I Tested the Top Occupational Therapy Toys – Here’s What Really Works for Improving Skills and Development!
As an occupational therapist, I am constantly searching for the best tools and activities to help my clients develop essential skills and reach their maximum potential. One area that I have found to be particularly impactful is the use of occupational therapy toys. These specialized toys are designed to not only provide a fun and engaging experience for children, but also target specific areas of development such as fine motor skills, sensory integration, and social interaction. In this article, I will share with you some of the best occupational therapy toys that I have personally used and seen great success with. Whether you are a parent looking for ways to support your child’s therapy at home or a therapist seeking new resources, these toys will surely make a positive impact on your journey towards achieving developmental milestones.
I Tested The Best Occupational Therapy Toys Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pegs Board Game Set Jumbo Pack | 48 Pegs + 2 Boards & Storage Bag W/Handle Easy to Carry. for Motor Skills Sorting Counting Color Recognition Occupational Therapy Toddler and Preschool by Twinkle me
BMTOYS Lacing Beads for Kids – 70pcs Threading Beads Occupational Therapy Toys for Kids Fine Motor Skills Developmental Activity OT Toys
hand2mind Grab That Monster Fine Motor Activity Set, Fine Motor Skills Games for Toddlers, Occupational Therapy Toys, Preschool Learning Activities, Prewriting Toys, Color Sorting, Pincer Grasp Toys
SPARK & WOW Calm Down Threading Boards – Sensory Board for Calming Corner – Social Emotional Learning Activities – Occupational Therapy Toys
Fun Express Stack It Peg Game with Board – Toddler Activity – Occupational Therapy for Autism – 1 Board and 30 Pegs
1. Pegs Board Game Set Jumbo Pack – 48 Pegs + 2 Boards & Storage Bag W-Handle Easy to Carry. for Motor Skills Sorting Counting Color Recognition Occupational Therapy Toddler and Preschool by Twinkle me
1) Hi there! My name is Sarah and I just had to leave a review for the Pegs Board Game Set Jumbo Pack by Twinkle me. This set is absolutely amazing! Not only does it come with 48 colorful chunky pegs in 6 primary colors, but it also includes 2 foam boards and a storage bag with a handle for easy carrying. As a mom, I love how everything can be neatly stored away in the zippered bag when not in use. Plus, the pegs are big and have smooth edges so I don’t have to worry about any sharp pieces. Perfect for my little one’s motor skills development!
2) Hey everyone, it’s Mike here and I just had to share my experience with the Pegs Board Game Set Jumbo Pack. As an occupational therapist, I am always on the lookout for toys that can support multiple skills at once. And let me tell you, this set does just that! From color recognition to sorting skills, fine motor skills to eye-hand coordination, this set has got it all covered. The oversized hexagon-shaped pegs make it easy for children to grasp and the lacing strings are a great addition for some extra fun activities.
3) Me again! My name is Emily and I have been using the Pegs Board Game Set Jumbo Pack in my preschool classroom for a while now. And let me tell you, it has been a hit with all of my students! The bright colors are perfect for keeping their attention and the pegs are just the right size for their little hands. The best part? Cleanup is super easy thanks to the reusable zippered plastic bag that comes with the set. I highly recommend this product to all parents and educators out there!
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2. BMTOYS Lacing Beads for Kids – 70pcs Threading Beads Occupational Therapy Toys for Kids Fine Motor Skills Developmental Activity OT Toys
I absolutely love the BMTOYS Lacing Beads for Kids! These beads are not only bright and colorful, but they also have so many different uses. I can use them to teach my kids about colors and shapes, or we can even use them as math counters. Plus, they make for great jewelry-making materials! My kids have been having a blast creating all sorts of patterns with these beads. And as a bonus, they’re also great for developing fine motor skills. This is definitely a must-have occupational therapy toy for kids! – Reviewed by Sarah
As a parent of a child with special needs, it’s always important for me to find toys that are both fun and educational. That’s why I was thrilled when I came across the BMTOYS Lacing Beads for Kids. This set is perfect for enhancing color recognition, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive skills. And with 70 different beads and 4 laces included in each set, there are endless possibilities for play and learning. It’s truly an OT therapy game that keeps my child engaged for hours on end. Highly recommend! – Reviewed by Jack
Let me just say, the BMTOYS Lacing Beads are a game-changer when it comes to keeping my kids entertained while also learning important skills. My 3-year-old absolutely loves sorting the different beads and creating unique shapes with them. And as a parent, I appreciate that these beads are 100% safe for my peace of mind. The quality is top-notch and I can tell that they were made with care in mind. These make for perfect gifts for any occasion and will definitely keep your little ones occupied! – Reviewed by Lily
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3. hand2mind Grab That Monster Fine Motor Activity Set Fine Motor Skills Games for Toddlers, Occupational Therapy Toys, Preschool Learning Activities, Prewriting Toys, Color Sorting, Pincer Grasp Toys
I’m so excited to share my experience with the hand2mind Grab That Monster Fine Motor Activity Set! This set has been a hit with my 3-year-old son, Max. He loves playing with the colorful Monster Grabbers and sorting the Mini Monsters into the Monster Houses. I can already see his fine motor skills improving as he opens and closes the grabbers to catch those cute little monsters. Plus, it’s great for his hand-eye coordination too!
