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29 Best Gifts for 18-Month-Olds

LEGO Duplo
Danny Ashton
Written by
Danny Ashton
Written by
Danny Ashton
Danny is the father of a 5-year-old who loves video games and a very active 2-year-old who is always playing outside. He has made plenty of mistakes buying toys in the early years of parenthood, so hopes he can help others avoid the same fate.
James Booth
Edited by
James Booth
Edited by
James Booth
Managing Editor
James loved anything Star Wars related as a kid! These days he uses the force to make sure TheToyZone is consistently publishing articles our readers will trust and find real value in. On his off days, you'll find him in the woods searching for Ewoks.
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TheToyZone is an independent publication with no ties with companies mentioned on the site. We don’t accept free products in exchange for glowing reviews. Instead, we report our own findings to help you make an informed decision.

Boys at 18 months old become more confident and curious, getting into anything and everything! Boys and girls at this age need toys that can stimulate their minds, keep them engaged, and give them productive ways to spend their time. That’s a lot to try to find in a toy.

To help you meet this tall order, we delved into parenting blogs, forums, and social media posts to find lots of authentic parent reviews and recommendations for the best gifts for 18-month-old boys and girls. 

We sorted the wheat from the chaff and screened each shortlisted toy for review manipulation to give you useful options to choose from and make finding gifts for your little ones as easy as 1-2-3

The Top 3 Gifts for 18-Month-Old

Toy
iPlay, iLearn 3 in 1 Baby Walker Sit to Stand Toys, Kids Activity Center, Toddlers Musical Fun Table, Lights and Sounds, Learning, Birthday Gift for 9, 12, 18 Months, 1, 2 Year Old, Infant, Boy, Girl
Wooden Train Set for Toddler with Train Track & Bead Maze, fits Brio, fits Thomas, fits Melissa and Doug, Toy Train for 18 Month 2 3 4 Year Old Boys and Girls
SHIERDU Montessori Toys for 1 and 2 Year Old, Multifunctional Orchard Toy Car, Size Sorting and Counting Puzzle Game, Carrots Harvest Developmental Gifts for Boys and Girls
Biggest Pro
Multifunctional toy that encourages movement, creativity, and interactive play
Classic toy that withstands the test of time
Encourages varied educational play
Biggest Con
Requires 3 x AA batteries
Track length is short so made need additional pieces
Size was smaller than expected
Price
$55.78
Price not available
$14.99
Best Overall
Toy
iPlay, iLearn 3 in 1 Baby Walker Sit to Stand Toys, Kids Activity Center, Toddlers Musical Fun Table, Lights and Sounds, Learning, Birthday Gift for 9, 12, 18 Months, 1, 2 Year Old, Infant, Boy, Girl
Biggest Pro
Multifunctional toy that encourages movement, creativity, and interactive play
Biggest Con
Requires 3 x AA batteries
Price
$55.78
More information
Best Budget Option
Toy
Wooden Train Set for Toddler with Train Track & Bead Maze, fits Brio, fits Thomas, fits Melissa and Doug, Toy Train for 18 Month 2 3 4 Year Old Boys and Girls
Biggest Pro
Classic toy that withstands the test of time
Biggest Con
Track length is short so made need additional pieces
Price
Price not available
More information
Best Educational Toy
Toy
SHIERDU Montessori Toys for 1 and 2 Year Old, Multifunctional Orchard Toy Car, Size Sorting and Counting Puzzle Game, Carrots Harvest Developmental Gifts for Boys and Girls
Biggest Pro
Encourages varied educational play
Biggest Con
Size was smaller than expected
Price
$14.99
More information

Whether you’re looking for the perfect Christmas or birthday present or just looking for something new to keep your little one entertained, our varied selection includes gifts that are educational, fun, and help kids to spend time both indoors and outdoors.

With 29 awesome gifts, there are options for all different interests and personalities, so be sure to check out the full list below.

1. Best Overall: iPlay, iLearn Sit to Stand Walker

This sit-to-stand walker from iPlay won’t just help your little one find their feet, but will offer them hours of varied play thanks to its inbuilt activity features and transformable sketch table, creating a versatile 3-in-1 toy that fosters physical exercise, creativity, and play. 

Its lightweight yet durable build makes it an excellent option for helping children take their first steps. It has a sturdy base to allow your little one to stand tall and a thick handle to keep them gripping the bar for support. The walker also plays fun music when being pushed along to encourage your child to keep on moving.

1 iPlay iLearn Sit to Stand Walker

Perhaps one of the most interactive toys on this list, the walker can be transformed into a sketching table for hours of doodling and drawing or left upright to play with an assortment of stimulating games, such as the car steering wheel, mini mobile phone, or animal happy town, introducing a host of new phrases, colors, and sounds through play. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Push toy
Manufacturer recommended age:9 months – 6 years
Educational objective(s):Encourages movement, cognitive development, and creative thinking
Material:ABS Plastic
Batteries required?3 x AA Batteries

What We Love:

❤️ 3-in-1 multi-functioning walker and activity set
❤️ Variety of engaging toys 
❤️ Will be used for years to come
❤️ Volume adjustment allows for quieter play

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Small wheels may get slowed down in thick carpets
💔 Sketching magnets are small and may get lost easily 

2. Best Budget Option: Toddler’s First Wooden Train Set

Another firm favorite amongst all kids is the wooden train set. Many of us will have played with a similar set ourselves and remember the hours of fun spent building the tracks and pushing along our trains. This introductory set, for toddlers 18 months and up, will undoubtedly be a hit for your child too and soon become a go-to within the toy box.  

