Toys & Gifts Infants & Toddlers The 40 Best Toys for 18-Month-Olds of 2023 By Christine Luff Christine Luff Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process and Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey is a freelance writer covering topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching for parenting content. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 10, 2023 Fact checked by Emily Swaim Fact checked by Emily Swaim Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell Family / Sabrina Jiang When toddlers reach 18 months old, they're starting to learn more about their surroundings and engage in more independent play. They’ve outgrown a lot of their little baby toys, but they’re not old enough for more complex ones with small parts. If you're searching for a the best toys for 18-month-olds, for a special occasion or even a half birthday, it's good to find something that will challenge and entertain them without being too frustrating. Gifts for kids in this age group should be safe, help them meet milestones, and encourage them to use their bodies. “They will climb anything in their way. They love to use push and pull objects like a shopping cart or a pull train,” says Dyan Hes, MD, a pediatrician and medical director of Gramercy Pediatrics in New York City. “They are just beginning to enjoy pretend play and will often serve you tea or bake you a cake. They still love to hide objects, but now they remember their location." We looked carefully at the material, age recommendations, and value of toys for 18-month-olds when reviewing products for the list below. Our Top Picks VTech Smart Shots Sports Center at Amazon Jump to Review Battat Wooden Activity Cube at Amazon Jump to Review Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll 'N Trike at Walmart Jump to Review Sesame Street Love to Hug Elmo at Amazon Jump to Review Fisher-Price Smart Stages Piggy Bank at Amazon Jump to Review Green Toys Tide Pool Set & Submarine at Amazon Jump to Review Battat Big Red Barn – Animal Farm Playset at Amazon Jump to Review Fisher-Price Bounce & Spin Puppy at Walmart Jump to Review Lovevery Play Kit at Lovevery.com Jump to Review Boon Building Bath Toys Set at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family VTech Smart Shots Sports Center Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Kmart.com Pros Interactive sounds and lights Encourages independent play Teaches shapes and numbers Cons Loud Batteries required Bulky Sporty toddlers will love that they can play both soccer and basketball with this two-in-one toy. Recommended for ages one year old and up, the set lights up, plays music, and makes sounds while also keeping track of baskets on the scoreboard. The purple side lever makes it easy for toddlers to restart the scoreboard all by themselves to encourage independent play. Price at time of publication: $60 What Our Editors Say "My toddler loves to kick and throw balls outside. In the winter months, when we don't want to spend hours in the backyard, this little sports center was a family favorite toy. The two included balls are small enough and soft enough that we were never concerned about them causing any damage inside our home." —Ashleigh Morley, Verywell Family Commerce Editorial Director Battat Wooden Activity Cube Amazon View On Amazon Pros Develops fine motor skills Teaches colors, shapes, letters, and numbers No assembly required Cons Paint may come off over time Wood can chip if dropped Each panel of the Battat Wooden Activity Cube features different activities to help toddlers develop their motor skills and learn about colors, shapes, letters, and numbers. Recommended for kids age one and up, this sturdy, durable toy is perfect for independent or side-by-side play. The best part is that it arrives fully assembled and ready to play with, straight out of the box. Price at time of publication: $61 Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll 'N Trike Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot View On Target Pros Holds up to 49 pounds UV-blocking canopy Includes a cup holder and storage compartment Cons No seat pad Assembly required Designed to grow with your little one, this ride-on toy from Radio Flyer converts from a toddler trike to a steering trike, a learn-to-ride-trike, and finally a classic trike. It’s recommended for ages nine months to five years and can hold kids up to 49 pounds. The trike comes with useful features such as an adjustable UV-blocking canopy, cup holder, and rear storage compartment, making it perfect for family strolls. Price at time of publication: $80 What Our Experts Say "Most 18-month-olds are adventurous, and even a bit reckless, especially as they learn to walk with confidence. Watch out for toys like baby walkers that can put toddlers at risk for falls, especially around stairs." —Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP, author of "The Working Mom Blueprint: Winning at Parenting Without Losing Yourself" Sesame Street Love to Hug Elmo Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Speaks