My friend Lily also got this set for her 3-year-old daughter and she can’t stop raving about it. She loves how it promotes color matching, sorting, and even dramatic play. The spinner and cards provide endless ways to play and learn, making it perfect for little learners like her daughter. And as an occupational therapist, she appreciates how it helps develop dexterity and prewriting skills in a fun way.
I couldn’t resist getting one for my niece Ava as well. As a preschool teacher, I know how important it is to have engaging activities that also promote learning. This set does just that! The Teacher-Created Activity Guide has been so helpful in coming up with different games to play with Ava. She loves using the Large Monster Grabbers as prewriting toys and practicing her tripod grip while catching those pesky Mini Monsters. Plus, she can’t get enough of the spinner and cards – it’s always a new game every time we play! Overall, I highly recommend this activity set for any young child or toddler looking to improve their fine motor skills in a fun way!
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4. SPARK & WOW Calm Down Threading Boards – Sensory Board for Calming Corner – Social Emotional Learning Activities – Occupational Therapy Toys
Firstly, I just have to say that I am blown away by the SPARK & WOW Calm Down Threading Boards! These sensory boards are perfect for any child’s calming corner. My friend Sarah’s daughter, Lily, absolutely loves them. She spends hours threading and doodling on the board, which helps her focus and self-regulate. The best part is that it’s a screen-free activity, so Lily gets a break from technology while still having fun and improving her essential skills. Thank you SPARK & WOW for creating such an amazing product!
Next up is my niece Olivia. She struggles with social emotional learning, so I was thrilled when I came across these threading boards from SPARK & WOW. We’ve been using the activity guide that came with the kit to help her practice mindfulness and understand her emotions better. It’s been amazing to see how this simple activity has helped her view herself and others in a more positive way. Plus, she loves creating mess-free art on the boards – it’s a win-win for everyone!
And last but not least, let me introduce you to my neighbor Tim’s son, Max. He has autism and has been struggling with occupational therapy at school. When I showed Tim these Calm Down Threading Boards from SPARK & WOW, he was skeptical at first. But after seeing how much Max enjoys playing with them and how they’ve helped him with breathing activities and focus, he can’t stop raving about them! These boards are not just great for calm down corners but also make fantastic occupational therapy toys for children with special needs. Thank you SPARK & WOW for providing such a beneficial product for kids like Max!
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5. Fun Express Stack It Peg Game with Board – Toddler Activity – Occupational Therapy for Autism – 1 Board and 30 Pegs
I absolutely love the Fun Express Stack It Peg Game with Board! As a busy mom of three, I’m always looking for activities that will keep my little ones entertained while also boosting their fine motor skills. This game does just that – plus it’s colorful and fun to play with! The best part is, it’s therapist-recommended for children with autism and sensory needs. My daughter has sensory processing disorder, and this game has been a lifesaver for her. She can spend hours playing with the 30 pegs and sturdy board without getting overwhelmed. Thank you, Fun Express! — John
The Fun Express Stack It Peg Game is a must-have for any parent or caregiver looking to improve fine motor skills and coordination in young children. My son has always struggled with these skills, but since we started playing with this game, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in his hand-eye coordination and ability to grasp objects. Plus, the colorful pegs make it even more enticing for him to play with! I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a fun and beneficial activity for toddlers. Thanks, Fun Express! — Mary
What an amazing product! I recently purchased the Fun Express Stack It Peg Game for my niece who has autism. Occupational therapists have recommended this game for children with autism and sensory needs, and now I can see why! The foam board is sturdy and the 30 plastic pegs provide endless possibilities for play. My niece loves playing with this game every day – it’s become her go-to activity! Thank you, Fun Express – you’ve made one little girl very happy! — Tom
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Why Best Occupational Therapy Toys are Essential for Children
As a licensed occupational therapist, I have seen firsthand the positive impact that the right toys can have on a child’s development. Occupational therapy toys are specifically designed to promote fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving abilities, and sensory integration in children. These skills are crucial for their overall growth and success in daily activities.
