Best Busy Toys For Toddlers (Great Gifts)

Toddlers are a whirlwind of energy and curiosity, constantly on the move and eager to explore the world around them.

As parents, we know that keeping them engaged and entertained can sometimes feel like a Herculean task, especially when you want to enhance their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

That’s where busy toys come to the rescue! Having 3 kids myself, I think I have a pretty good idea on which toys are great for little ones.

These were great for my kids, and I think yours will like them too. Here is the big list of the best busy toys for toddlers.

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Best Busy Toys For Toddlers

Wooden Blocks

Blocks – any blocks really. They do not have to be Melissa and Doug – but I do love me some Melissa and Doug toys. You can totally use dollar store blocks, or whatever blocks fit YOUR budget!

Busy Board

I really like busy boards for toddlers. While they typically don’t get a lot of play time AT HOME, I use them a lot of restaurants, or when we go out in public and have to wait for a little while. These simply travel well, and I can throw it in my big momma purse – because I’ve ditched the diaper bag haha!

These educational and open-ended toys feature various tactile activities that promote fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities.

Baby Doll

Boy or girl, they will enjoy a baby doll. It really promotes imagination and pretend play – plus these travel well so your little one might bring their doll everywhere with them. Need a doll for a boy? How about this JJ doll.

Sensory Toys

Sensory toys are excellent for toddlers and 2-year-olds, providing an array of textures and activities to explore.

These educational toys promote problem-solving skills and social development, making them suitable for older kids to enjoy as well.

I personally LOVE to put sensory toys into the kids stockings each Christmas. they do get lost throughout the year, so it’s nice to replace them.

Wooden Activity Cube

Wooden cubes with different sides offering different textures and new ways to play are great for busy toddlers. They promote fine motor skill development, and often they have problem solving aspects to them as well. I like to play together with my toddler so I can really show how the cube works – otherwise it really does sit and gathers dust in the corner of the playroom.

Play Kitchen

Which child doesn’t love a play kitchen? ALL of mine did/do. Honestly, even my 7 year old STILL plays with our toy kitchen. He loves it! I have a guide on great kitchens for older kids if you need ideas.

Water Table

Water table is a MUST have toy in our home. We have an indoor one and an outdoor one. YES it sounds like overkill – just get the kid outside to play right? NO it is very cold where I live (In CANADA) and…we need indoor activities more often then outdoor.

Ok but why water tables? Simple. Kids love them. Put a little warm water, some random water proof household items (think spoons, cups, bowls) or whatever, and you’ve got a 30 minute play time set up in no time at all. Just get a towel going to clean up any spills along the way to prevent slips. Here is a list of the best water tables and here is a list of water table activities!

Play Food

Well if you have a play kitchen, you’re going to need play food. Whether your food is wooden or plastic, that is up to you. We like the wooden food that has the Velcro in the middle so you can actually practice “cutting” the food in half. The only problem is if you lose track of one side of a food…well then you only have half a lemon, or half a carrot. But then you make a lemon carrot and it’s all good and fun.

Buckle Toys

These are great for kids, and also I love them for car rides. They can keep busy and practice, and I can drive in peace!

Board Games

We love board games like pop the pig, and Toilet Flush for toddlers…and my older kids get a hood out of these too.

Board games are not so much of an independent play idea…but it’s still a really nice way to get quality time in while keeping your busy toddler entertained.

Play Set

There are SO many kinds of playsets. I am just loving the varieties out there. The little people sets are my favorite, but I also love the little Vtech Farm ( we have it and it has A LOt of pieces but great fun) and the new Trolls playset – how cute!

Bath Toys

Bath toys are ideal for younger kids and toddlers, providing sensory and imaginative play in a safe way.

These toys keep a child’s attention during bath time, making it a great place for fun and learning.

Bath toys are suitable for children as young as a few months old, and they make excellent gifts.

Educational Board Books

Board books are a great option for little toddlers who need to keep busy. They can read it themselves and get entertained by the bright images and sometimes textures too.

you can also read with them, so many benefits for this, and teach them early reading skills through play. The best kind of learning is learning through play.

Sensory Boards

Sensory boards are Montessori-inspired toys that are a big hit with toddlers and older kids. They are similar to busy books, but they’re boards!

They provide tactile experiences and promote open-ended play, making them suitable for year-olds.