English and Spanish Soft fabric Batteries included Cons Electrical insides can be felt Arms can stop working after extended use What 18-month-old doesn’t love Elmo? When you give him a hug, this Elmo doll will hug you back, offer a kiss, and sing in English or Spanish for bilingual playtime. With the ability to respond to baby’s touch, hugs, and squeezes, there are seemingly endless features to discover. Recommend for ages 18 months and up. Price at time of publication: $50 Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Piggy Bank Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Walmart Pros 40+ songs, tunes, and phrases 10 colorful coins Open/close door for easy access Cons No volume control With its colorful coins and a side door that’s easy to open and close, this adorable piggy bank is sure to be a hit with 18-month-olds. It includes two learning stages in both Spanish and English and features more than 40 songs and phrases that even adults will find catchy. Price at time of publication: $24 Green Toys Tide Pool Set & Submarine Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Debenhams.com Pros BPA-free Dishwasher-safe Includes a storage bag Cons Some pieces too big for small hands Best for water use only This versatile Green Toys set includes a submarine and six shells and sea creatures that are perfect for creative play at the beach or in the tub. Made from recycled plastic, the entire set is BPA-free and dishwasher-safe. The seaweed-patterned storage bag has holes on the bottom and sides, allowing the pieces to drain and dry out between uses. Recommended for ages 6 months and up. Price at time of publication: $20 The 13 Best Construction and Building Block Toys of 2023 Battat Big Red Barn – Animal Farm Playset Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Beallsflorida.com Pros Promotes sensory learning Travel-friendly BPA-free Cons Smaller pieces pose choking hazard Barn door may fall off easily Perfect for imaginative play, this toddler-friendly set comes with a toy barn and adorable animals. Just the right size for little hands, it has plenty of textures and colors to promote sensory learning and also features a handle for easy transport. Complete with four farm animals and one dutiful farmer, your little one’s farmhouse is full of fun characters. Recommended for ages 18 months and up. Price at time of publication: $27 Fisher-Price Bounce & Spin Puppy Fisher-Price View On Walmart View On Entertainmentearth.com View On Shoplet.com Pros Interactive buttons and lights Teaches numbers, letters, and simple words Durable Cons Batteries not included Assembly required For toddlers who love to bounce, this adorable dog provides them a safe, sturdy way to move. As your little one bounces up and down or presses the interactive buttons and lights, they can listen to music, the alphabet, numbers, or other simple words and phrases. The sturdy base keeps your tot safe while they ride. Recommended for ages one year old and up. Price at time of publication: $76 The 31 Best Toys for Toddlers Lovevery Play Kit Lovever View On Lovevery.com Pros Skip or cancel subscription at any time Each kit contains several toys Toys are nontoxic and safe Cons Costly Take the guesswork out of finding the right toy for 18-month-olds with play kits from Lovevery. The play kits, which ship every three months, feature developmentally appropriate toys for each age groups and contain several toys that are made of sustainably harvested wood, organic cotton, nontoxic paint, and safe plastics. Plus, you can cancel or skip a subscription at any time. Price at time of publication: $80+/kit Boon Building Bath Toys Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Babylist.com Pros Easy to clean and dry Inspires creativity Durable Cons Suction cups could be better Difficult to clean Another toy to make bath time more fun, these pipes suction to the bathroom wall so toddlers can create a chain to pour water through. Each pipe has a unique shape and function and they can be used either separately or together. Recommended for ages 12 months and up, they rinse with soap and clean water and can be air-dried to avoid mildew growth. Price at time of publication: $30 Learning Resources New Sprouts Munch It! Pretend Play Food Amazon View On Amazon Pros Durable pieces 20 pieces included Inspires creativity Cons Smaller pieces pose choking hazard Food in bowls not removable This realistic-looking play food set comes with 20 high-quality, crush-resistant plastic pieces, including toddler favorites such as macaroni and cheese and a juice box. Whether they want to pretend they’re food shopping, cooking, or eating at a restaurant, they’ll have fun while building vocabulary and engaging in dramatic play. Hope your pretend appetite is ready! Recommended for ages 18 months and up. Price at time of publication: $28 What the Experts Say "Eighteen months mark the beginnings of symbolic play. Toddlers start to understand that an object can represent something else. They will imitate every day routines and actions