Pediatric OT-Approved Christmas Toy Guide — By Age
Ages 1–2: Explore, Grasp, and Move
At this age, toys should support sensory exploration, early fine motor skills, and simple cause-and-effect learning.
Top OT Picks:
Push toys (walkers, shopping carts)
Large wooden blocks
Shape sorters
Stacking cups or rings
Sensory balls (textured, squishy, crinkly)
Play tunnels
Pop-up toys (cause & effect)
Baby dolls + simple accessories
Why OT Loves These:
They support balance, coordination, bilateral play, and early problem-solving—key for toddlers on the move.
Ages 2–3: Build Strength, Imagination & Early Problem-Solving
Kids at this stage love to imitate, explore new textures, and practice early pretend play.
Top OT Picks:
Play-Doh and beginner tool sets
Squigz
Pop tubes
Simple puzzles (knob and 2–4 piece)
Pretend play sets (kitchen, doctor kit, tool kit)
Foam climbing blocks
Balance boards
Ride-on toys
Why OT Loves These:
They strengthen hands, improve grasp, encourage imaginative play, and build coordination.
Ages 3–5: Fine Motor Boosters, Imagination & Early Learning Foundations
This is a golden age for skill-building toys that support school readiness.
Top OT Picks:
Lacing and threading kits
Scissor skills kits
Wooden puzzles (8–24 pieces)
Magnetic tiles (Magnatiles, Picasso Tiles)
Lego Duplos
Animal or dollhouse sets
Kinetic sand
Stepping stones
Sit & Spin
Balance bikes
Why OT Loves These:
These toys strengthen core muscles, promote bilateral coordination, support early handwriting skills, and build emotional regulation through play.
Ages 5–7: Strengthen Coordination, Visual Skills & Executive Functioning
As children grow, toys can challenge planning, memory, balance, and creativity.
Top OT Picks:
Regular Legos
Lite-Brite
Beginner STEM kits
Marble runs
Perler beads
Board games (Connect 4, Trouble, Sequence Jr.)
Yoga cards for kids
Obstacle course items (cones, balance beams, agility ladders)
Kinetic sand or clay modeling kits
Why OT Loves These:
They build visual-motor integration, improve patience and turn-taking, boost body awareness, and support problem-solving.
Ages 7+: Higher-Level Thinking, Core Strength, & Creative Independence
Older kids benefit from toys that encourage confidence, complex thinking, and real-world skills.
Top OT Picks:
STEM/engineering building sets
Advanced marble runs
Beginner woodworking kits
Keva planks
Sewing or weaving kits
Strategy games (Rush Hour, Gravity Maze, Qwirkle)
Arts & craft sets
Sports equipment (basketballs, jump ropes, scooters)
Scooter boards
Why OT Loves These:
These support coordination, executive functioning, endurance, emotional regulation, and resilience through challenge-based play.