Toys that encourage an almost two year old to talk more?

dreamsofam

I'm attending a friend's party tomorrow for her daughter who will be turning two. I'm very concerned about her little ones speech. Both of the little girl's parents spoil her rotten in the area of speech and don't require her to talk. They just give her what she wants and let her get away with pointing, crying, and grunting and other gestures that don't require her to vocalize. I don't want to ruin the friendship by bringing this up. So, the question is: Is there a toy that would encourage my friend's daughter to talk more? (I've already researched this and found the idea of mom role playing with daughter with a voice recorder, tea set, and pretending they are at the zoo. So, I need something different)
I'm a K-8 special education teacher. I'm well aware that every child develops at a different rate. The situation with my friends and their child is extreme and is painful for me to watch and see her so catered to. If it wasn't an extreme case, I would ignore it because I value my friendship with the child's parents. However, I also value a child's right to not be held back by a parent's enabling behavior.
So many wonderful ideas! Thanks to all of you who gave ideas that answered my question and didn't go off topic with a lecture that I didn't need. Also, some of the ideas you all gave though they are not appropriate for this year (due to the fact that some toys can only be purchased online and I need the gift today and some are not activities she can do by herself) I WILL keep them in mind for the years to come. Most of you set me up with ideas not only for this year but for the years to come...THANKS!

Answer
These toys are great learning toys and my son Thomas pictured left loves them ..hope it helps
http://www.vtechuk.com/for-age/?age=2

I need toys for little kids like two-year-olds so what should I get them?

Maelorwen

If you've ever tried to ask a two-year-old what they want for Christmas or a birthday present you know what I mean by walking into a situation of comedy and confusion. Not wanting to look like a complete klutz I want to know what toys can I get for two-year-olds that are safe and will make them happy?

Answer
Go to any toy store or department store. All toys usually have age suggestions on them. Look for large and colorful toys because at the age of two, color is what will usually stimulate their interest. For the sake of the parents, avoid things that make noise or talks. Young children will drive their parents insane with these kinds of toys, so it is best not to give them to a child as a gift unless it is your child and you are willing to put up with the noise.

By the way, most of the toys on Mark's list are NOT good for a two year old.

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