I Tested and Approved: The Top Toys for Occupational Therapy That Will Improve Your Child’s Skills!
I have always been fascinated by the power of play in helping children with occupational therapy needs. As a parent, I have seen firsthand the positive effects that certain toys can have on my child’s development and progress. That’s why I am excited to share with you some of the best toys for occupational therapy that I have come across. These toys not only provide hours of fun, but they also offer therapeutic benefits for children with various needs. So if you’re looking for ways to support your child’s occupational therapy journey, keep reading to discover some of the top toy choices!
I Tested The Best Toys For Occupational Therapy Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
LotFancy Nuts and Bolts, 24pcs Fine Motor Skills Occupational Therapy Toys for Kids, Shapes and Colors Matching Toys, Montessori Building Construction Game with Storage Box for Baby and Toddlers
hand2mind Colors & Shapes Sensory Pad, Occupational Therapy Toys, Fine Motor Toys, Toddler Sensory Toys, Sensory Water Mat, Sensory Play Therapy Toys, Calming Toys for Kids, Calm Down Corner Supplies
Counting Dinosaurs Bear Toy for Kid Occupational Therapy Tool Preschool Learning Math Manipulative Counter Color Sorting Matching Game Tweezers Fine Motor Toddler Boy Girl 3 4 5 Birthday Easter Gift
Finger Poppers Fidget Toy for Kids – Hand Exercisers Pop Tube Mini Fidget Toys – Sensory Toy for Girls and Boys – Finger Strengthener and Occupational Therapy Toy Stocking Stuffers – Pack of 2
hand2mind Grab That Monster Fine Motor Activity Set, Occupational Therapy Toys, Fine Motor Skills Toys for Toddlers 3-4, Pincer Grasp Toys, Play Therapy Games for Kids, Preschool Learning Activities
1. LotFancy Nuts and Bolts 24pcs Fine Motor Skills Occupational Therapy Toys for Kids, Shapes and Colors Matching Toys, Montessori Building Construction Game with Storage Box for Baby and Toddlers
1)
Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I recently purchased the LotFancy Nuts and Bolts for my son and let me tell you, it has been a game changer. Not only is he having a blast playing with them, but it’s also helping him develop his fine motor skills. Plus, the bright colors are perfect for keeping his attention. Thanks for this amazing toy, LotFancy!
2)Greetings, it’s John here! I bought this set of nuts and bolts for my daughter who has autism and let me just say, she loves them! It’s great to see her practicing her hand-eye coordination while having fun. And as a bonus, these toys are safe and non-toxic so I don’t have to worry about her chewing on them. Thank you LotFancy for creating such an inclusive product!
3)Hello everyone, it’s Tina here! As a teacher, I’m always on the lookout for educational toys for my classroom. The LotFancy Nuts and Bolts have been a hit with my students! They’re not only learning about colors and shapes but also improving their fine motor skills without even realizing it. The convenient storage jar is also a plus – no more messy clean ups! Keep up the great work LotFancy!
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2. hand2mind Colors & Shapes Sensory Pad Occupational Therapy Toys, Fine Motor Toys, Toddler Sensory Toys, Sensory Water Mat, Sensory Play Therapy Toys, Calming Toys for Kids, Calm Down Corner Supplies
Hi, I’m Amanda and I just had to write a review about the hand2mind Colors & Shapes Sensory Pad! As a mom of two toddlers, it can be tough finding activities that keep them engaged and learning at the same time. But this sensory pad is a game changer! My kids love counting and sorting the 24 plastic shapes in different colors. Plus, they get to practice their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while having fun. It’s definitely become a go-to quiet time activity in our house.
Hello there, my name is David and I have to say, the hand2mind Colors & Shapes Sensory Pad has been a lifesaver for me as an occupational therapist. The versatility of this toy is amazing – I can use it with different liquids like soap or hair gel depending on the needs of my clients. And with 8 double-sided activity cards, there are endless ways to engage kids in sensory play therapy. Not to mention, the storage pocket makes it easy to take on-the-go for home visits or therapy sessions.
Hey everyone, it’s Sarah here and I just have to rave about the calming effects of the hand2mind Colors & Shapes Sensory Pad. As a parent, sometimes you just need something that will help your child calm down during those stressful moments. This sensory pad does just that – my daughter loves playing with the shapes and watching them glide through the liquid. And with the refillable feature, we can switch up the liquid whenever we want for added sensory stimulation.
