By Madeleine McBroom, OTR/L, MSOT, Occupational Therapist, Children’s Therapy at Valley Medical Center
Infants
In the first year of a child’s life, they are exploring their environment with their senses, developing motor skills and learning about the world. Try to find toys that have different textures, bright colors and make noise. Play at this stage often involves putting toys in their mouth, shaking, banging and reaching for toys.
Great gift ideas for this age group include:
- Mobiles to develop visual skills
- Mirrors
- Rattles and music toys
Toys with high contrast and those that are black, white and red are great in the first few months of life, as babies cannot see the full color spectrum until they reach five months of age.
Toddlers
At this stage of life, children are beginning to learn more about shapes and colors. They also start to engage in pretend play. To encourage development of skills using their hands, you can provide toys with matching shapes, buttons, switches and stacking blocks.
Great gift ideas for this age group include:
- Shape sorter
- Balls
- Mechanical toys
- Pretend play toys (play kitchen set, pretend doctor set or baby dolls)
Preschool
At this stage, children are doing even more pretend and imaginative play. They are also learning new skills, such as drawing, getting dressed and cleaning up after themselves to prepare for preschool. To encourage development of these skills, provide toys that they can play pretend with, arts and crafts, and simple puzzles.
Great gift ideas for this age group include:
- Paint set or arts and crafts sets
- Drill and screwdriver toys
- Dress up
- Simple puzzles
School-aged children
Children at this age are becoming more independent and finding their specific interests.
Great gift ideas for this age group include:
- Board and card games
- Science experiment kits
- Bracelet making kit
- Connector toys, such as Legos
