Birthday ideas for 2 year old daughter: Two Year Old Birthday Ideas & Party Themes (& Tips!) – Paisley & Sparrow in 2022

39 Toddler-Approved Gifts for 2-Year-Olds

Whether you view this age as terrible or terrific, one thing’s certain: Finding the best gifts for 2-year-olds can be tough. They might be exhibiting a little more independence and imagination in their play, but they’re still young toddlers with pretty short attention spans. So what playthings are going to really resonate? The best learning materials and toys for toddlers are items that encourage them to express their blossoming sense of self and practice new skills. Here, we break down how to go about picking the right toys for 2-year-olds based on their developmental stage—plus, we’ve selected a few of our favorite presents for little boys and girls.

Looking for age-appropriate goodies for babies or slightly older children? Check out our gift guides for newborns, 1-year-olds and 3-year-olds for even more inspiration.

Your tots burgeoning abilities should guide your selection of toys. So what skills are they generally honing right now? At 24 months, your toddler is changing in all kinds of ways! “They’re becoming social butterflies who are finding all kinds of new ways to communicate and move,” says Christina Low Kapalu, PhD, a clinical child psychologist at Children’s Mercy Kansas City in Missouri. Your child is probably walking confidently and quite possibly running with ease. You’ll notice other new gross motor skills too. “They can now carry items around, push and pull toys, kick a ball, climb on and off objects and walk up and down steps,” says Low Kapalu.

Toddlers’ fine motor skills are also blossoming at this age. “They can most likely manipulate containers to pour items out, build small towers and create something resembling art on paper,” Low Kapalu says—so construction and craft supplies are a good go-to gift.

Kids who have just wrapped up their second year of life can usually sort items by shape and color, follow simple directions and identify named items or people. “These little language sponges are absorbing new words daily,” Low Kapula adds, so books you can read with your tot to help build their growing vocabulary are also among the best gifts for 2-year-old girls and boys.

Plus, kids this age can now actually play with a little pal instead of just side by side, and may even begin to show a preference for one playmate over another. They might start to work in some make-believe into their play, so open-ended toys—like animal figurines and dress-up clothing—that encourage kids to flex their imaginations are good bets.

Remember, every toddler is unique and will hit developmental milestones at slightly different times—but regardless, tots at this age are learning and growing at a rapid pace. “Take advantage of your toddler’s ‘learning renaissance’ when selecting toys,” Low Kapula recommends. “Musical instruments, ball-popping toys, hammer and peg sets and building blocks are all likely to be enjoyed.”

Ready to start shopping? Here, some of the best gifts for 2-year-olds to spark their interest and support their learning.

Learning toy subscription box

KiwiCo Koala Crate

The best gifts for 2-year-olds make learning anything but boring, and this pick definitely checks that box. KiwiCo’s monthly toddler subscription box is packed with fun, educational projects created by child development experts to promote language and math skills. Bonus: Each themed box is designed to give you and your child some quality time together and includes tips for how to engage, learn and play in different ways.

Monthly book subscription

Little Feminist Book Club

Fostering a lifelong love of reading starts now, and what better way to introduce new books to your toddler than a monthly subscription box? The Little Feminist Book Club carefully selects inclusive children’s literature designed to teach little boys and girls about empathy and equality. Each month you’ll receive two board books (recommended for ages 0 to 2) or one picture book (recommended for ages 2 to 4) and a discussion card focused on the moral message in each story. Bonus: This book subscription won a Best of Baby award in 2022.

Colorful block set

Lovevery Block Set

Your child is on the cusp of being able to confidently manipulate blocks to create whatever their imagination can conjure. Let the building begin; a sturdy construction set is one of the must-have toys for 2-year-olds. These 70 heirloom-quality pieces include a shape sorter, a lacing string and a box that converts into a pull car to keep up with your little one’s blossoming creativity.

Bath toy set

Boon 13-Piece Pipes and Tubes Bath Toy Set

Don’t neglect bathtime when thinking of 2-year-old gift ideas: It’s the perfect opportunity for good, clean fun (literally).These pipes suction to the side of the tub to create a pathway for pouring water. Kids love watching the gears whirl and spin while the water trickles back into the tub.