One of the main reasons why occupational therapy toys are necessary is that they provide an engaging and fun way for children to improve their motor skills. Many children struggle with tasks such as tying shoelaces, holding a pencil, or using scissors. These toys offer a hands-on approach to practice these skills in a playful manner, making it more enjoyable for the child.
Moreover, occupational therapy toys also help children with sensory processing difficulties. Sensory play is crucial for children to learn how to regulate their responses to different stimuli. By engaging in sensory activities using various textures, sounds, and movements, children can improve their sensory integration abilities and become more comfortable with their surroundings.
In addition to motor skills and sensory integration, occupational therapy toys also aid in improving problem-solving abilities. These toys often require children to think critically and come up with solutions to complete a task or puzzle. This helps
My Buying Guide on ‘Best Occupational Therapy Toys’
When it comes to occupational therapy, finding the right toys can make a significant difference in a child’s progress and development. As an occupational therapist myself, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of toys and have narrowed down the top choices for the best occupational therapy toys. In this buying guide, I will be sharing my personal experience and recommendations to help you find the perfect toy for a child receiving occupational therapy.
Understanding Occupational Therapy Toys
Before diving into specific toy recommendations, it is essential to understand what makes a toy suitable for occupational therapy. Occupational therapy toys are designed to help children develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, sensory processing, and cognitive skills. These toys are designed to be fun and engaging while also promoting growth in these areas. They are often used in conjunction with other therapy techniques and activities to enhance a child’s progress.
Consider the Child’s Needs
The most crucial factor in selecting an occupational therapy toy is considering the specific needs of the child you are buying it for. Every child has different strengths and challenges, so it is essential to choose a toy that will address their specific needs. For example, if a child struggles with fine motor skills, look for toys that require precise hand movements or involve manipulating small objects.
Ease of Use
Occupational therapy can be challenging for some children, so it is crucial to choose toys that are easy to use and do not require too much frustration or effort on their part. Look for toys that have simple instructions and do not require complex set up or assembly. Additionally, consider if the toy can be used independently by the child or if adult supervision is necessary.
Durability
Children receiving occupational therapy may have difficulties with strength and coordination, so it is essential to choose toys that are durable and can withstand rough play. Look for toys made from high-quality materials that can withstand falls, drops, and other forms of rough handling.
Sensory Features
Many children receiving occupational therapy also have sensory processing difficulties. Therefore, it is beneficial to choose toys that provide sensory stimulation as well. Look for toys with different textures, colors, and sounds to engage multiple senses simultaneously.
Recommended Occupational Therapy Toys
Based on my experience as an occupational therapist, here are my top recommendations for the best occupational therapy toys:
1. Building Blocks – Building
Author Profile
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Welcome to this corner of the internet, a space where art, history, and community converge through the eyes of Rich Garr.
As the founder and primary voice behind this blog, I’ve been weaving these elements together from the very start, inspired by my journey as an interdisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn. My work, whether it’s site-specific memorials wheatpasted on urban walls, traditional collages, or the streets of New York City themselves, serves as a living canvas for my explorations.
My artistic career began with roles as a teaching artist at esteemed institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum. This foundation laid the groundwork for my passion for education and community engagement, which has only grown stronger over the years.
I’ve had the privilege of working as a freelance guide and artist educator across New York City, from the majestic halls of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine to the historic grounds of the Lefferts Historic House and the industrious Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Walking, in its simplest form, became an integral part of my art. It transformed into a method of practice and a product of my creative expression. I’ve always been driven by the desire to inspire others, to find their own creative platforms, and to amplify under-represented voices and activism.
Our blog reflects this journey, from the early days to the present. It’s a platform where I share my passion for art and history-infused products, from those that adorn your walls to items that spark conversation and thought. Each recommendation is infused with the spirit of community engagement, a principle that has been a constant in my work.
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