Being a pediatric OT means I'm always on the lookout for developmental toys that are engaging while targeting a multitude of skills. After 1000's of hours of therapy sessions, I can safely point you towards some of the most engaging toys and games. Check out my list of purposeful, kid-approved toys below! Follow the underlined links to check out the product on Amazon. I do not receive a commission or payment for any products sold.
Ages 0-6months
Just save your money, they can't open gifts! Okay, okay, I know we can't resist buying adorable baby outfits and toys, so try these options.
High Contrast Toys: Before 4months, babies mostly see only high contrast colors like black, white, and red. Stimulate your baby's vision with this hard cover book, these soft books, this hanging rattle, or this 4 piece set.
Teethers: Babies learn about sensory information like taste, texture, shape, and weight by bring items to their mouth. Textured teethers are great at this age to support their oral exploration.
Crinkle Cloth: Foster your baby's sense of cause-and-effect with crinkle toys. Here's a simple crinkle cloth or a crinkle book.
Ages 6-12 months
This play kit is one of my absolute favorites because it works on so many skills. It targets motor skills such as grasping, hand-eye coordination, while also addressing cognitive skills such as object-permanence, cause-and-effect, shape discrimination, and more. It grows with your child, targeting developmental skills all the way to the age of 3.
This tissue pull is always a big hit with my early intervention population. I typically DIY one with scarves or napkins and an old tissue box.
Ages 12-24 months old
Ring Stacker: I love this spinning ring stacker. I bought a cheaper version, but I have it on good authority that it's worth splurging for the actual Fat Brain version as it is more durable and has a stable silicone base. For kids that love music, this musical ring stacker is always motivating.
Peg Toys: Foster hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills with this therapy classic porcupine toy.
Puzzles: This is the year to start introducing puzzles to your toddler. These two options work on visual skills, cognition, while fostering your toddler's pincer grasp. I like this one as you can provide just one or two shapes while your toddler masters shape recognition and matching skills. They also have cute, personalized ones as well.
Wooden Race Track: For kids who are no longer mouthing all of their toys, this race track is a fan favorite for my 18mo-5 year old clients. Beware, it's very easy to lose the cars as there is no good storage spot.
Magnetic Blocks: Typically if kids are seeing me, they struggle with fine motor or visual motor skills. I love these magnetic blocks that target block building without leading to a total frustration meltdown.
Large Beads: I can't say this is usually a fan favorite, but stringing beads is an important skill to foster.
Squigs: Squigs can be used in a million different ways all while strengthening muscles.
Imaginative Play: By now, your child should be engaging in dramatic or imaginary play. This is the time to buy dolls, toy food, barn set with animals, dinosaur figures or whichever imaginative play item interests your child. Check out Melissa and Doug Products for imaginative play.
Ages 3-4 years old
Strider Bike: Skip the training wheels and go straight for a strider bike. These work on balance, muscle strength, and gross motor skills. Often kids can transition from these to a pedal bike without the need for training wheels.
Stomp Rocket: Target single leg balance with this favorite toy.
Simple Board Games: Practice color recognition, counting, sustained attention, and cooperative play with simple boardgames such as Candyland, Hi-Ho Cheerio or Chutes and Ladders. Newer games like Pancake Pile-Up and Don't Wake Daddy are always popular.
Fine Motor Games: Strengthen little hands with games such as Sneaky Snacky Squirrel, Don't Break the Ice, Pop the Pirate, and Pop the Pig.
Fine Motor Activities: I love these pop beads for strengthening little hands and pretty much every kid I've worked with loves this construction drill toy. Play-Doh also keeps littles busy while strengthening their fine motor and creative skills.
Puzzles: Children's puzzle skills vary significantly at this age. Some are able to complete 24 piece puzzles by 3 while other's are working on these sought-after magnetic puzzle games. Alphabet and number puzzles are also a must at this stage in preparation for pre-school and kindergarten.
Ages 5-7 years old
I find that children in this age group also often enjoy many of the activities in the 3-5 year old category such as the sneaky snacky squirrel game, Don't Break the Ice, Play-Doh, pop beads, and stomp rockets.
Board games: While not necessarily a board game, this Disney Princess Cupcake game is always a fan favorite. Guess Who, Connect 4, Operation, Uno, and Spot-It are all good ones. All of these games have multiple themed versions that can be tailored to your child's special interests.
Constructive/Building Activities: Marble Run is a must! Other popular building activities include these STEM Blocks and beginner's Lego sets.
Art Supplies: Perler beads, modeling clay, and art kits are great at this age. I'd load up on pipe cleaners, pom poms, stickers, and googly eyes at the Dollar Store.
Ages 8-12 years old
Board games: Check out any of the board games listed above. Additional preferred games are Rush Hour and Bounce.
Art Supplies: Perler beads, modeling clay, origami, Friendship Bracelet Kits, and Art Kits are always popular.
Constructive/Building Activities: Favorites at this age typically are Lego sets, K'nex, and Circuit Maze.
Sensory Equipment
Because sensory supports are so numerous and need to be personalized to the child's needs, I have only included a few options below. Please consult with your child's OT if you would like additional ideas.
Sensory Swings: My favorites are this Cuddle Swing, and this Yoga Swing. These two take up the smallest amount of space in the home, but can be used in a multitude of ways.
Calm Down Spots: I often encourage parents to create a small, dark, calming spot as a regulation tool. These tents are great for just that.
Regulation Tools: I like these tactile calming mazes, this visual fidget toy, these sensory bottles, and this emotions book.
Happy a wonderful holiday season, and I'll see you in the New Year!
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