Gift Guide for Kids Two Year Old

The 2-year-old is no longer a baby, at least not in the clinical sense. She's beginning to communicate in phrases -- even real sentences -- and establish her independence from mom and dad. Her growing attention span and fine motor skills mean she can conquer more tasks, but she still gets frustrated easily if pieces are too small to manipulate, for instance.

Although she has friends, don't expect them to play together because she's into doing her own thing at this stage, including testing the waters of make-believe.

More developed fine motor skills mean older toddlers can amuse themselves for long periods of time with age-appropriate materials and find expression for their view of the world.

Chalk

Sidewalk chalk is large and easier to handle, and the canvas is always available.

Child-safe scissors

Pick their favorite color.

Crayons

Children this age handle the large-sized crayons best.

Collage materials

Some 2-year-olds can handle beads, buttons and feathers to make a collage. Just be sure they'll be closely supervised.

Easel

These come in free-standing or table-top models.

Markers

Most are non-toxic and wash easily from hands and most clothing.

Modeling dough

Buy it or make it yourself. Some homemade varieties are edible, too.

Paint and brushes

Or painting-sponge bottles for brushless painting and easy clean-up.

Painting smock

Slips over the head and fastens with a tie or Velcro at the sides. Some have pockets for supplies.

Stickers

These come in large gift sets with hundreds of stickers or in individual packages to decorate a gift or stuff a stocking.

Sponge brushes

Available in many different sizes and shapes to decorate cards or paintings for mom and dad.

Stamps

Rubber stamps to personalize note cards, books or gift wrap.

Tip : Many of these items can be bought in bulk, such as 10-ounce paint bottles, brushes and rolls of drawing paper.

The 2-year-old in your life may be just beginning to identify favorite clothes, so consider giving ones with a beloved character or object -- like Big Bird or trucks -- on them.

Coat

Keep in mind that zippers are faster than buttons and keep cold air out.

Dresses

Buy larger sizes for longer wear.

Gloves

Match coats and hats, if possible.

Hair ribbons and bows

Many styles are available for fine hair.

Hats

A floppy sun hat is great for the beach. In winter, make sure the hats cover the ears.

Jeans

Elastic waistbands are best for easy changes and comfort.

Overalls

Look for ones with snaps on both legs.

Sleepers

Pre-shrunk, 100% cotton is best for all infant clothing. Sleepwear should always be made of flame-retardant fabrics. These also come without the foot covering, which is handy when combining pajamas with socks and shoes. (It happens more often than you might think.)

Rompers

Look for snaps on both legs for easy diaper changes. Parents love these for their kids because they're comfortable to sleep in at naptime, too.

Shirts & ties

On special occasions, a boy could use a nice button-down shirt and a clip-on tie.

Shoes and socks

Avoid skid-proof tabs on the bottoms of socks if they are meant to wear with shoes. Those are strictly a shoeless item. Velcro closures on shoes are great for this age, and don't forget sandals in the summer and boots in the winter.

Shorts or pants

Some pants come with snaps, but they're not necessary because pants slip off easily for changes. Look for elastic waistbands in all cases.

Snowsuit

A must for building a snowman or going snow tubing with little ones.

Sunglasses with 100% UV protection

These come in fun shapes and styles, such as stars, hearts and polka dots.

Suspenders

Children this age are too young for belts, so suspenders are a great option.

Sweater

Knits are very warm and great for cold weather, but if it's for spring or climates that are temperate year-round, go with cotton for comfort.

Sweatshirt

These are much cozier than a sweater, especially during naptime.

T-shirts

Those with logos of favorite sports teams or cities are always a hit. Personalized ones from sisters, aunts or grandmothers make great gifts, too.

Two-piece outfits

Coordinates are often more dressy than rompers and make great special-occasion outfits for children this age.

Undershirts

The ones that snap together keep bellies warmer because they don't hike up under clothes. Look for front fasteners for easy dressing and diaper changes.

Tip : Many stores that carry children's clothing have 2-for-1 sales or 50% off the second item. Call ahead for information.

Kids this age are beginning to establish their likes and dislikes. Talk to the gift recipient's parents to find out if she prefers Teletubbies or flowers on her sheets.

Bookcase

Something small, just to get started. Make sure this matches the dŽcor of the room.

Closet organizer

Kids love the independence of doing things themselves. A kid-organized closet lets her reach her own clothes and put her own sweaters away. An unusual gift, but one that the child will love having.

Comforter

Nothing too babyish now. A favorite character will go over well but won't last as long because tastes change quickly at this age. Still, these can be found at reasonable prices and will take a beating anyway.