Sensory boards are ideal for kids who enjoy hands-on exploration, and they are great for outdoor play, especially as some of the best outdoor toddler toys.

Lacing Toys

Lacing toys are fantastic for honing a child’s fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. We love these, and developmentally they are just the best type of toy.

As children weave the lace through the holes, they not only exercise their dexterity but also bolster their focus and patience, making lacing toys a valuable addition to early childhood development.

Doodle Boards

Every child needs a doodle board…that’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it. It’s art and it’s not messy. Perfect for car rides, or doodling while momma makes dinner. Lots of applications for doodle boards.

Magnet Tiles

Magnet tiles are captivating building toys that use the power of magnets to inspire creativity and STEM learning. They are my FAVORITE stem toy. Seriously! You can get the solid ones that can make ramps and stuff or the ones that are just the border, and those are great for building cars and more.

Stacking Rings

Stacking rings are a classic developmental toy, perfect for toddlers. They typically consist of a series of rings in different sizes and colors that need to be stacked in a specific order on a pole. This activity enhances fine motor skills, color recognition, and the understanding of size and sequence. It also introduces basic concepts of problem-solving as toddlers figure out how to arrange the rings correctly.

Puzzle Mats

Puzzle mats are large, interlocking foam pieces that come together to create a play area. They often feature different colors, shapes, or themes, like numbers or animals. As toddlers fit the pieces together, they develop spatial awareness, problem-solving skills, and hand-eye coordination. These mats also provide a safe and comfortable play area, especially on hard floors.

Musical Instruments

Simple musical instruments like drums, shakers, or xylophones are fantastic for sensory development. They help toddlers explore cause and effect, improve hand-eye coordination, and can be a fun way to introduce rhythm and music. Playing with musical instruments also encourages self-expression and can be a joyful, noisy addition to playtime.

Shape Sorters

Shape sorters are educational toys consisting of various shapes that must fit into matching holes on a container. They’re excellent for teaching shapes, colors, and problem-solving skills. Manipulating the shapes to fit into the sorter helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, while also introducing early concepts of logic and matching.

Play Dough Sets

Play dough sets allow toddlers to mold, cut, and craft with soft, pliable dough. This activity promotes creativity and imagination, while also strengthening hand muscles crucial for writing and other fine motor tasks. Safe and versatile, play dough can be a soothing sensory experience and offers endless possibilities for creative play.

Puppets

Puppets, whether hand or finger puppets, open a world of imaginative play. They can be characters in a story, participants in a toddler’s daily life, or tools for expressing emotions. Playing with puppets enhances storytelling skills, encourages emotional expression, and can be a fun way for parents and children to interact.

Coloring Books and Crayons

Coloring books and crayons are excellent tools for creative expression. They help in improving fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Choosing colors and staying within the lines also teaches decision-making and concentration. Coloring can be a calming activity, helping toddlers to focus and relax.

Play Tunnels

Play tunnels are exciting for toddlers as they crawl through and explore. These tunnels encourage physical activity, help develop gross motor skills, and can be a part of imaginative play scenarios. They’re also easy to set up and store, making them a convenient addition to playtime.

Interactive Electronic Toys

These toys respond with lights, sounds, or movement when interacted with. They can be educational, teaching numbers, letters, or simple songs. Interactive electronic toys are engaging and can hold a toddler’s attention, fostering a sense of cause and effect and enhancing motor skills.

Ball Pits

Ball pits are a fun, sensory play experience. Filled with small, colorful balls, they provide a safe environment for toddlers to jump, roll, and dive. Ball pits help in developing gross motor skills, spatial awareness, and can be a social play area when shared with others.

Climbing Toys

Indoor climbing toys are great for physical development. They encourage toddlers to climb, balance, and navigate, enhancing their gross motor skills, coordination, and confidence in physical activities. These toys should be safe, sturdy, and appropriate for the toddler’s age and ability.

Toy Phones or Remote Controls

Toddlers are often fascinated by everyday objects like phones and remote controls. Toy versions of these items can provide hours of imaginative play. They mimic adult behavior, which is a crucial part of toddler development, and can also have buttons that help in developing fine motor skills.

Nature Exploration Kits

Simple kits with binoculars, magnifying glasses, or bug-catching tools can introduce toddlers to the wonders of nature. They encourage outdoor play, exploration, and can be educational. Observing insects, plants, and birds can spark a lifelong interest in the natural world and science.