they see, like giving a bottle to their stuffed bear. Imitation and pretend play help children learn about their culture, routines, other people’s experience, and their environment." —Elizabeth Zack, PhD, outreach and education specialist at the University of Washington Sesame Street Peekaboo Cookie Monster Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Boscovs.com Pros Interactive Soft and plush Batteries included Cons Can be hard to press Cookie Monster does not stand You can finally give your arms a rest from playing endless rounds of peekaboo. The ultra-adorable Cookie Monster plays the toddler favorite peekaboo by hiding his face behind his oversized cookie. Recommended for ages 18 months and up, the plush toy also hiccups and says funny expressions such as, "Hey! Me busy eating cookie!" Price at time of publication: $34 Manhattan Toy Wee Baby Stella Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Jcpenney.com Pros Multiple skin tones available Ultra-soft fabric Magnetic pacifier Cons Spot-clean only Give the 18-month-old in your life an ultra-soft baby doll to introduce them to the world of pretend play, enhance social and emotional development, and develop motor and life skills. Stella is available in various skin tones and comes with a magnetic pacifier that little ones can use for make-believe play. Price at time of publication: $21 Melissa & Doug Pull-Back Vehicles, Soft Baby and Toddler Toy Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Kohls.com Pros Soft fabric Develops hand-eye coordination and motor skills Inspires creativity Cons Doesn't work well on carpet Paint on tires may wear over time Colors can fade if machine-washed Toddlers can pull back on one of these soft fabric vehicles and then watch them zoom across the floor. Ideal for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, the four colorful cars will also inspire imaginative and creative play. The soft texture is perfect for little hands that like to toss toys across the room. Recommended for ages 9 months and up. Price at time of publication: $33 Mega Bloks 80-Piece Big Building Bag 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Belk.com Pros Includes a storage bag Develops hand-eye coordination and motor skills Inspires creativity Cons Not BPA-free Some blocks don't stay connected Plastic odor possible upon opening With their easy-to-hold shape and bright colors, these classic Mega Bloks are the perfect gift for toddlers. The set comes with 80 durable, high-grade plastic blocks in a convenient zip-up storage bag. Recommended for ages one year and up, they’re ideal for developing hand-eye coordination and motor skills, as well as inspiring creativity. Price at time of publication: $25 Melissa & Doug Pets Jumbo Knob Puzzle Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Melissaanddoug.com Pros Large knobs Vibrant colors Durable, extra-thick wood Cons Only three puzzle pieces Encourage hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills with this adorable Melissa & Doug puzzle. It features durable, extra-thick wood and large knobs for tiny hands to grasp easily. Plus, matching pictures are found under each puzzle piece to help little ones find the right spot. Price at time of publication: $15 LeapFrog Sweet Treats Musical Deluxe Tea Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Teaches colors, counting, and matching Great for independent and group play Batteries included Cons Top tier on cake stand can fall off easily Forks are large, compared to plates This adorable tea set encourages pretend play and helps kids ages 12 months and up learn colors, counting, matching, and collaborative play. They can host a tea party as they listen to seven different songs and hear the teapot make sloshing sounds as it pours. This is a wonderful way to introduce toddlers to sharing, because they can play by themselves, with you, or among friends. Price at time of publication: $28 Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog Amazon View On Amazon View On Discountschoolsupply.com View On JOANN Pros Develops fine motor skills Teaches colors, counting, and sorting Easy to clean up Cons Quills are small (posing a choking hazard) Spikes can be difficult to take out Spike the Hedgehog helps kids practice their fine motor skills as they maneuver his removable, colorful quills in and out of the holes on his back. The cute hedgehog also encourages color recognition, sorting, and counting. Recommended for kids aged 18 months and up, the toy is also a cinch to clean up, since all the quills pack up neatly inside the hedgehog’s body. Price at time of publication: $16 The 41 Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds of 2023 Lydaz Bubble Lawn Mower Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Easy assembly Realistic sounds Bubbles blow automatically while pushing Cons 3 AA batteries required (not included) Toddlers and bubbles go together like mac and cheese, so this push lawn mower is sure to be a hit. Just pop in three AA batteries, and toddlers are on their way to helping