




It is important to give your toddler the right toys since these early years are packed with physical growth, language and motor skills development, and increased social interaction. Kids from 1 to 3 years old also enjoy exploring their surroundings and imitating the people around them. This is also the stage where they’re starting to appreciate toys and playing on their own.
With their growing interest in playtime, now is the perfect opportunity to introduce toys that can maximize a toddler’s ability to “soak up everything like a little sponge.” In this article, we prepared a buying guide with some comments and tips from pediatrician Dr. Joanna Pamela "Joey" Cuayo-Estanislao. You may also read our top 10 recommendations on toys for toddlers that you can purchase online.
Quick List - Top Toys For Toddlers
Fisher Price

Interactive Smart Stages Tablet for Early Learning Fun

Dr. Joanna Pamela Cuayo-Estanislao is a pediatrician and child health specialist based in Metro Manila. Doc Joey is passionate about health education and empowering families to become informed advocates of their children's health and wellness. She uses social media to educate and raise awareness about important issues and topics in the field of pediatrics and child care.

Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Choose toys that can impart a new skill to your toddler. There are a variety of toys that are both entertaining and educational. With these toys, your kids get to enjoy playtime while improving their vocabulary and fine motor skills.
At this age, kids love songs, rhymes, and repetition. Take advantage of this interest by introducing the alphabet and numbers using wooden puzzle boards. These come with cutouts or stand-alone pieces that can match with the engraved chart.
Sing the ABCs or 123s while playing with these toys to help them identify and memorize the letters or numbers. These jigsaw puzzles can also teach them basic colors and shapes as well as reading and spelling. You can also find variations, for example, those that feature animals, fruits, and the human body.

Playing with blocks is not only fun for your child, but it’s also a really good instrument for honing their development. Playing with blocks helps acquaint your child with concepts like cause and effect, gravity, and spatial relationships.
The process of learning how to stack them and manipulate them to form structures is also helpful in the development of their emotional growth and resilience, as well as encourages them to use their imagination. Alphanumeric blocks also add another dimension to their learning by familiarizing them with letters and numbers and the concept of putting letters together to form words.
Your toddler’s fine motor skills refer to their ability to use the small muscles in the hands, fingers, and wrists. They use these when holding small items, turning the pages of a book, writing or coloring, and molding soft materials with their hands.
Guide your little ones in refining their motor skills by selecting toys that encourage open-ended activities. These include building blocks, shape-sorters, nesting cups, and art materials like playdough.
Kids enjoy manipulating these objects – such as creating bridges, towers, and cars over and over again. This way, they get to practice more complex movements with their hands as well as developing a stronger grip. Also, these toys help in improving their hand-eye coordination.

Blocks are always a favorite of developmental experts. How a child is able to play with, manipulate, and grasp these blocks gives them an insight into the child's fine motor development, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive development.
Playdough is another great toy for toddlers to engage their imagination. Like blocks, they provide creative, open-ended play for your toddler while also enhancing their fine motor skills by exercising their small muscles through the manipulation of the material. It also helps promote healthy emotional development, as squeezing and flattening the dough can be a very calming activity for the child.
Pretend play teaches kids practical life skills like dressing up, using eating utensils, as well as simple chores like cleaning the house or shopping for groceries. To achieve this, give them toys that encourage reenactments of real-life activities.
Through their little pretend play world, they learn how to solve problems and experience the process of decision making. They also get to practice their language and social skills by playing roles such as a doctor, teacher, and chef.
Examples of pretend play toys include food packs, a small kitchen set, dolls, cars, action figures, and stuffed toys. Also available these days are miniature versions of toolboxes, cash registers for playing grocery, and gardening sets for their pretend planting.

Pretend play is one of the best ways for children to enhance their emotional, language and social development. By using toy characters (like dolls and action figures) and objects (such as play kitchen sets, toy cars, buildings), children can learn to use words and stories to imitate, describe, and cope with real life events and feelings.
Children are able to learn more about themselves, other people, and the world around them. Pretend play is really so much more than just imitation. It requires and hones their cognitive development, their ability to communicate, and develops their social skills.
Remember the animated movie Toy Story? Most kids have a favorite stuffed toy or doll that they bring with them everywhere. While your little one is a toddler, this is the perfect time to introduce a toy that could potentially become your toddler’s “toy best friend.”
This toy can serve as your go-to solution whenever your little one is about to have tantrums or screaming sessions. This toy will also help in comforting your kids when they’re feeling sad or when you are away. Some parents purchase an exact duplicate of the toy, just in case the original one goes missing or gets damaged.