Designed to be your toddler’s first wooden train set, it boasts a range of interactive and sensory elements that will challenge the mind as well as bring about a fun-filled playtime. With colorful tracks, beaded bridges, and a geared turning station, this set will keep your child engaged, stimulating their imagination as they figure out all the possibilities the set offers.

2 Toddlers First Wooden Train Set

This set is made from premium beech wood, with sanded edges for a smooth, splinter-free finish. Plus, as they grow older they can expand the set, using practically any alternative wooden train tracks. Allowing them to create their own routes and continue playing with the set for years to come. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Wooden Toy
Manufacturer recommended age:18 months and up
Educational objective(s):Develops hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Encourages color and shape recognition
Material:Beechwood 
Batteries required?No

What We Love:

❤️ Adds new engaging features to the classic wooden toy set
❤️ Can add tracks for increased versatility over the years
❤️ Made of premium, organic materials 
❤️ Thoughtfully designed for younger kids

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Small set means little versatility in track route without expansion
💔 Greater variety of trains would be great

3. Best Educational Option: Montessori Multifunctional Orchard 

When it comes to educational toys, many can be overly rigid and lack imagination. That certainly is not the case with the Multifunctional Orchard from Montessori. With various interactive ways of playing, this toy is a fantastic tool for developing how children think, explore, and figure things out. 

From shape sorting to color recognition, the orchard fosters creative thinking and spatial reasoning within your child. Not to mention, this toy also serves as an excellent means of getting kids to engage with food, learn about how it is produced and encourage them to eat more fruit and vegetables. 

3 Montessori Multifunctional Orchard

The toy itself is made from sanded wooden pieces, giving it a high-quality feel, while the individual pieces are brightly decorated using non-toxic water-based paints. In between play times, the cart turns into a convenient storage unit, as all the pieces tidy away inside the cart, leaving no mess at all. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:STEM Toy
Manufacturer recommended age:12 months and up
Educational objective(s):Counting and sorting skills. Hand-eye coordination and spatial reasoning. Creative thinking
Material:Wood
Batteries required?No

What We Love:

❤️ Thoughtful toy offering many developmental advantages to toddlers
❤️ Develops counting and cognitive skills
❤️ Introduces healthy foods and how they are produced
❤️ All loose pieces store away neatly inside the cart

What We Don’t Love:

💔 The cart was found to be smaller than some customers expected

4. Little Tikes Push and Ride Racer

As your toddler starts to take their first steps, push along toys are great means of steadying their wobbly little legs as they begin to race around the home. This increased stability will boost their confidence and grant them a new-found sense of independence as they learn to stride under their own steam. 

When they begin to tire from walking, they can also hop aboard for a scoot-along ride, as this Little Tikes walker doubles up as a ride-on racer. This two-way toy will improve balance and coordination whilst also preparing them for their first balance-bike, proving a worthwhile investment with hours of use in store. 

4 Little Tikes Push and Ride Racer

Made of robust, colorful plastic, this toy is suitable for both indoor and outdoor play. Plus, thanks to its sturdy handle and well-made seat, this unit will comfortably support their weight, allowing them to walk, run and clamber on board to scoot themselves along. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Push toy
Manufacturer recommended age:9 months – 3 years
Educational objective(s):Increased mobility and balance. Develops motor skills
Material:Plastic
Batteries required?No

What We Love:

❤️ Made of durable material that will withstand the test of time. 
❤️ Eye-catching primary colorway
❤️ Doubles up as push along walker and ride on scooter
❤️ Perfect size for toddlers to use independently 

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Assembly can be a bit tricky
💔 Wheels can be slightly slippy taking a little getting used to at first

5. Mega Bloks Caterpillar Large Dump Truck

Ask any little boy what their favorite toy is, and no doubt you’ll hear either trucks or building blocks. So, what could be better than the two combined? This fantastic set comes with a driver figurine, 25 Blok pieces, and of course, an XL dump truck. 

The truck is modeled on the mega Caterpillar dumpers found on real-life construction sites. Complete with monster-sized wheels and a moveable bin to haul Bloks whilst in transit and dump them at the site, ready for your child’s imagination to run wild and create new constructions.

5 Mega Bloks Caterpillar Large Dump Truck

Measuring in at 17x12x12 inches, this is certainly on the larger side when it comes to toy trucks, while its bright yellow body and black trim make it really look the part. As part of the Blok family, you can also add more building blocks that will work seamlessly with the 25 already included for bigger and better constructions. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Vehicle
Manufacturer recommended age:12 months – 5 years
Educational objective(s):Creative thinking. Hones fine motor skills
Material:TPR Plastic
Batteries required?No

What We Love:

❤️ Realistic yet fun design
❤️ Moveable, functioning components 
❤️ Comes with figure and 25 Bloks as standard

What We Don’t Love:

💔 It could come with more bloks
💔 The locking mechanism on the bin is easily moved

6. Melissa & Doug K’s Kids – Teddy Wear Stuffed Bear

This Melissa & Doug Teddy Wear is great for kids that want a more comfy and snuggly toy to play with. Parents too will notice their little one settle down for bed easier and love the quieter side of play this bear brings.

The Teddy Wear isn’t your typical stuffed animal, however. You have the ability to dress this bear, getting it to don its super-cool coveralls, which incorporate different fastenings such as buttons, zippers, and buckles. Helping your child to develop skills that will come in handy when they start dressing themselves.

