started to play the actual game, which involves flicking a spinner and trying to find the coordinating bear set. Bears in Pairs is a perfect introduction to memory matching games—without requiring reading or shuffling cards.

—Caitlin Giddings

An indoor tunnel

Photo: IKEA

I found one of these classic collapsible IKEA tunnels at a secondhand store when my older son was 2 years old. Five years and another kid later, it was still in good enough shape to be handed down to a different family. The littlest kids can simply enjoy the challenge of learning to crawl from end to end. Later, the tunnel becomes a cozy spot to play with other toys or a fun component to an elaborate living-room fort (which was my kids’ favorite use for it). IKEA’s colorful polyester play tents also offer long-lasting fun for a low price, and we recommend them in our guide to the best gifts for 3-year olds.

—Kalee Thompson

A Lego starter set

Photo: LEGO

This Duplo Number Train, with its 23 delightfully chunky pieces, is excellent for introducing toddlers to the joys of building with Lego bricks. The train-themed set includes blocks that are numbered from 0 to 9 in bright colors, four wheeled bases, and two figures (plus a cat for good measure). Kids can arrange the pieces in all sorts of configurations, all the while developing their fine motor skills and immersing themselves in imaginative play. When my son turned 2, he happily took over his older brother’s collection of Duplos (numbered blocks and numerous vehicle bases included) and never looked back—no doubt all but guaranteeing himself a Lego-filled future.

—Ingrid Skjong

Bright, bold flash cards

Photo: Mudpuppy

My 2-year-old son thinks that identifying objects is the greatest form of entertainment. As we approached the, oh, 500th reading (who’s counting?) of his 10 favorite board books, I realized we needed something new. I also realized that we didn’t own flash cards. To remedy the situation, I bought this ringed set by Mudpuppy. The letters and words are printed in a pleasing, sans-serif-like font. The bold, colorful artwork speaks to my kid—and he speaks back. Our favorite? F: A frog playing a flute for a fly.

—Ingrid Skjong

A puzzle with a sense of place

Photo: Mudpuppy

It feels like we now own every children’s puzzle that’s ever been stamped and laser-cut into cardboard, but this map jigsaw remains the one I pull out the most. For starters, it’s suitably challenging for my pre-schooler, who can confidently wield the thick, oversize pieces and eventually match the colors and shapes of the United States together. But it also serves as a stellar geography lesson and conversational jump-off for the two of us. We discuss all the states we’ve been to, point out where our friends and family live, and plan future road trips by tracing our fingers from the image of cowboy boots (representing Texas) to the sunflowers or flamingos near her grandparents’ houses.

—Caitlin Giddings

$20 to $50

A classic hopper

Photo: Winnie Yang

Gymnic Rody ($65 at the time of publication)

Rody is a rounded, inflatable vinyl pony that’s perfect for a toddler who’s bouncing off the walls. My little kids loved to hop, scoot, and bump around the house on it. And because Rody is soft and springy, I loved not having to worry about them scuffing the floor or banging into walls. It’s hard not to smile at the pony’s cuddly shape, poppy colors, and cartoony cuteness (it kind of looks like a Jeff Koons sculpture). Rody comes deflated, so you’ll need a bicycle or hand pump to start bouncing.

—Courtney Schley

A chunky puzzle

Photo: BeginAgain

My son received this clever animal puzzle as a baby gift. The chunky wooden creatures nest together into a single block, and reassembling the menagerie may provide a slight challenge even for grownups (though we assembled it together over the years, my son was five or six before he could complete it on his own). Each animal is printed with the letter that corresponds to its name (A is for Alligator, U is for Unicorn) and guides a kid into puzzling out the proper placement. The oblong shape of the completed puzzle makes it a bit novel, and it stands upright in its wooden box—a nice decoration for a nursery shelf. The same company also makes similar puzzles with ocean, farm, and outer space themes, but I think the classic animal parade makes the nicest decorative piece.

—Kalee Thompson

A tougher truck

Photo: Green Toys

We accumulated a sizable pile of toy vehicles when my kids were little. The truck, plane, and boat from Green Toys are simpler (and quieter) than most, and I found that they aged better than similar toys from other brands—even when left for months outside in the beating Southern California sun. We had the popular red fire truck and the submarine, which carried a zoo’s worth of Duplo animals around the bathtub for several years. For a classic 2-year-old gift, the Green Toys Dump Truck is another can’t-go-wrong choice. All of Green Toys’s stuff is made in the US from recycled plastic and dishwasher-safe. (At Wirecutter, we’ve also found the Green Toys Sand Play Set to be far superior to disposable sets made of brittle plastic, and we recommend it in our guide to the best beach and pool toys. )

—Kalee Thompson

For the sandbox boss

Photo: Ertl Collectibles

For the kid who loves scooping sand and rocks, the Tomy John Deere Big Scoop Tractor (which has a sturdy steel and plastic frame) allows them to play outdoors as long as they want. Indoors, this tractor is also fun to scoot around and scoop up toys with. My 2-year-old nephew (for whom trucks are less of a passing interest and more of a lifestyle) was equally excited that the 21-inch-long tractor is large enough to sit on.

—Signe Brewster

A first subscription

Photo: Doug Mahoney

Babybug ($34 for a one-year subscription at the time of publication)

We gave a Babybug magazine subscription as a birthday gift when our friend’s kid turned 2—since then, they report it’s been a constant source of delight. They appreciate the high quality of the illustrations and that the stories are short enough for a toddler’s attention span but still interesting. They also like that the magazine is made of “destruction-resistant paper,” with rounded corners and no staples. No, it won’t stand up to a truly dedicated attacker, but this magazine is a bit better under the grabby hands of a toddler than a standard one. Cricket Media (which publishes Ladybug and Spider magazines, among others, for older kids) also offers printable gift announcement cards, so you can give something on the day to let people know a new subscription is on the way. The one caveat: It took around three months for the subscription to actually start after we bought it.

—Tim Barribeau

A cooperative board game

Photo: Rozette Rago

My Very First Games—First Orchard is a cooperative board game, so players work together rather than compete. It’s designed to teach the youngest players the fundamentals of board games: how to set up a board, roll a die, make choices, and take turns. (It’s a favorite in our guide to the best board games for kids.) To play, you match different-colored apples, pears, and plums to their respective trees, and then roll a die to try to gather all the fruits in a basket before a pesky crow reaches them. I started playing First Orchard with my daughters when they were 4 and 2, and I was always amused to see how the race to beat the crow created just the right amount of dramatic tension to hold their interest (and, at times, provided an opportunity to navigate the disappointment of “losing”). And even if your 2-year-old doesn’t yet have the patience or interest for the game structure, they can simply play imaginatively with the brightly hued wooden fruits.

—Courtney Schley

An in-tune music maker

Photo: Basic Beat

For banging and making noise, just about any xylophone for kids will do, but many of them (which are actually glockenspiels, since they have metal and not wooden bars) are out of tune and terrible for learning about music. Most are toys, not tuned instruments. Our toddler played this set of eight resonator bells in a music class, and we got a set for home. They’re durable, sound good, and allow for all kinds of musical (and other) exploration. Kids can get a hands-on feel for the sequence of a diatonic octave by ordering the blocks by size or note (each bell is marked with its letter on the scale) or by grouping two or more blocks together to experiment with intervals or chords. The bells come in a sturdy carrying case and are made to last: The ones at the music school have taken a beating from who knows how many kids, and they’re all still in good shape.

—Winnie Yang

Some gooey, clean fun

Photo: Crayola

For more than a year now, the only way I’ve been able to get my daughter into the bath is to promise the inclusion of this colorful, sensory goo. Less of an actual slime than a fragrant jelly—it comes in scents like Wacky Watermelon and Gallopin Grape—this bath slime provides all the fun of its viscous namesake, with the welcome bonus of being easy to clean. (Not just because it’s contained within the tub, but also because it’s literally soap.) My kiddo likes to squish it through her hands and swirl the little floating pieces around to the farthest reaches of the bath. Then we grab a couple strainers and try to rescue and return all the squiggles back to the jar before it’s time to get out.

—Caitlin Giddings

An endlessly versatile thingamajig

Photo: MOLUK

MOLUK Bilibo ($30 for a large or $20 for a 6-pack of minis at the time of publication)

It might not be immediately clear what a child is supposed to do with a Bilibo, and that’s precisely the point: All ideas are valid when it comes to this sturdy plastic, shell-shaped object. (Is it a helmet? A seat? A spinner? Yep.) Research shows that open-ended play fosters creativity and resilience in children, especially toddlers who are not yet accustomed to more-programmed activities with a “right” and “wrong” way. My daughter started occupational therapy when she was 15 months old. The Bilibo—which measures 15 inches across and comes in a range of bright colors—was hands-down her favorite prop. At the beginning of each session, the therapist plopped my daughter’s butt into the cupped seat and slowly twirled her around in circles (if a kid is younger than 2, they will likely need adult help to keep them from toppling). She’d giggle uncontrollably, all the while developing the core and neck strength needed to balance and sit up on her own. Now that my daughter is 4, we use the Bilibo as a container for sensory play materials—rice, dough, and foam. And for my 8 year-old son, it’s the perfect addition to a mini-golf course … in our living room. The Bilibo also comes in a miniature (4.7 inch) size, sold in a set of six, that’s perfect for shoveling, scooping, and serving tea to stuffed animals.