around the yard (well, sort of). The bubble lawn mower features realistic sounds for enhanced play and comes apart for easy storage. Price at time of publication: $40 TOP BRIGHT Race Track Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Encourages independent play Teaches colors and counting Durable Cons Parking lot on top does not hold all four cars Cars are small (posing a choking hazard) This race track set is perfect for encouraging independent play and developing focus as toddlers set cars in motion and watch them roll and flip down the race track. The cars’ bright colors and numbers help kids practice their counting and color-recognition skills. Recommended for ages 12 months and up. Price at time of publication: $24 Little Tikes First Slide Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Wayfair Pros Can be used indoors and outdoors Easy to store Generous weight limit Cons Assembly required Doesn’t feel sturdy Handles and seat are small Designed for kids ages 18 months to 6 years, this beginner slide can be used both indoors and outdoors and has handrails for added stability. The perfect height for little ones, this miniature slide is a wonderful all-season activity toy. It folds down effortlessly, making it easy to move around or stow away. Price at time of publication: $40 VTech Latches and Doors Busy Board Amazon View On Amazon View On Barnesandnoble.com Pros Three modes of play Durable Variety of latches/doors Cons Some latches are difficult to open Requires batteries Little ones will have a blast figuring out how the latches and doors open and close on this Vtech busy board, which features a learning mode and music mode for enhanced learning. Kiddos can press one of three separate buttons to meet the board’s characters or to learn their ABCs and numbers. Price at time of publication: $28 Fisher-Price DJ Bouncin’ Beats Interactive Learning Toy Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Farmandfleet.com Pros Three learning levels 75+ songs, sounds, and phrases Mic button for recording/playback Cons Requires 4 AA batteries Meet DJ Bouncin’ Beats: a silly learning toy packed with music, lights, and lots of bouncing. DJ Bouncin’ Beats features three learning levels, so he grows with kiddos, and plays more than 75 songs, sounds, and phrases for endless entertainment. Price at time of publication: $45 LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Barnesandnoble.com Pros Speaks English and Spanish Teaches word-building Batteries included Cons Loud Yellow star can be distracting Designed for kids 18 months and up, this fun, interactive toy helps toddlers build early language skills. Words are separated into categories like pets, mealtime, opposites, and many more to help toddlers learn and understand the meanings of words. They can touch the words and pictures on each page and hear how they’re pronounced, in English or Spanish, and also listen to fun facts, music, and other sounds. Price at time of publication: $20 These Are the Best Children’s Books to Encourage Their Love of Reading Melissa & Doug Rainbow Caterpillar Gear Toy Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Develops hand-eye coordination and motor skills Teaches colors and matching Inspires creativity Cons Pieces fall off caterpillar easily May not keep interest long Toddlers will be mesmerized as they turn the colorful gears and watch the caterpillar crawl on the wooden base. Each of the colorful gears can be removed and added back to the wooden base to encourage color-matching. Recommended for ages 18 months and up, this hands-on toy helps promote coordination and motor skills. Price at time of publication: $17 The 9 Best Ride-On Toys Little Tikes Shopping Cart Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Littletikes.com Pros BPA-, latex-, PVC-, and phthalate-free Can be used indoors and outdoors Can pair with other toys Cons Assembly required Wheels do not turn Bulky This tried-and-true favorite from Little Tikes inspires toddlers to engage in imaginative role-play. Made from durable, BPA-, latex-, PVC- and phthalate-free plastic, it features easy-push wheels that are designed to protect indoor surfaces yet still work outside. This fun shopping cart is a great toy to pair with their other pretend toys like toddler play food and pretend kitchen. Recommend for ages 18 months and up. Price at time of publication: $37 What Our Experts Say "Toys at this age should encourage your child’s burgeoning motor skills, as well as their natural curiosity. Pretend play is also important at this age. Blocks and stacking toys can help with fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination." —Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP, author of "The Working Mom Blueprint: Winning at Parenting Without Losing Yourself" The 10 Best Play Kitchens of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Crayola My First Crayola Jumbo Crayons Amazon View On Amazon Pros Nontoxic Sized to fit small hands Eight different colors Cons Crayons could be longer Instill a love of art at a young