Best Developmental Toys for 18-24 Months 2026: Top Picks for Growth

Peekaboo Learning Farm Toy

One of the Best Developmental Toys for 18-24 Months, this interactive farm set encourages early counting and imaginative play.

The Learning Resources Peekaboo Learning Farm is a 10-piece set designed for toddlers aged 18 months and up. It features colorful barns with hidden farm animal finger puppets, encouraging children to explore counting, sorting, and imaginative play. The set is compact and lightweight, making it easy for little hands to manipulate the pieces and discover surprises as they play.

In everyday use, this toy proves to be engaging and durable. The finger puppets add an interactive element that keeps toddlers interested, while the barns are sized perfectly for developing fine motor skills. Parents appreciate how it grows with the child—from simple puppet play to early math and color recognition, making it a reliable choice for ongoing learning and fun.

Pros:

• Includes 5 adorable farm animal finger puppets
• Encourages counting and sorting skills
• Compact barns sized for toddler hands
• Supports imaginative and early math play
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Durable construction suited for toddlers
• Great as a gift for various occasions

Cons:

• Limited to farm animal theme, which may not appeal to all children
• No electronic or sound features for added sensory stimulation

My Practical Opinion

This toy is ideal for parents looking for a simple yet engaging developmental toy for toddlers just starting to explore counting and imaginative play. It’s easy to use right out of the box and safe for little ones to handle, offering peace of mind during playtime. While it’s not flashy, its straightforward design encourages creativity and fine motor skill development without overwhelming young children.

If you’re introducing your child to sorting and finger puppet play, this farm set provides a balanced mix of fun and learning. Personally, I find its gentle approach refreshing compared to louder, more complicated toys. It’s a quiet companion for early childhood discovery.

Battat Pop-up Pals Toy

One of the best developmental toys for 18-24 months, this toy encourages learning cause and effect through playful interaction.

The Battat Pop-Up Pals Toy is a developmental electronic early toy designed for toddlers aged 18 months and older. It features colorful buttons that toddlers can turn, press, flip, and slide to make friendly animals pop up. This toy helps young children understand cause and effect while introducing them to different animals, colors, and shapes in a fun, interactive way.

In everyday use, the toy is reliable and engaging, with buttons that are easy for small hands to manipulate. Its compact size and convenient handle make it simple to carry around, so the fun and learning can continue both at home and on the go. The consistent popping action keeps toddlers interested and encourages repeated play without frustration.

Pros:

• Interactive buttons with varied actions (press, turn, flip, slide)
• Teaches cause-and-effect concepts effectively
• Colorful and visually appealing design
• Compact and portable with a handy carry handle
• Engages toddlers through animal recognition and color sorting
• Durable construction suitable for young children

Cons:

• Limited to one size and color variant
• Requires batteries, which may need replacement over time
• May not engage older toddlers looking for more complex toys

My Practical Opinion

This toy is ideal for parents seeking a simple yet effective educational toy for toddlers just starting to explore cause and effect. It’s easy to use right out of the box, making it suitable for first-time toy buyers or those who want a fuss-free developmental option. The compact design means it’s also convenient for travel or daycare use, offering peace of mind that your child’s playtime remains consistent and engaging wherever you are.

When introducing this toy, I recommend supervising younger toddlers initially to guide them on how to press and slide the buttons safely. It’s a great starter toy that blends learning with fun without overwhelming a child with too many features.

Best for / Why

Small Fish Montessori Wooden Sorting Toy

One of the Best Developmental Toys for 18-24 Months, this Montessori wooden sorting toy supports fine motor skill growth and sensory learning in toddlers.

This SMALL FISH Montessori toy is a wooden color sorting and stacking set designed specifically for toddlers aged 1 to 3 years. It encourages fine motor development, color recognition, and problem-solving through fun, hands-on play. The compact design and bright rainbow-colored sticks are tailored to fit little hands, making it an engaging and educational activity for young children.

