Communication and Joy for the Holidays!

Written By Sarah Rosten

The holiday season is a great time to find gifts. They should bring smiles and help your child grow. Our speech and language experts have curated a list of toys. They can help with speech and language and promote play.

Why These Toys Matter

For children with communication delays, the right toy can be more than a gift. It's a tool for learning, engaging, and self-expression. We've selected toys that:

  • Encourage interaction

  • Support language development

  • Provide sensory stimulation

  • Promote imaginative play

  • Build confidence

    Recommended Toys by Our Therapy Team

    Pretend Play and Imagination

  • BuildersToys Critter Clinic Vet Set: This toy lets kids play vet. It boosts their storytelling and social skills.

  • Potato Head Classic: A timeless toy. It helps kids learn body parts, faces, and storytelling.

  • Playmobil Fire Truck: It's perfect for role-play and learning about helpers.

    Communication and Language Support

  • Fox In The Box: A fun game for learning spatial concepts and directions.

  • Elephant & Piggie Book Collection: These beloved books are perfect for shared reading and learning to converse.

    Sensory and Interactive Toys

  • Fat Brain Toys Squigz: Suction-based building toys. They promote tactile play and descriptive language.

  • Learning Resources Big Feelings Pineapple: A great tool for teaching emotions.

  • Hand2mind Phoneme Phone: It's for speech and phonemic awareness.

    Movement and Engagement Toys

  • Hog Wild T-Rex Ball Popper: It promotes turn-taking and language skills through fun play.

  • Wind-up Animal Toys: They are great for practicing action words and communication.

    Cognitive and Problem-Solving Toys

  • Magnetic Tiles: STEM toys that improve spatial skills and teamwork.

  • Playskool Explore 'N Grow Busy Gears: It teaches cause-and-effect and language.

    Tips for Gift-Giving

  • Choose toys that spark conversation and teamwork.

  • Follow Your Child's Interests: Pick gifts that excite them.Be Patient: Some children might need time to warm up to new toys.Play Together: Your involvement makes any toy more fun and educational.

  • A Note of Encouragement: Every child's communication journey is unique. These toys are suggestions. The best "gift" is your love, patience, and support.

  • Many toys are often "short lived" and kids grow out of them. Banana Borrowers is a local NFP Toy Lending Library. We provide local families and children access to a diverse, growing collection of high-quality toys, games, and educational resources. We also offer hands-on classes. We aim to foster creativity, learning, and social growth. We provide a space for families to borrow toys and enjoy play, without the burden of ownership. We also offer resources and hands-on opportunities. They teach using toys to boost communication and social skills. It also improves motor skills and problem-solving. We aim to unite our community while promoting eco-friendly practices. We will do this through our sustainable and inclusive approach. We want all children, no matter their wealth, to grow through play. They should be able to explore and imagine.

    Happy Holidays! May you fill your season with joy, connection, and playful chats! For more ideas from our therapists, check out our resources page.

Sarah Rosten
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December Activities