—Julie Kim

Over $50

A first bike

Photo: Quinn Dixon

A balance bike can help kids learn to steer, brake, and keep themselves upright on a two-wheeler from a very young age. Many families find that balance-bike riders graduate to pedal bikes earlier and without the training-wheels phase (training wheels don’t really teach a kid to balance, which is, of course, exactly what a balance bike does). The Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike is easy to assemble, durable, and offers a range of adjustability for kids of different sizes and ages, including 2-year-olds. (It’s the top pick in our guide to the best balance bikes.) Our son started riding the Strider when he was 2½ years old, and within a week of daily use he was zooming confidently around our local park with his feet off the ground. When he eventually graduated to a pedal bike, the transition from striding to pedaling took about five minutes.

—Erica Ogg

A doll that delights

Photo: American Girl

First released in 1995 to help children acclimate before the arrival of a baby sibling, this American Girl classic has evolved over the years. Today’s Bitty Baby comes in different combinations of skin tone, hair color, eye color, and outfit color; you can even customize a set of Bitty Baby twins. The doll is a hard-to-find hybrid; its soft fabric torso and brushed knit outfit offer some of the cuddliness of a plushie, while the molded face and operable eyelids provide the interactivity of a doll. We learned through our research into doll manufacturing that it takes great skill to design a face (like Bitty Baby’s) that’s realistic without being creepy—many cross the line. And although every Bitty Baby comes packaged in American Girl’s signature bright pink boxes, the dolls themselves aren’t assigned a gender, or traditionally gendered names, and you can choose between pink, blue, and gray sleepers. (Note that the doll is $60, but comes with an optional board book and knit stuffed lamb for an additional $20.)

—Julie Kim

Slumber-party snuggles

Photo: Pottery Barn

Over the years, my mom has given each of her grandkids one of these Pottery Barn personalized sleeping bags as a crafty enticement to stay over at her house. More of a slumber-party sleeper than the kind you’d take camping, the soft zip-up rolls easily and has two straps for carrying and storage. My daughter loves its fuzzy, bear-headed pillow and cotton shell—ideal for cozying up on the floor to play games or watch a movie. She also adores that her name is on the bag, though be warned: The monogram font is a bit cramped and hard to read compared with her cousins’ earlier editions. If you decide to personalize, I’d recommend one of the blockier fonts.

—Caitlin Giddings

A ride for the snow

Photo: Doug Mahoney

Babies and toddlers don’t need to tear down hills at breakneck speeds to have a blast in the snow—they’re mostly content with being pulled around in a comfy, well-constructed sled like this classic wooden one from L.L.Bean. I’ve had this sled for nine years and through four kids, and it’s still in great shape (it’s a top pick in our guide to the best sleds). With its smooth-gliding wooden runners (which are reinforced with metal bars for durability), supportive side rails (which keep tots from tumbling out and make it an accessible option for kids working on their trunk strength), and classic red cushion, this sled is like a snow stroller. It’s expensive, but it’ll last through many winters—or even generations.

—Doug Mahoney

A speedy slider

Photo: PlaSmart

Note: this riding toy was regularly priced at about $65 when we chose it as a pick for this guide. 

If, like me, you live much farther south—where snow is just a mythical ground cover kids see only in holiday books—the PlasmaCar is the ultimate toddler toy for gliding around. The brightly colored ride moves almost as quickly as a sled across flat surfaces, without any batteries, pedals, or gears. The wheels work much like in-line skates or cross-country skis, so when the handlebar is wiggled rapidly, the car moves forward through lateral friction force. Toddlers can achieve exhilarating speeds with just the occasional push and steady cranking of the handlebar. The PlasmaCar is sturdy enough to hold up to 220 pounds, so adults may be able to tear around the house a few times too—strictly to conduct safety checks, of course.

—Caitlin Giddings

Clattering cars

Photo: Wooden Wagon

Sometimes it seems like the simpler the toy, the more engrossing it is for babies and toddlers (a theory supported by my child’s love of playing with a bookmark above all else). Of all the toys in our pediatric audiologist’s waiting room, this basic tower made of beech and birch plywoods is the one that draws the biggest and most competitive crowd of little ones. Kids can place the three-part “millipede” car at the top and watch as it works its way down to the base of the wooden tower, with a satisfying clicking sound at every turn.

—Caitlin Giddings

An indoor trampoline

Photo: The Original Toy Company

Our pediatrician recommended a mini trampoline like this one as a tool to combat toddler constipation. I can’t say definitively that it was effective for that purpose, but it worked great for bouncing out a lot of pent-up energy. And it was generally a big hit with our own kids as well as with any visiting friends. The trampoline obviously takes up some space, but our two kids used it just about every day from the ages (roughly) of 2 to 5.

—Dan Koeppel

A family membership to a children’s museum

Photo: Thinkery

Annual Family Membership to the Thinkery in Austin, Texas ($115 for a family of 3 at the time of publication)

For me and my wife, the gift of an annual membership to the Thinkery children’s museum in Austin, Texas, was an immense relief from cabin fever when the summer heat made it impossible to be outdoors. Suddenly we now had a bright, educational fortress to escape to with our then-2-year-old daughter. Millie loves the water science room’s cascading series of water tables, the earth science exhibit’s hurricane and tornado simulators, and the Light Lab’s magnets and mini LEDs. She even loves to watch kids scale the giant outdoor climbing structure (though it will be at least another year before she can try it herself). Memberships to children’s museums like the Thinkery make excellent gifts: They offer educational play spaces and workshops for kids, as well as special events that include adults and families, such as Pride nights and parents’ night out.

—Caitlin Giddings

A modern play kitchen

Photo: Amazon

We purchased a KidKraft kitchen for our daughter when she was 2. We wanted a sturdy kitchen that was big enough for her to grow into and could withstand years of playtime. The KidKraft kitchens, which come in a variety of sizes and configurations, look so modern and real that we don’t have to hide, cover, or set fire to ours before guests come over. The KidKraft Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen Set comes in both white and dark wood finishes, and it has a faux-subway-tile backsplash that will inspire interior-design envy. The cubby-style refrigerator, oven, and washing machine include shelves for storing lots of play fruits and vegetables. (We like these big baskets of colorful fruits and veggies from Learning Resources.) And when you discover old sippy cups (and, omg, forgotten snacks!) in the sink, pause and breathe. The sink detaches for easy cleanup!

—Courtney Ivey

A chair (and then some)

Photo: Children’s Factory

My toddler’s body needed a more-supportive (read: less flimsy) first chair. And as her parent, I needed the peace of mind to know she wouldn’t tip over while sitting in it. A physical therapist recently introduced us to this Children’s Factory Cube Chair, which is stable without being heavy. It’s made of a lightweight plastic that’s much easier to maneuver than the Montessori-style wooden furniture we’d tried before. But what makes the cube chair a true winner is the 6-inch seat height with cozy “walls” on three sides; when she grows out of the lower height, I’ll flip it over for a higher 9-inch seat with less enclosure. (Note: The manufacturer recommends this for ages 12 months and up, so use your judgment based on what’s best for your kid.) Available in bright primary colors as well as more muted “woodland” tones, the cube chair can also double as a side table or stool—versatility that helps take the edge off the price tag.

—Julie Kim

We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend.

—Additional reporting by Julie Kim

This article was edited by Ingela Ratledge Amundson, Courtney Schley, and Kalee Thompson.

About your guides

Caitlin Giddings

Caitlin Giddings is a freelance writer based in Austin, Texas. Her work has appeared in Bicycling, Runner’s World, Lonely Planet, Outside magazine, and more.

Wirecutter Staff

• We spent more than 40 hours researching and testing pool noodles, water guns, snorkel sets, and more to find the best beach and pool toys for most people.

  The Best Beach and Pool Toys for Kids and Adults 

• We spent 20 hours researching nearly 50 board games for kids. Read on to find out our favorite games for preschoolers, elementary-school kids, and families.

  Board Games We Love for Kids and Families 

• We subjected 13 balance bikes to a cadre of 2- to 8-year-olds and found that the adjustable Strider 12 Sport is the best balance bike for most kids.

  The Best Balance Bike 

• From an ultrafast snow tube to a sleek saucer to a classic wooden pull sled, we’ve identified the standout sleds for snow-day fun.

  The Best Sleds 

Further reading

• The 27 Best Gifts for 3-Year-Olds

  by Caitlin Giddings and Wirecutter Staff

  Many of the best gifts for 3-year-olds encourage role-play and make-believe—or help teach cooperative play.

• The 27 Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids

  by Ingrid Skjong and Wirecutter Staff

  Whether Santa’s idea of the perfect stocking stuffers is traditional, practical, or whimsical, the little gifts on this list were chosen to delight.

