Yeah, I'm also sure the toys targeted at older kids might be better too, I've mostly had experience with toys for younger toddlers that were given to us by well meaning friend and family.
So far for toys targeted at toddlers, we've been extremely happy with the lovevery toys.
My oldest son (8 now) got a toy laptop when he was around that age, and he learned shapes, counting, and letters with it. It's looks really beat up now, but it still works and it wasn't too annoying or stupid.
In general I don't think electronic toys for toddlers are a good idea. But those two things from Vtech turned out to be allright.