6 Melissa Doug Teddy Wear Stuffed Bear

Made from super soft plush material that makes it perfect to cuddle up to, this unique bear has multicolored ears and paws for added stimulation and is washing machine safe too, allowing you to clean up any inevitable spills and stains without stress.  

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Plush toy
Manufacturer recommended age:18 months – 4 years
Educational objective(s):Hone motor skills. Learn about new fastenings. Develop social skills
Material:Plush material, plus denim and satin features
Batteries required?No

What We Love:

❤️ Great for developing motor skills 
❤️ Will set them up for dressing themselves in the future
❤️ Made from super soft material 
❤️ Machine washable

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Could have a typical belt buckle for more practice opportunities
💔 Would be great to have two separate outfits

7. Steering Wheel Car Seat Toy

At 18 months, all kids want to do is emulate their heroes, also known as parents. Whether it’s everyday chores, chatting on the phone, or even driving the car! What better way to keep them occupied during car journeys than giving them the tools to have fun pretending to drive, just like you. 

Of course, there’s more to this toy than simply copying you as you drive. With interactive signals, horns, and gears, they will also be honing their motor skills and hand-eye coordination whilst learning what each feature does with fun car sounds feeding back their actions when used.

7 Steering Wheel Car Seat Toy

With an eye-catching design, clad in an array of colorful vehicles you’ll find on the road, this steering wheel toy will have your kids dreaming of road-trips. Featuring a super simple fastening mechanism, you can attach this toy to the headrest in front of the car seat or even affix it to a stroller or crib for more versatile use. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Travel Toy
Manufacturer recommended age:18 months and up
Educational objective(s):Develops hand-eye coordination and motor skills. Introduces the fundamentals of driving a car
Material:Combination of plastic and soft cotton material
Batteries required?3 x AA batteries

What We Love:

❤️ Allows children to learn through imitation
❤️ Movable features and interactive sounds offer realistic play
❤️ Adaptable to different settings, whether in the car or on the go attached to a stroller
❤️ Still keeps kids occupied without batteries

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Emits sounds which may prove annoying on long drives
💔 Requires 3 x AA batteries  

8. Peppa Pig Plush Toy

When it comes to plush toys, some children react more positively to familiar faces and characters. If this sounds familiar, then who could be better to turn to than everyone’s favorite pig, Peppa! 

By knowing the character of their soft toy, you can expect a greater deal of communication between child and toy as they feel more comfortable and confident, having no doubt been chatting away with Peppa on screen every time they watch an episode.

8 Peppa Pig Plush Toy

This Peppa plush toy is made of super soft material, whilst remaining durable and washing machine safe, so will stand the test of time. At 8 inches tall, this makes it the perfect size for small hands, whilst big enough to snuggle up to. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Plush Toy
Manufacturer recommended age:6 months and up
Educational objective(s):Develop social skills. Creative play
Material:Plush material
Batteries required?No

What We Love:

❤️ Super soft and squidgy
❤️ Washing machine safe
❤️ Perfect size for toddlers
❤️ Still super cute even if they don’t watch Peppa Pig

What We Don’t Love:

💔 No interactive or customizable features

9. Green Toys Seaplane

Bath time won’t be a chore once your toddler gets their hands on the Green Toys Seaplane. Whether soaring through the air or landing on choppy waters, the plane features a spinning propeller as well as oversized pontoons to ensure that it floats on the water’s surface.

Whilst introducing your child to new and exciting forms of transport, they can take the reins as captain and hone their fine motor skills and pincer grip as they play. Plus, with room in the cockpit for a pilot, they can slot in their favorite figure to double up the fun.

9 Green Toys Seaplane

Made in the USA from 100% recycled materials and printed soy inks, this toy is not just safe for your little one to use, but comes with a miniscule carbon footprint, making it great for the environment too.  

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Vehicle 
Manufacturer recommended age:12 months – 6 years
Educational objective(s):Creative play. Tunes fine and gross motor skills. Introduces concepts of varied transport and recycled materials
Material:100% recycled plastic
Batteries required?No

What We Love:

❤️ Environmentally friendly, made completely from recycled materials
❤️ Your kids won’t want to leave the tub
❤️ Can be used at the beach or pool
❤️ Eye-catching colors and cartoonish features make a great design

What We Don’t Love:

💔 A wind-up propeller would be great to make the plane move on water
💔 It does intake water, so runs the risk of sinking if used in deep water

10. Blue Whale Buckle Toy

When it comes to finding the perfect toy animal, you want something that will spark the imagination and help create a connection between your youngster and the natural world. Well, this super-soft blue whale toy ticks all those boxes and more.

With a plethora of sensory and tactile features such as zips and buckles, this whale will help your toddler develop their cognitive abilities and hand-eye coordination. Whilst also honing color, number, and shape recognition through its embroidered patterns. 

10 Blue Whale Buckle Toy

On top of being an excellent developmental toy, this whale is perfect to cuddle up to with its plush material and snuggle-able size. Its additional features are well-made and well secured to the whale, so you can rest assured it will stand up to the rigors of playtime. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Animal Toy
Manufacturer recommended age:12 months – 4 years
Educational objective(s):Develops fine motor skills. Cognitive abilities. Hand-eye coordination. Problem-solving skills
Material:Plush material with zip and plastic buckle features
Batteries required?No

What We Love:

❤️ Highly stimulating, with interactive and educational design
❤️ Doubles up as a cuddly soft toy
❤️ Screen-free interaction that is perfect on the go
❤️ Introduces deep sea creatures to the imagination

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Buckles can be fiddly, so keep an eye on their little fingers at first

11. Fisher-Price Little People Animal Farm Set

For many young children, nothing beats going on a day trip to the farm or petting zoo. If this sounds like your little one, then what could be better than giving them their own toy farm to have at home 24/7 where they can help Farmer Jed care for his beloved animals.

