Best toys for 18 month olds 2024: 21 gifts to buy as they reach important milestones

Engaging and educational, discover the best toys for 18 month olds

The best toys for 18 month olds include a walker, bouncer, stacking rings and a doll
(Image credit: Future)

Shopping for a birthday present? Or just looking for some new additions for playtime? We’ve rounded up the best toys for 18-month-olds that are fun and seriously engaging for this age group. 

The grand old age of 18 months comes with some pretty big developmental milestones. At this time, most little ones have mastered how to walk, they're climbing and jumping and, more often than not, they're making the most of being on their feet by dancing. So the best toys for 18-month-olds are items that help them perfect these life skills. For example, stacking and nesting toys can help your infant develop their fine motor skills and are really good for cognitive development and problem solving. Toys designed for this age also help to close the gap between the best toys for 1-year-olds and the best toys for 2-year-olds.

But what toys are worth investing in? And what toy features should you look out for? Nicole Ratcliffe, at Baby 2 Sleep, explains that toys that help little ones learn about emotions can be really helpful. "This allows mum or dad to spend one-to-one time with their little one, role play emotions and teach them ways to help them communicate how they are feeling," Nicole says. "Blocks and stackers are also brilliant. Music for dancing, pop-up tunnels, and obstacles around the house can be great too. They love things that may be noisy, colourful and interactive, and things that challenge them.” 

To guide you through the process, we've trawled cyberspace to find the best toys for 18-month-olds from a range of retailers including the likes of Boots, Mamas and Papas and John Lewis. With prices starting from £10, there's something for everyone. 

Best toys for 18-month-olds 

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Rocking Caterpillar - £55 | Mamas & Papas 

<a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=6526&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mamasandpapas.com%2Fcollections%2Frocking-horses-animals%2Fproducts%2Frocking-animal-wildly-6449wil01" data-link-merchant="awin1.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rocking Caterpillar - £55 | Mamas & Papas 

Good for: Physical and auditory development | Age suitability: 12 months + | Batteries required: No | RRP: £55

For the 18-month-old who’s always on the move, this cute rocking caterpillar from Mamas & Papas is sure to keep them entertained. The bright colourful character, with a cheerful smile would be a great addition to any bedroom or playroom.

Plus the hidden crinkle sounds in its feet and rattling antennae are great for stimulating your little one’s senses and encouraging exploration.

Baby Einstein Hape Magic Touch Piano - £29.99 | Amazon&nbsp;

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Baby-Einstein-Magic-Touch-Musical/dp/B07CP2FCCV/ref=asc_df_B07CP2FCCV?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Baby Einstein Hape Magic Touch Piano - £29.99 | Amazon 

Good for: Auditory and cognitive development Age suitability: 12 months + | Batteries required: Yes - 3 x AA (included) | RRP: £29.99

This beautiful wooden piano with 11 colourful touch keys is a great first musical instrument for little ones. It comes with five music sheets that play 10 melodies when inserted. So younger children will enjoy trying to play along to the classical music and older ones will have fun composing their own tunes. 

My First Wooden Stacking Rings - £14.50 | Kidly&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=23241&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kidly.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fjabadabado%2Fstacking-toy-teddy%2F13485" data-link-merchant="awin1.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">My First Wooden Stacking Rings - £14.50 | Kidly 

Good for: Fine motor skills | Age suitability: 12 months + | Batteries required: No | RRP: £12

This super cute animal stacker is a brilliant way for little ones to work on their hand-eye coordination and problem-solving. The five chunky wooden rings can be stacked in different orders and are topped off with a cute teddy head with felt ears. 

Mum Sara tells us: 'This is an excellent and simple toy. My baby loves it and it is great for practising fine motor skills.' The colourful design will look lovely displayed in a nursery and we thought this was a great price for a little gift. 

Personalised Ballerina Doll - £21 | My 1st Years&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=3964&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.my1styears.com%2Fpersonalised-ballerina-doll-with-dark-curly-hair.html" data-link-merchant="awin1.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Personalised Ballerina Doll - £21 | My 1st Years 

Good for: Social skills | Age suitability: Newborn + | Batteries required: No | RRP: £21

As toddlers start to become more aware of the world around them, they'll begin to role-play. Recreating family life is always a favourite game, and the My 1st Years cuddly dolls are made from super soft, lightweight and machine-washable fabrics so they can be cuddled around the clock, while looking as good as new. You can personalise this doll with your little dreamer’s name. 

