Need a gift for that special kiddo on your list ages birth to 10 years? Gift confidently with our 2021 Ultimate Gift Giving Guide based on developmental play and what's in this season!
The 2021 holiday season is upon us, and with that comes wishlists and gift giving! Each year, Amanda and Kate send recommendations on gifts to clients at their request. This year, we decided to centralize our recommendations and provide a guide based on our developmental expertise, tried and true toy favorites, and what is "in" this season.
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NEWBORN-3 MONTHS:
Black and White Book that stimulates cognitive/visual development and stands up
Soothing Infant Teether that strengthens the muscles of suck and improves tongue mobility
Star Teethers that work on baby's grip and tongue mobility; great stocking stuffers
Easy Grip Ball that works on early grasp and hands to midline
Pediatric Therapists Favorite Rattle that works on early grasp, has several sensory experiences, and changes color when bumped, see why we love it here
Tummy Time Mirror to make tummy time engaging
Amanda's favorite bottles - Dr. Browns
Pacifiers that support breastfeeding and tongue movement
Links for early grasping
Play Gym designed by therapists, approved by therapists
3-6 MONTHS:
Light Bar to keep baby engaged during tummy play and early sitting
Baby Paper makes fun noises and has the added black and white we love
Whimsical Teether that has a nostalgic feel and the added benefit of shopping small
Peds PT Approved Sitting Device, see why we love it here
B+W Water Tummy Time Mat develops vision, promotes play during tummy time
Easy Grasp Rattle and for hands to midline play and teething
Soothing Rain Stick toy for hands to midline and shaking
Tummy Time prop favorite that also helps facilitate early sitting
Rainbow Stacking/Nesting Cups with endless ways to stack, snap, and play
Montessori inspired Wooden Toy with bright colors and sounds to engage baby
6-12 MONTHS:
Spinning Toy build hand-eye coordination and keep kiddos engaged with this bright stacking/spinning toy that is fun for years to come
Light Up Musical Shape Drum works on fine motor control and shape matching
Training Spoons and Early Utensils make great stocking stuffers; see Amanda's utensil tips here
Suction Cup Mat for vertical play and keeping toys on the highchair
Pop Up Toy for cause-and-effect play
Suction Cup toy to keep baby entertained at meal times
Peds PT Approved Walking Device see why we're picky about walkers here
Soft Play Obstacle Course for endless gross motor play
Shop small with this Snack Time Favorite that also suction cups to the table
Feeding therapist FAVORITE High Chair
1 YEAR:
Piggy Bank fine motor and hand-eye coordination
Wooden Car Ramp for cause-and-effect play
Magnetic Fishing Game Montessori inspired hand-eye coordination training
Object Permanence Box Montessori inspired box working on the concept things exist when you cannot see them
Montessori inspired Carrot Matching Game
Mega Blocks for early brick-building play
Y-Bike with Parent Handle for early bike coasting and strolling
Montessori Inspired Shelf for toy organization
Musical Hammer Toy for gross motor and fine motor play while keeping it musical
Activity Cube to explore and work on standing skills
1.5 YEARS:
Shape/Sound Sorter fine motor, shape sorting, makes fun sounds
Color Sorting Hedge Hog see ideas on ways to play here
Wobble Board for balance, play, and lounging, see play ideas for older kiddos here
Soft Tunnel to promote gross motor play and coordination between arms and legs
Bath Pipes and Cogs for cause-and-effect and vertical play
Barn and Animals Play Set gets your little one imitating animal sounds and playing in vertical space
100 Words Electronic Book has two languages and encourages early literacy
Gear Toy for sequence building; makes a great stocking stuffer
Wheely Bug for balance and gross motor development
Multicolor Block Set for fine motor control, designed by therapists
2 YEARS:
Obstacle Course Building Set for endless indoor play that works on balance and coodination
Bears in Pairs early matching game for turn taking
Pegs for stacking, lacking, and fine motor control
Wobble Seat for open-ended play and balance
Toddler Friendly Scooter for coordination and balance; be sure to add protective wear
Balance Bike skip those trikes and training wheels to accelerate kiddos bike learning, see our tips here
Stacking Shape Sorter for colorful, matching play and fine motor control
Potato Family for hours of creative play, see our favorite way to play here
Plasma Car to build core strength and motor control
Orchard Game for early, cooperative play
3 YEARS:
Pop Tubes fun sensory play that also make great stocking stuffers
Suction Cup Toys see ideas on ways to play here
Magnetic Tiles to promote creative play; see our fun vertical play post here
Wooden Lacing Toy that is designed to be passed down through generations
Games that work on cognition, turn taking, and simple rule following: Sneaky Snacky Squirrel, Hi-Ho Cherry-O, Don't Break The Ice
Non-Toxic Water Beads make great stocking stuffers
Sensory Bin Tools for scooping, pincer practice, and quiet play
Wooden Stepping Stones for Floor Is Lava play, balance, and coordination; see it here
iPad Compatible Letters to make learning the ABCs and 123s more engaging
4-6 YEARS:
Pirate game to work on fine motor control and turn taking
Indoor/Outdoor Hopscotch change the configuration of these hops to keep it fun and challenging
Track Set for planning and sequencing with endless configuration
Humpty Dumpty Wall Game for turn taking and strategizing
iSpy Dig In game adds a fun twist to this beloved game/book series
Fishing Game builds hand-eye coordination
Stomp Rocket for gross motor play; see why we love it here
Fidget Popper Game Board, Notebook, Spinners all make great stocking stuffers
Fort Building Kit for endless imaginative play
Robot Matching Game for attention to detail and learning winning/losing play
6-8 YEARS:
Door Pong for hand-eye coordination and big laughs; Kate's household favorite
Suspend fine motor and planning game
Twiddle Fidget great stocking stuffers on every elementary-aged kiddos list
Outside Ropes Course for core muscles, coordination and balance
Clay Animals for following steps and fine motor control
Coding Robot for cognitive development and fine motor control
Fuse Beads and Boards for fine motor control, patterning, and copying from plans
Friendship Bracelet Loom and Threads for fine motor control
Backlit Tracing Pad for hand-eye coordination
Hover Soccer Ball for safe indoor play to work on balancing and coordination
8-10 YEARS:
Spike Ball for fun active play at the beach, in the yard, or anywhere you wish to take this portable and active game
LED Soccer Ball to keep the fun and coordination training going long after dark
BeyBlades and Arena for hand-eye coordination and strength as well as fine motor control for assembly
Razor Scooter for balance and motor control
3D Maze Building Kit for squencing and hand-eye coordination
Unlock LEGO creativity with the LEGO Ideas Book
Get off the screens with this re-make of an old favorite SIMON Air
Rubik's Revolution adds a fun and challenging game to this classic; great stocking stuffer
A 3D Puzzle Game that will get the parents playing along with the kids
Hurdles and Agility Kit for the budding athlete to build coordination and speed
Did you find this guide helpful? If so, we'd love to hear about your picks to fill those shopping lists with on our Instagram @boldchildco (click here)