Between 12 to 18 months toddlers enter the adventurous stage of exploration and independence so it becomes crucial to provide them with toys that support their growing curiosity and development. They are now entering the stage in which they are learning all of the new things their body can do from walking to running or jumping but they often need a confidence boost and extra help these toys can provide. From imaginative playsets to toys that encourage physical activity, there are plenty of options to engage and entertain children aged 12 to 18 months. Here are our top 10 picks for toys designed with this age group in mind:
1. Pretend Play Sets
Pretend play sets, such as kitchen playsets, cleaning tools, tool benches, and doctor kits, allow toddlers to unleash their imagination and engage in role-playing activities. Look for sets with realistic features and accessories that encourage creativity and social interaction. We got the toolset and doctor kit when Emily was in this stage, not only does she still use them daily, but now Olivia also joins in. It is so amazing to see how much the way they play changes as they grow from playing with the drill at 12 months to pretending to be a handyman and handing out a bill at 5 years old.
2. Push and Pull Toys
Push-and-pull toys are perfect for toddlers who are learning to walk and explore their environment. While at first they might sit around it and play with toys on it, soon they will gain confidence to make those first steps. Even after they start walking they will still enjoy playing with it. Olivia has been walking for almost a year now and she still likes to play with it and push it all around the house. You can even get some that can be transformed into activity tables as your little one grows. Choose a walker with sturdy construction and smooth-rolling wheels that provide stability and support as your child practices walking and balancing.
3. Shape Sorters and Stackers
Shape sorters and stackers are great games for the little ones between 12 to 18 months as it keeps them engaged for a long time while helping them refine their fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. Look for sets with a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to challenge your child’s matching and sorting skills. Some combine different elements such as stacking with color recognition or number learning so they can practice different skills while playing.
4. Activity table
As the babies get more stable on their little chubby feet it is a good idea to get them an activity table that provides them the stability for standing while engaging in different activities. Encourage your child to experiment with different elements of the activity table as that will engage all of their senses and refine their motor skills.
5. Push Cars and Trucks
Push cars and trucks inspire hours of active play and imaginative storytelling as toddlers zoom around the room. Look for vehicles with easy-to-grasp handles for their little chubby hands, smooth-rolling wheels, and durable construction for endless adventures. Make sure to choose something durable because I stopped counting how many times her little car has ended up thrown on the floor.
6. Shape Puzzles
Shape puzzles introduce toddlers to basic shapes and spatial relationships as they fit the pieces into corresponding slots. There are so many different puzzles to choose from which is amazing for expanding their vocabulary. Emily preferred the puzzles with the vehicle shapes that also produced sounds while Olivia prefers the food-shaped ones. Before she could say “nana” she would bring me a puzzle in the shape of a banana whenever she wanted one. Choose puzzles with large, chunky pieces to make it easier to grab and with vibrant colors to capture your child’s interest and promote hand-eye coordination.
7. Building Blocks
Building blocks are versatile toys that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills in toddlers. Choose blocks with different shapes, sizes, and textures that allow for open-ended construction and imaginative play. This is one of the toys they love playing together and it can be an amazing way to bring siblings together. Well, after you explain to the older child that the baby might unknowingly destroy their creation, but if they pretend their baby sibling is a T-Rex even that can be fun.
8. Ride-On Toys
Ride-on toys provide toddlers with an exciting way to develop balance, coordination, and gross motor skills. An added point is that they look adorable while trying to figure out how to make it move. For a while, Olivia could only move it backward. It was amazing to see how she used her problem-solving skills to figure out how to get where she wanted to. For the best choice, you should look for ride-on toys with adjustable seats, sturdy handles, and safety features for a secure and comfortable ride.
9. Play Tents and Tunnels
Play tents and tunnels offer toddlers a private space for imaginative play and exploration. Set up a cozy tent or a colorful tunnel in your child’s playroom or backyard for hours of hide-and-seek fun. Side note; this is also an excellent way to hide the mess of having too many toys and teach the little ones some routine. We put a toy basket into her play tent and every night before we start getting ready to bed she picks up her toys.
10. Interactive Books and Toys
Interactive books and toys engage toddlers’ senses and encourage early language development. Look for books with flaps to lift, buttons to press, and textures to touch for an interactive reading experience. They just love discovering what they can do.
These top 10 toys for toddlers aged 12 to 18 months are sure to inspire creativity, curiosity, and active play. From pretend playsets to interactive books, each toy offers valuable opportunities for learning and development. So go ahead, encourage your child to explore, discover, and play to their heart’s content!