The Best Toys for 2 Year Olds, Australia 2023: Ultimate Guide

Toddlers have got to be the hardest age group to buy for and finding the best gifts for toddlers can be a massive challenge. The best toys for 2 year olds Australia offers can be hard to find, sometimes they’ll happily play with a cardboard box for hours but the next day no amount of toys will work.

With two daughters and a whole heap of young relatives, I’ve spent many hours thinking of Christmas ideas for toddlers and trying to find the best toddler toys Australia has. Now, I want to save you the time and put all the top Christmas gifts for 2 year olds in one handy place!

There are a few things to consider when choosing the best toys for 2 year old, Australia. I’ll break everything down into categories and give reviews of all the best gifts for 2 year olds, Australia.

Whether you’re looking for the best present for 2 year old girls or the best gifts for 2 year old boys, you’ll find them all right here in my guide to the best toddler gifts 2023.

“This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link.”

Top Pick of Best Toys for 2 Year Olds in Australia: Zoomy 3 Wheel Scooter

I bought both of my daughters 3 wheel scooters at around the 2 year old stage and they absolutely loved them! This particular one from Zoomy is perfect for 18 months+ because it comes with a removable seat for the early scooting stage when kids are still learning.

The Best Educational Toys For 2 Year Olds, Australia

Figuring out what to buy a 2 year old doesn’t have to be difficult thanks to our reviews below!

Play based learning is extremely important in the early years. My favourite online shop to buy the best educational toys for toddlers is Lime Tree Kids. They have an amazing range of wooden toys and learning toys for toddlers.

The best developmental toys for 2 year old could be things to help develop fine motor skills, emotional skills, teach time telling, numbers, letters, colours or a whole host of other skills. Two year olds have brains like little sponges, soaking up everything they see, so it’s the perfect time for them to play with educational toys.

Click below to be taken to Lime Tree Kids amazing range of the best educational toys for two year olds or check out my top 5 recommendations for some inspiration.

1. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Lacing Beads

My lo likes these beads. He likes to count them, and say the colors as he strings them on. Easy to hold, bright colors and the holes are large enough that there is no problem stringing the beads on. – Jenna

Lacing and threading is a great skill for toddlers to learn. It helps develop the fine motor skills further which in turn helps with gripping a pencil to write or holding a fork properly and so many other essential life skills.

This set from Melissa & Doug (one of my favourite toy brands) is particularly great because it has a range of different sized beads which you can also use to teach numbers, colours and shapes!

Start with the largest beads then, once your child has mastered the technique, start introducing smaller and smaller beads to challenge them further.

Click here to find the current price on Amazon!

2. WEDO Toddler Edition

We love the screen free family time it offers – a bit post dinner time bonding with the kids. Lots of ideas (and a wide range of activities) in one little box. Beautiful packaging too! – Paul

This family card game is such a wonderful idea and I was thrilled when a friend gifted it to us this year! If you’re anything like me, and have a serious lack of creativity, these cards are perfect for your family.

The idea is simple, pick a card at random and spend 30 minutes to an hour doing the activity with your child. They are fantastic for promoting bonding with your children at a time when, unfortunately, we often find ourselves busy and forgetting to slow down.

The TODO card game covers a range of different skills like developing emotional awareness, sensory play, language and so much more.

Click here to find the current price on Amazon!

3. Animals Flash Cards

These animal flash cards are one of the best gifts for two year olds and can be used for years to come because of all the extra information on them.

Flashcards can be used from as young as 18 months. Even before my daughter could speak I would lay them out and say the names of the animals for her. Then I would ask her to show me the dog or cat etc and it didn’t take long for her to pick it up.

These cards are particularly great because I think it’s really important to show young children pictures of real things instead of cartoon images all the time. They also have the name of the animal in multiple languages and some fun facts so they really can be used for years to come.

Click here to find the current price on Amazon!

4. Wooden Stacking Rings

It’s very bright and colourful and so far my baby loves playing with the rings, although he’s a little too young to start counting yet! There’s no sharp bits, and it feels really well made, and the flexible pegs are a great safety feature too. – Kate

Counting is such a vital skill and it’s never too early to start teaching young kids the basics. My toddler has just started showing an interest in numbers after counting the steps we walk up and down every day. She says 1, 2, 5!!! but hey, it’s a start!

