Play is an essential job for children. Playing with age-appropriate toys provides children opportunities to develop different skills. Selecting the right toy to help your child learn and grow while having fun is crucial for a successful purchase.
Pediatric occupational therapists are experts in engaging children in play and recommending skill-appropriate, age-appropriate, and motivating toys. When children play and interact with properly selected toys, they learn new skills, gain confidence, and expand creativity.
“Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is important to healthy brain development. It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact in the world around them.” (Ginsburg, 2007)
Many parents often ask me for toy recommendations for their young children. Specific age and skill-appropriate toys that support cognitive and physical growth, engage the imagination, and provide enjoyment. There are millions of toys out there. Parents have a challenging time narrowing down which toy will give their child the developmental benefits.
Additionally, the categories of toys are endless! In this article, I will focus on educational toys that enhance fine-motor development. In other words, toys that help little hands grow in a fun and engaging way and increase hand and eye coordination.
Undoubtedly, through my two decades of working with young children, I have had the opportunity to try out a great multitude of toys. Therefore, I have created a toy list to help parents navigate through the saturated toy market. I have only picked ten toys per age group and I have thoroughly assessed the toy benefits based on age, appeal, safety, and durability.
Furthermore, I have examined if a child can play with the toy in multiple ways, if the toy appeals to several senses, promotes problem-solving, and boosts imagination. Most importantly, does the toy include ways for children to use their hands and fingers to help build the small muscles and coordination?
Please explore age-appropriate toy recommendations.
Toy Gift Ideas for Preschoolers
Fun and Educational Preschool Games
Reference
Kenneth R. Ginsburg, and the Committee on Communications and; and the Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health. The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds. Pediatrics January 2007.
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