top of page
Search

Stuck on Christmas Gifts for the Kids? 5 Speech Therapist-Approved Toys Kids Will Love

Trust us, we’ve played with these a lot this year!

 

Finding the perfect gift for your child can be tricky, especially when you want something fun and educational. As speech therapists, we’ve spent countless hours playing with toys that kids love and that also help them learn and grow in the sneakiest of ways.


Here are five of our top picks this year, with simple ways you can use them to boost your child’s communication skills at home.


They won't even know they are learning!


Speech therapy approved Christmas Gifts for your kids!


#1: Pop-up Pirate


Pop up pirate for children in speech therapy

This classic game is always a hit with kids. They love the excitement of waiting to see when the pirate will pop!

 

How to Use It for Learning:

 

  • Take Turns: Practice turn-taking by passing the sword to each player.


  • Expand Vocabulary: Use words like “push,” “in,” and “pop” as you play.


  • Build Sentences: Encourage your child to make predictions: “The pirate will pop!”


Buy Pop-Up Pirate here. TOMY Pop-Up Pirate Game - Kmart 

#2: Kinetic Sand



Kinetic Sand for children in speech therapy

Soft, mouldable, and endlessly satisfying to play with, kinetic sand is a sensory favourite that also builds language skills.

 

How to Use It for Learning:

 

  • Describe Textures: Use words like “soft,” “squishy,” or “sticky” as you play.


  • Follow Instructions: Ask your child to “make a ball” or “flatten the sand” to practice listening and following directions.


  • Create Stories: Build a castle together and make up a story about who lives there.



#3: Magnetic Tiles


Magentic Tiles for children

These colourful tiles stick together to build towers, houses, and more. Perfect for open-ended play!

 

How to Use It for Learning:

 

  • Problem-Solving: Work together to build a structure and talk about what’s working or not.


  • Shape and Colour Words: Name the shapes and colours as you use them: “Let’s add a red square.”


  • Pretend Play: Build a garage for toy cars or a house for small figures and narrate their adventures.



#4: Play Doh


Play-doh santa christmas kids playing play-doh

A timeless favourite, Play-Doh is great for creative play and building fine motor skills, too!

 

How to Use It for Learning:

 

  • Action Words: Use verbs like “roll,” “squish,” “cut,” or “flatten” while playing.


  • Requesting Practice: Encourage your child to ask for the tools they want: “Can I have the roller, please?”


  • Pretend Play: Make pretend food like pancakes or pizza and have a “meal” together.


Buy Play-Doh here. Play-Doh Starter Set - Kmart 



#5: Balloon Car Launcher


Balloon Car Toy Launcher Set,Children Inertial Balloon Powered Car Science Intelligence Education Toy, Balloon Pump Cars Racer Kit Boys Girls : Amazon.com.au: Toys & Games 

This simple toy lets you blow up balloons and send them zooming across the room, which always leads to lots of giggles!

 

How to Use It for Learning:

 

  • Choices: Ask your child, “Do you want the red balloon or the blue balloon?”


  • Practice Waiting: Teach patience by counting down before letting the balloon go: “3…2…1… Go!”


  • Sound Practice: Make fun sounds together like “Wheeee!” or “Zoom!” as the balloon flies.




We’d love to hear your thoughts! What are your child’s favorite toys that help them learn while having fun? Drop a comment below or share your ideas with us.


Don’t forget to check out our Instagram page @therapy.talks.slp for more tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.


Follow us to stay connected and join our community! 🎄


x Therapy Talks Speech Pathology Team


*Photos by Speechie Lourdes Lieu


 
 
 

Commentaires

bottom of page