Hello everyone, Dr. Madison here! It’s that time of year again, when one of the most frequent questions I get asked by families is, “what do I get my kiddo for the holidays that will help support their milestones?” I am here to answer that question, breaking it down by ages, providing a list that you are able to get at your local Piccolo Mondo toy shop, some of which have been featured in our most recent Instagram post!
Ages 0-6 months:
High- contrast visuals (black & white contrasts, bold shapes)- this will help as infants vision is still developing, with the contrast drawing attention.
Tummy time support- mirrors, hanging toys, spinners help to promote lifting head pushing up, and tracking
Bringing hands to midline– O-balls, rattles, crinkle toys are all great for bringing hands together to develop hand strength and coordination
Ages 6-12 months:
Different textures, sounds, colors to allow for sensory engagement
Objects that can be grasped, held, transferred, etc.
Cause and effect toys (buttons, pop-ups, pressing, sliding)
Ages 12mo-24mo
Toys to promote balance, strength, coordination, and stacking.
These are great for fine motor skills and reactive balance
- SpinAgain — Piccolo Mondo Toys
- Great for stacking, squatting, and motivating to participate in play
Age: 3-5 yo
Challenge balance (standing on 1 foot for 3-5 seconds then launching rockets)
- Dino-Soar Stomp Rocket Kit — Piccolo Mondo Toys
- Balance Beam
- Stepping Stones
Motor planning with obstacle courses
Ages 5-7
Challenging balance
Support power with jumping and coordination
- Rainbow Jump Rope — Piccolo Mondo Toys
- Micro Mini Deluxe LED Aqua Scooter — Piccolo Mondo Toys
- Hopscotch Mat
Youth Athletes:
Throwing/catching/kicking skills
Challenging agility, reaction time, coordination
We hope that you have enjoyed these suggestions to help support your child’s development, at any age! Reach out to us at Inspire PT with any questions, and HAPPY HOLIDAY’S from us to you!