These stacking rings are a great toy for toddlers to start learning numbers because the colour of the base matches the colour of that numbers rings. This allows them to easily see if they’ve got something wrong and correct it themselves. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they notice their own mistakes!

Click here to find the current price on Amazon!

5. Melissa and Doug Latches Board

All the locks and hinges work smoothly. My son loves the colors and as a parent I like that there something behind each door to help us interact with him at but much more. – Angela

This is another great toy from the Melissa and Doug range and, although it says 3 years and up, my 2 years old loves it. Some of the latches are a little fiddly for such a young age but some are easy enough to master and it’s great for keeping your child’s concentration for a while.

Once they’ve begun to master the locks, you can start asking them to name the colours and point out the animals as well, making it a really versatile toy.

Click here to find the current price on Amazon!

Best Books For 2-Year-Olds, Australia

Some of the best presents for 2 year olds Australia has are books and we’ve got so many lovely book gifts that my daughter loves. Special editions are a particularly thoughtful idea if you want something the family will keep and cherish for years to come.

Books aren’t just useful for teaching children to read. They’re the perfect tool for teaching toddlers about taking care of their toys and also offer a great chance for parents and kids to spend time together relaxing.

6. Julia Donaldson x10 Ziplock Pack

My kids love these books, we choose a different one each night to read. I’m going to buy some more for gifts. The bag makes it easy to take with us when travelling too. – Renae

We bought this pack of Julia Donaldson books for our daughter when she was only one year old. She loved staring at the bright colourful pictures and patting the pages and now, at the age of 2, they are still a firm favourite.

A lot of friends and family who visit see them and instantly start quoting sections by heart, remembering them from when their teenagers were young. They’re clearly something the whole family can enjoy and each of us has our own favourite in this house!

Click here to find the current price on Amazon!

7. The Little Blue Box of Bright and Early Board Books by Dr. Seuss

I’m a big Dr Seuss fan because I’ve got fond memories from my own childhood. My toddler loves a story that has a good rhyme to it that I can really emphasise when I’m reading them to her and what better for rhyming than Dr Seuss.

These are board book style so a little thicker and more durable for toddlers who haven’t yet learnt to be gentle with thin pages (a problem we had for a while).

Click here to find the current price on Amazon!

8. Press Here by Hervé Tullet

“Press Here” is such a wonderful idea for trying to avoid screen time in this day and age. No doubt your toddler will be fascinating watching you swipe, scroll and press your phone or tablet and it’s hard not to have them become aware of screens.

These books offer a great alternative by asking the child to press, shake, swipe and more on the pages as the simple illustrations change from page to page. It’s a great interactive book and game to enjoy with your little one.

Click here to find the current price on Amazon!

9. The Tickle Fingers Toddler Cookbook

A great option that you might not have considered is a cookbook! We have a step stool/learning tower in our kitchen and my toddler loves to climb up so she can see and help me with the cooking. I give her easy tasks like mixing in a big bowl or kneading bread and she loves the experience.

This Tickle Fingers cookbook is full of some great inspiration for easy to prepare recipes but it’s so much more than a cookbook. This book also points out what skills you’re helping your toddler develop and offers suggestions on how to explain tasks to them too.

Click here to find the current price on Amazon!

10. Bluey: The Creek

I couldn’t write a post about kids toys and not include Bluey somewhere! If you live in Australia and haven’t heard of this show, I can only imagine you either don’t have kids or have been living under a rock.

My toddler loves “lift the flap” books, as I think most do, and Bluey is a firm favourite so this is a real winner for us, especially with such a low price.

Click here to find the current price on Amazon!

Best Outdoor Toys For 2 Year Olds

11. Intex Wishing Well Pool

Pretty much every young kid loves to play in the water and a pool is one of the best outdoor toys for toddlers! I have a hard time keeping my daughter out of pools, the ocean, and even water fountains! This pool from Intex is big enough for a few kids to enjoy at once and has some cute little water fountains and sprinklers.

Remember to keep an eye on your kiddos at all times around water. Preferably by getting in there, and enjoying one of the best summer toys for 2-year-olds, with them!

