Iraya What to give a 2-year-old: 8 ideas they'll actually use
At 2, everything gets touched, stacked, knocked over and started again. This list isn't a catalogue: these are ideas that work at home, for boys and girls and at every budget. Only one of them is ours, and we'll say so clearly.
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8 gift ideas for a 2-year-old
- Big building blocks. Fitting, stacking and knocking down is their favourite sport. Big pieces are best, too big to fit in their mouth.
- A ride-on or a balance bike. Lots of children start on a balance bike between 2 and 3, always with a helmet from day one.
- Pretend play: a toy kitchen, a pushchair, a doll to look after. At this age they start copying everything they see at home.
- Simple instruments: a drum, maracas, a xylophone. Noisy, yes, but they adore them.
- Chunky crayons and finger paint. A roll of paper on the floor keeps them busy for whole afternoons.
- Jigsaws with just a few pieces, with knobs, or shape sorters.
- Board books and lift-the-flap books, so they can handle them on their own without you worrying about tears.
- A book with their face. If you want something they'll keep, The Sock Planet or Dinosaur Valley are for children aged 2 to 8, to read together with their face on every page.
What to bear in mind at this age
Always check the manufacturer's recommended age: many toys with small parts carry the warning “not suitable for children under 36 months” because they still put everything in their mouths. And less is more: three toys they use are worth more than ten that stay in the box.
Another idea that usually goes down well is giving time: a morning at a farm park, an afternoon at the park with the grandparents or a storytelling session at the library.
Why a personalised book at 2?
At 2 they love having the same story read to them again and again, and seeing themselves in the book multiplies the effect: they point, say their name and carry it everywhere. In our books your little one is drawn from a photo, with their face and their name, in a 20×20 cm hardback.
It costs €39.99, and before you pay you see their character and the cover for free. If they haven't turned 2 yet, have a look at the guide to gifts for a 1-year-old; for slightly older children, what to give a 4-year-old.
Our books
The Sock Planet
Dinosaur Valley
Super Hero Saves the City
The Princess and Fumarola the Dragon
The Day You ArrivedFrequently asked questions
Which toys are best avoided at 2?
Anything with small parts, loose magnets or button batteries within reach. Check the manufacturer's age warning.
Is a book a good gift for a 2-year-old?
Yes, especially if you read it together. Hardbacks and board books stand up better to daily use.
Which personalised book suits a 2-year-old?
The Sock Planet and Dinosaur Valley, designed for children aged 2 to 8. If they're still a baby aged 0 to 1, The Day You Arrived.
Will it arrive in time for their birthday?
It usually arrives 7 to 9 working days after you order. Order about two weeks ahead to be safe.