The Best Developmental Toys

Our favorite 28 games, puzzles, toys, and kits that will enhance your child's skills at the moment she's developing them and will delight her for years to come.

By Kiera Coffee

Gear Index
Road tests and product picks

Kids' Reviews
The best books, games, toys, and movies for kids
disable dropcap

ages 0 to 2

The first years are less about teaching concrete skills and more about indulging curiosities.


Fish rattle

Easy-to-grip rings for are perfect for newly discovered fingers. Moby, $12, Haba, Oompa Toys.

Train set

A fish train with a magnetic spoke and a squid tunnel lets her push and pull. My First Squiddo, $40, Brio.

Rolling-ball toy

It will help your now-ready 18-month-old put a round ball in a round hole. House of Balls, $44, Vilac, Genius Jones.

Stacking bug

From 8 to 12 months, she'll want to line things up with this magnetic-ball toy. Play Mags (set of five), $41, Gonge, American Educational Products.

Pull toy

As soon as a 12-to-15-month-old has mastered walking, she'll want a pal. Bunny pull toy, $40, D'Jeco, Oompa Toys.

Rainbow blocks

A puzzle, a block set, a nesting toy—it's perfect for an imaginative toddler. Arcobaleno, $40, Learning Materials Workshop.



Click below to see toys for:

Read Image Credits

Gear Index

Road tests and recommendations for everything from strollers to tricycles

Cookie Dough

Check back each week to score product discounts on this season's most coveted goods
sales

Sales Listings

Get your shop on with the hottest deals on the Web this week

Gift Guides

Tons of ideas for new moms, newborns, and kids of all ages
hgtv