Find their kind of wonderful.

♡Building

AGES 2–6 PLAN ~$25

Wooden building blocks

An open-ended starting point for towers, towns, and wonderfully wonky castles.

What to look for ↗

♡Puzzles

AGES 2–3 PLAN ~$20

Chunky animal puzzle

A satisfying first puzzle with familiar animals and easy-to-hold pieces.

What to look for ↗

♡Pretend

AGES 2–6 PLAN ~$25

Hand puppets

A familiar story becomes a tiny theater with a new character on each hand.

What to look for ↗

♡Pretend

AGES 2–5 PLAN ~$20

Chunky toy vehicles

A few sturdy vehicles can carry a whole afternoon of stories.

What to look for ↗

♡Active

AGES 2–6 PLAN ~$15

Soft play ball

Roll, toss, and invent simple games together.

What to look for ↗

♡Building

AGES 2–3 PLAN ~$15

Stacking cups

Stack, nest, fill, and discover a new way to play.

What to look for ↗

♡Outdoor

AGES 2–6 PLAN ~$20

Sand play tools

Scoop, pour, and build wherever there is a suitable sand play area.

What to look for ↗

Category buying advice, not hands-on reviews. Illustrations are representative. Estimated budgets are not current retail prices.