Children learn through play, and what better way to give than by offering gifts that are both fun and promote development? As a pediatric occupational therapist, I’ve tested many of these products in my sessions, and they’re some of my favorite games to play with, too. Here is a list of gifts tailored to different developmental age groups, all available on my Pediatric OT Gift List on Amazon. As a disclaimer, I do not make commission on any of these products, and it is best practice to check in with your child’s health care team when making choices based on developmental age. Happy shopping!
0-12 months
- Tummy Time Mat with Mirror
- Core strength, head control, postural control, integrating reflexes, self-recognition
- Rattling pipsqueaks
- Eye-hand coordination, bilateral coordination, grip strength, sensory exploration
- Oball
- Grasp and release, bilateral coordination, reaching
- Hanging Rattle Toys
- Visual-motor development, eye-hand coordination, crossing midline, reaching
- Jungly Tails Baby Book
- Sensory exploration, grasp and release, fine motor skills, bilateral coordination
1-2 years
- Fabric Tunnel
- Core strengthening, Sensory-motor development, gross motor play
- Fat Brain Toys SpinAgain Kids Stacking Toy
- Bilateral coordination, eye-hand coordination, cause and effect play
- Wooden Car Ramp
- Fine motor, cause and effect, eye hand coordination
- Touch and Feel Board Book
- Fine motor skills, tactile sensory development, bilateral coordination, attention
- Sit to Stand Toddler Ride On Toy
- Gross motor skills, motor planning, sensory-motor development
- Fisher Price Piggy Bank
- Fine motor skills, cause-and-effect, object manipulation, eye-hand coordination
3-5 years
- The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game
- Fine motor, visual perceptual, grip strengthening, self-regulation, turn taking, and more
- Kid Safe Kitchen Tools
- Fine motor skills, food exploration, visual motor skills
- Dinosaur Hopper Ball
- Core strength, sensory input, motor planning, balance
- Mr. Potato Head
- Bilateral coordination, body awareness, fine motor skills
- Water Doodle Mat
- Grasp development, shoulder girdle strengthening, visual-motor skills
- Apple Picking Magnetic Tree Toy
- Pre-scissors skills, upper body strengthening, visual-motor skills
6+ years
- Slime Kit
- Sensory play, following multi-step directions, problem solving, self-regulation skills, calming tool
- Perler bead set
- Fine motor skills, creativity, visual-motor skills, sustained attention, bilateral coordination
- Rush Hour
- Visual-spatial skills, visual-motor, executive functioning, problem solving
- Friendship Making Bracelet Kits
- Fine motor skills, following multi-step directions, social skills, bilateral coordination
- Blink Card Game
- Visual-perceptual skills, fine motor skills, sportsmanship
- Spot It Card Game
- Visual-perceptual skills, fine motor skills, sportsmanship
In the spirit of giving, remember that the joy often lies not just in the gift itself but in the meaningful experiences it fosters. Whether you’re selecting toys, books, or activities, the best gifts are those that spark creativity, inspire learning, and strengthen the bonds of connection. As you choose presents for your loved ones, consider not only the momentary delight they’ll bring but also the lasting impact they’ll have on growth, development, and cherished memories. Hope you enjoyed looking through some gift options for the kiddos in your life!
About the author:
Jessica Reishus Davidson, OTD, OTR/L is a doctor of occupational therapy who specializes in pediatrics. She has experience in a wide variety of settings including schools, early intervention, outpatient pediatrics, acute care, adolescent residential treatment centers, and the NICU. As a self-proclaimed foodie, she has a passion for helping children of all ages improve their independence in feeding. In her free time, she loves playing games with her family, running with her dog, or doing anything outdoors.