Early years practitioner Kirsty Ketley, from <a href="https://www.auntiekschildcare.co.uk/" data-link-merchant="auntiekschildcare.co.uk"" data-link-merchant="awin1.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Auntie K’s Childcare says: 'Toddlers' social and emotional development will centre around imaginative play. So dressing up and role-play toys are a great idea. These are also great for helping them to make sense of their developing emotions, which will be very strong at times!'.

VTech Spin and Learn Colours Torch - £ 15.99|Amazon&nbsp;

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/VTech-185903-Learn-Colours-Torch/dp/B019C7RG62/ref=asc_df_B019C7RG62/?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">VTech Spin and Learn Colours Torch - £ 15.99|Amazon 

Good for: Auditory and cognitive development | Age suitability: 12 months + | Batteries required: Yes - 2 x AAA (included) | RRP: £15

Most toddlers love colourful lights and this is a great way for little ones to also develop their listening skills.

The five different coloured lights and animal graphics create fun visuals to attract a toddler's attention. By turning the ring they can discover different animals and the sounds they make. The three buttons can also be used to learn colours and numbers, as well as play different melodies.

Grandad Martyn explains to us: 'This is a brilliant little torch with a few different modes. It kept an 18-month-old busy for ages.'

Good for: Age suitability:Batteries required:RRP:

Good for: Cognitive development and fine motor skills | Age suitability: 18 months+ | Batteries required: No | RRP: £14.40

Duplo is a great option for busy toddlers and this number train ticks lots of educational boxes too. So it's easy to see why it made our list of best toys for 18-month-olds

Bright and colourful, it’s a great introduction to numbers and colours for little ones. Plus, the set also comes with two characters and a dog figure which encourage imaginative play. Our little tester enjoyed opening and closing the roof to put the driver in and pushing the train around. 

Grandma Tracey tells us: 'My grandson absolutely loved this Lego Duplo number learning train. We played for a long time putting different numbers on all the little carriages.'

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<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Daball-Toddler-Soccer-Ball-Terry/dp/B07K3ZGG93/ref=asc_df_B01I5W47OO?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Daball Animal Themed Ball - £13.99 | Amazon 

Good for: Gross motor skills | Age suitability: 12 months + | Batteries required: No | RRP: £12.99

As toddlers become more confident on their feet, they’ll start to practise standing on one leg to kick. So these little footballs are the perfect size for an introductory ball.

With a choice of cute characters, including a fox, corgi, zebra, polar bear and unicorn, there will be something to suit every animal enthusiast. The faux leather ball also comes with a pump, making it quick and easy to inflate.

Push along toy pram - £55 | John Lewis&nbsp;

<a href="https://john-lewis-and-partners.pxf.io/c/221109/871855/12148?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=goodtoknow-gb&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnlewis.com%2Fjohn-lewis-dolls-push-along-pram-wooden-toy-pink-neutral%2Fp5252185%3F" data-link-merchant="john-lewis-and-partners.pxf.io"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Push along toy pram - £55 | John Lewis<a href="https://john-lewis-and-partners.pxf.io/c/221109/871855/12148?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=goodtoknow-gb&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnlewis.com%2Fjohn-lewis-dolls-push-along-pram-wooden-toy-pink-neutral%2Fp5252185%3F" data-link-merchant="john-lewis-and-partners.pxf.io"" data-link-merchant="john-lewis-and-partners.pxf.io"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> 

Good for: Gross motor and social skills | Age suitability: 18 months + | Batteries required: No | RRP: £55 

Now that toddlers are starting to play pretend, it’s the perfect time to introduce a toy pram. The great thing about this wooden pram is that it is heavy enough to be used as a walker, but moves smoothly over floors and carpets. It comes in a pretty in pink pastel colour and contains a bed big enough to carefully house a doll and all of their favourite teddies as they start to develop their role-play skills. 

Rosa &amp; Bo Woodland Nesting Babies - £22 | Amazon

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Rosa-Bo-Woodland-Friends-Nesting/dp/B08L159PDT?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rosa & Bo Woodland Nesting Babies - £22 | Amazon

Good for: Cognitive development and fine motor skills | Age suitability: 3 months + | Batteries required: No | RRP: £22

These beautiful nesting babies from Rosa & Bo are a great toy for 18-month-olds, encouraging hand-to-eye coordination and imaginative play. The Russian Doll-inspired toy includes Ruby Fox, Basil Badger, Olive Owl and Benji Bunny, who includes a chime feature.

This toy helps to boost ordering and sequencing skills and also develops early number concepts, counting and fine motor skills. We also love its versatility, as it is water safe so can also be used in the bath or at the beach. 

