18 month old children are not only walking, but many have begun to run, climb well, and seem to get into everything. Their vocabulary is growing and they love to explore every nook and cranny of your home and yard. Their fine motor skills are also developing and toddlers of this age have begun to engage in imaginative play. When purchasing toys for children this age most people find the choice to be somewhat overwhelming making it more difficult to find just the right toy.
In order to help make shopping for children of this age faster and easier we have compiled a list of the best premium 18 month old toys.
In a Rush? See Our Top 3 Picks Just Below
Top Pick: Classic Lego Duplos Brick Set
Runner Up: Caterpillar Climbing & Tunnel Toy
2nd Runner Up: Toy Food Truck
Our Criteria for Evaluating Toys for an 18 Month Old Baby
Every toy that makes our premium toy list must meet the following criteria:
Educational Value
We consider the educational value of each toy to determine if the toy can aid a child in their physical, cognitive, emotional or social development. We consider whether or not a certain toy can aid the child in acquiring skills they need as they get older and will it help them to better understand the world around them?
Entertainment Value
We also consider the entertainment value of each toy. Is it something that will appeal to a child of this age? We determine the toy’s ability to engage the child for a period of time and whether or not it is a toy that will encourage the child to engage in independent play.
The Best Gift Ideas & Toys for 18 Month Olds
1. PlaySkool Sit and Spin
A great gift for any young toddler this Sit and Spin toy is basically a self propelled merry-go-round that the eighteen month old can operate all by his or her self.
Positives
Easy assembly
Helps children develop balance and engage in self play
Negatives
Smaller than some parents expect
2. Fisher Price Beat Bo Deluxe
This robot-like Bright Beats toy offers toddlers 3 different ways to play. Dance and Move, Learning and games. With bright lights and music this battery operated toy is sure to keep any child amused and entertained for a long period of time. (Takes 1A battery)
Positives
Sings about 10 songs and offers many other activities
Grows with child
Negatives
Some units have problems with shorting out
3. Duplo Blocks
Most 18 month old toddlers don’t just enjoy taking apart or knocking down towers you build, they have also begun stacking blocks on their own. These Duplo blocks are a good basic building block set to introduce your baby to building.
Positives
Not too many blocks so your child won’t get overwhelmed
Great open ended toy
Negatives
There aren’t enough blocks to build a lot of different things with
4. Caterpillar Tunnel
A great gift for any eigtheen month olds this caterpillar tunnel is designed not only as a crawl through piece of playground equipment, but also as a climb upon toy. This tunnel has rounded edges for safety.
Positives
Helps children develop gross motor skills
Provides children with a mode of exercise
Negatives
Feet fall off if you move the tunnel
5. Big Red Barn Toy
A perfect gift to encourage an 18 to 24 month olds imagination this farm animal and barn will allow the child to play “farm” the set comes with a farmer, a horse, cow, pig and sheep. Will also help children improve their fine motor skills
Positives
- Nice large barn
- Everything stores inside when playtime is over
Negatives
- Some sets had missing pieces
6. Natural Wood Musical Instruments
If you want to encourage a young child to love music and be able to tap out a beat this set of natural wood musical instruments can inspire your child to make music and even move to their own beat. This makes a great gift to provide an opportunity for that toddler to play with others and to share.
Positives
Well made
Allows kids to experiment with different sounds
Negatives
Some parts of the wood is a bit rough
7. Friction Powered Vehicles
This fruction powered train with trailer, front end loader, bulldozer and dump truck makes a great toy for a little boy or girl. Each of the vehicles has moving parts which toddlers love to explore and play with.
Positives
No sharp edges
Encourages joint play with others
Negatives
A bit cheaply made
8. Fisher Price Bubble Mower
A fun outdoor toy for an 18 month old this bubble mower makes a great gift idea! Kids get a kick out of watching the motor spin and bubbles come out of the machine while real motor sounds make kids feel like they are really mowing.
Positives
No batteries
Can use without bubbles
Negatives
Bubbles don’t always work like they should
9. Little Tikes Slide
A great spring or summer gift for a young child, this Little Tikes slide will provide a child with fun in their own backyard. Most people are surprised that something as simple as a slide can spur a child’s imagination as they turn this piece of playground equipment into a mountain, a waterfall, or even a cave.
Positives
Sturdy
Flat area at the bottom stops the child from flying off the slide
Negatives
Have to remove the legs to store the slide
10. Laugh & Learn Food Truck
With this imaginery food truck kids can enjoy making pretend food while enjoying fun songs, phrases and sounds. Kids will have fun serving up food with a light up pretend grill, sink and service bell.
Positives
Songs are actually cute and catchy
Lots of fun activities keep children engaged
Negatives
Can fall over easily if your child leans on it
What Stuff to Get for an 18 Month Old Who Has too Many Toys?
Often times toddlers have so many toys that they have a difficult time deciding what toy to play leading to a feeling of discontent. If you want to give an 18 month old boy or girl a gift that is not a toy, here are a couple of great ideas.
1. Quality Bedding Set
Most children of this age have a bed rather than a crib, so giving them a gift of an cut bedding set will make a great gift for any 18 months old. This cute little animal inspired bedding is perfect for either a boy or a girl.
2. Nightlight Star Projector
This star nightlight projector will light up the walls and ceiling and makes for a lovely way to fall asleep. Since this projector comes with a timer parents can set a time for the lights to turn off.
Tips for Choosing Toys & Gifts for an 18 Month Old Boy or Girl
- Look for toys that will provide the child with opportunities for both quiet and active play
- Choose toys that can help the child improve various skills they will need throughout their lives
- Open ended toys always make good gifts for toddlers allowing them to play with these toys in a variety of ways.
- Check the reviews for the toy or gift prior to buying so you can be as informed as possible as to the quality and durability of the toy.
Wrapping Up Our Guide to the Best Toys & Gift Ideas for 18 Month Olds
We really hope that our article about the best toys for 18 month old boys and girl has helped you find a better gift and also saved you some time!