From hatching chickens, churning corn, or ringing the dinner bell, this interactive farm set will help develop greater emotional intelligence and self-expression as they learn to feed and take care of the chickens, horses, pigs, and cows on the farm. Not to mention indulging their imaginations with the interactive discovery buttons that play noises, songs, and phrases you’d associate with farm life.

11 Fisher Price Little People Animal Farm Set

Made of robust, toxin-free plastic, this set comes with the exemplary build quality you’d expect from a Fisher-Price toy. With a range of eye-catching colors, moveable features, plus four farm favorite animals (along with a Farmer Jed figure of course), there is plenty to keep your toddler entertained for hours on end. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Animal
Manufacturer recommended age:12 months – 5 years
Educational objective(s):Sensory stimulation. Imaginative play. Emotional and communication development
Material:Plastic
Batteries required?2 x AA batteries (included)

What We Love:

❤️ Fosters emotional intelligence as kids learn to care for the animals
❤️ Lots of interactive features 
❤️ Plenty of features are not reliant on batteries 
❤️ Colorful, robust design

What We Don’t Love:

💔 More animals would be even better
💔 Doesn’t include Old MacDonald as one of its songs! 

12. Labebe Wooden Rocking Horse

Some toys withstand the test of time better than others, and it’s fair to say that no toy proves this more so than the humble rocking horse. Decade after decade, the latest must-have toy hits the shelves, but as they fall out of favor, the rocking horse remains ever popular.

And for good reason, too! A quality rocking horse, such as this option from Labebe, brings a new element to playtime that most toys can’t. Watch their excitement grow as they gleefully gallop for hours on end, all within your own home. As well as letting their imagination run wild, the rocking horse will help to develop your kid’s muscles by encouraging the rocking movement and improving balance.

12 Labebe Wooden Rocking Horse

Made from a ply and solid wood combination, this rocking horse provides a super stable base, without being too heavy, allowing for an easy rocking motion. With its unique design using lead-free paints, this horse will catch the eye as well as your child’s imagination. It also boasts a solid backguard and restricted base to ensure your little one can play safely. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Wooden Toy
Manufacturer recommended age:12 months – 3 years
Educational objective(s):Develops core and leg strength. Improves balance 
Material:Plywood and cottonwood, painted with lead-free materials
Batteries required?No

What We Love:

❤️ Solid plywood and uses safe paint for high-quality finish
❤️ Old school toy that offers screen-free fun
❤️ Cute design for a more modern aesthetic
❤️ Safety features ensure horse won’t topple

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Could be a little larger in size

13. Finger Crafts for Toddlers

All kids love to draw, be it coloring in, doodling, or even redecorating your walls. With these easy-grip Finger Crayons, you can encourage their creative side and help them develop artistic skills as these crayons are specifically designed for use by toddlers just learning how to color.

Not only do these crayons provide an easy outlet for your child’s imagination while drawing, but they also offer varied developmental benefits. From color recognition to honing the fine motor skills essential to holding a pen and eventually writing, these crayons will give your child excellent foundations for skills they will later need in life. 

13 Finger Crafts for Toddlers

Available with 12 different colors, these crayons are also stackable for double the fun. Not to mention, they are easily washed off, leaving no trace on your little one’s hands. They contain no harmful toxins and also have a clever anti-choking air hole, so you can leave them to draw their masterpiece without the need for supervision. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Arts and Crafts
Manufacturer recommended age:12 months and up
Educational objective(s):Creativity honing fine motor skills
Material:Food-grade paraffin wax
Batteries required?No

What We Love:

❤️ All of the crayons are capable of being stacked on top of each other for playing purposes
❤️ 100% washable and non-toxic
❤️ Super easy to grip 

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Can break if thrown or stepped on
💔 Can be a bit chunky for little hands

14. Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Breakfast Toast & Waffles Set

If your toddler loves to get creative and isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty, then look no further than the Play-Doh Kitchen Creations set. We all know and love Play-Doh for its hands-on arts and crafts fun, and that’s exactly what you can expect from this introductory set.

With a range of molds and templates included, your child will be able to recreate some of the yummy breakfasts that might have been conjured up in your real-life kitchen. Whether waffles or toast, this set will foster creativity, get them to engage with new foods, and hone motor skills when using the tools.  

14 Play Doh Kitchen Creations Breakfast Toast Waffles Set

With 5 assorted pots of different colored Play-Doh, you can recreate breakfast like never before. Mold, shape, and smush the putty into lifelike creations or of course, you can also ditch the molds and allow your kids to go wild allowing for continued, repeated use in the future too. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Arts and Crafts
Manufacturer recommended age:3 months and up
Educational objective(s):Encourages creativity. Increases tactile awareness
Material:Modeling putty and plastic tools
Batteries required?No

What We Love:

❤️ Comes with 5 different pots of Play-Doh
❤️ Includes tools and molds to recreate life-like breakfasts
❤️ Can be reused and repurposed for endless creations

What We Don’t Love:

💔 The set is quite small so doesn’t create true-to-scale breakfast foods

15. LeapFrog Chat and Count Smart Phone

Give a child all the toys in the world, and the odds are they will still want to play with your phone. The bright lights and fun sounds draw them in like a moth to a flame, so why not get them a phone of their own?