Galt Toys, Pop-Up Toy, Wooden Baby Toy - £10.99 | Amazon&nbsp;

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Galt-Toys-Classic-Pop-Up-Multi-Coloured/dp/B001P3SJG8/ref=asc_df_B001P3SJG8?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Galt Toys, Pop-Up Toy, Wooden Baby Toy - £10.99 | Amazon 

Good for: Cognitive development| Age suitability: 12 months + | Batteries required: No | RRP: £9.99

Sometimes the simple toys are the best and we found this cute wooden pop up toy keeps little ones amused for ages. It features four colourful figures which bob up and down on concealed springs and has been designed to encourage hand and eye coordination and introduce colour awareness.

Mum Danielle tells us: ''m using this to help my child develop colour matching skills. He finds the springy pegs funny. It's great to engage with a focused activity.'

LeapFrog Musical Rainbow Tea Party Set - £16.99 | Amazon

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Leapfrog-Musical-Rainbow-Party-version/dp/B07CT28CXW/ref=asc_df_B07CT28CXW?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">LeapFrog Musical Rainbow Tea Party Set - £16.99 | Amazon

Good for: Cognitive development and social skills | Age suitability: 18 months + | Batteries required: Yes - 2 x AA (included) | RRP: £19.30

Little ones love imaginative play and this tea set is the perfect way for them to learn at the same time.

The set includes nine tea-time learning songs, and 80 phrases and sounds to help teach colours, opposites, counting and matching. The teapot lights up in five colours and gurgles as tea is ‘brewed’ inside. It’s a great set for role play and learning to take turns. 

Ruth explains: 'As children are starting to act out familiar actions in play and beginning early symbolic play such as using toys or dolls, toys which support this are great for their development. For example, tea party cups and saucers or a play kitchen.'

Wooden Post Box - £16 | John Lewis&nbsp;

<a href="https://john-lewis-and-partners.pxf.io/c/221109/871855/12148?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=goodtoknow-gb&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnlewis.com%2Fjohn-lewis-wooden-post-box%2Fp4263260%3F" data-link-merchant="john-lewis-and-partners.pxf.io"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Wooden Post Box - £16 | John Lewis 

Good for: Fine motor skills and cognitive development | Age suitability: 12 months + | Batteries required: No | RRP: £16

If there’s one thing parents of toddlers will tell you they love doing, it’s posting things! So this adorable little post box had to make it onto our list of best toys for 18-month-olds.

As well as helping to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, this toy also inspires imaginative play. As children get older they’ll enjoy adding names to the front of the letters and writing the collection time on the box with chalk. Plus, when all of the letters are posted they can open up the box and start all over again!

PAW Patrol Chase Flip Up Pad - £15| Argos&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100625229-15415242?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9558924?" data-link-merchant="anrdoezrs.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">PAW Patrol Chase Flip Up Pad - £15| Argos 

Good for: Fine motor skills and cognitive development| Age suitability: 18 months + | Batteries required: Yes, 2 x AAA (not included) | RRP: £15

If you have an 18-month-old in your house, the chances are you also have a PAW Patrol fan. The lovable crew of search and rescue dogs are always on a mission to protect Adventure Bay. Now Chase is on the case to help your little one learn their colours, numbers, shapes and objects. 

This compact light-up smart pad includes four activities and Ryder asks lots of fun questions to encourage learning. As well as practising their auditory and problem-solving skills, this toy also helps 18-month-olds to refine their fine motor skills as they press the correct buttons.

Dad Jon tells us: 'My little boy loves hearing the catchphrases of his favourite PAW Patrol characters.'

Wooden Digger Stacker - £22.99 | Amazon

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Top-Bright-Wooden-Toddler-Sorting/dp/B07DNPFD2K/ref=asc_df_B07DNPFD2K?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Wooden Digger Stacker - £22.99 | Amazon

Good for: Cognitive development | Age suitability: 18 months + | Batteries required: No | RRP: £23.99

At 18 months children are beginning to develop their coordination skills and this classic wooden shape sorter is perfect for problem-solving.

The push-along wooden and plastic digger comes with a movable barrel that can be rotated and unloaded meaning it can also be used for imaginative play. The idea is to get your little one to push the shapes through their correct hole, to help perfect their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. 

LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book - £15.75 | Argos

<a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100625229-15415242?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8528137?" data-link-merchant="anrdoezrs.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book - £15.75 | Argos

Good for: Cognitive and language development | Age suitability: 12 months + | Batteries required: Yes - 2 x AA (included) | RRP: £19.99

An 18 month old's vocabulary will increase significantly over the next six months and this book is a great way to help reinforce new words. It follows learning friends Turtle, Tiger and Monkey as they introduce little readers to more than 100 age-appropriate words chosen by learning experts. 

