Parents, we know you feel overwhelmed by the endless toy aisles your little one is dragging you to with enthusiasm.  With a gazzzzillion choices  for your little ones, often there’s not much time to think about what age-appropriate toys are for your child. And so we’ve rounded up a solid guide from our in-house gear experts on age-appropriate toys at each stage of the early years: why they work, what to look for, and real product picks you can choose without overthinking.

We’ll also let you in on a secret to get the best toys while you save your money for that gym class you have your eyes on, more on that at the end.

From Newborn to Infancy (0–6 Months): Seeing, Listening, Reaching

In the early months, babies mostly learn through their senses. At first (0–2 months), they love looking and listening,  especially familiar faces, voices, and bold patterns. By 2–6 months, play becomes more active: they bat, they grasp, they kick, and they bring things to their mouths-ALL THE TIME!  Rolling, rocking, and scooting start to appear, and with it, the joy of discovering cause and effect

What to look for in toys
Choose toys that engage their eyes, ears, and tiny little hands. High contrast, gentle sounds, and lightweight rattles are ideal. Safe, mouthable toys are a must since everything will be explored with gums and tongues. Babies this age also enjoy movement and soft textures that respond to touch.

Great toy picks

• High-contrast hanging toys that encourage visual tracking and focus

• Easy-grip rattles for those first batting and grasping attempts

• Soft musical mobiles that combine slow movement with soothing tunes

• Playmats with tummy-time gyms to build strength as babies reach, kick, and roll

For older infants & babies (7–12 Months): Crawling, Cruising, Exploring

Between 7 and 12 months, babies start sitting confidently, crawling, pulling up on furniture, and maybe even taking those first wobbly steps. Their pincer grasp (thumb and finger) develops, making it easier to pick up smaller objects. Curiosity is HUGE at this stage! They love banging, dropping, twisting, and discovering that things reappear after being hidden. Social games like peek-a-boo and “buh-bye” are also big hits!

What to look for in toys
Look for toys that can be pushed, stacked, dropped, or filled and emptied. This age also loves cause-and-effect play. Toys with buttons, levers, or pop-ups are always winners. Safe bath toys and simple books keep little hands and minds busy.

Great toy picks

• Stacking rings to build coordination and problem-solving

• Activity cubes with buttons and levers for cause-and-effect learning

• Soft bath toys to make water play fun and safe

• Cloth books for early story time

1 Year: Walking and Imitating

Toddlers at this stage are bursting with energy. They love to push, pull, dump, stack, and climb, while also imitating adults with pretend play. Curiosity is endless, and toys that move or make noise are instant favorites.

What to look for in toys
Choose toys that encourage movement, coordination, and imitation. Push-and-pull toys, ride-ons, and simple shape sorters work best. This is also the age where pretend play begins to blossom.

Great toy picks

• Push walkers that support balance and walking

• Shape sorters for problem-solving skills

• Ride-on toys for active play

• Soft baby dolls for nurturing play

2 Years: Active Play and Pretend

Two-year-olds love big movements (climbing, sliding, running) but also start exploring fine motor play like stacking, sorting, and building. Pretend play grows stronger, kitchens, dolls, and cars are favorites.

What to look for in toys
Go for toys that let them move, pretend, and build. Large blocks, simple puzzles, and role-play toys spark curiosity and independence.

Great toy picks

• Large building blocks for creativity

• Wooden puzzles with familiar shapes

• Pretend kitchens for imaginative play

• Toddler ride-ons for big energy bursts

3 Years: Imagination Takes Off

By age three, kids are in full imaginative mode. They start building, role-playing, and enjoying simple group games. Puzzles get more complex, and storytelling becomes part of play.

What to look for in toys
Choose toys that spark creativity and interaction such as dollhouses, musical instruments, building sets, and beginner games which are perfect for this age.

Great toy picks

• LEGO Duplo sets for creative building

• Dollhouses for pretend play worlds

• Musical instruments to explore rhythm

• Dominoes or matching games for family fun

4 Years: Creativity and Storytelling

Four-year-olds are natural storytellers. They love arts, crafts, dramatic play, and building with intention. Group play is more cooperative, and they can focus on more detailed activities.

What to look for in toys
Arts-and-crafts kits, detailed building sets, and outdoor gear work best at this stage.

Great toy picks

• Arts & Craft sticker books

• Pretend Play sets for imaginative play

• Creative building sets for planned constructions

• Mini basketball hoops for outdoor fun

5 Years: Building, Learning, Sharing

By age five, kids enjoy building, learning, and playing with simple rules. They’re ready for more structured activities, puzzles, and science-focused toys. Cooperative play and board games become a big part of their social world.

What to look for in toys
Pick toys that challenge their problem-solving and creativity: advanced LEGO sets, science kits, and beginner board games. Outdoor toys like scooters and bikes are also perfect at this stage.

Great toy picks

• LEGO sets for more advanced builds

• Magnetic building kits for STEM learning

• Classic board games to play with family

• 3-wheel scooters for outdoor adventures

The Secret to Smarter Toy Shopping

Toys can add up quickly - both in cost and clutter. The good news? The secret sauce to your little one’s playtime success? Drummmmmm rollllllll - Many of these toys can be found in excellent condition, preloved, at a fraction of the original price. Choosing preloved and used toys for sale or second hand toys for sale isn’t just budget-friendly it’s also sustainable, helping reduce waste while still giving your child the joy of discovery!