Holiday Gift Guide

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The holidays are here! I don’t know about you, but it’s my favorite time of the year! I frequently get questions from parents, caregivers and teachers about what to get their children for the holidays. And now with Covid, kids could use some good old fashioned entertainment.

There are many great toys and games out there that are fun but also help children develop skills. The classics are classics for a reason. They have so many skills embedded in fun! Many of these games work on multiple skills at once from turn taking to fine motor skills. The best part is, your children don’t even know about all the skills they are working on, they are just having fun! Here are my top 10.

Candy Land- a tried and true classic for all kids! Great for turn taking, fine motor and pre reading skills. (Click on the image below!)
Simon- another classic that helps build memory, sequencing skills and waiting/ impulse control. (Click on the image below!)
Memory -a great classic that works on fine and visual motor skills, turn taking, and working memory. (Click on the image below!)
Playdoh- great for fine motor and building strength.
Arts and crafts- coloring, beads, mosaics, and origami (just to name a few) all work on fine and visual motor skills as well as coordination, spatial awareness, and parts to whole skills.
Legos- great for following directions, fine motor, visual motor and hand strength.
Hi Ho Cherry-O- great for counting, fine motor skills, turn taking and following directions. (Click on the image below!)
Jenga- great for coordination, turn taking, strategizing, visual motor planning and fine motor skills.
Card games- good for pencil grip development, visual skills, turn taking, following directions.
Activity books -look for books that have mazes, dot to dots, word searches and hidden pictures. Great for eye hand coordination, fine motor control, and visual motor skills. (Click on the image below!)

Let’s remember, the holidays are not all about gifts. It’s also about time spent together with family and friends. Here are 10 ideas for ways to spend time together.

Baking- Baking works on ALL kinds of skills from planning, to following steps/directions, to time management, to fine motor and strength (think stirring) skills. Baking is a great all around activity.
Art projects- Another great all encompassing activity. Let your child pick the activity or make homemade gifts this year!
Outdoor activities -build a snowman, go on a walk and play I Spy in nature, take a family bike ride or a hike.
Obstacle course -stuck inside? Use your couch pillows or other supplies and build an obstacle course. This is great for working on turn taking, coordination, balance, memory and following directions.
Yoga -yoga is great for coordination, movement, turn taking, following directions and concentration! It’s also good for both kids and adults. (click on the image below!)
Meditation and mindfulness -this is great for kids and adults alike. It teaches self awareness, self regulation, self control and following directions.
Putting up holiday decorations -this activity involves planning, spatial awareness, following directions, and turn taking.
Easy ball games -play catch, kick a ball towards a goal, play four square. These activities are good for visual motor coordination, turn taking, and body awareness.
Movement games -Play games like “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”, Simon Says, Red Light Green Light and musical chairs. These are great games for motor coordination, waiting/impulse control, and following directions.
Snuggle up and read! -this is great for simple human contact (which we could all use in our new 6 ft distant world), but it’s also good for self regulation, and comprehension and listening skills.

Until next time, wishing you a merry and bright holiday season!

Marina