20 Best Toys for 2-Year-Old Boys 2024

Little boys transform into little bundles of boundless energy at two years old. They will be curious and inquisitive about everything around them and will want to explore and experiment with everything they get their hands on. At the same time, two-year-olds will rapidly develop several skills, both physically and mentally.

Your toddler’s brain and body development depend on the activities and objects that he interacts with every day. This is where toys come in. These are the objects that little boys interact with most often, and it’s a pretty good idea to pick ones that will make a positive impact on development.  We’ve put together a list of 20 such toys that you should consider when buying one for your boy.

Picking the Right Toy for 2-Year Old Boys

There are many factors to consider when picking a toy to buy. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and it can be confusing to pick out the best one. To help you decide which toy to buy, here are five factors to consider when picking toys for a 2-year old boy.

Age-Appropriateness

Most toys for young children are specifically designed for a certain age range. The toys might be too simple if you choose something aimed for younger kids, and might be too complicated or even dangerous if you choose something designed for older ones. Each entry on this list identifies the appropriate age range for the specified toy, all of which are suitable for boys at age 2.

Development

A child’s development is very important at this age, and it is highly advisable to choose toys that stimulate their growth. There are several areas of development, and each toy caters to different ones. Some toys help develop motor skills, while some develop creative thinking, while others still might help with literacy or mathematics. We’ve compiled toys that are varied across these multiple areas of development, so you can see the different options and decide which one you prefer. A balance of all the areas is always advisable.

Safety

A toy’s safety is an important aspect to consider, especially when choosing a toy for younger children. If your child is going to be left unattended with a toy, make sure that there are no small parts that they may swallow or choke on, there are no toxic chemicals used in the production of the toy, and that there are no sharp edges or anything that can physically harm your little boy.

Some toys on our list do contain small pieces that can present a choking hazard, but they were so much fun to play with while supervised, we included them on our list. Please be sure to take extra care and closely supervise when letting your two-year-old play with these toys.

Durability

Little boys aren’t always used to handling things delicately, and will often throw, hit, push, and pull on their toys. It’s important that toys can withstand these hits and not fall apart at the slightest touch. The child will probably be handling these toys daily, and you don’t want them to be broken after a week or so. It will not only be a waste of your money, but it might break your son’s heart that he can’t play with his new toy anymore.

Value

As with buying anything else, you’ll want value for your money. You ideally want something that is made with quality materials, will sustain the child’s attention, and will be useful for years.

It might be difficult to find toys that fit all these factors. You’d be hard-pressed to find a toy that is safe, durable, and will help with all the developmental areas at an affordable price, but we’ve compiled twenty that we think fit the criteria the best.

Top 20 Best Toys for 2-Year Old Boys 2024

1. Learning Resources Farmer's Market Color Sorting Set

For Ages 1.5 - 10
Why it made the list Color sorting brings a variety of developmental benefits for little boys, and this farmer's market set teaches them about healthy vegetables at the same time.

Sorting objects by color helps toddlers develop cognitive skills and build visual perception as well as critical thinking skills. Children can often sort objects into colors before they can name the actual colors.

This farmer themed set contains fruits and veggies of different colors for little boys to sort into their respective baskets. In addition to all the benefits of color sorting, children will expand their vocabulary by learning the names of 25 different fruits and vegetables. This will also help them appreciate these vegetables more during mealtime, which is a plus.

The toys are BPA free, latex-free, lead-free, and allergen-free, so they’re as safe as their real-life counterparts are healthy.

2. LEGO DUPLO Classic Brick Box

For Ages 1.5+
Why it made the list LEGOs are a favorite in any toy room, and DUPLOs are the perfect introduction to little boys.

One of the best building blocks of a little boy’s early development is, well, building blocks. The National Association for the Education of Young Children lists a variety of benefits of building blocks for child development, including problem-solving, self-expression, mathematics, and creativity, among others.

LEGO has been one of the most famous and trusted brands in toys for years, and DUPLO is their line of blocks aimed at younger children. This box comes with a good number of DUPLO bricks that little boys can build anything their minds can think of. It also has familiar shapes that are ready to play with such as a moving car with wheels and DUPLO people. It’s compatible with all other DUPLO products and comes with a great storage box shaped like a giant brick for easy storage.

3. Anyshock Car Tent for Kids

For Ages 0.5-6
Why it made the list Little boys can spend hours in this play tent which promotes creativity and is a breeze to set up and put away.

This Car Tent is a perfect play area for little boys. It gives them their own little personal space in the house. Its enclosed design makes it a versatile play area as it can easily be transformed into a play area, a sleeping area, and more. It can even be filled with plastic balls and used as a ball pit.