Wobble board

Honey Maple Wobble Board

This seemingly simple piece of wood can be a surfboard, a bridge, a slide or a mountain—the only limit is your little one’s imagination. When standing, sitting or sliding on the board, toddlers will improve their balance and strength too, making this one of the best toys for 2-year-olds to work on gross motor skills. To prevent tumbles always supervise your child while using the wobble board.

Snuggly sloth toy

Slumberkins Slumber Sloth Snuggler

There are plenty of toys that drive creativity and foster fine tune motor skills—but the best gifts for 2-year-olds help kids develop emotional intelligence too. That’s why we love Slumberkins—a company dedicated to helping families raise caring, confident and resilient children through affirmations, stories and creature characters. The Slumber Sloth bundle, which includes a board book, lovey and affirmation card, promotes relaxation and positive sleep habits for toddlers—because there’s nothing better than the gift of a good night’s sleep!

Vibrant tunnel toy

Step2 Ball Buddies Toddler Tunnel Tower Toy

To be sure, balls make for good toys for 2-year-olds—but telling a toddler “no playing ball in the house” is less than fun. This new game keeps it safe and easy. Two toddlers can play together as they take turns loading the lightweight balls and then launching them down the ramp or through a tunnel. The mini dump trucks can be put to work carting balls to and fro too.

Rocket play tent

Domestic Objects Space Ship Tent

A tent is an open invitation to imaginative play—especially when it’s in the shape of a rocket ship! Your child’s mind will journey out of this world when they climb inside this cozy space that can fit two kids ready to read, snuggle and play.

Premium ball pit

Balu Organics Medium Velvet Ball Pit with 300 Balls

If you’re stuck inside and searching for an activity that’s sure to see daily use, look no further than a ball pit. We love the soft organic fabric and neutral color scheme of this one; you can choose the ball colors, so it won’t be an eyesore in your living room.

Sports activity center

VTech Smart Shots Sports Center

The concept of playing with a pal is just taking hold at age 2—so bring on team sports! Not only does this soccer and basketball combo toy let your kiddo kick and shoot hoops to their heart’s content, but it also keeps score and plays engaging songs. It’s easily one of the best gifts for 2-year-olds who love to kick, throw and run.

Wooden climber

Lily & River Bamboo Wood Climber

Anyone with a 2-year-old knows that littles this age want to climb everything in the house (the couch, the banister, the dining room chairs). Give them a designated safe space to practice scrambling with a wooden climber. Kiddos can scale the ladder-like rungs of the triangle, and you can add on the rock wall for added difficulty.

Personalized storybook

Put Me in the Story “Goodnight to You” Personalized Book

Starting a bedtime story habit early on is one of the best things you can do for your child. So a brand new book certainly makes the list of best gifts for 2-year-olds. This one is special, written in rhyming verse and personalized with your child’s name. A cuddly cast of characters will usher your wee one off to dreamland. It’s destined to be a keepsake you both treasure.

Wooden train set

BRIO World Wooden Railway Train Set

If you’re on the hunt for extra-special gifts for 2-year-olds (think: birthdays or holidays), this beginner set is a fantastic choice. Wooden Brio trains are among the most classic toys for toddlers, and with good reason: They encourage creativity and hand-eye coordination, and they’re beautifully crafted. This one has a battery-powered train and is compatible with other BRIO sets so you can add more pieces over the years.

Play tunnel

Pacific Play Tents Fun Tube Tunnel

Never underestimate the power of a toy that offers simple, physical fun. A crawl-through tunnel definitely makes the list of best gifts for 2-year-old boys or girls. We love that this one has mesh sides so little ones can peer out; plus, it folds flat for easy storage.

Vibrant building blocks

Mega Bloks First Builders Big Building Bag

Two-year-olds love to build—as long as the blocks and pieces are sized appropriately for them. If you loved LEGO as a kid, get your little one in on the fun early with these large blocks that are just right for this age group. Fine motor skills get an added boost from stacking, connecting and disconnecting blocks to get a masterpiece just right.

