Every year parents ask me what would be a good toy for their child. Its hard to make suggestions because each child likes different things. One year I bought my kids balance boards. They never touched them.
And if your child has any special needs issue that could impact how they access the toy - that makes finding the just right toy even more difficult.
But I thought I'd make a list of the toys I have used repeatedly with my own kids and those I work with.
I am listing Amazon links only to show you what the product is and looks like. Many of these can be found in a variety of in person and online stores.
1. Giant Bubble wand (Gross Motor/Sensory): https://amzn.to/47RtciT
2. Spot it (visual Motor): https://amzn.to/3RbCLDX
3. Skip Bo (visual motor and executive function): https://amzn.to/46wa4994
4. Parquetry Games (Visual Motor): https://amzn.to/40WPHkz
5. Globby the fabulous fidget (sensory): https://amzn.to/47MfAWi
6. Squiggle Wiggle pen (Fine motor and sensory: https://amzn.to/46veGfK
The wiggle pen is a HIT every time with every kid EXCEPT the ones who have tactile issues. Often the tactile issue is hard to pick up until I get to witness their response to this vibrating pen.
7. Paddle ball with string and cup (Fine and Visual Motor): https://amzn.to/47sNdwJ
And its a good tool for working on coping skills because its hard
8. Color and Shape Puzzle (Fine and Visual Motor and Executive function): https://www.fatbraintoys.com/special_needs/
9. Gone Fishin' (Fine and Visual Motor): https://amzn.to/3N11EzX
10. Simon (Gross Motor/Visual Motor and Executive Function): https://amzn.to/3ux5g6a The Bugs and Buttons app has an easier version of Simon. Both can be frustrating.
11. Operation (Fine Motor and Gross Motor): https://amzn.to/47MVFX7
12. Perfection (Fine and Visual Motor): https://amzn.to/47MVFX7
13: Ring-A-Ding-Ding (Gross, Fine, and Sensory Motor and Executive Function): https://amzn.to/40SyKrm
Favorite apps for preschool-1st graders:
The Bugs and Buttons and Bugs and Bubbles Series. https://littlebitstudio.com/
Favorite website to look for toys: Fat Brain Toys https://www.fatbraintoys.com/special_needs/
I also go to discount stores and buy books with mazes and hidden pictures. These are always a win.
I hope you find something you like,
Kristi
**Please note affiliate links were used in this post and could result in a small commission.