Touching the words on the pages plays the words and provides fun facts. We also love that everything in the book including words, songs and instructions can be heard in both English and French for a full bilingual experience.

Educational consultant Ruth Lee-Quee, founder of <a href="https://mymummyteacher.com/store/learn-through-play-cards-one-year-plus" data-link-merchant="mymummyteacher.com"" data-link-merchant="anrdoezrs.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">My Mummy Teacher Learning Through Play CardsRuth says: 'Children of this age will begin to show a real interest in picture books and will start to turn the pages themselves.'

Fisher-Price Little People Load Up ‘n Learn Construction Site - £35.99 | Amazon

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Fisher-Price-Little-People-Learn-Construction/dp/B08V5JZQ54?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fisher-Price Little People Load Up ‘n Learn Construction Site - £35.99 | Amazon

Good for: Cognitive development | Age suitability: 18 months + | Batteries required: Yes - 2 x AA (included) | RRP: £32.99

When considering the best toys for 18-month-olds, it's worth looking for some which encourage imaginative play, while teaching little ones at the same time. 

The Load Up 'n Learn Construction Site is a perfect example. As well as transporting boulders in the crane and dumping them in the quarry, the construction site playset also includes a moving elevator.

The speed bump provides songs, sounds and phrases to introduce little ones to letters of the alphabet, counting, shapes, colours and opposites. The set includes a push-along dump truck, two construction worker figures and two boulders.

Bigjigs Animal Matching Peg Puzzle - £16 | Kidly&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=23241&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kidly.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fbigjigs%2Fanimal-matching-peg-puzzle%2F5931" data-link-merchant="kidly.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bigjigs Animal Matching Peg Puzzle - £16 | Kidly<a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=23241&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kidly.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fbigjigs%2Fanimal-matching-peg-puzzle%2F5931%3Fcolour%3Dmulti%26awc%3D23241_1668382917_ef036544725875cdab0991d117535420%26awc%3D23241_1684332010_e2748f4a67118f4db9ecae6be9b23843" data-link-merchant="kidly.co.uk"" data-link-merchant="kidly.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> 

Good for: Fine motor skills | Age suitability: 12 months + | Batteries required: No | RRP: £16

18 months is a great age to get little ones interested in jigsaws and this is a perfect introduction to puzzles. The chunky shapes and big handles are the ideal size for little hands and a good way to develop dexterity.

This design is also a simple way for toddlers to learn their colours and animal shapes and the puzzle has been designed to help improve concentration. Kirsty says: “Jigsaw puzzles are great for helping to develop problem-solving and memory skills.”

Mum Kate tells us: 'The matching board is such beautiful quality. It’s so simple yet great fun for my girls to try and get the shapes in the spaces.'

My First Steiff Hoppie Rabbit - £29.99 | Amazon

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Steiff-Rabbit-26-cm-Cuddly-Soft-Washable-Cream-242342/dp/B08R9DZQKK/ref=asc_df_B08R9DZQKK/?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">My First Steiff Hoppie Rabbit - £29.99 | Amazon

Good for: Social skills | Age suitability: From birth | Batteries required: No | RRP: £29.99

If you’re looking for an extra special toy for the 18-month-old in your life, this gorgeous My First Steiff Hoppie Rabbit is the perfect gift. Made of super soft plush, Hoppie Rabbit is sure to become a firm favourite for cuddles. Our little tester, 18-month-old Ted, absolutely loved stroking her long ears.

Hoppie Rabbit is 26cm long and has My First Steiff embroidered on her foot pad. She is available in pink, blue and pale grey. Plus, all parents will be pleased to hear that she is machine washable, so you don’t need to worry about how loved she is!   

Melissa &amp; Doug Go Tots Wooden Barnyard Tumble - £18.99 | Amazon

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Melissa-Doug-Collectible-Developmental-FSC-Certified/dp/B09RZCVJ4P/ref=asc_df_B09RZCVJ4P?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Melissa & Doug Go Tots Wooden Barnyard Tumble - £18.99 | Amazon

Good for: Fine and gross motor skills | Age suitability: 12 months + | Batteries required: No | RRP: £37.99

At 18 months old, little ones love to start investigating the world around them and this Melissa & Doug Go Tots Barnyard Tumble is a great way for them to explore cause and effect. As well as encouraging imaginative play, this cute set helps to build fine and gross motor skills.