Interactive cookie jar toy

The Learning Journey Count and Learn Cookie Jar

Here’s when you’ll want to catch your kid with a hand in the cookie jar. Before you know it, your little one will be counting to 10 and recognizing numbers. It takes a bit of strategy to get a cookie in the jar the right way (fine motor skills at work), but when they do, they’ll hear the number representing the chips on that cookie. This toy is worth a look if you need ideas for budget-friendly, educational toys for 2-year-olds.

Water table

Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table

Splashing, scooping and pouring water is one of those rare activities that can keep many a 2-year-old entertained for a good long while. This incredible water table is basically a mini water park in your backyard, complete with waterfalls, maze-like spinners, ramps and buckets.

Dragon stuffed animal

Jellycat Bashful Dragon Stuffed Animal

Help your little one’s imagination take flight with this sweet stuffed animal. It boasts soft plush wings and tiny horns for little hands to explore and hug. They might even offer to share with their favorite playmate (watch those burgeoning social skills soar!).

Retro play kitchen

Teamson Kids Little Chef Westchester Retro Play Kitchen

There’s a reason a play kitchens often top the list as the best gift for 2-year-old girls and boys. At this age, toddlers are itching to imitate everything you do, so a pint-sized kitchen is the perfect way to encourage them to imagine making their own meals instead of being constantly underfoot while you cook. Bonus: This stylish version will fit right in with your home decor (look at that cool retro fridge).

Farm playset

Battat Big Red Barn Animal Farm Playset for Toddlers

It’s practically a universal fact that toddlers love animals, so look for toys for 2-year-olds that play into this truth, like this adorable toy barn. It features all of their favorite farm animals, plus doors and stalls they’ll love to open and close. Best of all, the whole kit folds closed for easy storage and includes a handle for playing on the go.

Doll house cabin playset

Olivia’s Little World Moose Lodge Cabin

A dollhouse is one of the best gifts for 2-year-old girls and boys alike, as it encourages imaginative play and emotional intelligence. Maisonette has some great options, but we like this wooden model that boasts a stylish, gender-neutral design. Plus, it comes fully furnished, so your tot’s dolls or figurines are ready to move right in. Pro tip: Remove any small pieces or parts from a dollhouse as they can be a choking hazard for babies and toddlers.

Wooden xylophone

Baby Einstein Magic Touch Wooden Xylophone

Calling all music lovers! This awesome instrument is a good gift for 2-year-olds who enjoy banging out rhythms and reveling in noise. The xylophone uses “Magic Touch” technology to produce music with the touch of a finger.

Plush dino rocker

Wonder & Wise Dinosaur Rocker

A rocker is a classic gift for a 2-year-old—and with good reason. Rocking back and forth burns excess energy, has a soothing effect and helps kids work on their balance skills. This plush dino rocker has an extra comfy seat, a sturdy wooden frame and cute embroidered details.

Cleaning playset

Janod Cleaning Set

Now is the perfect time to get your child involved in cleaning the house (before they get old enough to start groaning every time you remind them to do their chores). At this age, kids are usually excited to help out and take responsibility, which makes a cleaning set one of the best 2-year-old gift ideas. This quality set includes a mop, broom, dustpan and more.

Sensory toy set

Lalaboom Sensory Balls and Educational Beads

This set comes with balls, beads and shapes in a variety of colors. Toddlers can twist, pop and stack these colorful objects in a variety of configurations—a great exercise for building those important fine motor skills.

Plush bowling set

Melissa & Doug Monster Bowling Set

The monsters have moved out of the closet and into this easily totable toddler toy. And they’re not scary; they’re friendly! Teach toddlers about cause and effect using this beastly bowling set by Melissa & Doug. The fuzzy plush pins are ready to be bowled over by Klonk the silly stuffed ball. Once playtime is over you can pack everything away in the handy mesh storage bag.

Radio Flyer scooter

Radio Flyer My 1st Scooter Sport Three Wheel Scooter

Toddler scooters help little riders develop strength, mobility and coordination skills, making them great gifts for 2-year-olds. And this affordable option from Radio Flyer is a great place to start. Features like a wide, stable base, footbrake and a specially designed turning radius ensure your tot can scoot safely. Just don’t forget to pick up a helmet too.

Magical unicorn phone

Skip Hop Zoo Unicorn Phone

Toddlers love to mimic their parents, which is why this toy phone is among the best gifts for 2-year-olds. The unicorn design has a light-up horn, musical buttons and an easy-grip handle designed for little digits.

