Classic Must-Have Toys for Twos

Toddlers are full of curiosity and spunk, most of which challenges even the most organized and prepared parent. But what toys are necessary, and which are just a waste of space? With toddlers, playtime is learn time, so almost all toys for twos serve a second purpose: an experience from which knowledge can be obtained. Here are ten must-have toys for twos to preschool:

ONE: Blocks. Blocks come in all shapes and colors. Building with blocks can involve designing the perfect playhouse for a favorite doll or erecting a tower so tall it's a miracle it doesn't collapse. . . until it does. Blocks are important for kids because they can be touched, held, clunked together, tossed, built with, and sometimes knocked down. Choosing the right type of blocks depends on your personal preference and your child's personality. Children who get discouraged by falling blocks might enjoy interlocking blocks like duplo. Kids who like it natural may prefer standard blocks and arches made of wood. Children into detail may prefer to play with blocks that offer more variety of shape and color.

TWO: Dollhouses. A dollhouse is the ultimate role play accessory. Set up a little family with all their furniture and what do you have? An opportunity to show how people live. Be sure to choose age-appropriate dolls, furniture and accessories and adhere to safety suggestions. Some simple dolls, like Fisher Price Little People or cloth Ikea dolls, are made for littler hands while more detailed dolls are best suited to older children.

THREE: Toy Food. Toy food items are excellent care play toys. A child can play with toy food and practice preparing and serving it. The interaction is one of bonding and fun with the occasional bit of humor. (Shrimp on an ice cream, an egg over a cup for instance.) Toy food allows a child to imitate supporting and nurturing roles.

FOUR: Toy Animals. Age appropriate toy animals help a child develop a humane and caring mind and make important connections about where animals live and how they react to the world around them. A chunky cow can be used to stimulate conversations like - "The cow gives milk" or "The sheep goes Baa." A barn for the animals to live in will provide the backdrop for conversations about what animals eat and where they sleep.

FIVE: Musical Instruments. A child with music in his or her life is a child who may do better at school. Learning rhythm, sound, and pitch may seem like an unnecessary venture, but when a child plays with music, they are stimulating more than just their auditory preferences. Rhythm helps math skills, and the feel of music itself helps with soothing and social abilities.

SIX: Puzzles. Puzzles help kids make decisions and work out problems. They also help a child to interact with caregivers who approach the puzzle as an opportunity to socialize. Puzzles may seem like a frustrating challenge to some children, but repetition and choosing age appropriate puzzles for your child will offer a wonderful opportunity for growth.

SEVEN: Shape Sorters. A shape sorter is a toy that offers blocks of varying shapes to fit into holes of matching shapes. Shape sorters can be simple or complex, cheap or expensive. They are the ultimate puzzle for twos, offering a challenge and a learning opportunity.

EIGHT: Dolls. Dolls are not just for girls. Dolls provide a child with the opportunity to nurture and love. Whether you choose a stuffed toy animal or a vinyl baby for your child, the opportunity to play mommy or daddy will be one that encourages a gentle and adoring child. Consider age-appropriate doll accessories and clothing to maximize role play and add hours of fun for your child.

NINE: Toy House or Yard Implements. Children love to be just like Mommy or Daddy. They enjoy helping with housework, pushing a toy vacuum, answering a toy phone, or raking with a plastic rake. They are the ultimate imitators; finding discovery around every pretend chore. Play household items are a safe way for your child to experiment with everyday work.

TEN: Books. Children who are read to tend to become early readers. They also tend to have better vocabulary. The bonding times that parents can enjoy while reading are experiences that will last a lifetime. Favorite books can even become security items.

Whether you choose to deck out your child's nursery with tons of toys or only focus on a few necessities, enjoy the twos. They need not be terrible if you approach the frustrations with a lot of patience, tempered with love and encouragement. Great toys don't hurt though.