Fear not, we aren’t suggesting you splash out on the latest iPhone for your 18-month-old, but instead to try the LeapFrog Chat and Count Smart Phone. This LeapFrog smartphone comes highly recommended as it offers a great learning experience for your child. With 15 activities that your child can interact with to learn phrases, sounds, and even colors and numbers.

15 LeapFrog Chat and Count Smart Phone

Available in two options to best suit your little one, you can choose between characters Scout or Violet and the corresponding green or pink colorway. Made from durable plastic, this phone has the build quality you would expect from LeapFrog and will be sure to withstand the drops, tumbles, and even nibbles that lay in store.

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Battery powered
Manufacturer recommended age:18 months – 5 years
Educational objective(s):Cognitive development. Teaches new phases, numbers, and songs
Material:Plastic
Batteries required?3 x AAA Batteries (included)

What We Love:

❤️ Looks like a real smartphone
❤️ Phone can withstand rough play and chewing
❤️ Available in two colors with separate characters
❤️ Comes preloaded with 15 separate interactive activities 

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Sounds could be more realistic
💔 On the chunky side for little hands

16. Learning Cube Educational Activity Center

When it comes to developmental toys, Best Learning offers some excellent, award-winning options that will engage, challenge, and instill confidence in your child. This Learning Cube is no different, providing a new and exciting toy for your child to interact with for a great learning experience. 

The cube has multiple different functional buttons on each side, letting your child engage with the alphabet, numbers, colors, musical sounds, animals, and much more. It allows them to stimulate their curiosity, cognition, and motor skills. 

16 Learning Cube Educational Activity Center

With each side containing multicolored LED lights, plus a host of catchy sounds and songs, this toy will capture and keep their attention for hours to come. As this product is constructed from hard-wearing ABS Plastic, you can rest assured it is free of BPA, phthalates, and PVC, whilst also being sturdy enough to withstand rough and tumble play. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Battery powered
Manufacturer recommended age:6 months – 3 years
Educational objective(s):Develops logical thinking. Helps develop, motor functions and dexterity
Material:ABS Plastics
Batteries required?3 x AAA Batteries (included)

What We Love:

❤️ Ideal for teaching children colors, shapes, numbers, and much more in an interactive way
❤️ The toy has won several awards in the past for its high performance
❤️ Adjustable volume settings

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Batteries could last a bit longer
💔 Might become less relevant once they have mastered the alphabet/counting 1-10

17. Little Tikes Gas ‘n Go Mower

Despite being a bit of a chore for adults, many kids love watching their parents mow the lawn and tend the garden. So, why not get them in on the action and encourage their green fingers early on with the Little Tikes Gas ‘n Go Mower.

The Little Tikes toy lawn mower is a great way to help encourage your child to play outside with you while gardening. This toy has some amazing features, from the popping beads on the top that rattle when mowing, the pull cord that lets the engine roar, or even the clicking key that gets the mower going, this is a super fun toy that will keep your kids engaged.

17 Little Tikes Gas n Go Mower

Once assembled, this is a super easy toy to use, simply push along and enjoy the interactive sounds it creates. Plus, it’s made of durable plastic that will stand up to outdoor play and will even help stabilize your toddler as they take their first steps.   

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Outdoor Toy
Manufacturer recommended age:18 months – 5 years
Educational objective(s):Encourages outdoor play. Develops motor skills and balance
Material:Plastic
Batteries required?No

What We Love:

❤️ Has features that function like a real mower, such as the pull cord, throttle, and even a key
❤️ No batteries are ever needed, since the sounds are mechanical
❤️ Encourages toddlers to walk further, for longer

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Toy doesn’t come assembled
💔 Can be harder to push on long grass

18. LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book

At 18 months, your toddler might have started saying their first words. However, communicating fluently can still be a challenge for most kids at this age. By introducing them to new words and expanding their vocabulary at this key stage, this toy will fast-track their development and help to ease their communication frustrations. 

Designed to act as an electronic learning resource, the LeapFrog Learning Friends Book can teach your toddler up to 100 words and encourage them to learn how to talk by repeating them. The book delivers words in various categories, including animals, food, pets, mealtime, colors, activities, opposites, outside, and even more.

18 LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book

The book allows for additional interaction by letting your toddler touch the words on the pages and hear the words, creating a visual and auditory connection. Each page is brightly colored and plays fun sounds between words to ensure your child stays engaged. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:STEM Toy
Manufacturer recommended age:12 months and over
Educational objective(s):Encourages greater verbal communication. Expands vocabulary and correct pronunciation of words
Material:Plastics
Batteries required?2 x AA Batteries (included)

What We Love:

❤️ Teaches toddlers words and the pictures to go along with them
❤️ Plastic-coated pages prevent rips or damage
❤️ Affordable and interactive way to educate your toddler while they’re also having fun
❤️ Can be used in either English or French

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Once all the words have been learned, it leaves little opportunity for further use

19. VOJUEAR 3pc Kids Play Tent

If you’re looking for a toy that will get your kids playing outside and stimulate their imaginations, then this 3-piece pop-up tent, tunnel, and ball pit will fit the bill perfectly. 

With 3 connecting pieces for the price of one, you can set up their very own adventure trail. Whether they’re in the playhouse, crawling through the tunnel, or going wild in the ball pit, there are endless hours of active outdoor fun to be had with the set from Vojuear. Plus, on rainy days, you can simply set up one or more of the components for indoor use. 