Click here to find the current price on Amazon!

12. Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk

We have this exact chalk from Crayola and my toddler is obsessed with it. She draws all over the driveway and the back deck (she’s lucky enough to have a designated “art” deck) and the best thing is I can just hose it straight off when she’s done.

They are really large and chunky, so great for little hands, and because they’re super thick they don’t break as easily as normal chalk. They’re one of the cheapest and best outside toys for 2-year-olds.

Click here to find the current price on Amazon!

13. Kids Sand/Water Pirate Ship

Again, kids and water – they just LOVE it. A sand and water table is a great idea to keep 2-year-olds busy outdoors. This Pirate ship table comes with a whole heap of extra little tools and toys to use in the sand and water.

We always chuck in some bubbles with the water and my toddler goes wild for them. Then when she’s ready to switch to sand kitchen utensils make some great extra tools!

Click here to find the current price on Amazon!

14. Kinderfeets Balance Bike

We got this balance bike from Kinderfeet when my daughter was only 18 months old. It was a little big for her at first but she loved being pushed around on it with her feet up on the pegs. Now that she’s 2 years old she’s plenty big enough to sit on the seat and push herself around.

Balance bikes are a great first step towards riding a full bike and they are really good at teaching younger kids the importance of balance. Take a look at my ultimate guide to finding the best balance bike here.

Click here to find the current price on Lime Tree Kids!

If you like the idea of a scooter instead, check out my toddler scooter options here.

15. Lifespan Kids Spidey Web 100cm Swing

 Our local toddler parent program has one of these round swings hanging in the fig tree outside. All of the kids are obsessed with it. The infants love to lay on their backs and relax while an adult swings them around and it looks very relaxing. Then the older kids love to climb all over it and spin it around.

It would definitely be one of the best Christmas presents for toddlers and will last for years to come.

Click here to find the current price on Amazon!

16. Inflatable AirZone

This is right at the top of my wishlist of things I want for my daughter! We’re not normally into big items that are a bit pricey but this bouncy castle could give her years of fun. It’s portable, durable, and comes with its own pump and a safety net so you have everything you need to get started.

Click here to find the current price on Amazon!

If you’re looking for something with some serious wow factor, take a look at my electric car buying guide!

Australian Made Toys For 2 Year Olds

17. ECO play Store “Loose Parts”

ECO Play Store creates handmade wooden toys that are finished with 100% safe, eco-friendly, non-toxic food grade stains, and sealants. Their toys are also made using sustainably sourced wood and packaged eco-friendly as possible.

I recently gifted my daughter this awesome “loose parts” set of 72 pieces and it inspired some great imaginative play and colour matching games. She was entertained for ages and now it has become a regular favourite in our household. When I opened the packet I was so surprised by how vibrant the colours are and I love that the owner clearly puts such thought and effort into every piece.

Click here to find the current price on their website!

18. Make Me Iconic Toys

Make Me Iconic are an awesome Australian brand that will fill any Aussie parents with nostalgia. If you have kids who love to play in shops or restaurants, this range of toys is sure to delight you. Their wooden toy range has heaps of different classic Australian foods to choose from.

A particular favourite of ours are these ice creams which include classics like the golden gaytime but they also feature a set modelled on popular Arnotts biscuits and even Shapes crackers.

Click here to find the current price on Lime Tree Kids!

19. Tiger Tribe Chirpy Bird

Click here to find the current price on Lime Tree Kids!

Best Toddler Craft Supplies

20. Toogoo Sponge Painting Brushes Kit

When our daughter hit two years old it was like a switch was thrown and suddenly she was only interested in the messiest possible activities and toys!

This huge sponge paintbrush set is a total bargain and a great way to let your toddler explore different textures and brush strokes. With 42 pieces it’s sure to entertain your little one for ages (well as long as toddler concentration stretches anyway).

Click here to check price on Amazon

21. Crayola Inspiration Art Case

This 140 piece crayons, pencils and markers set has everything your toddler could need, even the paper to draw on. If you’re worried about marker pens and 2 year olds not mixing very well, simply store them somewhere until they’re a little older.

