This article looks at 5 of the best alphabet learning toys for toddlers to help you decide which will be the best for your child.
Studies have shown that kids who know and recognize the alphabet before starting school have an advantage.
This benefit is not just reading and writing-related. Literate kids find it easier to learn in general.
The blocks we are looking at also depict the numbers, and some have common mathematical symbols, so they will also learn to add, subtract, and divide.
It’s never too early to teach them, and the range of learning toys for kids that are available these days makes the process fun.
The toys we will be looking at are as enjoyable to play with as they are educational, so they will hold your child’s attention.
All are timeless offerings that kids love as much today as they did decades ago.
Keep reading for a brief overview of five of the best alphabet learning toys for toddlers and the best numbers toys for toddlers that will be just as big a hit with parents and grandparents.
Alphabet Learning Toys Reviews
Melissa & Doug Classic ABC Block Cart
The Melissa & Doug Classic ABC Block Cart best suits children aged 2 to 4.
Comprising 30 colorful and durable wooden blocks, these depict the letters of the alphabet and the numbers from 1 to 4.
Along with teaching the child the letters and improving their vocabulary, this toy enables them to play matching and sorting games.
Also included is a wooden cart with movable wheels and a pull cord. So when playtime is over, the blocks can be stored neatly in the cart.
The cart measures approximately 8.25″ x 3″ x 8,75″.
Each block measures approximately 1.25″ square, making them small enough for little hands to grasp but not so small as to pose a choking hazard.
Being exceptionally light and having rounded edges, the blocks are highly unlikely to cause damage or injury if your child throws them.
The combined weight of the entire package is around 1.50 lbs.
To view the Melissa & Doug Classic ABC Block Cart on Amazon, click this link.
Wooden Alphabet Blocks Wagon (Matty’s Toy Stop)
The Wooden Alphabet Blocks Wagon is a fun learning toy for children 2 and older.
Comprising 42 alphabet blocks, these come in a small pull wagon that stores the blocks.
The wagon has wheels and a short pull string. It measures 10″ (L) x 9.5″ (W). The combined weight of the wagon and blocks is approximately 1.92 lbs.
The blocks are 1.25″ square. Made of smooth wood, they are a perfect size and weight for little hands to hold but not so small that they pose a choking risk.
Coated in non-toxic primary-colored paint that will not risk your little one’s health if they chew on them.
Printed on the blocks are the letters of the alphabet and the numbers from 0 to 9.
There’s also a question mark, times, minus, and division symbols, plus various everyday objects.
To see the Wooden Alphabet Blocks Wagon (Matty’s Toy Stop) on Amazon, click this link.
Just Smarty Alphabet Wall Chart
The Just Smarty Alphabet Wall Chart is an interactive alphabet wall chart suitable for kids between 2 and 6.
It comes in different brightly colored themes, making a fun decoration for a toddler’s bedroom or nursery.
Two of the charts feature letters, numbers, and objects. One features dinosaurs, and the other a storybook theme.
Besides helping your child learn the letters, numbers, spelling, shapes, colors, and more, there are quizzes. Music is also on offer, with cute and catchy songs your little one will love to sing along with and dance to.
The charts are incredibly resilient, and they come with a lifetime warranty. Measuring 24″ x 16.5″ x 0.1″, they weigh 10.5 oz. 3 x AA batteries for the audio function are included.
Click here to see the Just Smarty Alphabet Wall Chart on Amazon.
Play-Doh Numbers Letters N’ Fun Set
The Play-Doh Numbers Letters N’ Fun Set comprises 26 small Capital letters, 10 slightly larger number molds, and 8 x 1 oz cans of Play-Doh compound, each of which is a different color. These include red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, and white.
The total weight of the components is 1.06 lbs.
After rolling the Play-Doh, it can be pushed into, and then removed from the molds.
Alternatively, the mold can be pressed into the compound to leave a letter or number outline. A “handle” on the back of each mold makes this easy.
Also included is a small, blunt plastic knife for removing any Play-Doh that gets stuck in the mold.
Suitable for kids aged three and over, the range of spelling, counting, and color-matching games they can play, is virtually endless.
NB: This toy is not suitable for kids aged under 3 due to the risk of choking.
Click this link to check out the Play-Doh Numbers Letters N’ Fun Set on Amazon.
Schylling Alphabet Blocks
Schylling Alphabet Blocks suit kids aged 18 months to 3 years.
The set comprises 48 blocks featuring primary-colored painted images of various objects with their names spelled out.
Included are animals, insects, fruits, flowers, a train, and more, plus the alphabet letters and the numbers 0 to 9.
There are also blocks printed with a question mark, an equal sign, a plus, and a minus sign.
As well as being fun to play with and stack, the toy is highly educational. It will help the child learn to count, spell, and recognize various items.
The paint is fade-resistant and non-toxic, so it is safe if your child chews the blocks.
Crafted from wood, each block is a 1.25″ square.
They come in a practical, attractive wooden storage box with a see-through sliding lid.
The box measures 5.51″ x 5.63″ x 4.13″. It weighs 2.46 lbs.
Click here to see Schylling Alphabet Blocks on Amazon.
Final Thoughts on Alphabet Learning Toys and Numbers Toys for Toddlers
The best alphabet learning toys for toddlers and numbers toys for toddlers make it a breeze to teach young children the letters and numbers and how to spell and count.
All of those above are old-school and priced accordingly. While not high-tech, they serve a purpose, and are heaps of fun.
As children, my sister and I spent hours playing with our blocks. They were the most simple toy we owned and our favorite.
We recently found them packed in a box in my mom’s and dad’s basement, and it was interesting to see that they are just as appealing to today’s children.
My two-year-old niece’s eyes lit up when she saw them, so my sister took them home. Lily has been playing with them every day.