19 VOJUEAR 3pc Kids Play Tent

The set is made from sustainable yet durable polyester and is available in a dual light and dark blue or navy and red combo, allowing you to opt for the colorway to best suit your little one. What’s more, it can be folded down and stored neatly in its carry case when not in use. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Outdoor Toy
Manufacturer recommended age:3 months and up
Educational objective(s):Encourages active outdoor play. Stimulates the imagination
Material:190T polyester pongee material
Batteries required?No

What We Love:

❤️ The 3 components can be connected or used individually for versatile play
❤️ Large enough to last for years to come
❤️ Pops out in an instant and can be easily folded down and stored away when not in use
❤️ Available in two different colorways

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Ball pit balls are not included

20. Little Tikes TotSports Easy Hit Golf Set

Toddlers need physical activity just as much as older children do. They need to use their muscles to develop movement and coordination skills, so this Little Tikes TotSports Golf Set is a great way to get your kid to play outside more. 

By introducing your child to golf, you will be helping their hand-eye coordination and spatial reasoning, whilst also promoting an active lifestyle that works separate muscles to other popular sports such as soccer.

20 Little Tikes TotSports Easy Hit Golf Set

The set comes with two golf clubs (putter and a driver), three golf balls as well as a cart, all of which come in a bold, eye-catching primary color design. Each of the components is made of durable, heavy-duty plastic, so they can hit the balls with real gusto, and you don’t have to worry about the set becoming damaged if left outside to the elements. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Physical Activity Toy
Manufacturer recommended age:12 months – 6 years
Educational objective(s):Develops hand-eye coordination and motor skills. Promotes active lifestyle and outdoor play
Material:Plastic
Batteries required?No

What We Love:

❤️ Toy encourages role-play activity
❤️ Helps to develop motor skills and coordination
❤️ Can be played in various environments, either indoors or outdoors

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Requires a bit of assembly
💔 Only get 3 golf balls which may get lost quickly

21. Dahuniu Baby Toys Learning Musical Table

If you’ve got a mini Mozart in the family, then what better toy could you buy than the musical learning table from Dahuniu? Great for enticing early education, this musical discovery toy is great for children anywhere from 6 months old up to 3 years old. The table delivers different modes of music, including free play, classics, and even lullabies. 

The colorful lights and playful music encourages your child to play and learn at the same time. Simply hit the instrument of choice for a solo rendition, create melodies with the piano, or play preloaded tunes through the number dial. Plus, the table includes bonus features such as gears and rattle balls to help hone their cognitive skills while they play.

21 Dahuniu Baby Toys Learning Musical Table

The toy is made of high-quality ABS plastic, free from any toxins that you may find in certain plastic materials. When in table mode, it stands at just over 12 inches, offering the perfect height for a toddler. If, however, this isn’t quite the right size for your child, you can also remove the legs for handheld or floor-based play. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Music Toy
Manufacturer recommended age:6 months and above
Educational objective(s):Cognitive development. Motor skills. Color recognitio
Material:ABS Plastic
Batteries required?3 x AA Batteries

What We Love:

❤️ Offers hours of play, since there are countless songs, melodies, and phrases to learn
❤️ Varied features give your child the chance to explore sounds and songs
❤️ Balls, rattles, and gears help to keep their attention in between songs
❤️ Detachable legs offer added versatility

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Table could be a little taller
💔 Requires some initial assembly 

22. Climb And Crawl Activity Play Set

Every child this age loves to climb and clamber their way around. Whether onto chairs, down steps, or over any obstacle in their way, it is a key part of their daily adventure and a means of getting from A to B.

Climbing can be very beneficial to young kids, helping them develop the strength and confidence needed to walk. However, it can also pose the danger of falling or knocking themselves in the process. That is where the Climb And Crawl Activity Play Set comes in. With 5 large soft blocks to stack and climb over, you can rest assured they can climb and tumble without hard surfaces to collide with.

22 Climb And Crawl Activity Play Set

The giant blocks measure between 16 and 24 inches high, making them large enough to climb on without the danger of a high fall. The blocks are light enough for your toddler to also rearrange according to the shapes and different colors available in the set to create a range of different obstacle courses. Each of the blocks is covered in an easy-to-clean vinyl coating that will withstand hours upon hours of play. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Physical Activity Toy
Manufacturer recommended age:12 months and up
Educational objective(s):Develops improved dexterity and motor skills.Creative thinking. Spatial reasoning
Material:Vinyl coating and sponge filling
Batteries required?No

What We Love:

❤️ Can be stacked to encourage more physical activity and interaction
❤️ Can be used in different places including the classroom, daycare, or playroom
❤️ Different shapes and sizes pose different challenges

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Fairly expensive
💔 Large items to store when not in use

23. LEGO DUPLO My First Alphabet Truck 

Now we all know that kids love Duplo. With an array of brightly colored building blocks, the possibilities are endless as your child stacks and builds countless creations. But when you double these blocks up with their very own transporter truck, it may just become their favorite toy of all time. 

With two toys in one, your little boy will no doubt be as happy as Larry playing with their new truck and building blocks. But little do they know that they will be learning lots in the process too. This toy is an excellent tool for developing cognitive skills, helping them to identify colors and build a variety of shapes. Not to mention, each block contains a letter, so they will soon know their ABCs and be spelling words while they play.

