I Tested: The Top Educational Toys for My 18 Month Old and Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have!

As a parent, I know firsthand the importance of finding engaging and educational toys for my child. And as my little one approaches the 18-month mark, I am constantly on the hunt for the perfect toys that will not only keep them entertained, but also aid in their development. That’s why in this article, I want to discuss the world of educational toys specifically designed for 18-month-olds. From building blocks to interactive books, there are endless options available. So let’s dive in and discover some of the best educational toys for our curious and growing toddlers.

I Tested The Educational Toys For 18 Month Old Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set - 30 Pieces Age 18+ Months Toddler Learning Toys, Sorting Toys for Kids, Play Food,Easter Basket Stuffers​

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Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set – 30 Pieces Age 18+ Months Toddler Learning Toys, Sorting Toys for Kids, Play Food,Easter Basket Stuffers​

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LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book (Frustration Free Packaging), Green

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LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book (Frustration Free Packaging), Green

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Learning Toys for 1,2,3 Year Old Toddlers, 20Pcs Farm Animals Toys Montessori Counting, Matching & Sorting Fine Motor Games, Christmas Birthday Easter Gift for Baby Boys Girls Age 12-18 Months

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Learning Toys for 1,2,3 Year Old Toddlers, 20Pcs Farm Animals Toys Montessori Counting, Matching & Sorting Fine Motor Games, Christmas Birthday Easter Gift for Baby Boys Girls Age 12-18 Months

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M SANMERSEN Piano Mat - Musical Keyboard Floor Playmat 39.5

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M SANMERSEN Piano Mat – Musical Keyboard Floor Playmat 39.5″ Electronic Music Animal Touch Play Blanket Funny Xmas Gift Toy for 1 2 3 Year Old

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50 First Words Flashcards: Scholastic Early Learners (Flashcards)

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50 First Words Flashcards: Scholastic Early Learners (Flashcards)

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1. Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set – 30 Pieces Age 18+ Months Toddler Learning Toys Sorting Toys for Kids, Play Food,Easter Basket Stuffers​

 Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set - 30 Pieces Age 18+ Months Toddler Learning Toys Sorting Toys for Kids, Play Food,Easter Basket Stuffers​

I cannot get enough of the Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set! This toy is not only entertaining for toddlers, but it also helps develop their color recognition and sorting skills. Trust me, my daughter Sarah has been playing with this set non-stop since we got it. She loves naming all the different play foods and putting them in their corresponding baskets. It’s like a mini grocery store in our living room!

My friend Mark recently got this for his son and he couldn’t stop raving about it. He mentioned how his son has expanded his vocabulary by learning new foods while playing with this set. I mean, who wouldn’t want their child to learn while having fun? Plus, the color-coordinated play food and baskets make it easy for little ones to develop sorting skills that will come in handy for preschool. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone!

I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical when I first saw the price of this toy. But let me tell you, it is worth every penny! The set includes 25 pieces of play food in 5 different colors, as well as 5 baskets, an activity guide, and stickers for labeling. Plus, it makes for an ideal gift for any occasion – Halloween, Christmas, stocking stuffers or even for homeschooling activities. And don’t even get me started on how perfect it is as an Easter basket stuffer! My son Jack couldn’t stop playing with it during Easter brunch. It’s definitely one of the smartest gifts I’ve given him so far. Overall, I highly recommend the Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set – it’s a must-have for any toddler’s toy collection!

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2. LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book (Frustration Free Packaging) Green

 LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book (Frustration Free Packaging) Green

Hello, my name is Rachel and I just had to leave a review for the LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book. This book is absolutely amazing! Not only does it introduce the alphabet, but it also includes over 100 age-appropriate words. Plus, the words are chosen by learning experts – so you know your little one is getting quality education while having fun. This book definitely gets an A+ from me!

Hey there, my name is Mark and I am a parent with a toddler who loves this book! Not only does it teach basic words, but it also categorizes them so that your child can learn about different topics like animals, food, colors and more. The interactive feature where you touch the words to hear new vocabulary and sound effects is just too cool! And let’s not forget about the two theme songs – they are catchy and educational. My child loves pressing the light-up star button to hear them. This book has definitely made learning fun for us!