These toys that our children become especially attached to (commonly referred to as comfort objects or toys) are also called "transitional objects" because they actually help children make the emotional transition from dependence to independence.
These toys or objects become an anchor and a source of comfort for children, giving them the ability to calm themselves down without the help of a parent or caregiver. This ability to self-soothe is such an emotionally beneficial skill for children as they age.
Always check the material of the toys before purchasing them. For toddlers, wooden toys are the best way to go since they have smoother edges and are more durable. Plastic toys are also a good option because they are less expensive, just make sure that these are BPA-free to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals.
Most toddler toys come in bright colors, so also look into the paint or coloring agent that was used. It should be non-toxic and lead-free. Meanwhile, if your toddler has sensitive skin and is prone to allergic reactions, also consider the fabric used in their toys. Choose hypoallergenic materials such as cotton and silk.

When buying toys for toddlers, aside from ensuring that the materials are non-toxic and durable, it's also good to take into consideration how easily they can be cleaned and sterilized. When buying stuffed toys, check if they are machine washable. Avoid toys that have small bean-like pellets or stuffing inside that can cause choking or suffocation if swallowed.
Just as important to consider is the safety of your little one while playing with toys. Check if the toy that you’re eyeing passes the following child-safety measures.
The toy should not be a choking hazard – it must be large enough so that it can’t be swallowed by your child. The toy should also be unbreakable just in case your kid decides to chew on it or tear it apart. Moreover, avoid toys with sharp ends and those with small & removable parts.
In case your little one really prefers the toy with tiny parts, always sit by their side and watch them play.