Bead Mazes

Bead mazes consist of colorful beads that toddlers can slide along twisted wires. This activity is excellent for fine motor skills, visual tracking, and cognitive development. It also teaches problem-solving as toddlers figure out how to navigate beads through complex paths.

Soft Building Blocks

Soft building blocks are safer and quieter alternatives to wooden or plastic blocks. They are great for building and stacking, fostering creativity, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills. These blocks are often colorful and textured, adding a sensory element to play.

Toddler-sized Broom Set

Imitating adults is a significant part of toddler play. A broom set scaled for toddlers allows them to mimic cleaning activities, which can be fun and also teach responsibility and motor skills. It’s a simple way to involve them in daily routines.

Play Vehicles

Toy cars, trucks, and trains are excellent for imaginative play. They allow toddlers to create stories and scenarios, enhancing creativity and storytelling skills. These toys can also introduce concepts like speed, direction, and cause and effect.

Animal Figures

Small animal figures are great for creative play and learning about different animals. Toddlers can use them to create imaginative scenarios, enhancing storytelling and language skills. They also provide an opportunity for parents to teach about different animals, habitats, and the environment.

Balance Boards

Balance boards are designed to improve physical coordination and balance. They offer a physical challenge and can be incorporated into play as seesaws, bridges, or just for balancing. These boards promote gross motor skill development and physical fitness.

Art Easel

A child-sized easel with a chalkboard, whiteboard, or paper roll encourages artistic expression. It provides a space for drawing, painting, or writing, helping with fine motor skills and creativity. Easels can also be a social activity, with space for more than one child to create at a time.

Why Busy Toys Are Important For Toddlers

Busy toys are essential for toddlers, including year-olds, as they serve multiple purposes in their development. These Montessori-inspired and open-ended toys offer a range of benefits:

• Imaginary Play: Busy toys encourage imaginative play, allowing toddlers to become little explorers, builders, or chefs. This type of play helps them develop creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Sensory Exploration: Many busy toys incorporate different textures and materials, promoting sensory development in young toddlers and year-olds. This sensory input enhances their understanding of the world.
• Physical Activity: Some busy toys, like outdoor toys or splash pads, keep active toddlers engaged while developing their motor skills. These are some of the best toddler toys for energetic youngsters.
• Safe Play: Busy toys are designed with little ones in mind, ensuring they can explore and experiment in a safe environment, even on hard surfaces.
• Variety of Options: Busy toys come in various sets and kinds, appealing to both little girls and boys. They can enjoy a diverse range of simple things, from tool sets to baby toys.
• Social Interaction: Busy toys can become a toddler’s best friend, encouraging cooperative play and interaction with siblings or peers.
• Montessori Principles: Many busy toys follow Montessori principles, fostering independent exploration and self-directed learning.
• Age-Appropriate: Busy toys are suitable for young toddlers, including month-olds, and adapt as children grow, making them some of the best toddler toys for continuous engagement.

What toys help with cognitive development?

Toys that aid in cognitive development are essential for children as they promote intellectual growth and problem-solving skills.

These toys often include puzzles, building blocks, and educational games that challenge children to think critically, make decisions, and solve problems.

Activities such as assembling puzzles encourage spatial awareness and pattern recognition, while building blocks foster creativity and help children grasp concepts like balance and stability.

Board games and educational toys enhance memory, strategic thinking, and decision-making abilities.

Open-ended toys that encourage imaginative play, such as dolls, action figures, and playsets, also contribute to cognitive development by allowing children to create scenarios, problem-solve, and develop language and social skills through storytelling and role-playing.

What toys are good for toddlers brain development?

Toys play a significant role in toddlers’ brain development, helping them learn and grow in various ways. Here are some types of toys that are good for toddler brain development, including year-olds and month-olds:

Montessori Toys: Montessori-inspired toys encourage independent exploration and problem-solving, fostering cognitive and motor skills in toddlers.

Open-Ended Toys: Toys that don’t have a fixed purpose or outcome, such as building blocks or wooden sets, stimulate creativity and critical thinking.

Sensory Boards: Sensory boards with various textures and materials promote sensory development and fine motor skills in young children.

