The Best Toys By Age & Developmental Stage
Welcome to Myer’s guide to toys! Here, we’ve got tips for finding the best toys for your child’s age and developmental stage – to maximise fun while helping them learn and grow.
We’ve made it easy to shop for toys by age group, with popular options for newborns through to teenagers. Keep reading for advice on comparing toys and answers to frequently asked toy questions.
Toys for 0 to 12-months
Soft toys and rattles work well as baby toys (0-6 months) because they encourage grasping and shaking. Baby bouncers and play mats are also good – promoting tummy time and sensory exploration.
When your bub gets a little older and stronger, you can introduce them to toys like soft books, teething rings and stacking rings. Explore our full range of baby toys to find fun and safe baby toys (6-12 months) plus play accessories for toddlers.
Toys for 1- to 2-year-olds
Good toys for 1-year-olds include building blocks and stacking toys, especially if they’re brightly coloured. Anything that pops up or makes a noise is also likely to be a hit.
As toddlers get a little older, their play will become a bit more purposeful. Their fine motor skills will also be more developed. Musical toys and instruments make particularly good toys for 2-year-olds, as do puzzles and talking dolls.
Explore our full range of toys for 1 to 2 year-olds to find more fun options.
Toys for 3- to 4-year-olds
Suitable toys for 3-year-olds include drawing and colouring accessories, and toys that encourage problem solving. Ride-on toys such as tricycles can also be fun for little ones. As they grow, their attention span will increase and they’ll be able to engage in more advanced activities. Figurines, vehicles and playsets make good toys for 4-year-olds, as do costumes and toys that encourage role-play. Explore our full range of toys for 3- to 4-year-olds.
Toys for 5- to 8-year-olds
As kids enter kindergarten, they’ll become increasingly influenced by their friends. If someone at school owns a popular toy, your child will probably start asking for the same thing.
Science and learning toys are great for kids aged 5-8 because they align with their growing interest in understanding the world. Our range includes electronic games and jigsaw puzzles to keep them busy during the school holidays.
Myer also has a great range of remote controlled toys – always popular at birthday parties and other social occasions! Just remember to keep a stash of batteries in the house, to keep the fun going.
Toys for 9- to 12-year-olds
Kids in the 9-12 age bracket tend to like playing outdoor sports – plus they might become interested in riding a bicycle or scooter. This is often a time for hobbies and creative passions, such as collecting trading cards or figurines from their favourite TV show.
LEGO is usually always a winner, especially if the set is themed around your child’s interests. Explore our range to find super heroes, Star Wars™ and more.
Arts and crafts accessories including colouring sets and airbrush kits are also perfect to inspire future budding artists. Discover our full range of toys for 9- to 12-year-olds for more great ideas.
Toys for 13- to 18-year-olds
During these formative years, your teenager will appreciate toys that cater to their growing interests. STEM toys such as robotics kits or coding games will appeal to those who are interested in technology – anything that stretches their cognitive skills and encourages problem solving.
If your child is into sport, they’ll probably appreciate a basketball ring or a new pair of sneakers. Wearable trackers also make good gifts for sporty teens.
Games and puzzles are also great for teenagers, especially since they encourage social interaction. At this age, kids also usually enjoy listening to music, which is why headphones are likely to be well received.
How to compare different toys
Here are some tips for comparing toys when shopping:
• Safety: When buying for small children, it’s essential to make sure the toys are non-toxic and free from small parts. Always check the label to make sure the toy is safe for your child’s age.
• Sensory stimulation: Babies and toddlers respond well to colours, textures and sounds.
• Ease of cleaning: Is the toy washing machine or dishwasher friendly? This will make it easier to keep clean.
• Durability: Kids can be rough with toys, so it’s important to look for options that are sturdy and well made.
• Developmental benefits: If you want the toy to assist with your child’s learning, look for one that’s designed to be educational.
Common FAQs when buying toys
Why is it important to choose age-appropriate toys?
It’s important to ensure your children’s toys are appropriate for their developmental stage. Toys designed for specific age groups consider the physical and cognitive abilities of children at that stage, minimising the risk of injury or frustration.
Choosing the right toys by age is especially important for babies, since inappropriate toys could pose a choking hazard. The best baby toys will meet Australian safety standards, ensuring a happy and safe experience for your bub.
How can I determine if a toy is safe for my child?
To determine if a toy is safe for your child, start by checking the age recommendations on the packaging. For instance, there will be important differences between baby toys 0-6 months and toys for toddlers – always check the label to make sure the toy is suitable.
When shopping for toys by age group, you should make sure they are well-constructed and made from non-toxic materials. All of Myer’s baby toys meet Australian safety standards, so you can shop with confidence.
What are some tips for organising and storing toys?
Storage chests and toy bins will help keep your kids’ toys organised. We recommend using clear containers, so the toys will be easy to find when it’s time to play again.
It’s also a good idea to regularly declutter – removing toys that are no longer in use, or are inappropriate for your child’s age.
How often should I replace or update my child's toys?
While some toys will remain favourites for years, others may lose their appeal and become less fun over time. As kids grow, their interests and abilities change, so regularly updating their toys ensures they’ll remain challenged and engaged.
We recommend updating your child’s toys roughly every six months to a year, depending on their age. If the toy is damaged in a way that makes it unsafe to use, you should remove it immediately. Overall, regular updates keep playtime stimulating and developmentally supportive.
How do I know if a toy has educational value?
Some toys are designed with specific learning goals in mind – such as teaching kids about numbers, letters, shapes and other concepts. Some toys can also encourage social interactions, which can help to develop communication skills and emotional intelligence.
Look for toys that encourage active engagement such as puzzles, building blocks or interactive games that require consideration and creativity.
How can I encourage my child to play with educational toys?
Firstly, it’s good to choose toys that align with your child’s particular interests. You can also help to make playtime enjoyable by participating in the play and offering encouragement.
Try to introduce the educational toys gradually, mixing them in with the other toys. By showing enthusiasm and making the experience enjoyable for your child, they’ll start to associate learning with fun.
What should I look for in toys for children with special needs?
The best toys for children who have special needs are ones that offer sensory stimulation, promote motor skills and encourage social interaction. For a good outcome, try to find toys that cater to their interests and abilities.
It might also be useful to consult with a specialist in child development to provide tailored recommendations. And as always, make sure that the toys are safe – i.e. durable, free from small parts and easy to keep clean.