• The 21 Best Gifts for 5-Year-Olds

  by Kelly Glass and Wirecutter Staff

  Many of the best gifts for 5-year-olds are projects or kits to help them explore their newly developing interests, whether they’re in art, music, science, or nature.

• The 25 Best Gifts for 8-Year-Olds

  by Ellen Lee and Wirecutter Staff

  The best gifts for 8-year-olds help them level up their skills and interests with more challenging and complex kits for tinkering, crafting, and building.

Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). Subscribe now for unlimited access.

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Birthday Scenarios 2 years

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• Organization of children’s parties →
• Animator’s Game Library →
• Scenarios for children’s parties

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The child has a birthday. Moms and dads are puzzling over how and where to spend this holiday so that the baby will remember it. Now there are a huge number of entertainment centers where you will be provided with a huge range of services. But you can also organize a holiday yourself. And it will be the best holiday, because you will make it yourself. You know best what your child loves, what he is fond of, you can use your knowledge.

First you need to choose the theme of the holiday. Think about what your child loves and choose a story about a favorite topic. Invite children to the holiday – friends and relatives of the birthday man. Try to keep the children around the same age.

Scenario 2 years
Ulyana’s second birthday has come. We started congratulating her on Friday. She woke up from the fact that out of the corner of her eye in the mirror she saw a LOT of balls. And she galloped to scatter them and look for them…

Scenario birthday 2 years
Since our baby is very active and mobile, we decided to make a bright and colorful birthday. Prepared for about two weeks. The room needed to be spacious so that the kids could run…

Scenario for 2 years
The theme of the holiday came to my mind after we chose a gift for the birthday girl – a trip to the water park. The favorite hero of our Polina is Luntik. And without it, the holiday was also unthinkable…

Scenario for 2 years old
Our daughter Victoria turned two years old on December 4th. And in honor of this day, I decided to arrange a real birthday for her. We printed invitations, then delivered them to everyone…

Birthday 2 years
Birthday is first of all a holiday for a child. Therefore, we decided to celebrate the second birthday of our daughter Sveta with her friends – the kids with whom she plays on the playground …

Child’s birthday 2 years old
Finally, this long-awaited day has come – Lerochka is 2 years old!!! According to the already established (since last year) tradition, they decided to celebrate May 1 at the dacha with relatives, and May 5 at home with the kids …

Birthday 2 years old girl
wonderful holiday. For this, of course, you need to work hard and think over. ..

Birthday 2 years old boy
Preparing for the holiday, as always, I rummaged through the entire Internet in search of something interesting for two-year-olds. I wanted to organize a holiday no worse than last year … I came across a script …

Child’s birthday 2 years old
I bring to your attention my script for a double birthday. We celebrated the second birthday of my daughter Mary and the one year old of Emilia (daughter of my girlfriend). The birthday was held in the form of a ball in the flower shop…

Daughter’s birthday 2 years old
Every loving parent tries to make a child’s birthday unforgettable. We celebrated our daughter’s first birthday at home, and this year we decided to celebrate it in the country and make it even more colorful and fun…

Daughter’s birthday 2 years old
It all started with the fact that we visited the birthday party of a four-year-old. The holiday arranged by his parents for 13 children of different ages (from 1.9 to 11 years old) and for twenty adults impressed us. Everyone received gifts and certainly…

2 year old baby’s birthday
The night before, when Masha fell asleep, we blew up colorful balloons and decorated the nursery with them. They set up a tent there. At five o’clock in the morning there was a call-out cry from the nursery: “Mom!” I come: daughter …

Birthday at home 2 years
In the evening, when Nika fell asleep, dad blew a bunch of balloons into her room, we hung garlands and put gifts in a prominent place. In the morning, a happy birthday girl came to our bedroom and brought each a balloon, then we…

Son’s birthday 2 years
A boring adventure of cars, or Dima’s 2nd birthday in the style of “Cars”. Dima’s second birthday fell on a Tuesday, so it was decided to give the main gift from mom and dad on that day. ..

Children’s birthday 2 years
I thought for a long time how to celebrate my son’s second birthday. I really wanted to be in nature, but the season does not allow this. And it is impossible to collect all the guests at once. In general, we decided to celebrate the holiday at home…

My son’s birthday 2 years old
Recently my son turned two years old. I have been preparing for this event for a long time, and this is what happened. I hope my little experience in holding children’s holidays will help moms! ..

2nd birthday ideas
I decided to organize a party for my son’s 2nd birthday. First, I searched for publications on the Internet. Then I decided to write my own script.
Since guests of different ages were expected…

Birthday 2 years old
On September 17 my son turned 2 years old. The anticipation of the holiday is much better than the holiday itself. We have been preparing for it for so long and carefully that we did not notice how it came and ended. It’s hard to say, it turned out …

Birthday 2 years old boy
I’ll start my story with the fact that exactly 2 years ago at 11:00 a boy was born, whom his parents named Roman. 2 years have passed since that time, but the feeling is that it was only yesterday…

Scenario birthday 2 years old (with games)
In search of treasures of the underwater kingdom, or Artyomka’s second birthday. Artyom began to prepare for her second birthday long before the event. I looked through scripts, remembered games and competitions, cooked …

2-year-old girl’s birthday
Lately, Nika has been so imbued with the idea of ​​a birthday that we decided to organize an intermediate one for her, after all, two and a half years is also an almost round date…

Make invitations together with a child, using the theme of the holiday. The next step is to write the script. It can look something like this: congratulations, a sweet table, games, a disco. You can come up with a congratulation in the form of a small performance or sing in chorus a song that everyone knows: “Happy birthday to you.” Both adults and children can take part in this. You can play the game “What do we know about the birthday boy.” Whoever knows the answers about the birthday person the most and best of all receives a small prize.

Prizes need to be thought out in advance. It can be inexpensive trinkets, balls, sweets. You can hide the birthday gifts and arrange a quest with notes. Now face painting is very popular. To do this, you need to buy special harmless paints for children and invite them to color each other. Children love to sing karaoke and dance. During the disco, you can organize flying soap bubbles.

Once the script for the holiday is ready, make a list of everything you need for the holiday and start purchasing or making it. Decorate the room with balls, bows, garlands, colorful rain. Turn on your imagination and your baby’s holiday will be unforgettable.

Scenario for children’s birthday 2 years old

Please also read the material about the preparation of the holiday – How to celebrate a child’s birthday at 2 years old.

Our children’s birthday script for 2 years is a constructor. Choose or add those parts that you like. Remember that small children get tired quickly, so for such crumbs, an event lasting two hours is suitable (this is approximately).

By the way, remember that if you wish, you can divide the child’s birthday into 2 parts: in the afternoon (when the baby sleeps) invite his friends with their mothers, after all, the birthday is a children’s holiday, but by the evening call the adults – Relatives and friends.

1. Sending invitations
Unusual invitations to the holiday, which you can send by mail or personally on a walk, can also become part of the event. For example, in the case of a costumed event (for example, on the theme of “ball of insects”), you can make small stylized postcards yourself, which will depict, say, a ladybug.

Just don’t forget to call the guests back later to find out if they received the invitation (if you sent it by mail).

2. Guests came
So that the little guests of your birthday boy, and even he himself was interested, you can already put birthday caps on the kids in the corridor. And with a child, you can learn a little rhyme, which he will tell guests with your help.

And it will also be a lot of fun if, at the entrance to the apartment of each of the guests, you turn on a cheerful melody. Both the birthday man and the guests who have entered will surely like this beginning of the birthday.

While the rest of the guests are gathering, the responsible person (for example, the father of the birthday boy) can put together a construction set with the kids in one of the rooms, play something neutral, so that the celebration itself can start when everyone has gathered.

3. Let’s start celebrating
As a start for the holiday, it can be: a quest game – “Let’s return the birthday cake.” The bottom line is that at the very beginning, the kids are invited to blow out the candles on the birthday cake. But when they bring the cake in the box, everyone finds that it is empty, but there is a note stating that the cake has disappeared and first you need to complete some fun tasks so that the birthday, of which the cake is a symbol, takes place.

Another way to start the holiday: one of the adults brings in a “magic” (pre-prepared by parents) box or scroll from some fairy-tale hero loved by the birthday boy. A message is read to the birthday man: “Dear baby! So another wonderful year has passed … .. (parents will insert any wish here, summarize the important achievements of the child, praise him, etc.) … but for the birthday to go well, you and your friends need to try, for you have to dance well first. ” And everyone is invited to do what is written in the message. That is, the tone of the event is set by this message with instructions for action.

If your event is costumed, then this can also be beaten. For example, solemnly announce that today everyone has gathered for the ball of insects – bees, ladybugs, etc. You can first invite the children to have fun spinning in a round dance, and then continue playing on the child’s birthday.

Be imaginative. Surely the described examples will prompt you precisely on your idea of ​​celebrating the birthday of a two-year-old child.

4. Playing
We definitely recommend showing a puppet theater (for example, the father and mother of the birthday boy pick up a toy each and play a fairy tale familiar to the children behind an impromptu screen). Also, be sure to try to dance more with the children, drive Loaf around the birthday boy.