Different Sets: Toys that come in different sets, like puzzles or shape sorters, enhance toddlers’ understanding of shapes, colors, and spatial relationships.

Splash Pad: Outdoor toys like a splash pad offer a multisensory experience, engaging a toddler’s senses and motor skills.

Toy Box: A diverse toy collection in a toy box encourages imaginative play, as toddlers can choose from various options and create their scenarios.

Interaction with Big Kids: Toys that allow interaction with older siblings or peers help develop social skills and cooperative play.

What toys encourage visual development?

Toys that stimulate visual development are crucial for children, as they help enhance their visual processing abilities and overall visual perception.

These toys often include items with vibrant colors, high-contrast patterns, and different textures, such as soft books with bold illustrations, mobiles, and baby gyms with hanging toys.

Mobiles, for instance, provide moving objects for babies to track with their eyes, which can help improve their visual tracking skills and focus. Similarly, toys with mirrors introduce babies to self-recognition and the concept of reflection, further strengthening their visual awareness.

Furthermore, toys like building blocks, puzzles, and art supplies allow children to explore and manipulate objects in three-dimensional space, aiding in their depth perception and spatial awareness.

What kind of toys encourage language?

Toys that encourage language development are instrumental in helping children build strong communication skills. These toys often involve interactive and imaginative play, providing opportunities for children to listen, speak, and engage in conversations. Some examples include:

Books: Age-appropriate books with colorful illustrations and engaging stories can stimulate a child’s interest in language. Reading aloud to children helps them develop vocabulary, comprehension, and a love for storytelling.

Puzzles with Labels: Puzzles featuring labels or words related to the puzzle pieces encourage children to associate objects with their names, expanding their vocabulary.

Dolls and Action Figures: These toys facilitate imaginative play, allowing children to create scenarios and engage in pretend conversations, enhancing their storytelling and communication skills.

Art Supplies: Crayons, markers, and drawing paper encourage children to express themselves visually and verbally as they describe their artwork and ideas.

Musical Instruments: Instruments like xylophones and drums provide opportunities for children to explore sound and rhythm, encouraging them to express themselves through music and words.

Interactive Toys: Electronic toys with buttons that produce sounds and phrases can help children associate words with actions, promoting language development.

Board Games: Games that involve turn-taking, following instructions, and conversation, such as “Simon Says” or simple board games, promote social interaction and language skills.

Pretend Play Sets: Playsets like kitchens, doctor kits, or tool sets encourage role-playing and conversation, as children take on different roles and interact in various scenarios.

Open Ended Toys For Toddlers

Open-ended toys for toddlers are playthings that have no predetermined purpose or fixed outcome, encouraging imaginative and creative play for your 24 month olds.

These kinds of toys that your toddler loves include building blocks, wooden figurines, playdough, and simple items like scarves or cardboard boxes.

They empower toddlers to explore, experiment, and invent their own games and scenarios, promoting problem-solving skills, fine motor development, and fostering a sense of wonder and independence.

Open-ended toys offer endless possibilities, adapt to a child’s evolving interests, and provide engaging, open-ended play hours for your little guy.

References

1. Development of Fine Motor Skills: Toys like blocks and busy boards help toddlers develop fine motor skills and coordination. Assembly tasks with toys teach basic skills early in life, enhancing manual dexterity (Nof, Wilhelm, & Warnecke, 1997).
2. Cognitive and Emotional Growth: Play with toys fosters growth in physical, mental, emotional, and social domains. For instance, tricycles and balls enhance gross motor skills, while puzzles improve problem-solving and finger dexterity. Creativity is boosted with crayons and clay, and dolls encourage imagination and role-playing (Friedes, 1993).
3. Gender Role Development: Toys can also influence gender role development. For example, play with dolls offers different experiences for boys and girls, affecting their views on gender roles (Caldera & Sciaraffa, 1998).
4. Stimulation of Sensory and Motor Skills: Busy bag educational toys, designed for children aged 3-4 years, effectively stimulate fine motor skills and offer an engaging and safe play experience (Safitri, Kustiawan, & Suryadi, 2020).
5. Effects of Prenatal Maternal Stress on Play: The nature of toy play can be influenced by prenatal maternal stress. Toddlers exposed to high stress may show less functional and diverse play, indicating that play can be a measure of cognitive function (Laplante, Zelazo, Brunei, & King, 2007).