Beyond being safe for your children, good toys should be well-suited for each stage of their development, as well as their evolving interests and abilities. We know parents want the best for their little ones, which is why we’ve developed a comprehensive list of the best developmental toys for children of all age groups! Keep in mind that each child develops at his or her own pace. As long as the items are safe and appropriate for your child, the toys on our list of toys by age can be great choices for kids who are younger or older than the suggested age range!
Birth through 6 Months
Babies love to observe their surroundings, and they are especially drawn to brightly-colored objects and people’s faces. They love to explore what their feet and hands can do, lift, and turn their heads toward interesting sounds, put things in their mouths, and more!
The Best Developmental Toys for Young Infants
- Toys they can reach for, shake, and put in their mouths—like rattles and teething rings
- Toys and books that recite nursery rhymes, poems, lullabies, and other simple songs
7 to 12 Months
When shopping for toys by age, keep in mind that older babies are always on the go. They’re constantly rolling over, sitting, scooting, bouncing, pulling themselves up, and even standing! Children around this age are beginning to understand common words, love finding hidden objects, and can point to body parts and stack objects.
The Best Toys for Older Infants
- Toys that spark the imagination—think baby dolls and bath toys
- Toys to build with, like large soft blocks and cubes made from wood
- Toys that help them flex their muscles, like push and pull toys
1 Year Old
When your little one hits their first year, they can’t wait to start walking and climbing. They love stories and experimenting, too, so the best developmental toys help them foster those skills!
Best Toys for 1-Year-Olds
- Toys to build with, like wooden blocks
- Toys to pretend with, including dolls with accessories, toy phones, and puppets
- Toys that work to stimulate brain activity—this is the perfect time to introduce puzzles to the mix
Two Years Old
At two years old, your child is working hard to expand their vocabulary. They also have an urge for adventure, and may be making you work to keep up! Toddlers love to climb, hang, roll, and tumble, and they’ve mastered the use of their hands and fingers. When shopping for toys by age, keep in mind that these little ones love to manipulate small objects—but be careful of any tiny parts they may want to put in their mouths!
Best Toys for 2-Year-Olds
- Problem-solving toys, like puzzles and early board games
- Toys for building and pretending, like blocks and child-size furniture
- Toys that spark creativity, like rhythm instruments
3 to 6 Years Old
Preschoolers and kindergartners love to chat and will have plenty of questions. They want to experiment with things and test their physical skills, so keep that in mind when searching for the best developmental toys for this age group!
Best Toys for Kids 3 to 6
- More complex problem-solving toys, like jigsaw puzzles, counting objects, and connecting blocks
- Toys for building and pretending, like toy cars and construction sets
- Toys to get creative with, including more advanced musical instruments
- Toys that help develop their motor skills, like tunnels, plastic bowling sets, and plastic bats and balls
No matter which toy you choose, you’ll find that HABA toys are safe for children and easily cleaned! Check out our inventory to find the right toys by age for your little one.
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