I have been an occupational therapist for 15 years. These toys have earned my stamp of approval as a pediatric occupational therapist.
Sections
5
Fine Motor
Christmas Themed
Big kid toys
Vintage toys
Sensory play
Fine Motor
Squigz are one of my go to toys for therapy and home. They can be used in the bathtub, kitchen (refrigerator and most dishwashers), and on most windows.
This teaches fine motor skills, gross motor skills like balance, and cognitive skills form con...
Squigz - Best Bath Toys for Ages 3 to 6
These magnetic blocks take Minecraft into real life. My kids are not allowed to play Minecraft right now, but the creative side of that is so fun. Love that these stay put and are easy for those who struggle with fine motor coordination. This is perf...
Magnetic Cubes - GobiDex
A little similar to Squigz, Zoob Builders build your child’s visual-spatial awareness as they design and build structures through plastic tube-like forms.
ZOOB: BuilderZ
If you have a little artist in your life that gets frustrated that they can’t draw like an adult this is for them. It builds confidence and handwriting skills.
Trace & Draw Projector
I’ve loved these for my 11 year old and 8 year old learning square foot of odd shapes during homeschooling. It is also great for problem solving and fine motor skills.
I Can Build It! Architecture Set
This is so great for creativity and for emotional intelligence.
Make-A-Face Magnetic Designer
These blocks are amazing for fine motor skills and quiet play time! They can use their imaginations while they build. Blocks are squishy and intriguing.
Safe for kiddos 1 and up.
Jelly Blox Building Toys Mega Pack Same-Day Delivery
Christmas Themed
I LOVE all things Christmas crafts! Especially when they are useful! This is a DIY snow globe that lights up! We have a tradition to read the Christmas story on Christmas Eve and these will be perfect to help the kiddos light the way like the star in...
Holidays
Legos are always a one at our house. I love the Christmas themes and how it works our fine motor skills. We homeschool and will be reading a lot of Christmas books this season! This will be the perfect hands-on edition as we read through snowy scenes...
Every set from the LEGO® Winter Village Collection so far
I have used this nativity scene for 11 years. It’s something that comes back every year and the kids have such great memories as we read through the story of Jesus.
Fisher-Price Little People Nativity Set w/Music
My mother-in-law gifted this to us last year and it was such a great gift. My seven-year-old and one-year-old play with it so well. An activity we incorporated was hiding ornaments in a rice bin. The kids pretended it was snow. It was a lot of fun.
Fisher Price Christmas Tree
I introduced this to my big kids last year as he went through our advent calendar that talks about the role of each person in the story. It was so fun to watch them set it out and enjoy it while also playing with it. The fact that is wooden means it’...
Wooden Christmas Nativity Set
Big kid toys
I love that our kids can talk with their cousins or their neighbors on these. The baby loves that she can see them. This is so good for learning communication in relationship skills.
BlueFire Kids Walkie Talkies with Video Screen
OT approved for balance and sensory play! If you have a kid who is a really busy beat or crasher these are the perfect addition to your game of “the floor is lava”. Challenging balance improves body awareness, and muscle strength.
Balance Stepping Stones for Kids 5pcs Non-Slip River Stones, Indoor an
Vintage toys
Let’s be honest… Teaching your kids about cassettes and CDs is always a good idea. If you were an 80s or 90s kiddo, that is the perfect gift for the family this year. You can play your cassette, CDs and Bluetooth your phone.
CD & Cassette Player with BLUETOOTH® at Lakeshore Learning
This is fantastic, four handwriting skills and emotional intelligence
Original Wooly Willy Magnetic Personality - Best for Ages 5 to 12
Sensory play
LOVE sensory bins for exploration, pretend play, and cognitive development.
Sensationally OT
LOVE that this puzzle incorporates sensory play with puzzle work. This integrated fine motor, cognitive and neurological development skills!
Farm Textured Puzzle - Best Baby Toys & Gifts for Babies
This has incorporate stereognosis, which means feeling this without seeing them and identifying their shape and size. It is a great cognitive activity.
Feel & Match Zoo - Best Early Learning Toys for Babies
A weighted lovey means calming lovey! If you have a kid who is a crusher or has a hard time self regulating this is a wonderful option
Sunny - Weighted Sensory Sea Turtle - Best Mind & Body for Ages 3 to 8
LOVe for kiddos 1-9!
Self care, responsibility, learning washing skills, fine motor skills, and they love it.