The farm includes six animal and two farmer wooden disks which can be posted down the silo, out the barn door, over the haystack and into the trough. The barn also has a sturdy handle on the top so it can be carried around. 

Cocomelon Bedtime JJ Doll - £22 | George at Asda

<a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=2925&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fdirect.asda.com%2Fgeorge%2Ftoys-character%2Fkids-toys%2Fbaby-toddler-toys%2Fcocomelon-jj-doll%2F051296854%2Cdefault%2Cpd.html" data-link-merchant="awin1.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cocomelon Bedtime JJ Doll - £22 | George at Asda

Good for: Social skills | Age suitability: 18 months + | Batteries required: Yes - 3 x AAA (included) | RRP: £29.99

Cocomelon fans will love this soft plush toy inspired by JJ. Wearing his cute onesie and clutching his favourite teddy bear, JJ is ready for bed. This is a great toy to talk to your 18-month-old about bedtime routines and also sings the “Yes Yes Bedtime” song. Plus JJ has seven sounds and phrases your little one can chat along with.

Grandma Sandy tells us: “My granddaughter loves Cocomelon and this did not disappoint! She carries it everywhere and has to have it at bedtime, I would definitely recommend it.”

Big Steps Old MacDonald Tractor &amp; Trailer - £32 | Amazon

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Steps-Play-MacDonald-Tractor-Trailer/dp/B08NZZ512S/ref=asc_df_B08NZZ512S?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Big Steps Old MacDonald Tractor & Trailer - £32 | Amazon

Good for: Cognitive and auditory development | Age suitability: 12 months + | Batteries required: Yes - 3 x AA (included) | RRP: £27

As little ones become more aware of nursery rhymes, they'll love this Old MacDonald Tractor and Trailer. It comes with a little farmer and five animals to encourage small world play. 

As children press each character into their place in the trailer they will hear fun animal sounds which help with recognition. The tractor also makes realistic engine sounds as it’s pushed along, encouraging little ones to practise their motor skills.

Woodlets Shape Sorter - £10.99 | Amazon&nbsp;

<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Melissa-Doug-Sorting-Developmental-Construction/dp/B00005RF5G/ref=asc_df_B00005RF5G?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Woodlets Shape Sorter - £10.99 | Amazon 

Good for: Cognitive development and fine motor skills | Age suitability: 12 months + | Batteries required: No | RRP: £13.50

At the age of 18 months, children are starting to find ways to order things, which is why a shape sorter is such a great toy. This bright colourful design helps little ones to learn colours and identify shapes as they work to put the pieces in the correct holes. 

As well as having fun, this toy is also teaching them important problem solving and hand-eye coordination skills.

Janod wooden camera - £14.99 | John Lewis&nbsp;

<a href="https://john-lewis-and-partners.pxf.io/c/221109/871855/12148?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=goodtoknow-gb&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnlewis.com%2Fjanod-wooden-sound-camera%2Fp6144356%3F" data-link-merchant="john-lewis-and-partners.pxf.io"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Janod wooden camera - £14.99 | John Lewis 

Good for: Cognitive development and social skills  | Age suitability: 18 months + | Batteries required: Yes, 2 x LR44 1.5V (included) | RRP: £14.99

Toddlers love to imitate the world around them and most will be no stranger to taking part in a photoshoot or two! So this lovely Janod Wooden Sound Camera allows them to get behind the lens and pretend to take their own pictures.

Little ones will love to hear the sound of the shot being taken as they press the shutter release button. Plus, they can look out for the flash that follows. There’s also a cute kaleidoscope viewfinder that transforms with different shapes and colours.

Something we really appreciated for little 18-month-old hands is the removable silicone shell, which helps them to have a better grasp hold of the toy.

Buying the best toys for 18-month-olds

Before buying a toy for your little one, think about what they currently enjoy doing and which skills they are trying to practise. As this is such a significant age milestone, the best toys for 18-month-olds are ones that support their development, while entertaining at the same time. 

Whatever you're looking for, hopefully, this list of the best toys for 18-month-olds will help to make your search an easy one.

While you're shopping for the best toys for 18-month-olds, you might also be interested in the top Christmas Toys, the best toys for one-year-olds and the best toys for two-year-olds. There's also a guide on the best wooden toys and puzzles and the best educational toys.

Heidi Scrimgeour
Deputy Editor

As a parenting specialist for more than 15 years, Heidi has written for most national newspapers and for a wide range of consumer magazines, including Mother & Baby where she was the Shopping Editor for six years, looking after regular consumer features including buying guides and gift roundups.

With contributions from