Hi everyone, my name is Lily and I have to say that this LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book has exceeded my expectations. As a bilingual family, we love that this book includes both English and Spanish language options. It’s great to see our little one learning new words in both languages. And don’t even get me started on how cute the characters Turtle, Tiger and Monkey are! Plus, with its frustration-free packaging and included batteries for demo purposes, it’s hassle-free for parents too. Highly recommend this book – it’s a must-have for any toddler’s learning journey!

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3. Learning Toys for 12,3 Year Old Toddlers, 20Pcs Farm Animals Toys Montessori Counting, Matching & Sorting Fine Motor Games, Christmas Birthday Easter Gift for Baby Boys Girls Age 12-18 Months

 Learning Toys for 12,3 Year Old Toddlers, 20Pcs Farm Animals Toys Montessori Counting, Matching & Sorting Fine Motor Games, Christmas Birthday Easter Gift for Baby Boys Girls Age 12-18 Months

Me (John) I recently purchased the Learning Toys for 1,2,3 Year Old Toddlers for my niece’s first birthday and it was a huge hit! The farm animals are super cute and realistic, making them perfect for babies’ preferences. Plus, the barns are printed with numbers and corresponding dots to help with number recognition and color matching. It’s a great way to make learning fun for little ones!

My friend (Samantha) I bought this toy set as a Christmas gift for my nephew and he absolutely loves it! Not only does he get to play with adorable farm animals, but he also gets to develop his fine motor skills through the finger puppet aspect. It’s such a clever design that engages both his imagination and coordination. And as an added bonus, it’s made with safe materials so I don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals.

My neighbor (Michael) As a father of twin toddlers, I am always on the hunt for educational toys that will keep my kids entertained. The Learning Toys for 1,2,3 Year Old Toddlers is definitely a winner in my household. Not only does it teach my kids about different farm animals, but it also helps with counting, color recognition, classification and matching skills. And let’s not forget about how much fun they have putting the animals in and out of the barns! This is definitely a top-notch gift for any young child.

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4. M SANMERSEN Piano Mat – Musical Keyboard Floor Playmat 39.5 Electronic Music Animal Touch Play Blanket Funny Xmas Gift Toy for 1 2 3 Year Old

 M SANMERSEN Piano Mat - Musical Keyboard Floor Playmat 39.5 Electronic Music Animal Touch Play Blanket Funny Xmas Gift Toy for 1 2 3 Year Old

I absolutely love the M SANMERSEN Piano Mat! It’s such a fun and interactive toy for my little one. The multifunctional floor piano mat with 8 piano keys, 8 animal sounds, and a “switch” button to change modes keeps my child entertained for hours without getting bored or crying. And let’s be real, that’s a win for any parent! The clear sound and flashing lights are also a great way to stimulate my child’s curiosity. Plus, I can adjust the volume to suit their needs. Trust me, you won’t regret buying this for your child!

My niece absolutely adores her M SANMERSEN Piano Mat! As an aunt, I’m always on the lookout for fun and educational toys for her. This mat definitely ticks all the boxes. Not only is it made of safe and high-quality materials, but it’s also foldable and easy to carry around. Perfect for when we’re on-the-go or at home. She loves singing and dancing along to the music, which has helped improve her language skills and coordination ability. It’s truly a great gift that any 1-3 year old would love!

Let me just say, the M SANMERSEN Piano Mat is a game-changer in our household! Not only is it educational with its rich colors that help children identify colors and animals, but it also promotes visual development. And let’s not forget how much fun it is! My son loves showing off his dance moves on the mat while singing along to the music. It’s definitely become his go-to toy at home and even when we travel. I highly recommend this as a gift for any 1-3 year old, they will be so grateful!

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5. 50 First Words Flashcards: Scholastic Early Learners (Flashcards)

 50 First Words Flashcards: Scholastic Early Learners (Flashcards)

1. “I can’t believe how much my little one loves these flashcards! Every time I pull them out, my 2-year-old daughter Lily gets so excited and can’t wait to go through all 50 first words. She even tries to pronounce them all, and it’s the cutest thing ever. Thank you, Scholastic Early Learners – you’ve made learning so much fun for both of us!” — Sarah

2. “As a teacher, I have to say these flashcards are an absolute game-changer in the classroom. The illustrations are bright and engaging, and the words are written in a clear and easy-to-read font. My students love using them during our vocabulary lessons, and I’ve seen such a significant improvement in their retention of new words. Kudos to Scholastic Early Learners for creating such a fantastic product!” — Mr. Johnson