Decorative items

A switchplate with a pull string for him to turn the lights on and off, for example.

Dresser

Consider the size of the child's bedroom and that the top drawers of tall dressers are harder for kids to get into.

Glow-in-the-dark wall and ceiling stick-ons

Decorate the ceiling with these, then watch the "stars" fill the sky.

Growth chart

If he doesn't already have one of these, now is the time. Decorative wooden ones make great gifts and are portable when families move.

Iron-on wall mural kit

These inexpensive kits allow parents to iron a pattern straight onto the bedroom wall, then simply paint in the lines to create artist-quality murals.

Lamp

Decorative ones that match the child's bedroom theme are great. If you want to go all out, get one with a nightlight.

Magnetic paint

Allows you to turn the bedroom walls into a magnetic play board.

Mirror

Another useful but unusual gift. If the child has a sliding closet door, consider getting mirrored doors for a two-in-one gift.

Nightlight

These come in many varieties and styles and are small enough to fit on a package or stuff inside a stocking.

Sheets

In winter, a good set of flannel sheets will keep her warm. In summer, 100% cotton breathes for a good night's sleep.

Step stool

To reach high drawers and clothes on hangers. Many wooden ones can be personalized.

Toddler bed

Great for when space is limited. Toddler beds are the same size as most cribs, use the crib mattress and give kids a sense of being "grown up" without the move to a full-size bed. Consult with parents before giving this very personal item.

Toddler tables and chairs

Kids love to have their own space. These are great for snacks, coloring or entertaining.

Toothbrush holder

Given with a favorite character toothbrush.

Toy chest

If she doesn't have one yet, this is overdue. Some people prefer bins to toy chests, but anything that holds toys will work.

Wall hangings

Many decorative styles are available; these come in wood and cloth.

Tip : Be sure to determine if the piece you're buying is solid wood or veneer.

A 2-year-old is reaching the age at which she can appreciate a special heirloom gift.

Music box

Found in the form of snow globes, treasure boxes or figurines.

Photo album

Spring for the acid-free paper for a special gift.

Picture frames

Decorated with balloons, boats, bears or ballerinas, these will be put to good use.

Piggy bank

If it's silver, include a cleaning kit for mom and dad.

Quilt

Many can be personalized. Even better, make it yourself.

Silver Items

Rattle, spoon, dishes or dresser set, most of which can be engraved.

Tooth fairy box

She'll always know where her baby teeth are stored.

There are plenty of computer software programs for children this young. Even if your recipient seems especially bright, heed the recommended age ranges so he doesn't become frustrated.

CDs and cassettes

Sing-along songs for the car are great for long trips or for a quick diversion.

Instruments

Drums, tambourines or toy keyboards, for example.

Music box

Start a collection of carousels or lighthouses.

Software

Check the age range on the box.

Check the age range on the box.

Many come in bright kid colors. Some have microphones for singing along.

Toys that talk or play music

A delight for this age of wanting to push buttons and make things go.

Videos and DVDs

Don't always go for the pure mainstream videos. There are many bedtime stories and popular book writers who have video versions of their books.

Wind-up plush toy

Whether it's a pull-string or wind-up style, kids love these interactive talking/singing toys.

Tip : Listen to sample songs at your local music store or online. If the music is driving you nuts after five minutes, have mercy on the parents and get something else

Keep in mind that necessities, especially safety products, are more for the parents than the child at this stage.

Potty seat

Kids are surprisingly pleased to receive this gift, and parents will thank you, too. For boys, accessorize the package with sinkers (you guessed it, little floating targets). For girls, a pair of fancy underwear goes a long way toward encouraging training.

Step stool

For washing hands, brushing teeth and giving dolls a "bath." Make this one special by getting wood and personalizing it with her name.

Booster seat

Kids this age don't like to be confined in a high chair any longer. These are great for any dining table.

Umbrella stroller

A lightweight, collapsible stroller. Also a nice gift for people with twins who may only have one of their children with them on an outing.

Safety products

Such as door jams (that keep fingers from getting pinched) and sliding-glass-door restraints (to keep toddlers from entering "restricted" areas).

Look for toys with lasting play value, rather than the latest "hot" item. A new book is always a welcome gift.

Bath Toys

Bath books

Kids this age may put up a struggle at bath time. Giving them a little something to "read" during a hair washing often helps.

Bath puppets

A washcloth that doubles as a puppet.