23 LEGO DUPLO My First Alphabet Truck

In this Duplo set, you’ll find 26 letter blocks (plus an alphabet poster!), 10 assorted Duplo pieces, a transporting truck, and a boy, girl, and teddy figure to boot. As part of the Lego family, these blocks are also compatible with other Duplo sets, so you can always add additional blocks to keep this toy remaining a firm favorite for years to come. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Construction Toy
Manufacturer recommended age:18 months and up
Educational objective(s):Creative thinking and cognitive development. Hones fine motor skills 
Material:Plastic
Batteries required?No

What We Love:

❤️ Great way to learn the alphabet with individual blocks and a poster too
❤️ Compatible with other Duplo sets
❤️ Figures encourage social play and communication

What We Don’t Love:

💔 More Lego pieces would enable bigger and better builds

24. ThinkMax Microphone

If your little one loves to hum, sing and chatter away, then the ThinkMax Microphone may be the ideal toy to channel this creativity, giving kids the chance to express themselves and embrace their musical side. 

With 8 catchy preloaded tunes, they can sing along to their heart’s content, or embark on their own solo career using the voice recorder function, which allows them to sing into the mic and listen back to their creations. What’s more, there is an in-built voice changer, so they can hit all the notes and add sound effects to their songs.

24 ThinkMax Microphone

Made of lightweight plastic, this microphone is easy for your little one to hold and play with. Despite its impressive features, it is super simple to use, and the settings are very intuitive to figure out. With flashing LED lights and speakers inbuilt, this will really bring pop-star energy to your kid’s playtime.

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Music Toy
Manufacturer recommended age:12 months and above 
Educational objective(s):Develops speech and communication. Boosts confidence and creativity
Material:Plastic
Batteries required?2 x AA batteries 

What We Love:

❤️ Record and listen back to your own songs
❤️ Allows you to change your voice and add sound effects to songs
❤️ Comes preloaded with 8 catchy songs kids will love

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Batteries not included 
💔 Recording feature could be longer than 30 seconds

25. Victostar Magnetic Wooden Cutting Fruits Vegetables Food Play Toy Set

Embrace your toddler’s inner Gordon Ramsey (minus the foul language), and engage them in the kitchen with the Wooden Food Play Set from Victostar. As kids of this age love to imitate mum or dad, they will happily help you prepare food for mealtimes with their own special ingredients.

With 13 different magnetic fruits and vegetables, they will learn and chop and put back together each item. This set offers excellent cognitive and motor skill development whilst also teaching shape matching, color recognition, and concepts of reconstruction. Plus, with any luck, it will instill a lasting love for fruits and vegetables and help create a healthier lifestyle.

25 Victostar Magnetic Wooden Cutting Fruits Vegetables Food Play Toy Set

Made from natural woods and painted in non-toxic water-based paints, each of the pieces is high quality with rounded edges and smooth surfaces, making them ideal for little hands. As well as the various fruits and vegetables, you also receive a small smooth toy knife and wooden basket to store all of the groceries between playtime. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Food Related Toy
Manufacturer recommended age:12 months and up
Educational objective(s):Cognitive and motor skills
Material:Wood
Batteries required?No

What We Love:

❤️ Introduces a range of realistic fruit and vegetables
❤️ High-quality finish to each piece
❤️ Offers satisfying chopping action to encourage further play

What We Don’t Love:

💔 No chopping board included
💔 Magnets could be stronger

26. Mega Bloks Woodland Friends

If your toddler loves to create, build, and have tactile playtime, then you may already be familiar with the ever-popular Mega Bloks. As a staple item found in most toy boxes, these building blocks offer hours of fun that help develop fine motor skills and spatial reasoning. 

Whilst many building block sets center around urban environments, this set challenges the norm and delivers a woodland setting, complete with trees, plants, and of course a friendly bunch of animals. Not only will this help forge a closer connection between your child and nature, but it will also encourage them to think creatively about the different possibilities their Mega Bloks provide.

26 Mega Bloks Woodland Friends

In true friends of the forest fashion, this 70-piece Mega Blok set is the first to be made of super sustainable plant-based plastics. By using sugarcane-based polyethylene, which is a renewable raw material, this set can claim to be one of the most carbon-neutral toys found on our whole list. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Construction Toy
Manufacturer recommended age:12 months – 5 years
Educational objective(s):Creative, thinking motor skills. Spatial reasoning
Material:Plastic
Batteries required?No

What We Love:

❤️ Introduces a positive nature environment
❤️ Made of sustainable plastics
❤️ 70 pieces make this set good value for money
❤️ Compatible with other Mega Blok sets

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Could include more animal blocks

27. BENKRYFREJA Wooden Puzzles with 4 Vehicle Patterns

This jigsaw set from Benkryfreja contains four separate puzzles that will entertain and engage your little one, offering excellent opportunities for development in young children, as they plan, test ideas, and solve problems whilst playing. 

With four vehicle designs, this puzzle set offers great variety where they can create a train, plane, boat, or rocket, ending in a completed design your little boy will love. Once they’ve mastered the basics of completing each individual puzzle, you can remove the wooden template or up the ante further by mixing each of the sets to provide a more rigorous challenge.

