2–24 Months: Toys That Build Movement & Problem-Solving Skills

— “This is the age where energy and curiosity both explode.”

 

Kids between 12 and 24 months seem to “update” daily.
Something they couldn’t do yesterday suddenly becomes easy today,
and one quiet moment can turn into climbing a chair five seconds later.

 

This stage is all about
moving → trying → figuring things out.
So the toys that last longest are the ones that stimulate
hands, body, and brain at the same time.

 

Here’s a list of toys that truly worked in real life—
long playtime for the child,
and a bit of peace for the parent who just wants a moment to breathe.

 

 

⭐ 1. Push & Pull Toys

 

These are the MVPs for walking confidence, steering practice,
and burning off endless toddler energy.

 

Examples:

 

• Pull-along animal carts
• Push walkers with storage trays
• Push toys with spinning wings or bouncing balls

 

Why they work:

 

• Encourage long walking sessions
• Indoor-friendly energy release
• Natural introduction to direction, speed, and control

 

And for parents:
sometimes we just need a toy that keeps them walking… not climbing.

 

 

⭐ 2. Gross Motor Play: Soft Blocks & Mini Slides

 

Between 12 and 24 months, kids want to go up, down, and up again—nonstop.

 

Recommended setup:

 

• 2–3 soft foam blocks
• A small indoor slide
• A simple rocking toy

 

Benefits:

 

• Builds balance and coordination
• Highly repeatable play (repeat = satisfaction)
• A wonderful way to burn energy

 

Parent perk:
A well-played toddler = a higher chance of a smooth nap.

 

 

⭐ 3. Simple Wooden Gear Boards & Switch Boards

 

Problem-solving + fine motor skills + focused attention.

 

At this age, kids naturally ask,
“Why does this turn?”
“What happens if I press this?”

 

Why they hold attention:

 

• Mechanical cause-and-effect is fascinating
• Turning, pushing, twisting all strengthen coordination
• No loose pieces → no cleanup nightmare

 

This is a sit-and-focus gem.

 

 

⭐ 4. Drop-In Boxes & Chunk Puzzles

 

This is the stage where “fit the shape” suddenly clicks.

 

Recommended beginnings:

 

• Chunky puzzles with knobs
• Drop-in shape boxes
• Simple themes: colors, animals, vehicles

 

Benefits:

 

• Spatial awareness
• Problem-solving (“Why doesn’t this one fit…?”)
• Quick success builds confidence

 

The goal is to start easy so they don’t abandon the puzzle in frustration.

 

 

⭐ 5. Ball Tracks / Mini Rainfall Tracks

 

Rolling motion = instant fascination.

 

Why they’re amazing:

 

• Teaches cause and effect
• Encourages repetitive play
• Kids move to retrieve the ball → built-in movement

Parent reminder:
Choose balls big enough not to disappear under furniture.

 

 

⭐ 6. Beginner Role-Play Sets

 

At 12–24 months, imitation becomes a superpower.

 

Great starter sets:

 

• Mini pots & spoons
• Toddler-sized broom or mop
• Safe toy screwdriver or hammer

 

Benefits:

 

• Nurtures imitation skills
• Promotes problem-solving (“How does this attach?”)
• Lays groundwork for social play

 

Kids love doing what parents do.
It’s their way of saying, “I can do it too.”

 

 

❤️ The Core Rule of Toys for 12–24 Months

 

This age thrives on movement + exploration + problem-solving.
If a toy supports all three, it will last a long time.

 

Ask yourself:
✔ Does it let them move?
✔ Does it engage hands and brain together?
✔ Is it fun to repeat?
✔ Is cleanup quick? (parent sanity check)

 

When these align,
toddlers immerse themselves in play—
and parents get a rare moment of peace.

 

At the end of the day, you’ll quietly say:
“Energy management… successful today.”