“Loaf”:

Like Mishina (Machine, Petya) name day
We baked a loaf.
Here is such a height!
We raise the children’s palms taken into your hands up and show how high the loaf turned out.
What a lowland!
We lower our hands down and show where this huge loaf starts from below.
Such a wide!
We disperse and stretch in a circle, as wide as possible so that the loaf can fit.
What a dinner!
It is clear that such a huge loaf simply cannot be narrow.
Loaf, loaf,
Whom do you want to choose!
If the child is still very young or simply embarrassed, then support him by taking the obligatory answer in the round dance:
Of course, I love everyone,
Well, Masha (or any name) is the most.

Semi-Flower. We make a flower with 7 petals out of paper in advance (or as many as you need according to the number of children). On each petal – the simplest task. Dance, jump on one leg, etc. Moreover, it is performed not only by the one who pulled it out, but all together. This makes it easier and more fun for kids.

“Funny Animals”. You can show the children on the computer screen an animal and ask all the children to show what sound such an animal makes (a cow lows, a goat mecks, etc.). It won’t be difficult for the kids, but it will be fun for everyone.

“Quick Assemble”. Another game for the little ones. We will prepare the same type of toys in advance. For example, parts of a pyramid, soft toys, etc. That is, to have several parts of the same type. Only so that at the same time you can easily explain to the children what their difference is. The goal is to collect your items faster – for example, someone collects all the wooden cubes on the carpet, and another kid collects all the balls, etc.

Balloon Fly is an active game for little kids. Children have fun throwing balloons up, the task is to keep your balloon from touching the floor as long as possible. Children will run around the room and catch balls. In fact, the balls will immediately fall to the floor, since the kids are not so dexterous, but it will still be fun and everyone will be busy for a few minutes.

Fun Relay . The main point is that children will run from one end of the room to the other, but not just like that, but move according to the stated condition. For example, on one leg, along a lined ribbon, holding three balls in their hands, etc. We boldly reward kids for completed tasks with sweets, small toys, etc.

Dexterous Throw . We give one of the adults to hold a basin or bucket. And the kids take turns happily throwing toys at him. Whoever throws the most skillfully gets a gift.

Race. This game needs dads who will get on all fours, put the kids on their backs and run around the room with them cheerfully.

By the way, you can also solemnly trace the palms of the birthday boy or make casts of hands, as well as hold a small photo session with the kids.

You can also plan to blow soap bubbles with the kids, draw together, watch a cartoon.

When all the tasks according to the beginning of the event (all the tasks from the magic box, etc.) are completed, you can proceed to the festive children’s table with the solemn removal of the cake and blowing out the candles. Be prepared that all the kids will ask you to blow out the candles, so that the blowing out event will be delayed.

5. Adult
If you need to keep adults entertained, here are a few ideas to keep in mind:

• Watching a photo presentation, a video about a little birthday boy (if you prepared them in advance)
• Prize quiz about the birthday boy (when he was born, how much he weighed, in which hospital, what he likes to eat now, what achievements for the year, etc.)
• Let’s remember childhood – for example, dad shows, and adult guests guess the cartoon character.
• We solemnly write wishes for the birthday man, which he will read in 10 years or for adulthood, put in a box.

6. End of the holiday
It is advisable to think over the finale of the festive event. Mom can solemnly read out a farewell rhyme for guests on behalf of the birthday man. And you can also distribute gifts to all the children – magnets, whistles, soap bubbles, sweets. And for adults, memorable photos of the birthday man, a disk with a video film about him.

And on the street you can launch balloons or sky lanterns into the sky. It will be beautiful.

We hope you enjoy our 2 year old children’s birthday party script.

Dear parents! We encourage you to show imagination and supplement the script with your own ideas.

a list of original and inexpensive birthday gifts

Birthday is always a family holiday. And if the first year of a child passes in the narrowest circle, among the gifts for one year there are more things useful for a little girl, accessories for bathing, walking and development, then two years is the first “ball” for a little princess.

Usually, at the age of two, a girl recognizes family friends, reacts emotionally to gifts, can even choose the desired toy herself and say “Thank you!” to the donor.

It’s worth trying for the smile of a little birthday girl! But what to give a girl for two years? To make shopping a pleasant experience, we have compiled a list of ideas for unusual birthday gifts for a girl, depending on who is going to congratulate her.

Top 10 best gifts for a girl for 2 years

Gifts from parents

Mom and dad know better than anyone what their child needs for two years. Asking their opinion is important for everyone who is going to the holiday. But what should parents choose for a two-year-old girl?

One of the ways out is to make a list of necessary, useful gifts, and separately write down pleasant non-primary ones – toys, developing simulators, elegant clothes, accessories, or even a beautiful night light in the children’s room.

1.

First decoration

Photo: pixabay.com

Parents can give a girl a special gift with meaning for two years. For example, gold or silver jewelry. Many people decide to pierce their daughter’s ears at the age of two, and beautiful safe earrings will be a great gift from parents. By the way, it is also important to please mom on this special day. Dad can give earrings of a similar shape to his wife.

2. Beautiful furniture

Photo: Curtis Adams, pexels.com

Daughter grew out of a small bed. Often at the age of two, a girl is given new furniture in the nursery. Parents can schedule these changes around their child’s 2nd birthday. Buy a comfortable set of furniture, pick up beautiful textiles, decor. The little princess will be happy with the new “house”. You can invite all close relatives and friends to create comfort in the nursery. Then the birthday will have a special meaning – housewarming for the little princess.

3. Developing kit

Photo: pexels.com

Parents know better than others how a baby develops. And they know what toy, sports equipment or device their daughter needs. Developing kits can become an option for a gift for a two-year-old girl. For example, a sports corner in the house, comfortable swings with different seats and rings for games. Or maybe the girl is interested in drawing and she needs an “artist’s corner” – an easel, a comfortable chair, a stand for paints and brushes, an apron, albums, pencils? There may be many options. The main thing is that the gift should be useful, safe and please the child.

Gifts from grandparents

Everyone knows how grandparents love to pamper their grandchildren. Choosing a gift becomes a difficult task for them if the child has everything they need. How to please your favorite princess?

4. Certificate for a children’s supermarket

Photo: shutterstock.com

The easiest way out is to give a certificate with an amount acceptable for the family to a children’s supermarket or a children’s shopping center. Parents will choose the right gift for their daughter. And in order not to come to the holiday with a small envelope that you cannot give into the hands of a child, grandmother can bake a beautiful cake. After all, the most delicious thing that we ate in our lives is grandmother’s pies, cakes, cookies, isn’t it?

The cake can also be ordered in special culinary shops or from craftswomen, and decorated with any inscriptions, chocolate figurines and even photographs of the girl’s favorite cartoon characters.

Gifts from godparents, family friends

Godparents at the celebration in honor of the girl’s birthday are one of the main guests. A gift from godparents is memorable, unusual. What ideas for unusual gifts for a two-year-old girl can be used? Here is a small list of gifts that will be useful to other guests – relatives, friends, colleagues of parents invited to the holiday.

5. Pool with balls

Photo: pixabay.com

This is a fun activity that develops dexterity, balls can be used as counting material or elements for other games. Definitely a useful and bright gift.

6. Magnetic constructor

Photo: pixabay.com

Simple safe models of various figures that can be assembled into plot pictures on a special board or a solid figure (a house, a princess castle, a farm with animals, a pond with fish, and so on). The birthday girl will appreciate it!

7. Home puppet theater

Photo: pixabay.com

Fairy tales and cartoons are the most popular entertainment in two years. Give the girl a set of dolls, fairy tale characters complete with a special stage, curtain and lights. The child will be able to arrange performances.

8. Projector

Photo: shutterstock.com

There are models of projectors with interchangeable nozzles: today the girl has a starry sky, tomorrow there is a ball of snowflakes, and the day after tomorrow autumn leaves fall. Even adults are delighted with such illumination.

9. Small children’s computer

Photo: pixabay.com

A girl can get acquainted with letters and numbers with the help of a computer. No radiation – the computer is safe, runs on batteries. There are a lot of models of such toys, it remains to choose the most interesting and beautiful.

10. Certificate for developmental activities

Photo: anastasia-shu, pexels.com

A universal gift for a girl for two years. Does the child like to swim? Give a certificate to the children’s pool. He likes to draw – a certificate for classes in a children’s art school for the little ones. Does she like to dance or is she tipped to become a model? There are both modeling and dance schools for children from the age of two. Choose and enjoy the birthday girl!