The tent can fit two to three toddlers inside, with dimensions of 26” x 47” x 24” so little boys can invite a friend or two inside their own little tent. It comes with mesh windows on all sides for breathability and entrances on both sides for easy accessibility.

The tent can be assembled or disassembled in seconds by just popping it up or folding it down. It can fit in small carry bags and can easily be taken to the beach, on your next camping trip, or even just the backyard.

4. Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike

For Ages 2-5
Why it made the list Little tough guys will look cool riding this little Harley around the house and will develop his motor skills at the same time.

Fisher-Price and Harley-Davidson, two companies you never expected to team up, worked together to produce this tough tricycle that little boys will love riding. This well-designed tricycle will help them develop their motor skills and give them great exercise.

The trike comes with toddler-friendly pedals which will make them easier for 2-year olds to use, but big enough to be used by older kids as well. It has a storage container underneath the seat to keep toys and other knick-knacks in when the family takes a trip to the park. The wheels are rugged and durable, and the whole body is made of sturdy materials, so this trike will last for years.

The shades aren’t included though.

5. KIZZYEA Water Doodle Mat

For Ages 2+
Why it made the list These water doodle mats are a mess-free solution to early doodlers, keeping their doodles out of the walls and floors.

Doodling offers several benefits both for the health of children and their development. These include the development of non-cognitive skills, mind-mapping, and memory development. Little boys will naturally doodle, and sometimes, these doodles reach places where we don’t want them to, like the walls and floors of the house.

This water doodle map provides a large area for a little boy to doodle on, using water-filled pens that use no ink. The doodles magically erase themselves after a few minutes, which leads to zero need to clean up. The pens are reusable by just refilling with water.

The mat is large enough to fit two toddlers drawing at the same time, so it’s a perfect toy to share with a friend or a sibling. The letters on the side of the mat are also a useful addition, as toddlers can try to copy the letters to write words themselves.

6. Top Bright Wooden Race Track Car Ramp Racer

For Ages 1.5+
Why it made the list This wooden playset combines the classical look of wooden toys to modern racecar playset tracks in a toddler-friendly package.

This car track from Top Bright helps develop hand-eye coordination and attention span as little boys watch the colorful cars race down the track. The back and forth and swinging motions of the cars will keep them engaged and improve their attention span. Picking up the cars and putting them at the start of the track will develop their motor skills as well. There are also numbers on the cars which help them get a head start on learning to count.

The set comes with a brightly colored ramp track and four rolling cars. The pieces are made with high-quality wood and non-toxic materials that adhere to the highest US and European standards. The pieces are all one-piece and will not fall apart, which makes them safer for younger children to play with.

7. Mr. Potato Head

For Ages 2+
Why it made the list This classic toy, further popularized by the Toy Story series, stimulates a child’s creativity, imagination, and fine motor skills.

The Mr. Potato Head toy has been a favorite for generations, and with good reason. It’s a cute toy that gives children the experience of customizing and imagining their own original character. The pieces can be mixed and matched to create a seemingly unlimited number of combinations.

There are many benefits packed in this seemingly simple toy. Thinking of different combinations stimulates a child’s creative thinking. Putting in the parts in their slots helps with developing fine motor skills. Identifying the body parts will help them be more familiar with their own bodies as well.

Lastly, the character being a part of the Toy Story movie franchise definitely does not hurt. Little boys will be excited to play with their very own Mr. Potato Head after watching him go on adventures in their favorite Pixar movie.

8. Hape Pound & Tap Bench With Slide Out Xylophone

For Ages 1-3
Why it made the list The hammer-and-ball/xylophone combination is a uniquely designed toy that combines fine motor skills and musicality.

This age is the perfect time to develop a little boy’s musical skills. He will start to differentiate sounds and recognize music patterns, and this award-winning toy is perfect for stimulating the future rock star in him.

The set is a combination of a xylophone and a hammer toy. The xylophone can be played in multiple ways. The keys can be hit normally, but the unique effect is achieved by pounding on the balls at the top, which leads to them falling on the xylophone and creating a flowing sound as it rolls across the keys. The xylophone might not be a perfectly tuned instrument, but it does a good job for its purpose. It has good, durable build quality, with rounded edges and non-toxic paints. It’s made to withstand a lot of hammering, which little boys are known to do a lot of.

The toy develops hand dexterity and coordination. It also stimulates understanding causality, all in a unique instrument.

9. Bees & Me Magnet Boat Set

For Ages 2+
Why it made the list These fun magnetic boats keep rambunctious little boys in the tub by making bath time fun and interactive, while being educational too.

Bath time can be a struggle with 2-year old boys, who are naturally full of energy and do not like sitting still. This set of toy boats will help make bath time more fun for little ones.