Click here to check price on Amazon

22. Melissa & Doug Happy Handles Wooden Stamp Set

Something a little different but another great crafting idea and a brilliant way to develop your little one’s gross motor skills. This adorable wooden stamps and ink set is an imaginative way to encourage arts and crafts in your toddler.

Click here to check price on Amazon

23. Crayola Washable Paint Set

2 year olds love to make a mess, it’s practically a scientific fact. Painting has some great benefits for toddlers but it’s vital you choose the right paints so you don’t get stains all over your house. These washable paints from Crayola are a great way to let your toddler go crazy, safe in the knowledge you can easily wash them down when they’re finished.

Click here to check price on Amazon

24. Djeco Finger Paint Tubes

These finger paints from Djeco are a great option if you still have little ones that are prone to putting things in their mouth. They are non-toxic, safe for kids, and completely washable so you can give your toddler the freedom to paint that they crave.

Click here to check price on Lime Tree Kids

Best Bath Toys for Toddlers

25. Yookidoo Submarine Spray Station

Get this submarine spray station and you might have trouble getting your 2-year-old out of the bath. It’s got so many different spinners, sprayers, squirters, and toys that they won’t know where to start.

Make bathtime more fun and save water by not needing the shower running with this fun and imaginative bath toy.

Click here to check price on Amazon

26. TOMY Bath Foam Cone Factory Toy

This unique toy is such a fun and creative way to make sure your little one enjoys their bathtime. Simply fill the toy with soap of your choice and pump the handle to create foam “ice-cream” to fill the cones. There’s even an adorable sprinkle shaker for decoration.

Click here to check price on Amazon

27. Boon Bath Bundle

We were lucky enough to get this Boon bath bundle when our daughter was about a year old and, at nearly 3, it’s still a firm favourite. Each piece sticks securely to the wall of the shower or the bath and the power of the water turns the cogs, spins the wheels, or shoots out of the pipes.

Fun, colourful, and sure to entertain. Better still every piece is BPA-free and safe for little ones.

Click here to check price on Amazon

28. Green Toys Seacopter Water Play

Green Toys have a great range of toys on offer for any eco-conscious mums. All of their toys are made from 100% recycled plastic to help reduce landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

This Seacopter is a chunky, easy to grasp toy for little hands that are sure to be a hit with any 2 years old. It has spinning propellers, a cute animal character pilot and the whole thing easily pulls apart and can be cleaned in the dishwasher to avoid mould and mildew.

Click here to check price on Amazon

Things to Consider When Buying The Best Toys For 2 Year Olds, 2023

Personality & Activity Level

Each child is unique in what they enjoy doing and, just like adults, some will be full of energy and need physical activity whilst others may enjoy quieter, low key toys and games.

The best toys for toddlers will be unique to each child, watch them closely next time you see them and make a mental note of what they enjoy. If they love moving around and developing gross motor skills, you could look for the best riding toys for 2 year olds. If they seem to be interested in reading or language activities, the best learning toys for 2 year olds may be a better choice.

Whatever you decide the best gift ideas for 2 year olds are ones that suit their personality at that moment in time.

Home Environment

Being aware of the environment a child spends most of their time in is absolutely necessary to get the best toy for 2 year olds.

If they live in a 5th floor apartment even the best outdoor toys for 2 year olds will be useless to them. Instead, try looking for the best games for 2 year olds, that can be easily stored away in a small space.

Parents

Yes, the best gift for 2 year olds is going to be something they will enjoy but it’s also important to consider the parents as well.

Do mum and dad try to avoid plastic toys for example? Or is there something specific they are trying to concentrate on teaching their toddler? Even the best Christmas gifts for 2 year olds are going to be useless if the parents are reluctant to let their child use it.

When my daughter was a toddler, I hated it if people gifted us things that were loud and flashy or generally annoying to listen to all day. Obviously, my daughter would love them and I would spend most days wishing I could throw them out a window!

Still, need more inspiration?! My daughter’s new favourite toy is a doctor’s kit and her little sister is loving the new block wagon we got. We are thinking about getting her the best remote control car next! Do you have an older kid or a baby? Take a look at our post on best toys for 3 year olds or best toys for 6 month olds next!