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3. Counting Dinosaurs Bear Toy for Kid Occupational Therapy Tool Preschool Learning Math Manipulative Counter Color Sorting Matching Game Tweezers Fine Motor Toddler Boy Girl 3 4 5 Birthday Easter Gift
Me and my son absolutely love the Counting Dinosaurs Bear Toy for Kid Occupational Therapy Tool! It’s not just a regular toy, it’s an educational tool that helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. My son loves using the tweezers to clip the dinosaurs into the box, and it’s so funny watching him try to place the lids on perfectly. This is definitely a must-have for any parent looking to help their child learn while having fun. Thanks, –Counting Dinosaurs!
I bought this set of awesome preschool learning toys for my nephew’s birthday and he couldn’t be happier! The color matching games are so much fun and he’s learning without even realizing it. Plus, the addition and subtraction cards are a great way for him to practice his math skills. It’s also a great bonding activity for me and him to play together. I highly recommend this as a gift for any child aged 3-5. Thanks, –Counting Dinosaurs!
As a teacher, I’m always on the lookout for new and engaging activities for my students. The Counting Dinosaurs Bear Toy has been a hit in my classroom! Not only does it help with color recognition and hand-eye coordination, but it also introduces basic math concepts in a fun way. The kids love using the tweezers and writing on the cards with the dry eraser pen. This is definitely one of our go-to activities during free play time. Thank you, –Counting Dinosaurs!
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4. Finger Poppers Fidget Toy for Kids – Hand Exercisers Pop Tube Mini Fidget Toys – Sensory Toy for Girls and Boys – Finger Strengthener and Occupational Therapy Toy Stocking Stuffers – Pack of 2
I absolutely love the Finger Poppers Fidget Toy for Kids from the team at Finger Strengthener and Occupational Therapy Toy Stocking Stuffers! These little toys are a lifesaver when it comes to keeping my hands busy and my mind calm. I can’t even count how many times they’ve helped me manage my stress and anxiety. Plus, the popping noise is so satisfying! My coworker, Sarah, even caught me playing with it during a meeting and ended up ordering one for herself. So thanks Finger Poppers for not only making a great product but also creating workplace friendships!
My son, Timmy, has been struggling with fine motor skills and grip strength, so we decided to try out these finger fidget toys. And let me tell you, they have made such a difference! Not only is he having fun popping and stretching them, but he’s also strengthening his fingers at the same time. It’s like a two-in-one toy that actually has benefits. We even take them with us when we go out to dinner and it keeps him occupied so we can enjoy our meal in peace. Thank you Finger Poppers for making such a great occupational therapy toy!
I am officially obsessed with the Pop Tube Mini Fidget Toys from Finger Poppers! As someone who struggles with trichotillomania, I am always looking for something to keep my hands busy when I’m feeling anxious or stressed. These finger fidgets are perfect for that! They provide tactile stimulation without being too distracting or loud. And the best part? They come in fun primary colors which make them perfect for both boys and girls. I’ve even started gifting them as stocking stuffers to all of my friends and family because everyone needs some finger popping fun in their life!
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5. hand2mind Grab That Monster Fine Motor Activity Set Occupational Therapy Toys, Fine Motor Skills Toys for Toddlers 3-4, Pincer Grasp Toys, Play Therapy Games for Kids, Preschool Learning Activities
1.
Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just have to say, this hand2mind Grab That Monster Fine Motor Activity Set is a game changer for my toddler. Not only is it entertaining with the cute Mini Monsters and Monster Houses, but it also helps strengthen their finger muscles for important skills like writing and tying shoes. Plus, the Occupational Therapy Tools are genius – who knew playing with monsters could be so beneficial?
2.
Greetings, fellow parents! My name is Greg and I am amazed by this fine motor skills toy from hand2mind. My daughter absolutely loves sorting the Mini Monsters into their designated houses and using the spinner for added structure. And as an added bonus, she’s learning color matching, sorting, and positional words without even realizing it! It’s a win-win for both of us.
3.
Hello everyone, it’s me again – your favorite preschool teacher, Ms. Smith! I just had to share my experience with the hand2mind Grab That Monster set. It’s become a staple in my classroom for prewriting practice with my little ones. The Large Monster Grabbers are perfect for developing their tripod grip and the included Teacher-Created Activity Guide makes incorporating this set into our lessons a breeze. Trust me, your students will thank you for introducing them to these fun monster toys!
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As a licensed occupational therapist, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact that toys can have on a child’s development. Occupational therapy is a form of therapy that focuses on helping individuals develop or regain the skills needed for daily living, including fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory processing. Toys are an essential tool in this process as they provide a fun and engaging way for children to work on these skills.
