10 Educational Toys That Will Help Toddlers Start The Year Off Right

It's officially 2022, which means most of us are working on resolutions, and focusing on achieving our goals. For toddlers, the most important goals to work toward are learning more about the world and having fun! Kids are constantly learning, and one of the ways they learn most effectively is through play. Whether they're playing with toys, playing with friends, or just playing by themselves, they're building their skills and becoming more well-rounded people. Here are some of our favorite educational toys to help toddlers kick off the year!

Coco Village Wooden Puzzle

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Coco Village

Toddlers can work on shape-matching, gross motor skills, and problem-solving with this weather-themed wooden puzzle. They can also boost their vocabulary as they talk about weather with their parents. Plus, the puzzle is aesthetically pleasing, so it won't just look like kids' clutter around the house!

Little Tikes Activity Garden Playhouse

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Little Tikes
single icon $54.9 from Walmart
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Interactive toys that encourage toddlers to move their bodies are great for kids and parents alike. Toddlers need lots of stimulation, so toys that get them up and moving will keep them entertained and use up their seemingly endless energy! The Little Tikes Activity Garden coverts from an enclosed play center to an open play center to grow as kids grow.

Baby Alive Luv 'N Snuggle Baby Doll

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Baby Alive

When kids care for baby dolls, they can learn a lot. They learn about empathy and compassion, responsibility, social skills, and more. Plus, they're using their imagination and boosting their language skills and vocabulary! This adorable baby doll comes with a baby bottle and can put her thumb in her mouth.

Melissa & Doug 11-Piece Brew and Serve Wooden Coffee Maker Set

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Melissa & Doug
single icon $15.19 from Walmart
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Kids love to imitate anything their parents do — so if kids see their parents drink coffee every day, they will want to make believe they're doing the same thing! This adorable toy coffee maker is perfect for toddlers to enjoy making a cup of joe alongside mom or dad.

Magna-Tiles 15-Piece Stardust Set

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Magna-Tiles
single icon $29.99 from Walmart
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Magna-Tiles are a huge hit among preschool-aged kids, and for good reason! They're like building blocks, but better. These magnetic building tiles are colorful, creative, and educational, and they teach kids the basics of STEAM. They're even fun for parents to play with!

Minnie Wooden Basic Skills Board

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Melissa & Doug
single icon $14.99 from T.J.Maxx
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Some of the basic skills kids need to learn are related to clothing — toddlers often want to dress themselves, but they don't know how to use zippers, buttons, snaps, laces, and belts. This Minnie Mouse board helps kids work on all of those essential clothing skills!

KidKraft 115-Piece Deluxe Tasty Treats Pretend Play Food Set

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KidKraft
single icon $23.27 from Walmart
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It's undeniable that kids love playing with food toys. They love pretending to go grocery shopping, cook, serve meals, and play other food-related roles. This massive set of food will give them a ton of opportunities to play make believe!

Little Tikes Tough Workshop Construction Play Set

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Little Tikes
single icon $39.99 from Walmart
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We all know a kid who is obsessed with building things. Instead of getting them another set of blocks, start teaching them the basics of construction with a tool bench play set! This bench comes with a screwdriver, a hammer, a wrench, nails and screws, a built-in saw and clamp, and magnetic wood boards.

VTech® Turn and Learn Driver

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VTech®

Some kids are absolutely obsessed with cars, but they probably have plenty of car toys. Instead of getting them another car, let them experience what it's like behind the wheel with the Turn and Learn Driver! This toy helps kids learn colors, vehicles, numbers, basic reading skills, and more.

Unicorn Dream House

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National Sporting Goods

Kids love to play house, and they should have a playhouse that matches their level of creativity. This Unicorn Dream House is colorful and fun, and it's perfect for kids to embrace their imagination and really go wild.

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