The set includes four plastic boats that connect using magnets on each boat’s sides.  The boats are also numbered 1 to 4 to help bath time be learning time as well. Playtime with these boats encourages creative thinking and imagination.

Bath time becomes a more enjoyable experience for both the child and the parent, as the one-on-one interaction with few distractions gives a better bonding experience, and helps kids relax and wind down before eventually going to bed.

The boats are made from BPA free, non-toxic materials so they are safe to put in the tub with children.

10. Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set

For Ages 2+
Why it made the list Get your future basketball star a head start with this well-made basketball hoop set.

A 2-year old’s motor skills are rapidly developing and introducing a little boy to sports is a great way to stimulate his development.

Not only will your little guy be shooting hoops daily on this basketball set by Little Tikes increasing the chances that your little boy will be the next Lebron James or Kobe Bryant, but it will also help him develop his motor skills, his hand-eye coordination, and his muscle development.

The hoop, which is made with sturdy, non-toxic plastic, can be set up in both indoor and outdoor areas and comes with three basketballs. The stand is adjustable from 2.5 to 4 feet, which will make it usable for toddlers up to 5 years of age. At that point, you can replace this with a regular-sized adjustable basketball hoop already. The base needs to be weighed down by a heavy material, such as sand, for stability.

11. Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Servin up Fun Food Truck

For Ages 2 - 3
Why it made the list The food truck playset not only enables playing pretend, but also has several interactive learning stations inside and at the sides.

Playing pretend is an important inclusion in any 2-year old boy’s playtime. Your little boy can pretend to be a trendsetting food truck entrepreneur that serves the best tacos, burgers, AND pizza in town. The set includes pretend food, condiments, and an interactive meal prep grill that lights up.

It’s not just a food truck, though, as the set is packed with interactive activities to learn from. The cash register accepts input from the menu cards and plays songs and sounds according to the card and button press inputs. The truck dashboard has a steering wheel and gear shift lever to play with, and the sides have an interactive matching bin that helps toddlers recognize shapes.

All the various activities make this a pretty good value for a “cooking” playset, as it offers a lot more than just cooking.

12. Battat - Dalmatian Vet Kit

For Ages 2 - 8
Why it made the list Little boys can learn to be future animal lovers with this comprehensive vet kit, complete with a stuffed Dalmatian and all the tools of the trade.

This vet kit helps little boys learn to care for animals before they’re old enough to take care of a real one. Roleplaying as a vet also helps children develop empathy and social skills. The kit comes with everything a child would need to open up their own veterinary clinic at home which includes a variety of tools such as a stethoscope, child-safe scissors and clippers, a thermometer, and a brush for your stuffed pet’s fur. It also comes with a cute Dalmatian plush toy and carrying crate.

As a bonus, if you already have a bunch of stuffed animals lying around the house, your little veterinarian will have a whole roster of furry patients to take care of, and every future new plush toy will be a new patient just waiting to be treated.

13. Intial Letter Name Superhero Cape

For Ages 2 - 9
Why it made the list A customized cape with your little boy’s Letter Initial enables him to pretend to be a superhero 24/7.

Playing pretend opens up a whole avenue of imagination and creativity in 2-year old boys. This cape, which comes in every letter of the alphabet, gives every little boy a chance to be their very own superhero. Your little boy will not want to take this off as he zooms around the house performing heroic deeds. You can even instruct him to do heroic tasks like clean up his toys or eat his vegetables!

The cape is reversible, with colors in red or blue. The cape is made from polyester silk, while the mask, which comes with it, is made of felt. The cape also comes in adult sizes, so you and your little boy can form your own dynamic duo.

14. Kidzlane Doctor Kit

For Ages 1.5 - 6
Why it made the list A complete doctor’s toolkit with everything a little boy needs to pretend to check for boo-boos and ouchies.

Not all heroes wear capes. This medical tool playset provides everything a little doctor might need to emulate our modern-day heroes. Roleplaying is an excellent way to develop social skills and empathy, and pretending to be a doctor also helps little boys be more comfortable during those scary visits to a real doctor.

Kidzlane prides itself on making durable, kid-friendly toys, so this set has noticeably sturdier build quality than other doctor sets available.

The set includes a stethoscope with heartbeat sounds, a blood pressure cuff, a toddler-safe syringe, and even a cell phone with ringtones, all perfectly sized for a little boy’s hands. The set also comes with a handy carrying case, so the little doctor can make house calls and bring the whole kit with ease.

15. CozyBomB Magnetic Fishing Toys Game Set

For Ages 2+
Why it made the list This magnetic fishing set has a huge number of fish included and can be played with during bath time or in the backyard.

Fishing with these magnetic poles helps little boys develop their hand-eye coordination, color recognition, and if played with others, social and interpersonal skills. Counting the fish you caught also helps with early math skills.