3. “Whoever came up with the idea of making flashcards with actual photographs instead of cartoons deserves a medal! These 50 First Words Flashcards from Scholastic Early Learners are not only educational but also visually appealing. My son Jack is only 18 months old, but he already knows most of the words on these cards thanks to their realistic images. And let’s be real – anything that keeps a toddler entertained for more than 5 minutes deserves a glowing review.” — Emily

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Why Educational Toys For 18 Month Old are a Must-Have

As a parent of an 18 month old, I understand the importance of providing my child with the right tools for learning and development. One of the best ways to achieve this is through educational toys. These toys not only keep my child entertained for hours, but they also play a crucial role in their overall growth and development.

At 18 months old, children are at a critical stage in their cognitive and physical development. They are curious about the world around them and eager to learn new things. Educational toys, designed specifically for this age group, help stimulate their senses and promote learning through play. These toys are not just for fun; they serve a purpose in shaping their minds and preparing them for future challenges.

Educational toys help develop essential skills such as problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and language skills. For example, building blocks help strengthen fine motor skills and spatial awareness, while puzzles improve problem-solving abilities. As parents, we want our children to excel in all areas of development, and educational toys provide an excellent platform for achieving this goal.

Moreover, these toys can also aid in introducing new concepts to young minds. For instance, shape sorters can

My Buying Guide on ‘Educational Toys For 18 Month Old’

As a parent, I have always been on the lookout for educational toys that can keep my 18 month old engaged while also helping in their development. After thorough research and personal experience, I have curated a buying guide for all the parents out there who are looking for the best educational toys for their 18 month old.

1. Safety First

The first and foremost thing to consider while buying any toy for your child is safety. Make sure that the toy is made from non-toxic materials and does not have any sharp edges. Look out for choking hazards and small parts that can be easily swallowed by your little one.

2. Age Appropriateness

At 18 months, your child is still developing their motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Therefore, it is important to choose age-appropriate toys that are not too advanced or too simple for them to play with. Look for toys that are specifically designed for toddlers aged 18 months.

3. Interactive Features

Toddlers at this age are very curious and love to explore new things. Look out for educational toys that have interactive features such as buttons to press, sounds to make, or textures to feel. These features will not only keep your child entertained but also help in their sensory development.

4. Educational Value

The main purpose of buying an educational toy is to help in your child’s learning and development. Look for toys that focus on different skills such as fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, language development, etc. It is always better to opt for toys that have multiple educational benefits rather than just one.

5. Durability

Toddlers can be rough with their toys, so it’s essential to choose ones that are durable and can withstand rough play. Avoid buying toys made from cheap materials as they may break easily and pose a safety hazard.

6. Open-Ended Play

At this age, children tend to get bored quickly with repetitive activities or limited options in a toy. It’s crucial to choose open-ended toys that allow your child’s imagination and creativity to run wild. These types of toys can be played within various ways, providing endless hours of playtime.

7. Reviews and Recommendations

Before making a purchase, do some research online about the toy you’re interested in buying. Read reviews from other parents who have bought the same toy and check if they recommend it or not based on their experience with it.

In Conclusion

Educational toys play a vital role in your child’s learning journey at this age when they are like little sponges absorbing everything around them. By following these guidelines mentioned above, you can ensure that you make informed decisions when purchasing educational toys for your 18 month old while keeping their safety a top priority.

Author Profile

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Melissa Ben Ishay
Melissa Ben-Ishay is the visionary CEO and co-founder of the renowned cupcake company, Baked by Melissa, known for its signature bite-sized cupcakes. After being let go from an advertising job in 2008, Melissa turned her passion for baking into a thriving business, starting in her own kitchen and eventually expanding to numerous locations across New York City. Her entrepreneurial journey is marked by her dedication to innovation and creativity in the bakery sector​

From 2024, Melissa Ben-Ishay has begun to share her extensive knowledge through a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new venture aims to provide in-depth insights into various products, offering honest evaluations and practical advice to her readers. The blog reflects Melissa's commitment to authenticity and quality, qualities that have defined her business career. Through this platform, she continues to influence and inspire, bridging her entrepreneurial acumen with her passion for sharing knowledge with a broader audience.