Original gift ideas for a girl for 2 years

• Hand catka
• Game house with a soft floor
• Dance rug
• Pups
• Room swings

9000

• Dollhouse
• Grocery Cart
• Doll Carriage
• Magnetic Board
• Kids Bowling
• Mechanical toys for swimming
• Bicycle with additional wheels
• Rostomer
• Interactive kitchen
• Miniature suitcase on wheels
• Carleshaw 9000
• Game set of doctors
• Children’s machine 9000 9000 parts
• Children’s play set
• Bathrobe
• Inflatable swimming ring
• Interactive cash desk
• Toy-grip 9000
• Terry towel set
• Warm blanket
• Water bottle set
• Garden swing
• Repeater toy
• Small hill
• Children’s darts
• Sports complex
• Ball with ears
• Batut
• Home slippers in the form of legs
• Toy synthesizer

9000

• Balance bike
• Children’s loto with animal pictures
• Easel
• Marker or pencil set
• Coloring book with large drawings
• Children’s street tent
• drum
• Slungobuses
• Soft book
• Developing panels
• Aquagim
• Pyramid 9000
• Hammock
• Party dress
• Raincoat
• Pink electric car
• Luminous sneakers 9Ol000
• Photo poster
• Illuminated play fridge
• Children’s photo album
• Children’s cosmetics set
• Toy phone 9Ol000 game center
• windmill
• ring thrower
• animal hat
• overalls
• wonder suitcase
• A set of animal figures
• Toward-POPENCHE
• Children’s manicure set
• Air Cleaner 9000 and snood
• Mermaid with glowing tail
• Maze house
• Basket with baby food
• Squish
• Electronic thermometer for water and air
• Running arena
• Children’s mattress
• Set of sock
• Palace with a hood
• Nevali
• Mosaic rug 9000 Sensory Box
• Big Kaleidoscope
• Talking Doll
• Sound Poster
• Drinking Cup
• Tap Toy
• Masive mosaic
• Bicycle chair
• A set of bright panels or head scarves
• Wooden labyrinth
• Puppeting furniture
• Microphone
• Toy castle Princess 9000
• Toy jewelry for the little ones

How to choose a gift for a girl for 2 years

• Clothes, toys, furniture and other gifts for a child must be safe, certified and comply with all SANPIN.
  

1st grade reading books for children aged 6-7 in Elementary School

Books for 1st grade – this list of suggested reading books has been curated and compiled by teachers, home educators and librarians for elementary school students aged 6-7. There is a range of picture books and short single chapter books to suit all abilities, including easy readers and more challenging stories. This list of 1st grade reading recommendations include titles by Jon Scieszka, Mal Peet, Mo Willems, Dr. Seuss, and Eleanor Estes.

The Book Hog by Greg Pizzoli

The book hog adores books – any books. He feels the pages with his hooves. He sniffs the pages and loves the pictures. However, he has a secret that mustn’t be told. He can’t read! Follow his journey to the library for story time and the joy when he learns to read. A great picture book to encourage younger readers.

Picture book

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka

The traditional tale of the Three Little Pigs is retold by the Wolf, and it wasn’t his fault. A very funny reimagining of this story with great illustrations. A perfect book for grade 1 group and shared reading.

Picture book

There’s an Alligator Under My Bed by Mercer Mayer

A young boy is convinced there’s an alligator under his bed. How will he stop it eating him in the middle of the night? Can he lure it to the garage with a series of clever tricks? Ideal for more confident 1st grade readers.

Bedtime story

Freckle Juice by Judy Blume

Andrew’s best friend Nicky has freckles, and Andrew wants them so badly he’ll do anything to get some. Then Sharon offers him a secret recipe to grow freckles.

Fantasy

The Boy Who Loved Words by Roni Schotter

Selig doesn’t collect action figures or trading cards – he collects words. Words which make him giggle or words which sound nice to say. An excellent book to spark your child’s interest in language.

Picture book

There is a Bird on Your Head! by Mo Willems

Gerald the Elephant gets extremely irritated by a series of birds that camp out on his head. Can his friend Piggie help him out?

Classic

Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary

Ramona is excited to start school for the first time. But things don’t go to plan and she’s in trouble from the first moment. Will she work out what she’s doing wrong? A thought-provoking 1st grade reading book.

School story

Diary of a Wombat by Jackie French

The daily life of a wombat is not at all what you might expect. A very funny look at life from a different point of view. A funny 1st grade reading picture book.

Animal story

Little Cliff’s First Day of School by Clifton L Taulbert

A classic based in the South in the 1950s, this is a great book to discuss anxiety about starting school. Heartwarming and sensitive, it should answer many children’s worries and questions.

Classic | School story

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

Wanda is teased by her classmates for wearing the same blue dress every day. This isn’t helped by a lie she tells which snowballs out of control. But, her friend Maddie then shows extraordinary kindness and stands up for her. Ideal to discuss with your 1st grade child.

Classic | Picture book

Hot Hot Hot by Neal Layton

Oscar and Arabella don’t like summer. Heat, flies, sweat, insects are not for them – because they are woolly mammoths. But then they come up with a very clever idea.

Animal story

Tuesday by David Wiesner

A stunningly imaginative picture book with strange and fantastical images including frogs on flying lily pads. There are no words in this book – which makes it ideal for helping your child tell the story and develop a rich and descriptive use of language. An ideal first grade reading book to share.

Picture book | Fantasy

365 Penguins by Jean Luc Fromental

Imagine you wake up each day to find a penguin delivered to your front door. Who is sending them, what should you do with them, and where do you put them? A great picture story for helping 1st grade children to count and use their imagination.

Animal story

Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin

A funny story about life from the point of view of a worm. Homework can be eaten, baths are not necessary and mud is fine everywhere. But there’s one thing the worm wishes he could do.

Animal story | Humor

Uneversaurus by Aidan Potts

A clever book all about dinosaurs which encourages children to imagine for themselves what these creatures looked, like, sounded like and felt like.

Narrative non fiction

Water Boy by David McPhail

A moving fantasy story. When a teacher tells a boy that people are mostly made out of water, he begins to panic. What if he dissolves? What if he goes down the plughole at bath time? But when he deals with fears, amazing and unexpected things start to happen. A great book for 1st grade children.

Fantasy

The Dot by Peter H Reynolds

Vashti sits through art class looking at her blank piece of paper. She hates art. But her teacher tells her, “Just make a mark and see where it takes you.” A world of creativity is opened up in this memorable story about overcoming a fear of failure.

Classic

When Sheep Cannot Sleep by Satoshi Kitamura

A story about a sheep who goes to extraordinary lengths to get to sleep, by going outside and counting everything he meets. A great story for developing math and memory skills.

Animal story

When Will I Read? by Miriam Cohen

Ideal for children struggling to read in first grade. A heartwarming story about how different people learn in different ways.

School story

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

The classic Dr. Seuss rhyming story about all the places green eggs and ham can be eaten. Can the reader remember all the places at the end?

Classic

And I Mean It, Stanley by Crosby Bonsall

A fun and madcap story about a girl and her pet and the imaginative ideas she has to build something from nothing. This is an ideal first grade book for more confident readers.

Family story

The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle

An amazing book about a grumpy and rude ladybug who refuses to say please or thank you or be polite in any way. Great collage illustrations from the author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Animal story | Classic

Brown Bear, Brown Bear by Bill Martin

Ideal for reluctant and emerging readers, this is a great rhyming book with repetition and stunning pictures.

Classic | Rhyming

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

Mrs. Mallard has the unenviable task of guiding her troop of ducklings across the city of Boston to the Public Gardens. But lots of interesting people help her along the way.

Classic

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Max has been sent to bed without supper. But once in his bedroom, his imagination comes alive with forests, jungles, wild beasts, and almost scary monsters.

Classic | Picture book

Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw

A group of sheep decides to see if they can all fit into a Jeep. Then they think of all sorts of unlikely places they can drive to, and nothing quite goes to plan. A very funny book ideal for more reluctant readers.

Humor | Animal story

Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems

Trixie goes with her father to the Laundromat. But she leaves something behind. No! It’s Knufflebunny her favorite toy! How can she explain to her father when she has yet to utter her first word? A touching and fun 1st grade reading book.

Classic | Picture book | Family

Morris the Moose by Bernard Wiseman

Morris, a toothy-grinned Moose, encounters some strange new animals for the first time and assumes each one is a strange kind of moose. But the Cow has other ideas. A story of unlikely friendship.

Animal story | Humor

How do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? by Jane Yolen

A fly on the wall story of the life of dinosaurs, including dinosaur bedtimes, dinosaur dinner, and dinosaur tantrums. Great pictures.

Bedtime story

Bats at the Beach by Brian Lies

A night out at the beach with a group of bats – including moon tan lotion and toasting bug-mallows. A very original rhyming story.

Rhyming

Cloud Tea Monkeys by Mal Peet

A heartwarming story about a girl whose mother is too ill to work. Set in the foothills of the Himalayas, Tashi is helped by magic monkeys to find the most valuable tea leaves in the land. Based on a Chinese legend. Ideal to read aloud to grade 1 children.

Legend | Picture book

How to Clean a Hippopotamus by Robin Page

A clever book about how animals help each other. By posing questions such as the story title, the book explores how living things work together in harmony.

Animal story | Narrative non fiction

The Retired Kid by John Agee

Brian has had enough of school, homework, chores and being told off – so he decides to retire and live at the Sunset Retirement Community. However, Brian’s new life isn’t quite what he’d imagined.

Humor | Picture book

Press Here by Herve Tullet

A clever book to fire the imagination. The reader presses dots, shakes pages, pulls tabs – and creates their own magic trick-like adventure. A great book for emerging readers and ideal for reading and discussing with your child. A great 1st grade storybook to share with reluctant readers.

