Gifts for 1- and 2-year-olds that are safe and get played with

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Between one and two, children learn to walk, climb, fill things up and dump them out again. They put almost everything in their mouths. The best gifts for this age are big, sturdy and simple, and they get used in a new way every week.

Stack, sort and fill

• Stacking cups that also work in the bath and the sandbox
• A shape sorter with a few large, simple shapes
• A set of large wooden blocks
• A bucket or basket with a few big balls (larger than 1.75 inches across) to fill and dump

Stacking cups are a favorite at this age. In the bath, stay within arm’s reach the whole time. They take up little space and grow with the child, from chewing to building towers.

Books they can hold

• Board books with thick pages that small hands can turn
• Lift-the-flap and touch-and-feel books
• A book with photos of real babies’ faces or everyday objects

If you’re not the parent, ask which books they already own.

First puzzles

• A chunky wooden puzzle with three to five large pieces and big knobs
• A simple peg puzzle with animals or vehicles

Check that the knobs are glued on firmly and can’t twist off.

Walking and moving

• A push walker for a child who is pulling up or taking first steps (the kind they stand behind, not a sit-in baby walker)
• A ride-on toy they push with their feet
• A play tunnel for crawling through, indoors or out

Use walkers and ride-on toys on a flat floor only, away from stairs, steps, driveways and pools. Stay close by. Choose a push walker with a wide, steady base, and check the age label.

Pretend play

• A toy kitchen set with large pots, pans and play food
• A soft doll or stuffed animal with stitched-on eyes and no buttons
• A toy phone or keys made for this age

Toy food pieces should be large. Skip small play fruit and anything that could fit in a mouth.

Art for little hands

• Washable crayons in chunky shapes that are easy to grip
• A big pad of paper taped to the table
• Finger paint labeled nontoxic

Art supplies should be labeled nontoxic and made for this age. Stay with the child the whole time. At this age, crayons and paint often end up in mouths.

Safety notes for this age

Small parts. Toys for children under 3 must not have small parts, so check the age label on every toy. Hand-me-downs and toys meant for older siblings often have small parts. For older toys, check for recalls at cpsc.gov. A simple home check: if a piece fits inside a toilet paper tube, keep it away from the toddler. Balloons, marbles, small balls and coins are choking hazards.

Button batteries and magnets. Both can cause serious injuries if swallowed. Choose toys whose battery cover needs a screwdriver to open, and skip toys with small or loose magnets. If you think a child swallowed a battery or magnet, get emergency care right away. Don’t wait for symptoms. You can also call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 for advice on the way.

Cords and strings. Skip toys with long strings, ribbons or cords, and pull toys with long strings. Take ribbons off gift wrap before the toddler plays with the box.

Sleep. Keep pillows, blankets and large stuffed animals out of the crib. Big toys can also give a toddler a step to climb out. Ask the parents before giving a pillow or bedding.

Furniture. A toy shelf or toddler bookcase should be anchored to the wall, since climbing toddlers can tip furniture over.

Gifts that aren’t things

• A zoo, aquarium or children’s museum membership for the family
• A library storytime or a toddler music class together
• An afternoon of babysitting for the parents

Keep it small

Toddlers get excited and tired quickly. One or two good toys will be used more than a pile of them. If you’re giving to a family, ask the parents what they need first.