Selecting safe, developmentally appropriate toys for children is essential for encouraging learning, exploration, and creativity. Many items that foster play are common household objects—cardboard boxes, plastic bowls, bottle caps, and other simple items can become versatile tools for imaginative play across various ages. Below, we’ve outlined age-appropriate toy suggestions while keeping in mind that each child develops at their own pace. Remember: as long as the toys are safe, they can be beneficial for a variety of age groups.

Young infants love exploring the world with their senses. They’re naturally drawn to faces, bright colours, and the sounds of voices. They enjoy discovering the movement of their hands and feet, lifting their heads, and turning toward sounds.

Good Toy Options:

• Sensory Play: Rattles, large rings, squeeze toys, teething toys, and soft dolls.
• Visual Stimulation: Textured balls, unbreakable mirrors, and pictures of faces.
• Auditory Experiences: Books with nursery rhymes, lullabies, and simple songs.

Babies at this stage are becoming more mobile. Rolling over, sitting, pulling themselves up, and exploring their environments are exciting milestones. They’re also developing language skills and their ability to problem-solve.

Good Toy Options:

• Pretend Play: Baby dolls, puppets, and water toys.
• Exploration Toys: Nesting toys, plastic bowls, and large beads.
• Building Play: Large soft blocks and wooden cubes.
• Gross Motor Skills: Large balls and push/pull toys.

By their first birthday, many children are walking, climbing, and exploring with greater independence. They’re also learning their first words and enjoying simple stories and imaginative play.

Good Toy Options:

• Story & Reading: Board books with simple illustrations and real-life pictures.
• Creative Play: Non-toxic, washable crayons, large paper, and safe drawing materials.
• Pretend Play: Toy phones, dolls, doll beds, dress-up scarves, and animal figurines.
• Building Toys: Wooden blocks or sturdy building sets.
• Motor Skills Play: Puzzles, pegboards, and toys that feature dials, knobs, or switches.

Toddlers are energetic, developing rapidly, and engaging with their physical and social worlds. They enjoy problem-solving and testing limits while developing fine motor skills and creativity.

Good Toy Options:

• Problem-Solving Play: Simple wooden puzzles, shape sorters, and snap-together blocks.
• Pretend & Creative Play: Dolls with accessories, sand and water play toys, and construction sets.
• Art & Craft Supplies: Crayons, washable paint, large paper, and child-safe scissors.
• Musical Exploration: Simple rhythm instruments like tambourines and maracas.
• Gross Motor Play: Ride-on toys, balls for throwing, and climbing tunnels.

Preschoolers and kindergartners enjoy more focused exploration and imaginative play. They have longer attention spans and like experimenting, problem-solving, and playing with peers.

Good Toy Options:

• Problem-Solving & Sorting: Puzzles, counting bears, plastic bottle caps, and pattern games.
• Pretend Play & Creative Construction: Dolls with furniture, dress-up clothing, sand/water play, building blocks, and transport vehicles.
• Art & Creativity: Paint, crayons, playdough, scissors, and musical instruments like xylophones or keyboards.
• Active Play: Tricycles, ride-on equipment, climbing structures, and sports balls.
• Technology Interaction: Age-appropriate, interactive computer programs with spoken instructions and visual learning tools.

Safety is essential when choosing and using toys. Safe toys should:

• Be free from sharp edges, splinters, or small parts that can pose a choking risk.
• Be painted with nontoxic, lead-free paint.
• Be shatterproof and easy to clean.

Must have these markings to be sold in the UK

• CE marking, or
• UKCA marking, or
• UKCA marking and CE marking, or
• UKNI marking and CE marking

It’s vital for adults to regularly inspect toys for damage or wear that could create hazards over time. Keeping children safe while they play ensures a positive and stimulating learning environment. For recalls or updates on unsafe toys, consult the Office for Product Safety and Standards website.

Whether using everyday household items or age-appropriate toys, the most important factor is ensuring that children have access to safe, imaginative, and engaging play options. Toys that reflect their developmental stages help support their learning journey while fostering exploration, creativity, and confidence.

To learn more about child development, see our range of courses on the subject here