Each new milestone your little one reaches is bittersweet, especially as you watch them grow from a newborn baby sleeping in your arms to a walking and talking toddler.
From an expanded vocabulary to enjoying pretend play, at 18 months old your toddler is definitely seeking more independence. Whether you’re soaking up this independent phase or left wondering how time has passed so quickly, your toddler is likely ready for activities and toys to support their growing minds and expanding interests.
Where to Find Affordable & Quality Toddler Toys
Looking for some ideas? Make sure to spend a few minutes browsing Amazon. While they have endless options of toys for 18-month-olds that span from mid-range to big splurge, they also have many affordable must-have items that both you and your toddler will love. Browsing outside of Amazon? Head over to Kohl’s, Walmart, and Target for adorable and educational options at a similar price point.
The 12 Best Toys for 18-Month-Olds Under $20
Whatever you’re looking for, and whatever the occasion—gifts to put underneath the Christmas tree or something to entertain your toddler on the go—we’ve got you covered with a roundup of toys for under $20. Yes—under $20!
Board Books
Books are timeless and classic for kids of any age. Board books in particular are a great option for your 18-month-old! Durable and smaller in size, board books are easier for toddlers to hold and interact with. And, at an affordable price, you can snag a couple for under $20. Plus, they’re easy to take on-the-go! Series we love: Eric Carle, First 100 books, and anything by Sandra Boynton.
GOPO TOYS Montessori Toddler Wooden Sorting and Stacking Toy
Made from high-quality natural wood, the GOPO TOYS Montessori Toddler Wooden Sorting and Stacking Toy is perfect for your 18-month-old (and older!). Not only is it aesthetic, it’s also a great way to foster multi-sensory development.
Wooden Name Puzzle Learning Toy
Prefer something more personalized? Check out this Wooden Name Puzzle Learning Toy! At a price point you can’t beat, this personalized puzzle is not only charming and thoughtful, but it also helps enhance motor skills.
Lego DUPLO My First Growing Carrot Building Toy Set
If you are a Lego family, you’ll love the Lego DUPLO My First Growing Carrot Building Toy Set. With large pieces that are safe for your toddler, this set teaches stacking skills and encourages imaginative play while also showing how plants grow.
LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book
Whether you’re running errands or planning a family road trip, the LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book is a great way to keep your toddler entertained when you’re on the go. Interactive and fun, this learning book introduces words in both English and Spanish, and is sure to keep your toddler’s attention.
Adena Montessori Object Permanence Box
The Adena Montessori Object Permanence Box might look simplistic, but it’s definitely multi-faceted. Not only does it engage sensory exploration and enhance fine motor skills, but it also fosters concentration and focus. Bonus: there are several style and color options to choose from, and it’s non-toxic!
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Pounding Bench
Looking for something that will keep your active toddler occupied? The Melissa & Doug Deluxe Pounding Bench is a great option! Unlike traditional pounding bench toys, this one features fun smiley face pegs for extra entertainment for your 18-month-old.
Peekaboo Learning Farm
This Peekaboo Learning Farm from Learning Resources is a fun option for your 18-month-old! They will love the adorable farm animal finger puppets, and the two-piece barns encourage fine motor skills. Added bonus: this learning toy grows with your child from early math to color recognition.
Lovevery Colorful Animals Wooden Book
If you’ve been curious about Lovevery, their sustainably crafted Colorful Animals Wooden Book is a great place to start. The beautiful hand-painted animal friends help your toddler practice color association and build language skills like rhythm and new vocabulary. Another great option for on-the-go!
B. toys Musical Sets
If your toddler loves music (most do!) check out the B. toys Drum Set 7 Instruments or the B. toys Interactive Dog Guitar-Woofer. The drum set includes easy storage for all seven instruments, and the guitar woofer allows your toddler to experiment across eight musical chords.
Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog Tissue Time
There’s no greater joy than pulling tissues out of a Kleenex box, right? Well, at least for toddlers! That’s why Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog Tissue Time is a fun alternative. Your little one will love pinching, pulling, and stuffing these colorful (and washable!) tissues into Spike’s sturdy shell. A great sensory and sorting activity for at home or in the car.
11 Magnet Wooden Animals Train Set
If any type of vehicle is your toddler’s go-to toy, make sure to check out this 11 Magnet Wooden Animals Train Set. With a few different animal options to choose from, this magnetic set will help your toddler develop hand-eye coordination, color and number recognition, and critical thinking.
Where to Find Free Toys for Toddlers
You really can’t beat toddler toys for under $20, but if you’re looking for other ideas that are even more economical (ahem, free!), chances are you already have a few things on hand.
Here are some suggestions we think your toddler will love: tissue paper or wrapping paper for crinkling, disposable cups for stacking, a pot or Tupperware from your kitchen accompanied with a wooden spoon (for drumming, of course!), or a cardboard box for coloring on or hiding in.
Which one of these toys do you plan to snag for your toddler? Let us know! Tag us on Instagram and follow us on Facebook to be the first to know when we spot deals.
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