Christmas Gift Ideas for Children
Christmas is just over the horizon and while many have all their presents already wrapped, some of us (definitely me) are still seeking inspiration for gift ideas.
The “Top Five (in no particular order) Christmas Gift List” that I have put together this year is not an exclusive list, but my recommendations do consider how children aged between 2 and 5 years are communicating through their early preschool years. You can read more about how language develops during this period in some of our previous blogs:
- 2-3 Years: Speech and Language development
- 3-4 Years: Speech and Language development
- 4-5 Years: Speech and Language development
The toys listed below promote the creative and pretend play that is so crucial in facilitating language both for functional and social purposes in these early developmental years. We have also included links to what we consider reasonably priced options (if you have seen Top Gear, this is our “Reasonably Priced Car wall”).
THE LIST
1. Playhouse or cubby houses:
As an adjunct to the toys listed below, a playhouse or cubbyhouse can be a great place for children to get involved in their play routines. Playhouse’s or cubby’s are an ideal space for one child to play alone, but they also open doors for children to play together.
It can also be a great opportunity for children to get outside and into the sunshine! Remember, some of the best (permanent or temporary) cubby’s can be made from scratch at home (sheets, towels, pegs, sticks) or a little more high tech with an adult’s assistance.
Going all out:
Reasonably Priced Option:
Minimal Cost, Homemade option:
- Old sheets, towels, sofa’s, sticks, pegs, string and a good imagination.
(Note: Play is priceless, so it really doesn’t matter too much HOW expensive or HOW good something looks! Sometimes creating a cubby house can be half the fun!)
2. Pretend play toys or costumes (including home/kitchen sets)
Children begin engaging in lots of pretend play. Play sequencing will usually model real life scenarios – although creativity will start to kick in too! Children may be using “voices” to include dolls, action figures, etc. in play.
Play ‘home’ toy sets are great for all children (boys and girls!). These pretend play scenarios also help children develop skills of “putting yourself in someone else’s shoes” (thinking of situations from another point of view, i.e., “Sally is crying because…”).
Reasonably Priced Option:
- Kmart and Target (and probably others!) have some nice reasonably priced kits including doctor sets, tea sets, walkie talkie’s, play phones, costumes, food play-sets and play shopping tills.
- Dress up & Role Play – Kmart
- Dress Up + Imagination | Toys | Target Australia
Minimal Cost, Homemade option:
3. Playdough
This supremely versatile classic can be used to develop lots of different language concepts – and be fun all at the same time.
Playing with play dough can target vocabulary (shapes, actions, colours), concepts (big, little, long, short), following directions, answering questions (“wh” questions) and creating a social language scenario (sharing, taking turns and pretend play).
Reasonably Priced Option:
Minimal Cost, Homemade option:
4. Toy cities (cars, trucks, trains, buildings)
The toys that get used the most in this clinic are the train sets and car sets.
These toys can create abundant language learning opportunities including: vocabulary building (train, cars and wheels), concepts (fast, slow, big and little), parts/whole (i.e., car: wheels, doors, boot), following directions (“Stop! Can you wait? Go faster!”), and much more.
Reasonably Priced Option:
80 Piece Wooden Train Set – Kmart
- This is the train set we currently have in the clinic (it is a winner and is VERY reasonably priced at $25).
5. Mr Potato Head (the reliable classic)
We love Mr Potato Head. In addition to being a good fine motor activity, Mr Potato Head enables vocabulary, concept, and receptive language development.
Reasonably Priced Option:
- Mr. Potato Head Toys – Hasbro
- Mr Potato Head Mix Up The Fun Set | BIG W (apparently there is now a Golden Spud version?!)
- Mr Toys Toyworld Australia Online Toy Store
Remember what is really important
Above all, remember that while toys are great, the best gift you can give your child is your time and interaction.
We can all get caught up in life, but children need to have time where they have your undivided attention – i.e., not sharing you with a smart phone or TV show. This is not always easy (we know!) but it is worth it for your child, and also for yourself.
Here are some ways you as a parent can give of your time and interaction to help your child’s language and social development:
- How can parents use playtime, bath time and mealtime to create a language learning environment?
- Table Talk: Communication Benefits of Eating Together as a Family
- Table Talk: Ways to Get The Conversation Going With Kids
Merry Christmas and Stay Safe!
