Meaningful Toys!

Parents are often asking about ideas for Christmas toys that would further assist with their child’s development. I have compiled a list of activities and toys that have been successful in advancing children’s sensory and fine motor skills.  I also strongly encourage parents to give a gift that requires an interaction between a child and another person—that further develops social skills and learning how to play cooperatively.  

 

Recommendations for Toys:

Sensory Needs 

  • Water/sand table 
  • Play-doh 
  • Kinetic sand 
  • Trampoline—with safety handle bars 
  • Tunnel for crawling through 
  • Crash pads 
  • Old mattresses for kids to jump on freely 

Fine Motor Development 

  • Crayons/markers for coloring 
  • Piggy bank for inserting coins 
  • Large White board that kids can practice writing on upright surface 
  • Magna tiles 
  • Accordion tubes 
  • Play doh for constructing, manipulating and cutting 
  • Easy hole puncher 
  • Paint by number kits 
  • Any craft kit 
  • Lego’s for construction 

Games 

  • Pop the Pig game 
  • Pop up Pirate game 
  • Banana Blast 
  • Connect Four 
  • Uno card game 
  • Zingo 
  • Catch the Fox 
  • Elefun 
  • Sneaky snacks squirrel 
  • Chutes and Ladders 
  • Guess Who 

 

Toys are so fun and can be SOO beneficial in your little ones development! We hope this list helps you in your quest for finding the perfect gift for your child this Christmas!

-Judi