In everyday use, this toy proves to be sturdy and safe thanks to its premium beechwood construction and smooth edges. It holds up well to typical toddler play and includes a convenient canvas drawstring bag for easy storage and portability. Parents and caregivers will appreciate how this toy keeps toddlers entertained and learning without constant supervision.

Pros:

• Enhances fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
• Bright colors capture and hold toddler attention
• Made from durable, smooth beechwood for safe play
• Includes a carry bag for storage and portability
• Compact size designed for small hands
• Supports sensory matching and problem-solving skills

Cons:

• Limited to sorting and stacking activities
• No electronic or interactive features

My Honest Take

This Montessori sorting toy is ideal for parents looking for a simple, safe, and effective developmental toy for toddlers aged 18-24 months. It’s easy to introduce and doesn’t require complex assembly, making it a good fit for both beginners and experienced parents who value hands-on learning. The natural wood construction and smooth design provide peace of mind regarding safety and durability.

One practical tip is to use the toy alongside color-naming and counting activities to enhance learning even further. I find it a calm, engaging way to keep toddlers busy while fostering essential early skills.

Kidoozie Ball Drop Toddler Toy

One of the best developmental toys for 18-24 months that encourages early learning and motor skills through playful ball dropping.

The Kidoozie Ball Drop Toddler Toy is a colorful learning tower designed for young children to explore cause and effect while having fun. It features six levels where balls travel down different paths, each marked by vibrant colors. This toy is crafted to stimulate fine motor skills and sensory development, making it a suitable addition to the category of balls for babies and toddlers.

In everyday use, this ball drop tower offers consistent entertainment as children watch and hear the balls rattle down the ramps. The design is simple yet engaging, providing a safe and reliable play experience. Its manageable size and weight make it easy to handle and store, fitting well into most playrooms without hassle.

Pros:

• Engaging six-level design with colorful layers
• Encourages early childhood development and fine motor skills
• Unique rattling sounds capture and hold attention
• Compact size suitable for small spaces
• Durable and safe for toddlers aged 9 to 24 months

Cons:

• Limited to indoor use due to lightweight construction
• May require supervision to prevent balls from being misplaced

My Honest Take

This toy is ideal for parents looking for a straightforward developmental toy that encourages sensory exploration and hand-eye coordination. It’s easy to set up and sturdy enough to withstand regular toddler play. Beginners will appreciate its simplicity and immediate engagement, while experienced parents will value its developmental focus.

A practical tip is to keep the balls in a small container nearby to avoid losing them during playtime. The design offers peace of mind with its non-toxic materials and safe construction. Personally, I find it to be a charming and effective way to keep toddlers engaged while supporting their growth.

Junyobee Montessori Busy Board

One of the Best Developmental Toys for 18-24 Months, this busy board supports early learning through sensory and fine motor activities.

The Junyobee Montessori Busy Board is a hands-on educational toy designed for toddlers to explore matching, sequencing, and unlocking activities. Featuring six lock-shaped vehicles with numbers and corresponding keys, it encourages early math skills and fine motor development. The set is made from BPA-free plastic with smooth edges, making it safe and easy for little hands to manipulate.

In daily use, this toy offers a smooth progression from simple push-and-play to more challenging matching and unlocking games, keeping children engaged as they grow. Its compact size makes it portable and ideal for various settings, while the colorful design captures toddlers’ attention without overwhelming them.

