The holiday season is a wonderful time to gift children with toys that not only bring joy but also encourage growth and development. For children engaging in pediatric therapies such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, feeding therapy, or ABA therapy, thoughtfully chosen toys can support therapeutic goals while providing hours of fun.
Speech Therapy
Toys that target language development, articulation, and social communication are excellent for children in speech therapy.
- Critter Clinic Animal Hospital
This toy is a favorite for all ages! Work on articulation, labeling, verbal routines, and so much more.
- Pretend Play Food and Kitchen Sets
Encourage imaginative play and language development as kids name, categorize, and role-play with various food items.
- Banana Blast Game
A game that promotes expressive language, social skills, turn-taking, and following directions.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
OT toys are designed to improve fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory processing.
- Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog
Kids practice fine motor skills and visual perceptual skills by placing colorful quills into the hedgehog’s back.
- Wooden Puzzles
Chunky puzzles help toddlers develop spatial awareness, matching skills, problem-solving, visual perception, direction following, and even vocabulary.
- Kinetic Sand
Perfect for sensory play, kinetic sand allows kids to build, squish, manipulate, and get messy while improving hand strength.
Physical Therapy (PT)
Toys that enhance gross motor skills, balance, and coordination are key for physical therapy.
- Tummy Time Water Mat
Strengthen baby’s neck, shoulder, and core strength to prepare for crawling and more early milestones.
- Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker
Encourages standing and walking, helping toddlers build lower-body strength and coordination.
- Pop-Up Tunnel
Crawling through this colorful tunnel enhances motor planning, spatial awareness, and upper-body strength.
Feeding Therapy
Toys for feeding therapy support oral motor skills, sensory exploration, and self-feeding abilities.
- Meals with Milton
Encouraging picky eaters to try foods, learning about healthy eating, teaching table manners, demonstrating safe eating, having fun meals with your little one, and so much more!
- Dinner Winner Game Plate
Make mealtimes fun! Turn ordinary foods into an exciting game where kids want to try all their new foods in order to reach the finish line.
- Chewy Tubes
Ideal for improving chewing skills, jaw strength, and sensory oral input.
ABA Therapy
ABA therapy often incorporates toys that build social skills, imitation, sensory integration, and problem-solving.
- Weighted Blanket
Offers calming deep pressure for relaxation.
- Musical Instruments
Promote creativity, self-expression, and sensory exploration.
- Melissa & Doug Magnetic Responsibility Chart
Visual schedules support independence through positive behavior reinforcement.
Choosing the Perfect Gift
With these toys, you’re not just giving a present; you’re fostering meaningful progress in their therapeutic journey! When selecting a toy, consider the child’s developmental needs, interests, and therapeutic goals. The best toys are versatile, engaging, and adaptable to various skill levels. Always check for age appropriateness and safety guidelines to ensure the toy is suitable for the child. For more therapy-related toy recommendations, give us a call at 1-800-376-3440