27 BENKRYFREJA Wooden Puzzles with 4 Vehicle Patterns

In contrast to most puzzles, this set is constructed of real wood pieces, coated in environmentally friendly water-based paints, providing a high-quality finish that is durable and will stand the test of time. Each individual puzzle comes with a wooden template board to help them get started and once playtime is over, all the pieces pack away in a cotton drawstring storage bag. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Puzzle Toy
Manufacturer recommended age:12 months – 4 years
Educational objective(s):Problem-solving. Motor skills. Color and pattern recognition
Material:Wood
Batteries required?No

What We Love:

❤️ Four separate, unique designs
❤️ High-quality finish with durable materials
❤️ Comes with a cute storage bag to contain individual pieces

What We Don’t Love:

💔 The puzzles can be difficult without their template

28. Little Tikes Cook N Grow Kitchen

If your toddler enjoys spending time with you in the kitchen, then they will love the Cook N Grow Kitchen from Little Tikes. With this miniature modern-day kitchen, you can encourage imaginative role play fun and maybe inspire a budding little chef as they learn the ropes of preparing meals in their very own kitchen.

With interactive components, such as the functioning fridge, oven, and microwave, they can let their imaginations run wild and cook up a storm in the kitchen. The set includes clever shape sorting features, along with realistic interactive sounds you often hear in the kitchen that will help keep kids entertained and engaged for longer.

28 Little Tikes Cook N Grow Kitchen

The set also includes 26 additional accessories, including food items, kitchen utensils, pots and pans, cups, and dishes to make playtime more like the real deal. What’s more, a big benefit of this kitchen is that it can be reconfigured to different heights so as your child grows they can continue to play for years to come. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Food Related Toy
Manufacturer recommended age:18 months – 15 years
Educational objective(s):Encourages imaginative role play. Develops cognitive thinking and motor skill. Introduces notions of food preparation
Material:Plastic
Batteries required?2 x AA Batteries

What We Love:

❤️ Perfect height for toddlers
❤️ Can be configured to two different heights, allowing continued play as they get older
❤️ Lots of interactive features for engaging play
❤️ Can still offer hours of fun without the batteries 

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Requires assembly
💔 Takes up a lot of room if you’re short on space

29. TOOKYLAND Wooden Shape Sorter Cube

Kids at 18 months are always on a mission to figure out the world around them. From discovering new objects to touching every item in sight, they are curious about almost everything they come across. Which is exactly what makes shape sorters the perfect toy for this age. 

As a super tactile toy, the Shape Sorter Cube from Tookyland offers the chance to enjoy hands-on play whilst also introducing your child to the notion of cause and effect as they identify shapes, colors, and animals before slotting them into their corresponding compartment.

29 TOOKYLAND Wooden Shape Sorter Cube

This set is made from organic wooden materials that have been shaped and sanded to leave a high-quality finish. Each of the shapes is hard-wearing and made to the ideal size for little hands to hold. Each component is coated in bright, non-toxic water-based paints to create both an eco-friendly and highly engaging toy to play with. 

SPECS & FEATURES

Type of toy:Puzzle Toy
Manufacturer recommended age:12 months and up
Educational objective(s):Hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Problem-solving skills
Material:Wood
Batteries required?No

What We Love:

❤️ Well-made and brightly decorated
❤️ Includes a range of geometric shapes and animals
❤️ Excellent developmental toy as it encourages curiosity and problem-solving

What We Don’t Love:

💔 We wish there were more animal shapes for prolonged play


Common Questions About Gifts for 18-Month-Old Boys

🙋 What do 18-month-old boys play with?

From hours spent researching what real caregivers had to say, plus drawing on our own experience as parents, we’ve identified the top toys your little lad will love to play with. Although every little boy is different, there are always sure-fire toys that are certain to be a success. 

Whether classics such as building blocks, trucks, and wooden train sets, futuristic interactive toys that teach new words, colors, and objects, or even toys that mimic what parents ‘play’ with, we’ve found a wide range of toys that will keep them entertained for hours on end. 

🙋 What items does an 18-month-old need?

At 18 months, your child is at a pivotal time in their development. Whilst playtime should be centered firmly around fun, modern-day toys are excellent tools for encouraging cognitive development and honing their fine motor skills.

That’s why we’ve paid close attention to the educational and developmental benefits each toy on our list provides. From stimulating speech to championing creativity, by identifying toys that help your child figure out the world around them, you will be aiding their growth and giving them the best start in life, all through the wonders of play. 

🙋 How do I keep my 18-month-old boy busy?

In an age where technology is king and time spent staring at a screen seems to be every child’s favorite pastime, finding a range of toys and activities to keep your little boy entertained and proactive is no easy feat. 

The trick to keeping them engaged is to find gifts and toys that stimulate the imagination and challenge their curiosity. Toys that require creative thinking and spatial reasoning will be successful at keeping them busy as they tick both boxes, allowing your child to become engrossed in their play, sparking their senses, and keeping them coming back for more. 


How We Picked Our Top Choices

  1. First and foremost, we discovered the developmental milestones of 18-month-old children. By understanding what they need to learn and grow, we could identify toys that would help them further develop important skills at this age.
  2. We then turned to other parents and caregivers, drawing from the wealth of knowledge and expertise that is shared amongst online parenting communities, Reddit threads, and social media posts. Giving us a long list of toys with a stamp of approval from those who have spent their hard-earned cash to purchase.
  3. With the long list in hand, we then whittled down our top picks with the help of FakeSpot which analyzes Amazon review scores and alerts us to products with high quantities of spam or paid-for reviews, ensuring untrustworthy ratings don’t sway us.
  4. Finally, we utilized our own first-hand experience as parents of 18-month-old kids, considering the educational benefits, the likelihood of prolonged engagement, and the value for money each toy provides.

Leaving us with a list of gifts that parents recommend and kids love to play with.

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