Finding the perfect gift during the holiday season can be a daunting experience; this becomes especially true when trying to shop for a child. Many parents and gift givers find it challenging to locate fun, therapeutic and reasonably priced toys and games for children. Educational toys for children can be a family activity idea or independent activity for a child when parents need some time for themselves. Whether shopping in the store or online we have compiled a list of suggested toys from some of our favorite websites that will keep your kids busy while promoting development.
Toys for 0-6 months:
Floor mirror- Although research suggests that babies don't recognize their own image until about 18 months, there are many benefits to having a child play with a mirror. Mirrors can spark curiosity and motivate little ones to practice these skills:
Tummy time- mirrors encourage babies to keep their head up and look around.
Vision- it begins to work on visual tracking and encourages a child to maintain visual focus.
Fine motor skills - mirrors inspire a baby to reach and grasp.
Gross motor- it motivates babies to roll, sit up, crawl.
Activity Mat or play gym- this provides a soft smooth surface for your little one to begin to boost cognitive, increase mobility, improve visual concentration and begin to reach and grasp.
Here are a few options that will grow with your child:
Push Toy- A push toy can help our young walkers who are cruising continue to challenge their balance and strength as they work toward independent ambulation.
We love toys that grow with your child. This option grows with your child and one added feature, that I love, is that the wheels can be adjusted to increase/decrease resistance. You use this feature to make the walker harder or easier to push.
FIne Motor skills- during this time your child is beginning to learn how to walk but they are also building hand strength and learning to use their eyes and hands together. Check out these toys that help to not only improve fine motor skills but also address motor planning, problem solving skills, and critical thinking:
Ride on toy- your young explorer is probably walking independently by now and is ready to continue to challenge and strengthen those large muscles. Try introducing a ride-on toy. I would start with a ride-on toy that does not have swivel wheels. Wheels that move only in a uni-planar direction (back or forward) are much easier to learn on. These toys not only help to work on strengthening but they promote spacial awareness, balance and allow a child to explore and interact with their environment in a different way.
Here is a great versatile option that grows with your child. For an even more personalized touch you can choose between a fox, a dog or a unicorn.
Fine Motor Skills- Here are some suggestions that your young toddler might be ready for. During this time they continue to work on eye/hand coordination, purposeful release, and hand strengthening while introducing concepts such as sorting and shape/color recognition.
Tricycle- We love bike riding! It’s such a great activity for improving core and lower extremity strength. Make it harder by taking the bike over different terrain such as grass or small inclines. If you’re looking for a tricycle, this is the perfect option because it folds for easy storage and makes it easy to take anywhere like to the park or on vacation. Remember to always wear a helmet!!
Fold 2 Go Trike- by Radio Flyer
Copyright: Link, November 2022
Fine Motor skills- At this point in development your child is ready for more challenges. They are ready to start learning how two hands work together. Stringing beads is one of our favorite fine motor activities that help to build dexterity, strength and eye/hand coordination. Large beads are easier to work on and you can make the activity harder by switching to smaller beads. Continue to work on cognitive development by challenging their sorting skills and introducing route counting. Try some of these fine motor activities.
Children learn so much through play. They can enhance problem solving, social skills and physical development, as well as boost their confidence and self-esteem. Hopefully, this post will give you a little direction when attempting to navigate the numerous choices available.
Please note, the toys on this list are merely suggestions; it does not constitute an endorsement of any of the companies or products listed.
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