Both my son's 2nd b-day AND Christmas are just a few weeks away. Although we buy toys and books for him during the year, we do the bulk of his toy buying at this time. I want to be smart about buying toys that will last through his 2nd year and will provide developmental stimulation throughout the year. So far, I have some puzzles, books and lots of Thomas the train stuff. Any suggestions for toys/books/etc. that little boys love between the age of 2 and 3? Thanks!
I, too, recommend a play kitchen. I have twin 2-year-old boys and my sister bought it for them for their second birthday and they play with it every day. Make sure to buy a bunch of food for it (ours did not come with any). I bought a pizza from Toys R Us and it came with a bunch of toppings you can velcro to the pizza and my boys also use the toppings to make "soup". They also play with Thomas the Train.
Starting sports equipment would be great: a plastic playground ball, a size 3 soccer ball, small volleyball, soft baseballs/footballs, and a t-ball set. We got a bunch of this for our son's 2nd birthday and they are great transition and gross/fine motor skill items. Our son is almost 3 now and he started out rolling and throwing the items. Now he can catch, kick, and hit the various items. Although the toys don't change, the usage has as he has developed skills.
He might enjoy a tool bench like Little Tikes has. My son likes his until he was about 4 or 5.
Our son played almost exclusively with Thomas during that time period. We bought heavily and it was worth it! At 4.5 he still plays with all of it, though not as much. Also floor puzzles, books about construction, trains.
A play kitchen? Some manipulative things like blocks or things that teach coordination and rhythm like play instruments or a parachute? A ball pit? Dress-up clothes?
Art supplies like playdough, crayons, markers, washable paint, possibly an easel...