age with your 18-month-old’s first crayon set. These jumbo crayons are made to fit small hands comfortably, and caregivers will appreciate the nontoxic acrylic material. Price at time of publication: $14 Fisher-Price Little People Big Helpers Home Kohl's View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Kohls.com Pros Encourages healthy and helpful habits Interactive buttons and sounds Inspires creativity Cons Smaller pieces pose choking hazard Batteries required With multiple rooms featuring lots of opportunities for hands-on, interactive play, this Little People playset is a safe and sturdy option for toddlers starting at 12 months. Your little one can explore the house as he or she hears songs, sounds, and phrases. The interactive set encourages toddlers to help and care for family and pets while building real-life healthy and helpful habits. Price at time of publication: $90 LeapFrog Choppin' Fun Learning Pot Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Five step-by-step recipes Includes lights Number dial and veggie lights Cons Knob for bubbles goes fast Batteries required Little ones will have a blast pretending to cook by chopping veggies and putting them in the pot. There are four veggie buttons that children can press to learn more about the vegetables' tastes and colors, and even recipes. A toddler can copy the step-by-step recipes to become a true chef. Designed for children 12 months old and up. Price at time of publication: $22 Hape DJ Mix and Spin Studio Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Uncommon Goods Pros 18 keys More than 27 musical options Working tempo slider Cons 3 batteries required Loud Kids can dance to the beat of their own drum (literally!) by creating their own music from this 18-key piano. With 18 different sound effects, five background tunes, and four DJ noises to mix in, children will learn hand-eye coordination and rhythm. To make their music extra unique, kids can use the slider to change the tempo of their music. Price at time of publication: $50 CoComelon Musical Bedtime JJ Doll Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On CVS Pros Budget-friendly Seven sounds/phrases JJ’s teddy bear included Cons Not machine-washable Head is heavy/hard JJ’s teddy bear cannot be removed If your toddler is a fan of the hit show "CoComelon," they're going to love hanging out with their friend, JJ! When JJ's tummy is squeezed, he'll say seven different sounds and phrases, and even play the famous bedtime song. While he can't be machine-washed, the plush doll comes with a mini version of JJ's teddy bear. Price at time of publication: $20 Pottery Barn Kids Classic Step Stool Pottery Barn View On Potterybarnkids.com Pros Can be personalized One- and two-step options Side handles Cons Only three color options Personalization is an additional cost Should not be cleaned with household cleaners Practical and personal, a step stool with their name on it will come in useful on countless occasions. It comes in four different colors and in both one-step and two-step models. Price at time of publication: $79 Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Grow-the-Fun Garden to Kitchen 4.5 Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Buybuy BABY Pros Multiple learning levels Two sides for play 30 pieces Cons Assembly required Whip up something fresh from the garden in a kitchen that’s chock full of everything little ones need for pretend play. More than 30 pieces are included, from food to silverware, for kiddos to use on either side of the two-sided kitchen. Price at time of publication: $97 Munchie Mug Snack Cup Amazon View On Amazon Pros Soft/stretchy lid Different color choices Large handle Cons Hand-wash only Stickers cost extra When it comes to taking care of toddlers, snacks are key. This fun cup lets them take their favorites along in style, while a soft fabric opening keeps them from spilling. It comes in an array of fun color choices adorned with numbers for learning. Price at time of publication: $18 Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Chapmoto.com Pros Stainless steel frame Adjustable seat/handlebars No tools required Cons Assembly required May be outgrown quickly Costly This balance bike from Strider is designed so that even the littlest tykes can get up and going on two wheels without training wheels. There are no pedals; instead, they power it with their feet, so it’s great exercise and a fun way to build balance and other gross motor skills. Price at time of publication: $100 Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table Playset Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Wayfair Pros Two levels Easy to clean Large enough for multiple children Cons No pre-drilled holes for draining Assembly required If you want a gift that will be used for years, a water table for toddlers is a great place to start. This Step2 water table features two levels, comes with more than a dozen accessories, and is easy for adults to wipe clean. Price at time of publication: $90 Munchkin CleanSqueeze 4 Piece