Luxe pajamas

Petit Plume Pajama Set

Pajamas are a good gift for 2-year-olds and beyond. (Who doesn’t love a fresh pair of PJs!) This luxury set by Petit Plume is made from the highest quality cotton that actually gets softer with each wash. They come in a range of prints and sizes with the option to add a monogram for a personalized touch. Plus, you can even get matching doll pajamas—how cute is that?

Little Tikes car

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe Car

Millennial parents may be familiar with this classic gift for 2-year-olds: The iconic Cozy Coupe! This snazzy kid-powered vehicle boasts a working steering wheel, doors, horn and durable tires suitable for indoor and outdoor use. This is one of our top contenders for best toys for 2-year-olds.

Toy tractor

John Deere Preschool Build-A-Johnny Tractor

This gift for 2-year-olds is actually two presents in one—little engineers will relish building the tractor before playing with the finished product. The set, which comes complete with a battery-powered toy drill, plus all the equipment needed to piece the vehicle together, is sure to get your tot’s cogs turning and their imagination all fired up.

Virtual preschool learning system

AILA Sit & Play Virtual Preschool Program

Next up is a high-tech gift for 2-year-olds designed to kickstart their education. Developed by educators, Animal Island Learning Adventure (AILA) is a safe virtual preschool program preloaded onto a hands-free monitor. It promises to improve toddlers’ attention spans and aid cognitive development in the early learning years.

Fishing bath toy

Munchkin Fishin’ Bath Toy

Like many of the best gifts for 2-year-olds, this pick helps them develop motor skills and hand eye coordination. Catching the floating bath toys with the magnetic fishing rod will keep tots happily occupied at bathtime. We promise your kiddo will fall for this toy hook, line and sinker.

Lego learning toy set

LEGO DUPLO My First Number Train

Toddlers will love to build, demolish and rebuild this train. The chunky blocks are the perfect size for little hands, and the included figures will spark creative play. Plus, this toy for 2-year-olds will help introduce kids’ to numbers and counting.

Plush doll

Manhattan Toy Harper Plush Toy

Plush toys make fantastic gift ideas for 2-year-old girls and boys—a special doll or teddy bear will help them self-soothe when they’re feeling emotional. There are tons of options to choose from, but we like this pick by Manhattan Toy. It’s super-soft, with embroidered features (meaning there are no loose parts), and the best part is it’s machine-washable.

Wooden alphabet puzzle

Tender Leaf Toys Alphabet Pictures

By their second birthday, kids are ready to beef up their phonics understanding and vocabulary. Picking up this item is an easy decision if a few educational toys for 2-year-olds are still on your shopping list. This wooden alphabet puzzle will help toddlers match each letter to a word, helping them expand their language skills.

Wooden counting toy

B. toys Wooden Abacus Counting Toy

Of course, you can’t go wrong with timeless educational toys for 2-year-olds. Case in point: This wooden abacus with a sweet twist—the counting beads are shaped like fruits! This traditional toy introduces kids to mathematical concepts such as addition and subtraction. Not bad for $17.

Imaginative ride-on carriage

Little Tikes Princess Horse & Carriage

Hear ye, hear ye: Your toddler’s carriage awaits. This stately ride allows for foot-to-floor motion, so gross motor skills get a workout. Clip-clop sounds add to the fantasy, and the footman (that would be you!) has a handle to push tuckered out royals back home. If you’re still trying to narrow down all the big gifts for 2-year-olds, consider the search over.

Toothbrush storybook set

Brushies Willa the Whale Toothbrush with Book

Teach kids healthy habits with this unique gift for 2-year-olds. The set comes with a storybook and a toothbrush that doubles as a finger-puppet to make brushing fun.

Plus, more from The Bump:

The Best Developmental Toys for Babies and Toddlers

The Best STEM Toys for Babies and Big Kids

The Best Travel Toys for Keeping Toddlers Entertained

How To Give Your Child A Great Birthday Without A Party

by Rachel Norman

You don’t need a lot of friends or family around to give your child a lovely birthday. Here are birthday ideas for toddlers.