Pros:

• Enhances number recognition with multi-format counting elements
• Supports fine motor skill development through hands-on interaction
• Safe, BPA-free materials suitable for young toddlers
• Progressive difficulty keeps children challenged and interested
• Compact and lightweight for easy travel and storage
• Gender-neutral multicolor design

Cons:

• Limited to numbers 1-6, may require additional toys for extended learning
• Small parts may not be suitable for children under 6 months

Who This Is Best For

This toy is ideal for parents looking for an educational and engaging developmental toy for toddlers aged 12 to 24 months. It’s particularly suitable for families who value Montessori-style learning and want a safe, easy-to-use activity board that grows with their child’s abilities. Beginners will find it straightforward to introduce, while more experienced toddlers can explore the unlocking challenge independently. For peace of mind, its BPA-free plastic construction means safety isn’t compromised, and its manageable size makes it easy to integrate into daily routines. Personally, I appreciate how it keeps little ones focused with minimal frustration, making learning feel like play.

Likee Shape Sorter Cube

One of the Best Developmental Toys for 18-24 Months, this shape sorter encourages fine motor skills and early learning through interactive play.

The LiKee Shape Sorter Cube is a colorful, Montessori-inspired developmental toy designed for toddlers aged 18 months and up. It comes with 10 different baby blocks that help children develop fine motor skills by matching shapes to the correct slots. The toy’s varying textures stimulate sensory exploration, while the sorting activity encourages early problem-solving and shape recognition.

In everyday use, the cube proves to be durable and engaging. Its manageable size and lightweight design make it easy for little hands to grasp and manipulate. The varying difficulty on different sides keeps toddlers interested as they learn and grow, while the tactile features help maintain their attention. It’s a reliable option for parents seeking both education and entertainment in one toy.

Pros:

• Encourages fine motor skill development with varying difficulty levels
• Stimulates sensory exploration through different textures
• Supports early learning of shapes and logic
• Compact and lightweight for easy toddler handling
• Engages children for extended periods, promoting patience
• Bright, multicolor design appeals to young children

Cons:

• Limited to one size and shape sorter style
• May require supervision for very young toddlers to avoid choking hazards

My Honest Take

This shape sorter is ideal for parents looking for a straightforward, educational toy that grows with their toddler. It’s simple enough for beginners but offers enough variation to keep kids engaged as their skills develop. Once unpacked, it’s ready to use immediately with no complicated setup. Just be mindful to supervise during playtime, especially with younger toddlers, to ensure safe use.

Personally, I appreciate how it blends sensory stimulation with learning in a compact package. It’s a comforting choice for parents who want a reliable toy that encourages hands-on development without overwhelming the child or the home.

Juxue Rainbow Spinning Stacker

One of the Best Developmental Toys for 18-24 Months, offering engaging stacking and spinning play for toddlers.

The JUXUE Rainbow Spinning Stacker is a colorful and interactive toy designed for toddlers aged 1 to 3 years. It features a screw rod with rainbow-colored discs that can be stacked, spun, and rotated in multiple ways. This toy encourages hands-on play, helping children explore colors, shapes, and cause-and-effect relationships in a simple and enjoyable way.

In everyday use, the toy proves to be sturdy and easy for little hands to manipulate. The spinning discs move smoothly and can keep toddlers entertained for extended periods without frustration. Its durable ABS plastic construction ensures it holds up well to regular play, making it a reliable choice for both parents and children.

Pros:

• Engages toddlers with stacking and spinning motions
• Supports hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills
• Two-color discs allow for creative play and color recognition
• Durable, BPA-free, and safety tested material
• Compact size fits well in play areas and easy to store
• Versatile play options with spinning and stacking modes

Cons:

• May be too simple for older toddlers seeking more complex challenges
• Some children might prefer louder or more interactive toys

My Recommendation

This toy is an excellent fit for parents looking for a safe and educational stacking toy that also entertains through spinning action. It’s beginner-friendly and doesn’t require supervision beyond usual toddler playtime. I’d suggest placing it in a play area where your child can comfortably explore the disc rotations without distractions.

Its sturdy design offers peace of mind regarding safety and durability. If you enjoy toys that combine learning and sensory engagement without extra noise, this is a solid choice. Personally, I appreciate how it balances simplicity with developmental benefits, making it a steady favorite during toddler play phases.