The XXX-Large Set, which we particularly recommend, comes with a whopping 46 pieces of fish(and other aquatic animals), three fishing poles, three fishing nets, and even a kiddie pool where you can put your fish to catch in. The other, smaller variants don’t include the pool, so we like the biggest set for its value.

The set works best outdoors in the included kiddie pool, but it can also be used in the bathtub during bath time as well. The fish have a pretty good size, so choking on them will not be that common, but adult supervision(or participation) is nonetheless recommended.

16. Hide N Side Kids Play Tunnels

For Ages 1-4
Why it made the list Crawling around these colorful tunnels, which are suitable for both indoor and outdoor play, will develop any little boy’s arm and leg muscles.

Boys will enjoy crawling through these brightly colored tunnels as they develop their gross motor and sensory processing skills. It also encourages imaginative play as toddlers can play pretend while crawling inside. If you have pets, they will love crawling around inside these tunnels too. The tunnels are large enough to fit multiple kids in, but make sure they don’t crawl too fast or they might bump into each other.

The tunnels are made from see-through mesh polyester material so you can always keep an eye on any kids inside. The tunnels are easily foldable and packable for easy storage and portability.

You can set them up indoors or outdoors, but we recommend setting them up on softer surfaces since the material is quite thin.

17. Little Tikes Gas 'n Go Mower

For Ages 1.5 - 5
Why it made the list Little boys will enjoy pretending to mow the lawn just like adults do while developing their motor skills at the same time.

Stanford Children’s Health specifically recommends letting two-year-olds perform or emulate doing chores around the house. This pretend lawnmower set can be pushed around the lawn while making mechanical sounds (no batteries needed) as your little boy moves with it. It can also serve as a walker for those still learning how.  Mowing the lawn will build confidence by encouraging the child to do adult tasks by himself.

The set includes a realistic-looking lawnmower, a set of keys, clickable and movable knobs, a gas canister, a pull string that will make engine sounds, and popping beads inside the body. He’ll be thrilled to have a lawnmower that looks and sounds just like his parents’ do. It’s also made of sturdy thick plastic, which gives it a premium feel.

18. The Learning Journey: Match It! Self-Correcting Spelling Puzzle

For Ages 2+
Why it made the list These award-winning hybrid flashcard puzzles will help develop both problem-solving skills and literacy in a fun activity.

Flashcards and simple puzzles are some of the most common tools to aid in early child development. This product combines the two in a smartly designed product that helps children develop multiple skills at once.

The set contains a collection of mini-puzzles that form a simple word and a corresponding picture when put together correctly. Completing the puzzles improves problem-solving skills, forming the three and four-letter words helps build basic reading and spelling skills, and the process of putting together the puzzle pieces helps develop fine motor skills.

These are perfectly age-appropriate learning tools for a 2-year old boy, as the words are easy enough to read and pronounce, while the puzzles are simple enough for him to complete himself.

19. Little Tikes First Slide

For Ages 1.5 - 4
Why it made the list The slide is a staple of playrooms, and this product from Little Tikes is the perfect size and style for two-year-olds.

This slide playset comes with a three-foot slide, and a toddler-sized ladder to climb. It provides good exercise for rambunctious two-year-old boys. Climbing the ladder improves their arm and leg strength, while the act of sliding down improves both their confidence and their balance.

The slide has a gentle slope that is perfectly sized for young toddlers, and all the edges are smooth and rounded out, which is typical of Little Tikes playsets.

This slide provides an alternative to a trip to the playground, which is especially useful since a lot of us are currently staying at home. It can be set up both indoors and outdoors.

20. TEMI Dinosaur Toy Figure w/ Activity Play Mat

For Ages 2+
Why it made the list Dinosaurs are always a favorite in any little boy's playroom, and this playmat comes with a whole park to help him build his own Jurassic Park.

This playmat will spark the imagination of little boys as they play pretend with a complete dinosaur park at their fingertips, complete with trees and nine different species of dinosaurs. The mat, which is made with soft, non-woven fabrics, can fit up to 4 toddlers inside so they can play together and pit the T-Rex against the Velociraptor and the Triceratops, encouraging cooperation and communication skills. The dinosaur figures are large enough to avoid any choking hazards, but they are also made from non-toxic materials in case the little boys still attempt to prey on them.

The dinosaurs, which are made from soft material, may be squished or deformed from shipping, but soaking them in hot water and letting them cool gives them back their original shape.

Enjoy Your Son’s “Not-So-Terrible” Twos

At this stage of their development, your baby is learning so many new things that it’s really exciting to see them grow up, even if doesn’t always result in the most peaceful home environment. We did extensive research to identify these twenty age-appropriate toys which combine development, safety, durability, and value. We hope you found it useful. Have fun playing with your little boy!