As many of you know, we currently live far from both of our families. This is a constant challenge for me and never more so than on birthdays and holidays. I did better this year. Last year I cried throughout Pickles 2nd birthday because I was sad she couldn’t have a big party with lots of family to tell her how much they love her. Dramatic? Yes, well, I am a feeling person okay.

This year we decided to make her day special and not try to fit things into a mold. I avoided Pinterest envy where I’d be inundated with 5 million great ideas for a party. Of course we could’ve had a party and invited friends, but she’s not in preschool or daycare so I didn’t want a party for her that wasn’t really, well, for her. If you know what I mean.

We decided to make a fun day of it instead! Read some thoughts on how to have a memorable birthday without a party.

1. Create anticipation of the day and its meaning.

I’ve written on building anticipation before, and I stand by my opinion that it’s one of the easiest ways to help your children have a good time. The month and weeks leading up to her birthday we talked about it. We knew we wanted to take her somewhere fun, so we talked about fun things people do on their birthdays, and how birthday girls get to wear crowns. At least in our house! We told her she’d get a cake or cupcakes and presents, and that we’d sing to her.

Talking about things before they happen – not with so much hype they are actually disappointed when the event comes – help children to prepare, anticipate and then fully engage in the day’s fun.

2. Have a family day. 

I grew up with a fairly large extended family who regularly got together to celebrate birthdays, events, and random meals together. I hope that our family will be like that – and in a different season – be able to be with our extended family regularly once again.

On this particular birthday, we packed up the diaper bag, threw the stroller in the trunk, and went into the city for a big day. We forgot our umbrella and close-toed shoes. And it rained buckets and cats and frogs. In the end that worked out perfectly because the birthday girl spotted an umbrella she liked and walked around carrying her own umbrella “like the people.“

3. Go have an adventure. 

Whether it’s a sporting event, a trip to the aquarium or zoo, the beach, a picnic, etc. I believe taking children somewhere out of the norm is a great way to celebrate a special day. It’s not every day we go into the city so it was special to eat hot cross buns in the car seats and take a walk along the harbour. In place of a party you can travel and make memories outside the home.

Think back to your own childhood. Out of all of your parties, how many do you actually remember? I think we should feel less stressed to create a huge successful themed party worthy of Disney. If we love it, go for it! If we don’t, find a new way!

4.  Make little details of the day special.

I knew I wanted her to look special on her birthday so I got her a cute crown, sewed a 3 on her t-shirt (or should I say ironed it on…), and gave her a tutu. She’s been talking about ballerinas lately so this felt fitting and fun. We ate something special for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We just focused on having a day free of the normal things in life. After all, a change is as good as a vacation.

5. Skype with family or friends if they’re far away. 

We are so used to Skyping that every time the computer gets opened my kids run over yelling “nana” or “granny and grandad.” For holidays when family members aren’t present, we’ll save the presents or cards and let the children open them over Skype. It helps everyone feel a little more connected. It is special to have someone thousands of miles away sing Happy Birthday to you! While it is not the same a real life contact, it is most definitely better than a simple phone call.

Filed Under: Far from Family and Home, Practical Parenting Tips

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Birthday daughter’s 18th birthday – a creative script for the celebration

Author Olga Smirnova To read 5 min Views 21. 3k.
Updated 06/29/2022

When a daughter turns 18, this holiday is a significant date for all parents. This is a certain threshold of adulthood that a young lady crosses. Such a day is impossible to forget and it is necessary that the memory of it be preserved for many, many years. Many parents worry and think about how to celebrate their daughter’s 18th birthday, how to make this day fun and original. nine0005

You can prepare and hold the celebration of your daughter’s 18th birthday on your own, without resorting to the services of professional animators. However, preparatory activities must begin in advance. You will have to remember a lot of things and go through dozens of photos.

According to the script, the parents of the princess act as king and queen, they have crowns on their heads, and the princess has a diadem.

1. Ceremonial part.
2. View photo slides.
3. The game “Time Machine”.
4. Handing over the keys to adulthood.
5. “Everything according to plan” game.

For the scenario you will need:

• Screen for viewing photo slides;
• Improvised keys to adulthood;
• Items for the game “Time Machine”; nine0020
• Envelopes for the game “All according to plan”.