Floating toys

Such as balls, boats, rubber toys, nesting cups and sponges. Make sure these are safe for children under 3 years old.

Suction-cup toys

Kids love removing and repositioning the suction toys. Some are larger with lots of bells and whistles and hang on the inside of the tub wall.

Waterworks

A floating structure with features such as wells, a paddle wheel and a squirter. Great for water experiments in the bathtub.

Outdoor Toys

Balls and bats

Offered in a variety of toddler-size models.

Sand box

Consider the size of the yard, and be sure to get one with a cover for rainy days.

Shovel and pail

The true beach and pool toys. It's best to have a separate set from the bath toys because the outdoor variety get pretty dirty.

Sprinklers

The perfect item for hot days to water the lawn and the children. These come in the form of favorite characters or funny-looking animals.

Swimming pool

Keep the size of the yard in mind. For smaller areas, inflatable styles are nice, though the hard plastic models stand up more to wear and tear.

Swing set

These require considerable space in the yard.

Toddler-size play gyms

Typically built with multilevel platforms, two or three steps, railings, tunnels and a gentle slope slide.

Wagon

The classic gauge steel red wagon will go over big at this age. One tip: Be there when they open this one; you won't want to miss that expression.

Tricycle

Come in high upright styles or low-riding models. Some have a handle for parents to push the rider -- a real back-saver!

Travel Toys

Activity books

Look in the mirror on one page, lace the shoe on the next, snap the snap on the next. These are great fun and travel well.

Attachable stroller and car seat bars

Losing a favorite toy causes distress for both baby and parent and wastes time combing the park, sand and streets. These attachable activity toys provide hours of worry-free enjoyment.

Books

Small, sturdy board books are the best for cars and travel.

Linking rings

Not only a fun toy, but a good skill-builder.

Suction-cup toys

Perfect for windows and restaurant tables.

More Toys

Animals

Horses and dinosaurs and farms are popular, but there are many others. Make sure these are appropriate for children under 3 years old.

Balls

All types -- football, soccer, large, rubber kick balls -- just make not to get something small that can be swallowed.

Beanbag toys

Check to be sure that these are safe for children under 3 years old.

Blocks and other building toys

These come in a large variety of sizes, from hand-held wooden blocks to floor-size plastic building squares to hollow cardboard builders.

Dolls

Best to get baby dolls as opposed to the 12-inch fashion doll, which includes parts that are too small for children this age. Soft centers are nice for cuddling.

Multi-activity centers

Either a flat toy or a table, these include a variety of dials and buttons.

Nesting cups

A great developmental toy. Kids can either nest these together or build tall towers.

Play figures and characters

Such as little people characters or favorite television figures.

Play sets

Such as kitchen utensils, play tools, medical kits, and play stores. Larger items include shopping baskets, doll strollers, kitchens and tool benches.

Puppets

Can be bought separately, in sets or as a whole theater with stage and curtain.

Pull toys

Strings should be cut to 12 inches or less.

Puzzles

With five or fewer easy-to-grasp pieces.

Sorting toys

Such as a wooden board with inserts for circles, squares, triangles and rectangles.

Stacking rings

A classic tapered cone with multi-colored rings. No home is complete without this one.

Stuffed animals

Check to make sure they're safe for children under 3 years old.

Train sets

Toddler-size train sets or just vehicles such as cars, trucks, dumpsters and planes.

Books

Simple story books parents can read aloud, as well as those with lots of action, pull tabs and moveable parts, hold a toddler's interest. Make it even more special by being the first to read it to her.

Activity books

Look in the mirror on one page, lace the shoe on the next, snap the snap on the next. These are great fun and travel well.

Board books

Two-year-olds are pretty tough on books. Many popular favorites come in this hardback style.

Cloth books

These are good travel books and soft to curl up with -- literally.

Electronic books that make sounds

A child this age loves music books and can now handle one with a toy keyboard and a stop button.

Fairy tales

These are the stories you grew up with -- Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen and Aesop -- though there are many other collections.

Learning books

It's time to say goodbye to blankets or learn to potty train. There are many specialized books to help kids reach these milestones, based upon a popular character that is struggling with the same "problem."

Nursery rhymes

Kids are really beginning to pick up on rhyme and rhythm now. They'll love the sound of these books.

Picture books

These are the lifeblood of books for young children. Large pictures with few words.

Pop-up books

You may want to get two of these; they get torn easily.

Pull-tab action books

Kids this age love to pull the tabs and see what happens.

Tip : Items like train sets and blocks are available in wood and plastic. While wood is classic material, plastic works just as well for half the price.