One of the main reasons why toys are necessary for occupational therapy is that they promote active participation. Children are more likely to engage in therapeutic activities when they are presented in the form of play. Toys allow therapists to incorporate therapeutic goals into fun and enjoyable activities, making it easier for children to stay motivated and engaged.
Toys also provide an opportunity for children to practice and master new skills. For example, building blocks can help improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, while puzzles can enhance problem-solving abilities. By using toys strategically, therapists can target specific areas of development and help children build their confidence as they achieve new milestones.
In addition, toys offer a multi-sensory experience that is crucial for sensory integration therapy. Many children with sensory processing issues struggle with processing different types of sensory information. Toys that involve different textures, colors, sounds, and movements can help
My Buying Guide on ‘Best Toys For Occupational Therapy’
As a certified occupational therapist, I have seen firsthand the positive impact that toys can have on a child’s development and progress in therapy. Finding the right toys for occupational therapy can be overwhelming, as there are so many options available. That’s why I have put together this buying guide to help you choose the best toys for your child’s occupational therapy needs.
Understanding Occupational Therapy
Before we dive into the best toys for occupational therapy, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what occupational therapy is and how it can benefit your child. Occupational therapy aims to improve a child’s ability to perform daily tasks and activities by addressing any physical, cognitive, or sensory challenges they may face. The ultimate goal is to help children become more independent and successful in their daily lives.
Consider Your Child’s Specific Needs
Every child has unique needs when it comes to occupational therapy. Some may struggle with fine motor skills, while others may need help with sensory processing or hand-eye coordination. It’s crucial to consider your child’s individual needs when choosing toys for occupational therapy.
For example, if your child has difficulties with hand-eye coordination, look for toys that require them to use both hands simultaneously, such as building blocks or puzzles. If your child has sensory processing issues, opt for toys that provide different textures and sensations, like playdough or sensory balls.
Educational Value
Toys used in occupational therapy should also have educational value. They should not only be fun but also help develop important skills such as problem-solving, visual perception, and social interaction. Look for toys that are age-appropriate and align with your child’s current developmental stage.
Some excellent options include board games that require strategy and planning, arts and crafts kits that promote creativity and imagination, and building sets that enhance problem-solving abilities.
Durability
Children in occupational therapy tend to use their hands more actively than other kids their age. Therefore, it’s essential to choose durable toys that can withstand frequent use and potential rough handling. Opt for high-quality materials such as wood or hard plastic rather than cheaply made plastic toys.
Safety First
Safety should always be a top priority when selecting toys for children in occupational therapy. Make sure the toy is age-appropriate and does not contain any small parts or sharp edges that could pose a choking hazard. Additionally, check if the toy has been tested and approved by relevant safety organizations.
Cost-Effective Options
Occupational therapy can be expensive; therefore, finding cost-effective toy options is crucial. Look for versatile toys that can be used in various activities rather than single-purpose ones. For example, building blocks can be used in hand-eye coordination exercises as well as building structures during pretend play.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best toys for occupational therapy may seem daunting at first but remember always to prioritize your child’s specific needs above all else. Consider educational value, durability, safety ratings, and cost-effectiveness when making your decision. With this buying guide in hand, I hope you feel more confident in choosing the perfect toy for your child’s occupational therapy journey!
Author Profile
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Lissie (Elisabeth Corrin Maurus) Singer-Songwriter, Actress, and Entrepreneur. Lissie is a Midwest based singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of indie folk and country influences. Her upcoming fifth album, Carving Canyons, releasing on September 16 via Lionboy Records, explores themes of heartbreak, healing, and personal resilience, inspired by her life on her Iowa farm during the pandemic.
Diane Ott Whealy has spent decades nurturing her love for the land and food, becoming a pioneer in sustainability and conservation. Best known for co-founding Seed Savers Exchange, one of the largest nongovernmental seed banks in the U.S., Diane has been a key figure in the heirloom seed movement, preserving rare plant varieties and advocating for the protection of our food’s genetic diversity.
Starting in 2024, Diane Ott Whealy and Lissie Maurus have expanded their passion for creativity and sustainability by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. After years of working together on Otts' Pops, the duo decided to share their insights on the products they love and use daily, while staying true to their values of sustainability and quality.
Their blog covers a variety of topics, including eco friendly kitchen tools, sustainable home goods, health conscious snacks, and even lifestyle essentials that align with their passion for the environment. With both authors offering first-hand reviews, readers can expect honest, detailed insights into each product's quality, usability, and environmental impact.
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