Classic

If you would like to order all or most of the books in this list; or if you want to order classroom sets or multiple copies of books; or if you are ordering from outside the US,  have a look at our ‘bulk orders’ page which makes this process easy.

Click for more reading recommendations – Kindergarten books |1st grade books (this page) | Grade 2 books | Grade 3 books | Grade 4 books | Grade 5 books | Grade 6 books | Grade 7 books | Grade 8 books | Grade 9 books | Grade 10 books | Grade 11 books | Grade 12 books

Please do share or link to this page via social media, but refrain from copying or reproducing our books for 1st grade synopses. Please respect intellectual property and copyright. Thank you.

1st Grade Summer Reading List of Books

This post may contain affiliate links.

Keep your soon-to-be 1st (first) graders, ages 6 and 7, practicing their growing reading skills with the best, most highly recommended first grade books!

These are favorite books for beginning readers from the easiest books with a few words per page to beginning chapter books with a sentence per page. (For my kids, this was first grade but for some kids, it’s earlier and for other children, it’s later. All stages of growth are fine!) You can find harder books on my summer reading list for second graders and more 5- and 6- year old book recommendations here.

Keep your first grade kids reading lots and lots of books this summer vacation!

Remember to help your 1st graders figure out those hard-to-read words with word attack strategies beyond the typical (and often useless) “sound it out.” Try these word attack strategies & download the free printable bookmark.

SHOP this Book List

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ALL SUMMER READING LISTS BY GRADE

All Recommended Easy Readers

All Recommended Beginning Chapter Books

1st Grade Books: Summer Reading List (Ages 6 – 7)

If your 1st grade child loves a book, get more books by the same author or in the same series. Keep them reading as much as you can! And, if you need more ideas, you can always email me.

First Grade Beginning Readers (EASY)

This list of beginning readers are first grade books with only a few words per page, perfect for kids who are entering first grade and just beginning to read. (Sight words are really important at this stage – download free printable sight word cards.)

If your 1st grader is looking for silly books, read:

• My Toothbrush is Missing by Jan Thomas
• What is Chasing Duck? by Jan Thomas
• We Are in a Book by Mo Willems (all Elephant and Piggie books are fantastic!)
• The Big Fat Cow That Goes Kapow by Andy Griffiths
• Ed and Ted and Ted’s Dog Fred by Andy Griffiths
• Friends Do Not Eat Friends (Thunder and Cluck) by Jill Esbaum
• Hi, Jack! by Mac Barnett & Greg Pizzoli
• Let’s Make Cake (Bobo and Pup Pup) by Vikram Madan
• That Egg is Mine by Liz Goulet Dubois

If your 1st grade child likes stories about real life and friendship, try:

• Who Is That, Cat the Cat? by Mo Willems
• We Are Growing by Laurie Keller
• Don’t Worry, BEE Happy by Ross Burach
• Big Cat by Ethan Long
• The Cookie Fiasco by Dan Santat
• Trucktown by Jon Scieszka
• Emerson Is Mighty Girl! by Meredith Rusu
• Kit and Kaboodle Take the Train by Michelle Portice
• Unlimited Squirrels in I Lost My Tooth! by Mo Willems
• Nick and Nack Fly a Kite by Brandon Budzi
• Do You Like My Bike? (Hello, Hedgehog!) by Norm Feuti
• The Great Bunk Bed Battle by Tina Kugler

If your 1st grader likes animal stories, try reading:

• Slow, Slow Sloths by Bonnie Bader
• Little Big Horse by Dave Horowitz
• We Dig Worms by Kevin McCloskey
• The Lost Kitten (Katie Fry, Private Eye) by Katherine Cox
• Lazy Bear, Crazy Bear by Kevin Bolger
• Baby Monkey, Private Eye by Brian Selznick & David Serlin
• Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold
• Goat Wants to Eat by Laura Gehl

Find MORE easy readers with reviews for first grade age children readers HERE.

First Grade

Easiest Chapter Books

Easy chapter books have pictures with words. The easiest chapter books have just a few sentences per page. Try these first grade favorites…

(If you want to read my reviews of each of these books, go here.)

FUNNY Easiest Chapter Books

• Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold 
• See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog by David LaRochelle 
• An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! by Mo Willems
• See the Dog: Three Stories About a Cat by David LaRochelle
• Donut Feed the Squirrels by Mika Song

FRIENDSHIP Easiest Chapter Books

• Hi, Jack! (A Jack Book) by Mac Barnett & Greg Pizzoli
• Do You Like My Bike? (Hello, Hedgehog!) by Norm Feuti
• Aggie the Brave by Lori Ries 
• Mr. Putter and Tabby Walk the Dog by Cynthia Rylant 
• Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel 
• Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton
• Frank and Bean by Jamie Michalak
• Doggo & Pupper by Katherine Applegate

First Grade

Easy Chapter Books for Summer Reading

Easy chapter books have bigger text with pictures every few pages. These books listed range from middle of 1st grade to beginning of second-grade reading levels.

(Go here for a harder 2nd-grade chapter book list.)

If your first grader likes animal main characters, read:

• Kitty and Dragon by Meika Hashimoto
• Pug Blasts Off (Diary of a Pug) by Kyla May
• Kung Pow Chicken by Cindi Marko
• Owly: The Way Home and The Bittersweet Summer by Andy Runton

If your 1st grade children like funny books, try:

• Smell My Foot (Chick and Brain) by Cece Bell
• Moldylocks and the Three Beards by Noah Z. Jones
• Meet Mo and Jo: The Boulder Brothers by Sarah Lynn
• The Infamous Ratsos by Kara Lareau
• Geeger the Robot Goes to School by Jarret Lerner
• Nugget and Hot Dog by Jason Tharp

If your 1st grade kids like realistic books, read:

• Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqui
• Cornbread & Poppy by Matthew Cordell
• Happy Paws: Layla and the Bots by Vicky Fang
• The Party and Other Stories (Fox and Chick) by Sergio Ruzzier

If your 1st graders like adventure & fantasy books, try:

• Bo’s Magical New Friend (Unicorn Diaries) by Rebecca Elliott
• The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale 
• Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot #1 by Dav Pilkey
• Notebook of Doom #1 by Troy Cummings
• Rise of the Earth Dragon #1 by Tracey West
• Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue by Paula Harrison
• Mia Mayhem Is a Superhero! by Kara West

If your first grader likes nonfiction, read:

• Caterpillar to Butterfly by Laura Marsh 
• Jungle Animals by Camilla Gersh
• Amazing Dogs by Laura Buller
• Fly Guy Presents Snakes by Tedd Arnold
• Mythical Beasts: 100 Fun Facts About Real Animals and the Myths They Inspire by Stephanie Warren Drimmer

DON’T MISS THESE: Summer Reading Printable Packet, Free Summer Printable for Kids, Activity Books for Kids, Summer Writing Ideas

KEEP READING:

Summer Reading Lists for Kids

The best books for first-graders – There are no analogies

Contents

1. Books for future first-graders – a selection
2. Dobrochasova A. “Tail at school, or First-grader stories of Sonya Grushina”
3. Schwartz E. “First grader” 9 T0.0506 Ella in the first grade”
4. Nestlinger K. “Stories about Franz and school”
5. Olshansky I. “Unlucky: some funny stories from the life of a seven-year-old man who is unlucky”
6. Lagercrantz R. “My happy life”
7. First time in first grade. Collection
8. Best books for first-graders
9. Ulf Nilsson “Alone on stage”
10. Gossini N. “Baby Nicolas”
11. Aleshkovsky Yu. »
12. Mogilevskaya S. “Stamp of the country of Gondeloup”
13. Maria Bershadskaya “Big little girl”
14. Nilsson F. “Hedwig finally goes to school”
15. Parr M. “Waffle heart”
16. Lederman V. “Svetlik Tuchkin and the Bubble of Desires”
17. Lenderman V. “There will be no lessons”
18. Schwartz E. “The Tale of Lost Time”
19. Davydychev L. “The Life of Ivan Semenov”
20. Mebs G. “To School ! Frieder and Grandmother shout”
21. Nilsson M. “Tzatziki Goes to School”
22. How to instill a love of reading in a first grader

Children’s books for first graders are the most important for a 7 year old. These are books about school friendships and the first teacher, about growing up and the first responsibility, about huge satchels and bouquets, September 1st rulers and choosing a school desk … This is a selection of fiction about other first grade children who experience the same emotions, worries, joys and failures that and an ordinary child reader going to grade 1.

Books for first-graders are interesting not only for first-graders, but also for all elementary school students, and especially for preparatory students . It is important for them, like no one else, to know and feel from the inside, even through the feelings of school heroes, what this school is and how one should behave there.

Books for future first graders – a selection

Here is a selection of books aimed primarily at future first graders. In these books, preschoolers get to know themselves, they discuss the topics of adaptation in a new team with children and teachers, the problems of friendship and mutual assistance, overcoming fears, bullying, and also tell that school is great !

Dobrochasova A. “Tail at school, or first-grader stories of Sonya Grushina”

So the day came when Sonya Grushina, nicknamed Tail, became a first-grader! Of course, at first she was a little uncomfortable. But as soon as she realized how many funny adventures awaited her, how many friends she would find at school, then there was no trace of her fears!

