What to Buy for a 2nd Birthday: Toy Ideas They'll Actually Play With
Two-year-olds are famous for playing with the box instead. The toys that last are simple, sturdy and let them do something with their hands.
Honest note: we design and print cards, badges and party decorations in the UK. The Potato Head set is a recommendation from elsewhere.
Shop the cards that go with these
Shop kids' birthday cards Birthday cards Pin badges Party items
Kids' birthday cards
Our own UK-printed birthday cards for kids.
You Old Bastard (Funny Birthday Card)
£3.87
Happy Birthday Papa (Happy Birthday Card) (Multiple designs)
£3.87
Happy Birthday Bab (Happy Birthday Card) (Multiple designs)
£3.87
Yoda Best Multi-Occasion Greeting Card
£3.87
Happy Birthday Handsome (Happy Birthday Card) (Multiple designs)
£3.87
Fifty & Even More Fabulous Than Ever (50th Birthday Card)
£3.87
For fine motor skills
- Potato Head Toy Story Yam Fam. The Potato Head Toy Story Yam Fam set comes with Mr, Mrs and an Alien Tot, plus mix-and-match parts. Pushing the pieces in and pulling them out is great for little hands, and every face they build is a new joke.
- It's labelled for ages 2+. Check the box and supervise younger toddlers with small parts.
More toys that last
- Chunky wooden blocks.
- A push-along walker or trike.
- Board books with flaps.
- A play kitchen or tool bench.
What to write in a 2nd birthday card
- Happy 2nd birthday, little one!
- Two today - terrific in every way.
- Have a roaring 2nd birthday!
Found your words? Now find the card
Shop kids' birthday cards Birthday cards Pin badges Party items
How to write it so it lands
- It's labelled for ages 2+. Check the box and supervise younger toddlers with small parts.
You might also be interested in...
We make cards, pin badges, prints and party bits in house. These are from other shops we rate, and buying through the link costs you nothing extra.
A lift-the-flap farm book
Where's Spot?: Eric Hill (Spot - Original Lift The Flap)
Potato Head Toy Story Yam Fam Set with Mr, Mrs and Alien Tot, Toddler and Preschool Toys for Girls and Boys Ages 2+
Where to shop next
- Kids' birthday cards
- Party items
- Pin badges
- Toy Story party ideas
- Travel toys for kids
- 3rd birthday gift ideas
- Toddler stocking fillers
- Pass the parcel prize ideas
- Gifts for 3 year old girls
- Toy Story gifts for kids
- Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
- How to make a balloon arch
- Photo booth prop ideas
- Buy a Birthday Card
- Good luck cards
- Pin badges
- All guides
Frequently asked questions
What do 2 year olds like to play with?
Toys they can push, stack, fit together and pretend with.
How much should I spend on a 2nd birthday gift?
It varies - a small, well-chosen toy often gets more play than a big one.
Do you sell the Potato Head set?
No. We design and print greetings cards, enamel pin badges and party decorations in the UK. The Potato Head Toy Story Yam Fam set is a recommendation from elsewhere - only the things linked to our own shop are ours.
What is a good example of gifts for 2 year olds they'll actually play with?
"It's labelled for ages 2+. Check the box and supervise younger toddlers with small parts." is one of 9 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.