Best Toys for 1–2 Year Olds That We’d Buy Again
There are so many toys marketed toward toddlers, but after raising little ones of our own, we’ve learned that some toys get played with over and over, while others barely make it out of the toy bin.
So the six of us sisters got together, went through the toys in our own homes, and made a list of the ones we’d happily buy all over again.
These aren’t just toys that look cute online. They’re toys our families have actually owned, played with, and loved. The ones that have earned their spot in our homes.
Whether you’re shopping for a first birthday, Christmas, or just looking for something your toddler will genuinely enjoy, here are five of our favorite toys for 1–2 year olds.
This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission when you shop through them, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting The Threads Between!
1. MEGA BLOKS First Builders
There’s a reason these big, colorful building blocks have been around for so long. They’re simple, easy for little hands to use, and leave so much room for creativity.
We love that toddlers can start by stacking a few blocks together and eventually work their way up to building towers, houses, and whatever else they can imagine.
They’re also the kind of toy that grows with your child. What starts as a simple stacking activity can turn into years of creative play.
Shop: Amazon | Target | Walmart
2. BIERUM Indoor Toddler Play Set
If you’ve ever spent a winter indoors with a busy toddler, you know how nice it is to have something that helps them get their wiggles out.
This indoor play set has been one of our favorite ways to keep little ones moving during the colder months. It’s something we’ve gotten so much use out of, especially when playing outside isn’t an option.
We also love that it’s not just a toy for one short stage. As kids grow and become more confident with climbing and sliding, they can continue finding new ways to enjoy it.
It’s a bigger gift, but one we’d happily make room for again.
Shop: Amazon
3. Melissa & Doug Wooden Bead Maze
Sometimes the simplest toys are the ones that hold a toddler’s attention the longest.
This classic wooden bead maze lets little hands slide colorful beads along winding wires, exploring different shapes, colors, and movements.
We love that it encourages hands-on play without lights, batteries, or noise. It’s one of those timeless toys that doesn’t need much explanation. Just set it out and let your toddler explore.
It’s also a great gift when you want something sturdy and simple.
4. Chunky Dinosaur Puzzle
Chunky wooden puzzles are such a fun way to introduce toddlers to problem-solving, and this dinosaur puzzle is one of our favorites.
The pieces are easy for little hands to grasp, and kids can practice matching each dinosaur to its spot on the board.
We love toys that give little ones the chance to figure something out for themselves. There’s something so sweet about watching a toddler work on a puzzle and finally get that last piece into place.
It’s a simple, affordable gift that can be pulled out again and again.
Shop: Amazon
5. Little Boats
Sometimes the least expensive toys end up being some of the most loved.
These little boats are perfect for making bath time a little more fun. Kids can float them, scoop with them, and use them for all sorts of imaginative water play. We’ve even raced them down the street gutter on rainy days!
We love that they’re simple, don’t take up much space, and can be used again and again. They’re also an easy little gift to tuck into a Christmas stocking or add to a birthday present.
Proof that a good toy doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Shop: Amazon
Why These Toys Made Our List
When we started making these gift guides, we wanted to do something a little different.
Instead of searching for the most popular toys or putting together a giant list of things we’d never tried, we went through our own toy collections and asked one simple question:
Would we buy this again?
Between six sisters and all our kids, we’ve seen plenty of toys come and go. And the ones that made these lists are the ones we feel are worth recommending.
We hope these favorites make shopping for the little ones in your life a little easier and help you find toys that will be played with, loved, and enjoyed long after the wrapping paper is gone.
Looking for Gifts for Another Age?
This post is part of our Toys We’d Buy Again gift guide series, where six sisters share our favorite tried-and-loved toys for every stage of childhood.
Explore our other gift guides:
- Best Baby Toys We’d Buy Again (0–12 Months)
- Best Toys for 3–4 Year Olds We’d Buy Again
- Best Toys for 4–6 Year Olds We’d Buy Again
- Best Toys for 6-8 Year Olds We’d Buy Again
XO -The Threads Between