Illustration from the book “A Tail at School, or First Grade Stories by Sonya Grushina”

First of all, the road to the school itself is full of magic. Secondly, at school they teach not only to read, write and count, but also to discover talents in themselves. And funny incidents seem to be pouring into a backpack!

Schwartz E.

“First grader”

Marusya Orlova was looking forward to this day: finally she became a first grader! She will have to learn not only reading and writing, but also friendship, mutual assistance, and responsibility. So far, Marusya is far from succeeding, but she will definitely cope!

The story of Yevgeny Schwartz was written in the middle of the 20th century, but it is close and understandable to the modern reader. The era has changed, but the anxieties and experiences of little first graders have not changed, the best books for first graders are still the same.

Parvela T. “Ella in the first grade”

Hilarious stories from the life of Finnish first graders. Mischievous, inventive and very funny. Only 5 parts. Ella and her classmates grow with the readers: in the first book, we meet first graders, and then vacation adventures, detective stories, comic skits await us – and so on until the end of elementary school!

“Our teacher is about to have a baby, pass it on,” Hannah whispered to me.
“I won’t transmit anything,” I muttered. – They will mix it up anyway, and in the end it will turn out to be nonsense again.
– What nonsense? Tucca asked. He stood in front of me.
“Yes, about the teacher’s child,” I waved him off.
– The teacher’s child is complete nonsense, pass it on, – Tukka Sampa whispered.
“The pig teacher is not a complete pig,” Sampa told Tina.
“The teacher is hiding a big pig in the bag,” Tina told Pat.
– What are you whispering about? the teacher asked Pat, who was first in line.
– Can I stroke it? Pat asked timidly and pointed to the bag with his eyes.

From Timo Parvel’s Ella in First Grade

Nestlinger K. Stories about Franz and School

Franz is already 7 years old and he is finally going to school! The hero of the series “Stories about Franz” is not easy at first: the teacher does not like it, an enemy appears in the class, hilariously ridiculous situations from school life happen . .. But Lilly, humor, friendship will always help.

Short, illustrated books for future first graders.

Illustration from the book “Stories about Franz and School”

Olshansky I. “Bad luck: some funny stories from the life of a seven-year-old man who is unlucky” because his birthday is on February 29 and he celebrates it every four years. Kostya Probochkin always wants to do something good, but it doesn’t always work out… The book is not about school. But nevertheless, it is very relevant for a “seven-year-old person”!

Lagercrantz R. “My Happy Life”

Dyunne is an ordinary girl. She lives in Sweden, is in the first grade, she really likes the school, and she, like any girl, has a best friend.

Illustration from Ruse Lagercrantz’s book “My Happy Life”

Gradually, Dunne learns that things happen in life that make you really sad. For example, your best friend might move to another city. Dad might not want Dunne to get guinea pigs. And with classmates, it turns out, you can quarrel over a mere trifle.

There are 8 books in the Dunne series about the life of an ordinary first grader.

First time – first grade. Collection

A rather motley, but interesting thematic collection: about school, about grades 1 and 2, about zero, about dad and mom …

A little man went to school for the first time. What an important event in his life! At school, instead of mom – a teacher, instead of toys – textbooks and notebooks. And you can’t be late for class or play pranks in class. And you need to be careful and careful. And in general, getting used to this new school life is so difficult, but fun and interesting!

The best books for first-graders

And this selection of books will be more interesting for successful first-graders, although all these divisions, , are certainly conditional (yes, butter oil).

Ulf Nilsson “Alone on stage”

The most difficult thing at school at first is to be seen all the time. Just now you were in a cozy house, with your mom-dad-brother, and now you need to go to the board, stand at the desk or go on stage – and demonstrate your knowledge and skills to everyone. To all these unfamiliar boys and girls, uncles and aunts.

Ulf Nilsson and Eva Erikson, the legendary Swedish tandem of laureates of the Astrid Lindgren International Prize, deal with another fear familiar to everyone since childhood — stage fright — with understanding and humor.

Gossini N. “Baby Nicolas”

This story began in the distant fifties of the last century with small humorous drawings by Jean-Jacques Sampe. His friend writer René Goscinny decided to write texts for these drawings. It turned out funny stories-comics, the hero of which was the little Nicolas. Young readers fell in love with this boy very much and were looking forward to the publication of the next story. The authors composed and drew more and more new stories, and the publishers decided to combine them into books.

Many years have passed since then, but baby Nicola is still extremely popular and loved by children in many countries of the world. Funny stories about this kind, charming tomboy, about his friends and school are close and understandable to children. It doesn’t matter what language they speak.

Spread of the book “All about baby Nicolas”

Aleshkovsky Yu. “Shoot, Two briefcases and a whole week”

This book is necessary for every first grader! All of its action fits into one week of September, when the first-grader Alyosha Seroglazov receives the funny nickname of Two Briefcases at school and finds real friends.

Nosov N. “Vitya Maleev at school and at home”

This is, as it is now customary to say, “old school”, in places overly moralizing, but still a good story about a Soviet schoolboy. Nosov is a writer of our childhood who has become a classic for our children. And not only thanks to “Dunno”!

Now the book has become a kind of manual for those who dream of turning from a loser into an excellent student. But the book is not only about studying, but also about friendship, mutual assistance, hobbies – about everything that excites children at all times.

Spread of the book by Vitya Maleev at school and at home from Exmodestvo

Mogilevskaya S. “Mark of the country of Gondeloup”

Petya, Vovka and Kirilka are first-graders. They go to school for a week without a year, and everything is here again for them, you need to get used to everything. The boys discover for themselves that, it turns out, friendship also needs to be learned! After all, Petya’s excessive passion for postage stamps almost separated the friends. But the boys immediately forgot the offense as soon as Petya needed their help.

The book tells young readers about eternal, enduring values: honesty, sincerity, kindness, mutual assistance.

Maria Bershadskaya “Big Little Girl”

Belarusian writer Maria Bershadskaya’s series about Zhenya, a girl so tall, but still a first-grader, is ideal for the first experience of socialization, when many people around you think of parental (grandmother’s, teacher’s) stereotypes. You can be friends with those who are younger or older than you, taller or fatter, you can make sandwiches from whatever you want and it is not necessary to give and receive valentines on Valentine’s Day.

Nilsson F. “Hedwig finally goes to school”

A funny book – a kind of Swedish “Vitya Maleev at school and at home”, but about a girl from the outback. A whole year from August to August in the 1st grade, little life from bell to bell . Funny, ironic, bold, mischievous, frank, and most importantly vital. It turns out that books for first-graders in Sweden tell about the same simple things as in Russia, and even (at one time) in the USSR!

Parr M.

Waffle Heart

Opening with an illustration from Maria Parr’s book Waffle Heart

Waffle Heart (2005) is Maria Parr’s debut book, which has been translated into more than twenty languages ​​and won numerous awards in her home country of Norway and abroad. More than 120 thousand copies have already been sold in Russia alone, and the total circulation around the world has long exceeded one million. In 2018, the long-awaited sequel, The Goalkeeper and the Sea, was released.

A year in the life of two residents of the Shchepka-Matilda Bay, where there are only three houses – nine-year-old Trille, who tells us this story, and his neighbor and classmate Lena – contains an unthinkable number of events and adventures: funny, touching, dangerous … The idyllic life on a Norwegian farm is disturbed – but not destroyed – by dramatic events. But friendship, of course, is stronger!

Lederman V. “Svetlik Tuchkin and the Bubble of Desires”

The adventures of a 7-year-old boy begin in the first grade, where he doesn’t like it at all. Scribbles, boring examples, compulsory reading – there was nothing like that in kindergarten, just know yourself to play! “I wish I could return to that happy time,” Svetlik thinks one day, and together with his cousin Rodka comes up with a seemingly ideal plan.

Svetlik Tuchkin’s school life turns into fantastic adventures. He travels from the past to the future, from the future to the past – without the help of any time machines. How? He doesn’t know it himself! There is a fairy and there is a huge soap bubble, inside which Svetlik’s wishes come true, but for some reason it is always a little different from what he wants.

Lenderman V. “There will be no lessons”

What unites timid first-graders with veterans from the fourth “B”? Incorrigible hooligans with strong good guys? Those whose relatives participate in all holidays, with those whose mom and dad do not even come to parent meetings? They are all delighted with the phrase “There will be no lessons!” — even those who love to learn!

Schwartz E.

“The Tale of Lost Time”

Four schoolchildren suddenly became old men and women because they were always late and wasted precious time…

Davydychev L. “The Life of Ivan Semyonov”

A funny story about the “torments” of a second grader and repeater in the style of Deniska’s stories. Boyko, fervently and sincerely. The story was made into a film in 1966.

Mebs G. “To school! shout Frieder and grandmother.

Frieder is going to school. But in the morning everything goes wrong: at breakfast he soiled his festive clothes, on the way to school he constantly quarrels with his grandmother, and besides, they arrive an hour earlier. Of course, Frieder is worried on his first day at school, but his grandmother is always there and he is not afraid of anything with her.

