One of the most common questions I get from parents is: What are the best toys to help my toddler talk? While I wish I had a simple answer, the truth is—there’s no magical toy that will suddenly get your child speaking. Instead, what truly matters is how you engage with your child during playtime.
Follow Their Lead
Toddlers communicate best when they’re engaged in something they genuinely enjoy. That means they might be more excited about playing with a cardboard box than a fancy, battery-operated toy—and that’s okay! Rather than trying to direct how they should play, follow their lead. If they want to use a toy in an unexpected way, join in!
When you tune into your child’s interests, create repetitive play routines around them. Repetition is key for language development. Use the same words, gestures, sounds, and facial expressions every time you engage in the activity. Over time, this builds predictability, making it easier for your child to learn new words and concepts.
YOU Are Enough
It’s easy to feel like we need all the right toys to support our child’s development, but the truth is—YOU are your child’s best tool for learning language. Your presence, interactions, and enthusiasm are what truly make a difference. That being said, I totally understand that parents can’t always be “on.” That’s why I love simple, open-ended play items that make it easy to engage while still allowing for independent play when needed.
Here are some of my favorite simple toys and how to use them to encourage speech:
Bubbles – With a Twist
Bubbles are always a hit with toddlers, but did you know they can also be an incredible tool for encouraging communication? While bubble guns and continuous blowers are fun, they take away the need for a child to communicate what they want. Instead, try this:
- Pause and wait – Screw the cap on tightly between blows and pause. This creates an opportunity for your child to communicate they need help or want more.
- Encourage communication beyond words – Communication includes gestures (holding out the bubbles, pointing), vocalizations (babbles, sounds), or simple words (‘more,’ ‘help,’ ‘bubbles’).
- Make it fun, not frustrating – If your child gets frustrated, that’s okay! Don’t withhold the bubbles to “force” speech. Instead, model words and gestures while continuing to play.
- Repetition, repetition, repetition – Say the same words before blowing (“more,” “open,” “bubbles”) and comment after (“big bubble,” “pop,” “all gone!”).
Blocks – Endless Possibilities
Blocks are one of my all-time favorite toys because they offer so many language opportunities. Here’s how to maximize them:
- Use animated facial expressions and an exciting voice – A fun, engaging tone keeps your toddler interested. Try varying your pitch and volume when building up or knocking blocks down.
- Incorporate gestures – Bring your hand up before knocking down the tower, pause with an excited expression, then say, “Knock it down!”
- Keep language simple – Use one- or two-word phrases like “up, up, up!” or “CRASH!” when the tower falls.
Other Open-Ended Favorites
Other great toys include:
- Cars – Model simple words like “go,” “stop,” “vroom,” and “beep.” Try pausing to encourage your child to request “go!”
- Puzzles – Narrate what you see: “Find the dog!” “Where’s the piece?” “Push it in!”
- Play-Doh – Use action words like “roll,” “squish,” “cut,” or “more!”
It’s About the Interaction, Not the Toy
At the end of the day, the best toy is whatever holds your child’s attention. The key is to make interactions meaningful, repetitive, and enjoyable. Play together in a way that brings joy to both of you, and you’ll naturally create opportunities for language growth.
No fancy gadgets required—just you, your child, and a little creativity!
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