At 18 months old, children are at a stage of significant growth and development. They are exploring the world around them and discovering new things every day. Toys play a crucial role in their development, and choosing the right ones can help them learn and grow.
When it comes to the best toys for 18-month-olds, there are a few critical things to consider. First and foremost, safety is of utmost importance. Toys should be free of small parts that can be swallowed or sharp edges that can cause injury. Additionally, toys should be age-appropriate and stimulate the child’s senses.
At this age, children are learning how to use their hands and fingers, so toys that promote fine motor skills are ideal. Toys that encourage imaginative play and problem-solving can also be beneficial.
We spent countless hours researching and testing various toys to identify the ones that are safe, age-appropriate, and promote healthy development. In this article, we will share our top picks for the best toys for 18-month-olds.
Top 3 Best Toys for 18 Month Olds
1. Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set
2. DUMMA Baby Toys 12-18 Months Musical Bus Toys
3. KIKIDEX Magnetic Drawing Board
As parents, we understand the importance of finding the perfect toy for our little ones. At 18 months old, children are curious and eager to explore the world around them. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best toys for 18 month olds. These toys are not only fun and entertaining but also help with their cognitive and physical development. From interactive playsets to educational toys, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect toy for your little one!
Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set
If you’re looking for a fun and educational toy for your 18-month-old, the Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set is a great option.
Pros
- Develops color recognition and sorting skills
- Expands vocabulary by naming familiar favorites and learning new foods
- Helps build school-ready sorting and toddler color learning skills
Cons
- Some may find the price point to be a bit high
- May not hold the attention of older toddlers for extended periods of time
- The included stickers for labeling may not be very durable
We’ve found that this toy is a great way to help your toddler learn about colors and sorting. The realistic-looking play food is a fun way to explore new foods and expand their vocabulary. The color-coordinated play food and easy-to-visualize bushel baskets help build school-ready sorting and toddler color learning skills.
The only downside we’ve found is that some may find the price point to be a bit high. Additionally, older toddlers may not find the toy as engaging as younger ones. Lastly, the included stickers for labeling may not be very durable.
Overall, we highly recommend the Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set as a fun and educational toy for your 18-month-old.
DUMMA Baby Toys 12-18 Months Musical Bus Toys for 1 2 3 4+Year Old Boys Girls Birthday Gifts,Early Education Learning Toy with Fruit/Music/Lighting/Smart Shapes for 18-24 Months
If you’re looking for a toy that can help your 18-month-old learn and have fun at the same time, then the DUMMA Baby Toys 12-18 Months Musical Bus Toys is a great option. It’s a high-quality toy that’s designed to meet your child’s needs and provide them with a variety of fun activities.
Pros
- The building blocks can help your child identify different colors and animal shapes, while the music and light encourage them to crawl and move around.
- The blocks can be transformed into five fun and colorful animals, making it a great toy for hand-eye coordination and teaching colors to your child.
- The bus has a unique universal driving function that provides a real car start sound, turns automatically when it hits obstacles, and flashes brightly with wonderful music, providing your child with a fun chasing game.
Cons
- The toy is relatively small, so it may not be suitable for children who prefer larger toys.
- The automatic go setting plays a very odd choice of song, which may not be enjoyable for some children.
- The pieces may be too small for manipulation or choking for some children, so it’s important to supervise them while playing.
The DUMMA Baby Toys 12-18 Months Musical Bus Toys is a great gift option for boys, girls, preschoolers, and toddlers. It’s a small bus that can do a lot, providing a big surprise and a great gift for your child. Overall, we recommend this toy for parents who want to provide their child with a fun and educational toy that can help them learn and develop their skills.
KIKIDEX Magnetic Drawing Board
If you’re looking for a fun and educational toy for your 18-month-old, the KIKIDEX Magnetic Drawing Board might be just what you need.
Pros
- The magnetic doodle board is an eco-friendly and clean way for your child to draw and learn letters, words, and numbers.
- The screw-on design and high-quality legs make the drawing board sturdy and have a strong bearing capacity, up to 120 lbs.
- The magnetic drawing board is made of high-quality and durable ABS, non-toxic, safe, and BPA free.
Cons
- Some users found that the string connecting the paintbrush to the board was too short.
- One user reported that the table mode is not as durable as expected.
- Some children may not be interested in this toy.
We found that this magnetic drawing board is a great tool for improving children’s visual, hands-on ability, color recognition ability, and creativity. The eraser knob glides easily and smoothly for kids, and it erases in a second for a clean drawing area for new drawings. The 4 legs of the table are detachable and can be changed in 3 ways, allowing babies to draw more freely and comfortably.
Overall, we recommend the KIKIDEX Magnetic Drawing Board as an attractive gift for kids to release their creativity and learn while having fun.