Bath Squirts Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Macy's Pros Made of soft material Float in the water Easy to clean Cons Can fall apart easily Have not been tested for dishwasher safety These cute, colorful toys make bathtime fun for little ones and parents alike. They twist apart for easy cleaning, so adults can keep them mold-free. Price at time of publication: $11 Prextex Dinosaur Volcano House with Plush Dinosaurs Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Dinosaurs and volcano are plush/soft Five dinosaurs included Volcano doubles as storage box Cons Some dinosaurs may be duplicates Volcano design is not realistic Eyes are beads, not sewn on Dinosaurs are popular among kids of all ages, but this set of five plush ones is perfect for 18-month-olds. It also comes with a volcano to encourage imaginative play and for easy clean-up once they’re done. The easy zip volcano makes toting around their dinos super easy and convenient. Price at time of publication: $35 The 10 Best Active Toys for Toddlers Little Tikes Rocking Horse Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Wayfair Pros No assembly required Indoor or outdoor use Easy-grip handles Cons Only two color options Keep toddlers busy with this durable plastic rocking horse that’s available in blue or pink. The rocking horse has a high seat back and easy-grip handles for a secure and comfortable ride indoors or outdoors. Price at time of publication: $35 Fat Brain Toys Dimpl Brand Baby Toy 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Buybuy BABY Pros Sensory play Food-grade silicone Older kids and grownups enjoy it, too Cons Easy to drop and lose Bright, colorful, and a bit unusual-looking, the Dimpl is a ton of sensory fun. The silicone bubbles can be popped back and forth, which is super-satisfying, and kids and adults alike just can’t seem to put it down once they get started. Price at time of publication: $13 How We Selected the Best Toys for 18-Month-Olds We chose the best toys for 18-month-olds by studying the design and features of more than 70 toys on the market while researching reviews from customers and competitors. We considered toy safety, age recommendations, design, features, ease of use, developmental milestones, and value when reviewing products. We also monitored shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offerings. To learn more about what to look for in toys for 18-month olds, we spoke with Dyan Hes, MD, a pediatrician and medical director of Gramercy Pediatrics in New York City, Elizabeth Zack, PhD, a child development expert and outreach and education specialist at the University of Washington, and Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP, a private practice pediatrician and mother of two. We also reviewed guidance on toy safety from the American Academy of Pediatrics. We chose toys that are safe and easy to use for the recommended age groups and give parents and caregivers a much-needed (and well-deserved) break. What to Look For Safety At 18 months old, toddlers are becoming more independent and curious, which means that safety is extremely important. When shopping for toys, consider how the toy will be used and what amount of supervision or help a toddler will need to play safely with the toy. Parents and caregivers should avoid toys that require high-powered magnets and button batteries. Toys with small parts or that can fit entirely in a child’s mouth should also be kept away, as they are choking hazards. Child development expert Elizabeth Zack recommends creating "yes" spaces, which are "flexible environments where it’s okay for children to touch and explore. They promote independence and support children’s curiosity, because they reduce how often you need to say 'no' or 'don’t' or 'stop.'" Zack says, "You can create a 'yes' space by putting up safe barriers like baby gates or using a play yard to keep a child within a specific area where everything in it is safe for them to explore. Get down on a child’s level, and look around your space. Remove small objects that may be choking hazards or items that are breakable. Make sure outlets are covered. Put toys and materials in places that your child can access them in a safe way." Milestones Knowing developmental milestones helps you evaluate whether your child is on the right track as they get older. Milestones come in the form of social, emotional, language-based, cognitive, and physical skills. Keep the following 18-month-old milestones in mind when shopping for toys: Speaking several single words: The LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book encourages language development. Pulling toys while walking: The Hape Frog Pull-Along promotes movement and physical development. Playing simple pretend: To encourage social and emotional milestones, check out the Fisher-Price Little People Big Helpers Home. Physicality Buying toys that encourage children to move and use their bodies while playing is important. It promotes confidence in children when it comes to their bodies and makes them