Nilsson M. “Tzatziki goes to school”

What associations do you have with the name Tzatziki? Surprisingly, the book is a Swedish author. Tzatziki is a boy who went to school where he met his first friend, his first love, and his first enemy.

Adventures at school get an unexpected continuation at Tsatsiki’s home, because he has the most incredible mother in the world, who can walk on her hands, moving her toes, and can break into the principal’s office if she gets very angry.

The story is bold, frank, without any forbidden topics between an adult and a child, mischievous and reckless.

The book is intended for children of primary and secondary school age. The most striking thing in it for moralizers is the head of the Daughter-Mother (read below)

The girls stripped naked! They stood in front of them in what their mother gave birth to and giggled. Tzatziki has seen many girls in his life, but he has never had to marry them …. But Per Hammar had already crawled into bed with his wife, who was kissing him tenderly….Suddenly the door opened and the light came on. Karin.. and Morten, the Smelly Rat…. stared in surprise at Tzatziki in a diaper and naked Helena … Fru Hammar flew into the room … pulled off the blanket and saw Per and Luvisa – completely naked … “God! .. What is happening here?” – They FUCK! howled Morten. – FUCK!

From Moni Nilson’s book “Tzatziki Goes to School”

By the way, I’m sure the children will like this frankness.

Here are the best books for first graders in my opinion. They were selected and placed precisely by relevance – that is why Lenderman and Dobrochasova are higher than Schwartz in the list. But it’s not a rating.

How to instill a love of reading in first graders

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What books for first graders did you read as a child? And which one does your child choose?

Books as a gift for a first grader | Publishing house AST

About the verb and about the dash. And about the rain in the yard… And about a lot of things that kids still have to learn, opening a new page of growing up – schooling.

It is very difficult to surprise modern children. But, as folk wisdom says, the best gift at all times is a book. Properly selected literature can become an invaluable assistant for a child in mastering new knowledge and a good guide on the way from a cozy kindergarten to a new environment – school. The AST publishing house sorts out which books as a gift for a first grader will bring joy to children and benefit to parents in the early stages of education in elementary school.

Subtract and multiply

Book “Great gift for first graders” will be a real find. A complex of developing tasks and games will allow the future first grader to prepare for school. Little schoolchildren will try to write letters and words and start reading fairy tales. They will get acquainted with the first steps of mathematics, the Russian language and spelling. They will compare numbers, solve examples and problems, learn a lot about the world around them. And in the book for little fidgets, visual games and exciting tasks, interesting crossword puzzles and entertaining riddles are prepared, accompanied by bright funny pictures that will attract their attention.

The bright book “Multiplication Table with Tips” will simply tell about the complex. With the help of pictures and short hints, she will create a special atmosphere and turn a serious learning process into a fun activity. Therefore, even the smallest students will not only learn the multiplication table, but also understand the intricacies of counting, learn associative memorization of rules from prompts. In addition, students will learn about the history of the multiplication table.

Add two to four. Read words syllable by syllable

And this is a real textbook of well-known practitioners Olga Uzorova and Elena Nefyodova. It will become a real personal assistant for parents in mastering the modern school curriculum. The manual is needed to develop graphic skills among first-graders, develop beautiful handwriting and increase the speed of writing. Experts call such books simulators.

B “Charigraphy simulator. 1 class. Letter period” contains a workbook in which the child will train to write letters, their elements and combinations, as well as syllables, words and sentences. This will help him subsequently to more easily master dictations, presentations and compositions, rewrite written and printed texts.

An excellent gift for a first grader will not even be a book, but “Reader’s Diary” . It is intended for those who have just gone to school, but are already friends with books. In the Diary, a young reader will be able to record the books they have read: retell the plot, find the main idea, and draw conclusions from what they have read. Indeed, for a good study, it is not enough to love reading – you need to remember what you read and analyze the information received.

Each page of the diary is a ready-made questionnaire-hint for the book you have read, where everything is divided into points: “title”, “author”, “main characters”, “plot”, “conclusion”, “my opinion about the book”. The Reader’s Diary has emoticon stickers with which you can rate the book, and there is a place to draw an illustration for it.

Good books to love and be educated

Works of folk art and the best works of world classics in one edition “Gift for a first grader” . The book is intended for elementary school age. The novice reader will find in it both classic works of literature of the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as the best stories of contemporary authors. The book “A Gift to a First Grader” also includes songs, fairy tales, riddles and sayings, both Russian and foreign folklore. The works are specially selected in accordance with the school reading program for grade 1.

A useful gift for a first grader will be a complete collection of books intended for study in elementary school. “Complete reader for elementary school. Grades 1-4 “ from AST Publishing House is an invaluable assistant for the next 4 years. Reader for extracurricular reading will be of interest to the whole family. It will not only form the correct attitude to the word and language, but also help to learn how to creatively interpret the information received and convey its content.

The texts are divided into six groups according to genres and topics according to the age of the children. Sections are designed with introductory information about writers. This will greatly expand the literary horizons of the child.

This wonderful “Big funny book of funny stories and funny tasks” is an interesting symbiosis of children’s literature and a developmental notebook with tasks for attentiveness, logic, development of counting and reading skills. The “Big Funny Book of Funny Stories and Funny Tasks” includes the most hilarious works by Viktor Dragunsky, Mikhail Zoshchenko, Eduard Uspensky and other authors who know a lot about joy and good mood. The book will be useful for young schoolchildren for an interesting and boring pastime – they will laugh along with the heroes of this cool book.

The favorite of millions of children and parents – Grigory Oster – offers first graders “School Harmful Advice” . Unlike dad and mom, this friend of all children allows absolutely everything! At the same time, Oster turns everything “impossible” not only into “possible”, but also into “necessary”. Only surprisingly, such bad advice makes the kids think about the questions “what is good?” and “what is bad?”. And most importantly, they help to draw the right conclusions.

Truths decorated with a light syllable are remembered from the first time. And sad things suddenly become funny. This book by Grigory Oster will reveal and explain to the student, and at the same time to his “harmful” parents, such important topics as friends, family, school.

Never confuse islands and cities

It is impossible to know everything. But it is always possible to strive for knowledge. Especially when there are wonderful books. School programs may seem boring to some children, and the knowledge offered may be insufficient. Especially for such children, the AST Publishing House has released two amazing books. This is a collection of articles and materials on various topics “Everything that an educated person should know” and a book by Anna Kochetova “The Universe in 60 Seconds” .

The publications will become indispensable guides in mastering such a complex elementary school subject as the world around. Here are collected amazing facts from the field of not only scientific achievements of different eras, but also modern discoveries.

What is 60 seconds on the scale of the universe? It turns out there are a lot! During this time, new stars explode and are born, and thousands of meteorites collide with the Earth. For those who choose books as a gift for a first grader, these publications are just a godsend. A find for future excellent students, scientists and conquerors of the world.

We recommend reading:

“Traveling around the world with the artist Chizhikov”

One of the most famous domestic children’s artists Viktor Chizhikov worked for a long time in the magazine “Around the World” and traveled a lot. Over 40 years of traveling around the world, he collected a huge number of small sketches that gathered dust in archival folders. But at one point, Chizhikov and his friends decided to make an interesting book out of these drawings. Friends, and they were very good writers and poets, composed a witty story for each drawing by Chizhikov and really made a wonderful book. “Journey around the world with the artist Chizhikov” will appeal to both schoolchildren and their parents.

“Games with letters and words”

An entertaining guide for learning the spelling and parts of speech of the Russian language. First-graders will go on a journey together with the heroes of a smart book. They learn about lowercase and uppercase letters, punctuation marks, hyphenation rules, synonymous words and other riches of their native language. And to make the knowledge practical and durable, there are riddle questions at the end of the book.

“Big book of poems, fairy tales, short stories”

Nikolai Nosov

The book will introduce readers to the work of the famous children’s writer Nikolai Nikolaevich Nosov. Here are poems familiar to every adult, songs from famous Soviet cartoons, fairy tales and stories, and, of course, the adventures of Dunno and his friends. The AST publishing house has released a collection of works by Nikolai Nosov specially for the 110th anniversary of his birth.

“Everything for 1st grade. Reader on reading”

Here are collected the most necessary small works of famous writers, folk tales and riddles for a first grader. All materials are selected so that the child can cope with them and cover the necessary maximum of what is recommended for reading in the first grade. The reader included works by domestic and foreign classics of children’s literature: Marshak and Mikhalkov, Dragunsky and Oster, Anderson and Kipling.

“Big Reading Reader for Grade 1”

The author and compiler of this book, Elena Vyacheslavovna Posashkova, is a candidate of philological sciences, a well-known specialist in the field of the Russian language and methods of teaching it in elementary school. Posashkova compiled this anthology in such a way that it included not only texts of fiction, but also articles about writers, questions and tasks for texts for young readers, and important methodological tips for adults. This reader can be used for home family reading, when parents themselves can take part in teaching their children to read and understand what they read.

The reading book was compiled taking into account the school curricula adopted by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation.

04/02/2020 Books

05/29/2020 Books

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