Royebow Dinosaur Fine Motor Skills Toys
If you’re looking for a fun and educational toy for your 18-month-old, the Royebow Dinosaur Fine Motor Skills Toys is a great option.
Pros
- The toy comes with 12 easy-to-grasp pieces in 4 colors that can be put into the dinosaur’s body. The mouth opens when the parts are inserted, which is a fun feature for toddlers.
- The toy helps kids build color recognition, sorting, and counting skills through fine motor skills games. It can also be used for occupational therapy exercises.
- The parts easily fit inside the dinosaur, making it easy to store and great for outdoor or indoor activities for toddlers.
Cons
- Some of the holes where the spikes go are obstructed by a tab that opens the mouth, so not all of the pegs fit into the slots correctly.
- The toy is lightweight, so it may slide around when your child is trying to play with it.
- The hinge inside the dinosaur’s mouth stops the pegs from going in all the way when the mouth is closed.
We had a great experience with this toy and highly recommend it for parents looking for a fun and educational toy for their 18-month-old. The toy is made from high-quality and sturdy plastic that is BPA-free and complies with the strictest international toy standards. It’s also a great gift for birthdays, Christmas, stocking stuffers, Easter basket stuffers, or even for homeschooling.
Aigybobo Farm Animals Toy Set
If you’re looking for a fun and educational toy for your 18-month-old, the Aigybobo Farm Animals Toy Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The toy set contains 20 pieces, including 10 farm animals and 10 barns, making it an excellent option for kids who love animals.
- The animals are designed to be suitable for babies’ preferences, and each shape is carefully crafted to be cute and realistic.
- The toy set helps to develop fine motor skills, as each small animal can be played as a finger puppet toy, and the barns allow kids to learn “put in,” “take out,” “open,” and “close” in the process.
Cons
- Some parents may find the toy set to be a bit pricey compared to other options on the market.
- The toy set may not be as durable as some other toys, as the barns are made of plastic and may not hold up to rough play.
- Some kids may lose interest in the toy set after a few weeks, as there are only 10 animals and 10 barns to play with.
Overall, we think the Aigybobo Farm Animals Toy Set is an excellent choice for parents looking for an educational and engaging toy for their 18-month-old. The toy set is designed to help kids develop fine motor skills, learn about farm animals, and have fun while doing it. If you’re looking for a toy that will keep your little one entertained and engaged, we highly recommend giving this one a try.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best toys for your 18-month-old, there are a few key features to consider to ensure you make the best purchase. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Safety
Safety should always be a top priority when choosing toys for your child. Look for toys that are age-appropriate and have passed safety standards. Check for small parts that could be a choking hazard and avoid toys with sharp edges or points.
Developmental Benefits
Toys that offer developmental benefits are a great choice for an 18-month-old. Look for toys that encourage fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving. Toys that promote language development and social skills can also be beneficial.
Durability
18-month-olds are still learning how to play and can be rough on their toys. Look for toys that are made of sturdy materials and can withstand rough play. Avoid toys that are easily breakable or have small parts that can easily come off.
Variety
Offering a variety of toys can help keep your child engaged and interested in playtime. Look for toys that offer different textures, colors, and sounds to keep your child entertained and stimulated.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best toys for your 18-month-old and provide them with a safe and engaging playtime experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top educational toys recommended for an 18-month-old?
At 18 months, children are developing their cognitive, motor, and language skills. Toys that can help with these developments include shape sorters, stacking toys, and puzzles. Musical toys and books with interactive features are also great options.
How can I keep my 18-month-old entertained at a restaurant?
Distractions are key when dining out with an 18-month-old. Bring along small toys that are easy to clean and won’t make noise. Crayons and coloring books are also a great option. You can also bring along snacks or finger foods to keep them occupied.
What are some practical gift ideas for an 18-month-old?
Practical gifts that can help with development include building blocks, bath toys, and push and pull toys. Other great options include items for imaginative play such as play kitchens or tool sets.
Which sensory toys are best suited for an 18-month-old’s development?
Sensory toys that can help with development include toys with different textures, colors, and sounds. Examples include sensory balls, play dough, and water tables. Toys with buttons, switches, and knobs can also help with fine motor skills.
What are the most suitable Christmas gifts for an 18-month-old?
Christmas gifts for an 18-month-old can include toys that are both fun and educational. Examples include ride-on toys, shape sorters, and musical instruments. Books and puzzles are also great options.
What are the essential items every 18-month-old should have for their development?
Essential items for an 18-month-old include toys that can help with their cognitive, motor, and language skills. These include stacking toys, puzzles, and musical toys. Books and toys that encourage imaginative play are also important. Additionally, items such as sippy cups and utensils can help with their self-feeding skills.
