I always hesitate to share toy guides because I don’t think you need special toys to help your kiddo in their communication journey. However, I know this time of year people are usually purchasing gifts anyway, so here are some ideas of toys I use throughout the week at my office!
Little People House
https://www.target.com/p/fisher-price-little-people-friends-together-play-house/-/A-81964202
Why do I love this toy?
It is a small replica of something real life! Have you been trying to teach your child a direction or concept in real life, but it’s not sticking? Use the little people and the house to help teach new phrases, concepts, or directions. Potty training for example. Teach the little people how to go potty!
Language concepts that can be targeted:
Location concepts, self-advocacy phrases, let’s go+ place phrases, time for +activity phrases.
Little People Farm
Why do I love this toy?
I used to be anti-sound toy. However, some kids who aren’t super interested in toys may be more interested in playing with a toy if it has a sound component. It can be more enticing. Now I also have students who detest the sound on these types of toys. In those cases, turn the sound off or take the batteries out. It can still be a great toy!
Language concepts that can be targeted:
Location concepts, self-advocacy phrases, let’s go+ place phrases, time for +activity phrases, options are endless!
Mini Animals
Why do I love this toy?
Because you can do SO MUCH with them! If your child is prone to eating small toys or biting parts off, this toy is not for them! You can wash these toys, you can send them down a paper towel roll, you can send them down a slide, you can hide them inside of things, you can use blue tape and tape them on the wall to do an animal rescue. You really can do so much!
Language concepts that can be targeted:
Animal vocabulary, size concepts, location concepts, teaching categories (group by animals, place that they may live, etc.)
Critter clinic
https://www.target.com/p/b-toys-toy-vet-kit-for-kids-critter-clinic/-/A-76155786
Why do I love this toy?
Kids love keys!! I also enjoy an activity that kids need my help in. I let them try first, but we can offer solutions and ideas. This toy can be used to put ANYTHING inside! Could be a nice consistent activity but keep it exciting by placing different toys inside.
Language concepts that can be targeted: Solution oriented language (fix it, open it, close it, it’s stuck), matching colors, in/out
Animal Houses
Why do I love this toy?
You can use these houses for other toys too! Same with the animals. They can be used independently of each other. Any toy that has some element of surprise is fun. You can even consider putting the “wrong” color animal in the houses and teaching the concept of “not!”
Language concepts that can be targeted: Solution oriented language (open it, close it, it’s stuck), matching colors, in/out,
Squigz
Why do I love this toy?
So versatile! I love these mostly for the windows or sliding glass doors. They can also stick on some other toy surfaces. I think they are recommended to use in the bath, but I don’t like using them in the bath with my kids anymore because they will yank on them and fly backwards–scary! Stick to non-bath surfaces.
Language concepts that can be targeted: Solution oriented language (help me, it’s stuck), matching colors, on/off
Reusable Stickers
Why do I love this toy?
Anything you can reuse is great! These raised stickers are also great for little fingers that have a harder time peeling stickers. They are also more attractive to some kiddos. I love taking these to restaurants to keep my kiddos busy!
Language concepts that can be targeted: Location words (next to, beside, under, on top), various object vocabulary words, categorizing (putting the right stickers on the right page).
Play Couch (Big Splurge Item)
Budget friendly: https://www.costco.com/yourigami-kids-convertible-play-fort.product.4000188333.html
Splurge:
https://nuggetcomfort.com/products/the-nugget-bamboo?gad_source=1&gadid=715727805115&gbraid=0AAAAABTk4dNO8jruSGXqyte8gcSPUGhA6&gclid=CjwKCAiArva5BhBiEiwA-oTnXfutdfgzDzfa29ybMC7AY7NFBPg5aPDOF5yrje9BBWdDZiAz6SPnyxoC4DcQAvD_BwE&utm_campaign=21769224687&utm_content=175152565384&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_term=kids%20nugget
Why do I love this toy?
These couches are quite a splurge but this is something we have at my house and office and they are used constantly! They are great for lounging, creating a house, climbing, and literally endless options.
Language concepts that can be targeted: Solution-oriented language (fix it, build it, help), location concepts (on/off/next to/under/inside)
Hope you’ve found something that your child will love!
Call or text: (209) 683-3427
Email: mackenzie@communicationblooms.org
Visit our website: communicationblooms.org