stronger. Physical toys, like balls of different shapes and sizes or a wagon to fill and pull, are great places to start. Frequently Asked Questions How many words should an 18-month old know? Eighteen-month olds might have anywhere from five to 40 words in their vocabulary. That can include nouns like “ball” or “cup,” as well as words like “hi” and “please.” They might be able to mimic quite a few words they hear in conversation, as well. Every child is different, though, and the normal language-development range varies widely, so always check in with your pediatrician if you have concerns about your child’s development. How do I clean a child's toys? A child’s toys can be cleaned with a simple solution of soap and water to help remove dirt, dust, and bacteria. If you need something stronger, look for a cleaning solution that carries the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice label. Over 2,000 products available at retailers fall into this category. This label indicates agency standards for chemicals that are less harmful, including to children. Are puzzles good for toddlers? Puzzles are a great way for toddlers to learn spatial skills and grasp the connection between physical shapes and forms. Look for puzzles that are age-appropriate so that they’re just challenging enough, but not overwhelming. Try not to make puzzles all about completion; some of the fun and learning is in the problem-solving that it takes to get to the final finished puzzle. Why Trust Verywell Family Christine Luff is a freelance writer who covers fitness, health, parenting, and other topics. She’s also mom to a 13-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son, who have always enjoyed a wide range of active and educational toys. Additional reporting by: Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience under her belt. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism and helping others led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant women, and kids of all ages. When she’s not writing and researching, you’ll likely find her outdoors with her husband and their thrill-seeking toddler son. She recommends the VTech Latches and Doors Busy Board because it’s easy to use, has two modes of play, and helps little ones expand their fine motor skills. (Her son was also a big fan of it!) More Toys and Gifts for Kids When it comes to toys and gifts for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top gift and toy picks for every age and stage here: The Best Christmas Gifts for Kids The Best Newborn Baby Gifts The Best Unique Baby Gifts The Best Baby Gifts The Best Gifts for Baby Girls The Best Baby Boy Gifts The Best Infant Toys The Best Gifts for 2-Month-Olds The Best Gifts for 3-Month Olds The Best Toys for 4-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 5-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 6-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 7-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 8-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 10-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 12-Month-Olds The Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 15-Month-Olds The Best Educational Toys for 2-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 2-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 3-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 3-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 3-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 4-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 4-Year-Old Boys The Best Educational Toys for 4-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 5-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Girls The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 6-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 6-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 6-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 7-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 7-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 7-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 8-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 8-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 9-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 10-year-Olds The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Girls The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 12-year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for Teens The Best Gifts for 14-Year-Old Boys The Black-Owned Gift Guide 6 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Academy of Pediatrics. How to buy safe toys. American Academy of Pediatrics. Toy buying tips for babies & young children: AAP report explained. American Academy of Pediatrics. Choking prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Important milestones: Your child by eighteen months. Zero to Three. Tips for choosing toys for toddlers. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Learn about the Safer Choice Label. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit