I have a hard time finding toys that my 2 yr old will play with. He want's to play with the tires on real cars. the dishes and the dvd's and their cases. I try to offer him one of his trucks or little cars or some other things like plastic cups but he wants grownup things. Anybody have any favorite toys that your children enjoyed at this age?
Angie

My son (also 2 y old) is the same way. Most times his toys stay in the cupboard these days, and he takes out my pots and pans, and plays cooking (he would put a few of his matchbox cars in there and stir), or he takes a rag and plays cleaning the house, or he takes the end piece of the vacuum cleaner and plays vacuuming the carpet�etc.

He just copies me, of course, and I can�t see anything wrong with him using some of the kitchen utensils for play. He knows by now that he can�t take knifes.

A wooden stick will keep him busier than a toy, more often than not.

I am actually glad I don�t have to buy tons of toys to keep him busy, yet.

He also loves to play with water though, he plays cleaning his toys, and just getting wet (when it�s warm out of course, and he can be naked).
He also loves to play with his water colours, but only when naked, or it�ll be a mess.
All types of kiddie vehicles (bobby car, tricyle�) are great for him. He often just sits on one, and �reads� one of his books (yes, reading is also one of his favorites).
The doll works great too, he feeds her, gives her her bottle, takes her diaper off (and I have to put it back on, yes).
The playtrain (on wooden rails) is becoming interesting too, now, but usually I have to help.

Don�t worry about it, just let him (her ? I forget) , and be glad you�re saving money. But of course not the whole household should be at his disposition, but I didn�t have too much trouble setting the limits.

Wow Red, he sounds like a text book example of two year old development. Way to go!

Anyone interestedin a crash course on the play of a two year old:
Two year olds should be imitating what they see (feed a doll, act out fast food drive through, housework etc.) with a few simple steps. Household items that they can use are fabulous toys. If they can use something such as a wooden spoon as it is intended (stirring, eating) and as something else too, (to hit a ball, drum stick) all the better. Some like cars, guys, planes, etc, too.

Pretend play is very important in child development and there is a direct relationship between the development of play skills and language development.

Two year olds often like to build with big blocks and knock them down (constructive play). We had big cardboard blocks, much sturdier than they looked.

They like to climb in, crawl through and hide under things. They can be very physical. The little ride-on cars are great (no power wheels, please).

They enjoy sensory exploration like water and sand. Bathtub toys are fun. We used to try finger paint or shaving cream too, but I had to be quick to not let him get it everywhere and it only lasted 10-15 minutes.

A lot of kids don't play with the cute toddler toys you see at the toy store.

I should go back to my old nickname of Windy, I talk too much. Sorry