Best developmental toys for an 18-to-24-month-old

Between 18 and 24 months, the best toys are the ones that invite your toddler to move, pretend, name and tinker — because play is exactly how their brain builds language, balance and problem-solving.

In short

For an 18-to-24-month-old, the most developmental toys are simple, open-ended and hands-on: chunky building blocks, shape sorters, push-and-pull toys, simple pretend-play sets, board books and stacking cups. At this age your child is exploding with new words, walking and climbing with growing confidence, and beginning to imitate everyday life — so toys that let them stack, post, push, pretend and turn pages do the most good. The best 'toy' of all is you playing alongside them and naming what you both do.

Toys that grow your toddler's skills

• Stacking cups, rings and chunky blocks — build hand control, problem-solving and the joy of 'doing it myself'. Knocking them down is learning too.
• Shape sorters and simple posting toys — strengthen matching, shape recognition and patient fingers.
• Push-and-pull toys (toy trolley, walker-wagon) — support walking balance, leg strength and confident movement.
• Pretend-play sets — a toy phone, doll, soft animals, play kitchen or tea set. Imitating real life is a huge leap in thinking and early storytelling.
• Board books with big pictures and flaps — pointing, naming and turning pages fuel the word explosion typical of this age.
• Crayons and large paper — first scribbles build the grip behind future writing.
• Balls of different sizes — rolling, throwing and chasing build coordination and shared, back-and-forth play.
• Simple musical toys — drums, shakers and rhythm help listening, turn-taking and joy.

Keep it simple: a few well-chosen open-ended toys beat a heap of flashing, single-button gadgets. As you play, narrate gently — “up, up… all fall down!” — so every toy becomes a language toy.

A quick word on screens

For under-twos, hands-on play and face-to-face talk matter far more than any screen or 'educational' app. Major paediatric guidance suggests keeping screen time very limited at this age and favouring real-world, interactive play.

The Pinnacle way

Good toys support development, but they are not a test — and play that looks a little different is not a worry on its own. If you ever wonder whether your child's play, words or movement are on track, Developmental measurement supports care planning; diagnosis requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional., under qualified clinician care — never from an app or checklist. Explore how we support families on our home page, learn how a structured developmental profile works, and see how playful occupational therapy builds everyday skills.

Trusted sources

American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) guidance on play and toy selection for toddlers; CDC developmental milestones for 18–24 months; WHO guidance on physical activity and limiting screen time for young children.

Next step — Curious whether your toddler's play and milestones are on track? Book a developmental check with a Pinnacle clinician.

This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.