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Developmental Milestones by Half-Year

What your toddler learns and which toys support that

12-18 Months 🚶

First Steps

Milestones
  • Learning to walk
  • First words
  • Stacking & building
  • Imitating adults
Ideal toys
  • Push walkers
  • Stacking blocks
  • Shape sorters
  • Play phones
18-24 Months 🗣️

Language Explosion

Milestones
  • 50+ words
  • Running & climbing
  • Pretend play begins
  • "Do it myself!"
Ideal toys
  • Play kitchen
  • Picture books
  • Puzzles (2-4 pieces)
  • Climbing toys

Key Development Areas

How toys stimulate each skill

🏃

Gross Motor Skills

From wobbly first steps to running, climbing and jumping. Toddlers have endless energy and want to physically explore the world.

RECOMMENDED TOYS
  • Balance bikes
  • Push and pull toys
  • Balls of all sizes

Fine Motor Skills

Precise movements with hands and fingers improve steadily. Toddlers learn to draw, puzzle and manipulate small objects.

RECOMMENDED TOYS
  • Chunky crayons
  • Knob puzzles
  • Lacing toys
💬

Language & Communication

Vocabulary explodes! From a few words to short sentences. Reading and interactive play enormously stimulates this development.

RECOMMENDED TOYS
  • Board picture books
  • Talking plush toys
  • Singing games
🧠

Cognitive Development

Problem-solving thinking develops rapidly. Toddlers learn to sort, match and understand cause and effect better and better.

RECOMMENDED TOYS
  • Shape sorters
  • Simple puzzles
  • Stacking cups
🎭

Imagination & Role Play

Around 18 months, pretend play begins. Toddlers imitate adults and create simple scenarios with dolls and toys.

RECOMMENDED TOYS
  • Play kitchen
  • Dolls & stuffed animals
  • Toy phone
❤️

Social-Emotional

The famous "terrible twos" are coming! Toddlers learn to cope with emotions and develop their own identity and preferences.

RECOMMENDED TOYS
  • Emotion plush toys
  • Mirror toys
  • Cooperative play toys

Our Top Recommendations

Expert-tested and parent-approved

Montessori Toys for 1 Year Old
Editor's Choice
Montessori

Montessori Wooden Sorting & Stacking Set

★★★★★ (4.9/5)

Beautiful wooden toys based on Montessori principles. Promotes problem-solving skills, color recognition and fine motor skills.

12+ months
Read Review
Magic Water Drawing Mat
Popular
AquaDoodle

Magic Water Drawing Mat

★★★★★ (4.8/5)

Draw with water - no stains! Large mat for creative expression. Reusable and safe. Stimulates creativity and fine motor skills.

18+ months
Read Review
Yookidoo Pop-Up Water Snail
Best Seller
Yookidoo

Yookidoo Pop-Up Water Snail

★★★★★ (4.8/5)

Interactive bath toy with surprising pop-up action. Makes bath time fun and educational. Teaches cause and effect playfully.

12+ months
Read Review
Yookidoo Tap N Play Musical Plane
Yookidoo

Yookidoo Musical Airplane

★★★★☆ (4.6/5)

Musical airplane with tap function. Various melodies and sound effects. Stimulates sense of rhythm and hand-eye coordination.

12+ months
Read Review
🛡️

Toddler Safety

No small parts

Toddlers still put everything in their mouth

Sturdy and durable

Toddlers throw and bang toys

Non-toxic materials

BPA-free, lead-free, phthalate-free

Stable when climbing

Toddlers climb on everything!

💡

Expert Tips

Rotate toys

Store half away and swap every 2 weeks. "New" toys become interesting again!

Follow their interest

Every toddler is unique. Watch what they're drawn to.

Less is more

Too many choices overwhelm. 3-4 toys at a time is enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common parent questions

View Other Age Groups

Discover toys for every developmental stage of your child.