Safety is always a priority with our children! Always check the label on toys, as they usually would indicate their age-appropriateness. Be sure to check for loose small parts that can detach and pose a choking hazard. Watch out for sharp/pointy edges as well, as they can cause injury.
When buying toys for toddlers, always consider that the toy has to be larger than what the child can put in his mouth. Make sure the toy is sturdy, and always check older toys for any damaged or broken parts.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best for | Material | Safety Measures | Needs Parental Guidance | |||||
1 | Niko Magnetic Drawing Board | ![]() | Mess-Free Magnetic Drawing Board for Creative Learning | Fine Motor Skill Development, Educational, Imagination, Developing Life Skills, Comfort | Plastic | Not a Choking Hazard, No Loose Parts, No Sharp/Pointy Edges | ||
2 | Niko Busy Board | ![]() | Practical Montessori Busy Board for Skill Building | Fine Motor Skill Development, Developing Life Skills, Educational, Sensory Play, Comfort | Wool Felt, ABS Plastic | Not a Choking Hazard, No Loose Parts, No Sharp/Pointy Edges | ||
3 | Niko Wooden Alphabet Number Shape Puzzles | ![]() | Colorful Educational Wooden Puzzles for Early Learning | Fine Motor Skill Development, Educational, Imagination, Developing Life Skills, Comfort | Wood | Not a Choking Hazard, No Sharp/Pointy Edges, Smooth Finish | ||
4 | Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Tablet | ![]() | Interactive Smart Stages Tablet for Early Learning Fun | Educational, Fine Motor Skill Development, Imagination, Developing Life Skills, Comfort | Plastic | Not a Choking Hazard, No Sharp/Pointy Edges | ||
5 | Chicco Turtle Sort & Surprise | ![]() | Interactive Turtle Toy With Sorting and Surprise Fun | Fine Motor Skill Development, Educational, Sensory Play, Developing Life Skills, Comfort | Plastic | Not a Choking Hazard, No Loose Parts, No Sharp/Pointy Edges | ||
6 | Infantino Rock 'N Stack Rings (BPA-Free) | Sensory Developmental Toy | ![]() | Brightly Colored Rocking Stack Rings for Sensory Play | Fine Motor Skill Development, Sensory Play, Educational, Developing Life Skills, Comfort | Plastic | Not a Choking Hazard, No Sharp/Pointy Edges, Durable | ||
7 | KidShop Fun & Learn Learning Shape Sorter Playset | ![]() | Bright and Interactive Shape Sorter for Early Learning | Fine Motor Skill Development, Educational, Imagination, Developing Life Skills, Comfort | Plastic | Not a Choking Hazard, No Sharp/Pointy Edges | ||
8 | Smart Sprout Steering Wheel Toy | ![]() | Realistic Montessori Steering Wheel Toy With Sounds | Imagination, Fine Motor Skill Development, Educational, Developing Life Skills, Comfort | Plastic | Not a Choking Hazard, No Sharp/Pointy Edges | ||
9 | Infantino Activity Triangle | ![]() | Multisensory Activity Triangle for Skill Development | Fine Motor Skill Development, Sensory Play, Educational, Developing Life Skills, Comfort | Plastic | Not a Choking Hazard, No Sharp/Pointy Edges | ||
10 | Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Storybook Rhymes | ![]() | Musical Storybook With Classic Nursery Rhymes | Educational, Fine Motor Skill Development, Imagination, Developing Life Skills, Comfort | Plastic, Paper | Non-Toxic Materials, No Sharp Edges | ||
| Best for | Fine Motor Skill Development, Educational, Imagination, Developing Life Skills, Comfort |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Safety Measures | Not a Choking Hazard, No Loose Parts, No Sharp/Pointy Edges |
| Needs Parental Guidance |
| Best for | Fine Motor Skill Development, Developing Life Skills, Educational, Sensory Play, Comfort |
|---|---|
| Material | Wool Felt, ABS Plastic |
| Safety Measures | Not a Choking Hazard, No Loose Parts, No Sharp/Pointy Edges |
| Needs Parental Guidance |
| Best for | Fine Motor Skill Development, Educational, Imagination, Developing Life Skills, Comfort |
|---|---|
| Material | Wood |
| Safety Measures | Not a Choking Hazard, No Sharp/Pointy Edges, Smooth Finish |
| Needs Parental Guidance |
| Best for | Educational, Fine Motor Skill Development, Imagination, Developing Life Skills, Comfort |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Safety Measures | Not a Choking Hazard, No Sharp/Pointy Edges |
| Needs Parental Guidance |
| Best for | Fine Motor Skill Development, Educational, Sensory Play, Developing Life Skills, Comfort |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Safety Measures | Not a Choking Hazard, No Loose Parts, No Sharp/Pointy Edges |
| Needs Parental Guidance |
| Best for | Fine Motor Skill Development, Sensory Play, Educational, Developing Life Skills, Comfort |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Safety Measures | Not a Choking Hazard, No Sharp/Pointy Edges, Durable |
| Needs Parental Guidance |
| Best for | Fine Motor Skill Development, Educational, Imagination, Developing Life Skills, Comfort |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Safety Measures | Not a Choking Hazard, No Sharp/Pointy Edges |
| Needs Parental Guidance |
| Best for | Imagination, Fine Motor Skill Development, Educational, Developing Life Skills, Comfort |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Safety Measures | Not a Choking Hazard, No Sharp/Pointy Edges |
| Needs Parental Guidance |
| Best for | Fine Motor Skill Development, Sensory Play, Educational, Developing Life Skills, Comfort |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Safety Measures | Not a Choking Hazard, No Sharp/Pointy Edges |
| Needs Parental Guidance |
| Best for | Educational, Fine Motor Skill Development, Imagination, Developing Life Skills, Comfort |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic, Paper |
| Safety Measures | Non-Toxic Materials, No Sharp Edges |
| Needs Parental Guidance |
Whether you're a new parent or an experienced one, there will always be new things to learn. Below, Doc Joey answers some of the most asked questions online.
There's no real hard and fast rule about how little or how many toys a toddler should have. However, it's good to note that at any one time, it's better to just let your toddler engage in just one or a few toys at a time.
Studies on child development and psychology have shown that kids who were given fewer toys to play with were more focused and engaged, played more creatively, and interacted with their toys in more varied ways for longer periods of time. These are all important in your child's gross motor, fine motor, and cognitive development.
Play is the primary vehicle through which children learn and develop in their early childhood years. When choosing toys, it's important to be careful not to choose toys that are gender-biased.
All children need the opportunity to explore different styles of playing and be allowed to try different kinds of toys without gender restrictions. Reducing gender stereotypes in play has been found to help reduce gender differentiation in development, ability, and skills.
With the growth and development of your child, changing up their toys is a way to help them further hone their skills. At certain ages and developmental stages, children are able to "unlock" new abilities.
As they grow older, they are able to pick up and manipulate smaller objects (fine motor development), are able to play with toys in more ways (cognitive and social development), and are now suddenly able to do more physical things, like being able to learn to ride a tricycle properly at 3 years old (gross motor development).
In general, simple and open-ended toys are always great for any age because how they are used and played with is dependent on your toddler's imagination and abilities. It's also always a good idea to keep open communications with your pediatrician to help you decide what toys can best help your child reach their full potential.
Play is the main and best avenue for young children to learn and develop different skills, so it's really important to choose toys that will help the social, mental, physical, and emotional development of children.
While toys should be fun for your child, they should also be age-appropriate, stimulating, and safe. Go for simpler toys that allow for open-ended play (such as blocks, dolls, play objects), leaving much of how a toy is used and played with to the imagination of your child.
Try also to avoid electronic toys and gadgets, as several studies have suggested that these pose several possible dangers to children's health and development, including hearing loss (from loud toys), weight gain (from being inactive while playing), as well as language and developmental delays.
Pretend play toys inspire your little one’s imagination and creativity. Aside from mini kitchen sets, dolls and cars - play tents and books also do the same by exposing your kids to other life situations and roles. Click the article links below to see our recommended options.
10 Best Play Tents for Kids in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Early Childhood Educator
10 Best Short Storybooks for Kids in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Pediatrician
10 Best Coloring Books for Kids in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Early Childhood Educator
Author: Ayeza E. Mangulabnan
No. 1: Niko |Magnetic Drawing Board
No. 2: Niko |Busy Board
No. 3: Niko |Wooden Alphabet Number Shape Puzzles
No. 4: Fisher Price |Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Tablet
No. 5: Chicco |Turtle Sort & Surprise
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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