It’s no secret that as a play therapist, I LOVE toys. Parents often ask me, “What toys should I get my kid?”, “What toys are they playing with in session?”, or more desperately, “What toys will my kids actually enjoy and get them off of a screen?!”. Well, holiday season is officially here and with it being my first holiday season as a play therapist, I thought, why not put together a guide that will answer all of these questions? So here it is, my gift to you: A list of toys, organized by category and age, that is informed by not only my knowledge of child development, but also, an observation of what *most* (because I can’t speak for all of course) kids are actually gravitating to and enjoying today. I’ll follow up with recommendations on where you can find these toys (and if you’re looking for cost effective options don’t worry, some of these you *probably* already have). Some of the not-so-familiar toys also have a link for you to check out!
Physical/Sensory:
- Early Childhood (3-6 years old)
- Play-Doh: A classic that is still popular and for good reason! Comes in so many different colors (even scents). Definitely a fan favorite I don’t see changing anytime soon.
- Pop-Its: These were a fad but it seems like they still are! Whether it’s the tactile stimulation or the satisfying sound of when you get to pop the bubbles, kids gravitate to these! Want an old-school and cost free option? Bubble wrap does the trick!
- Pop Tubes/Noodles: Same experience as the Pop-Its I think, kids just can’t help but to pull these or twirl them around. They are always a favorite in my sensory bin.
- Middle Childhood (7-9 years old)
- Magnetic Stuff? (aka. anything magnetic): My older kiddos have been loving anything and everything magnetic. Whether it’s magnetic blocks, Magnatiles, or a magnetic drawing board, you really can’t go wrong with these!
- Punching Bag: Okay, this is definitely one of those on this list that are pricier but I couldn’t NOT include them because they are so popular, and provide such a great outlet for sensory input, or releasing excess energy, or even feelings of anger/frustration.
- Body Sock: These are great for kids that crave a little feeling of resistance and need a lot of sensory input. They even make glow-in-the-dark ones apparently, how cool!
- Late Childhood/Tweens (10-12 years old)
- Weighted Plush: So cute, so soft, so regulating! Dare I say more?
- Fidget Spinner: Also a fad, but still so popular! You can find so many different varieties, and even glow-in-the-dark ones also!
- Magnetic Stones: Like I said, anything magnetic is cool (even for your tween!)
Imaginative:
- Early Childhood (3-6 years old)
- Play Kitchen/Food: Also a classic that kids this age are loving. Children in early childhood LOVE copying adult activities, giving them a play kitchen or pretend food allows them the opportunity to do so (especially if you don’t want your 3 year old anywhere near a real oven or stove).
- Medical Kit: Let’s admit it, early childhood is often filled with A LOT of trips to the doctor. Whether your kid is frequently getting sick, or seems to always need another vaccine due, getting them a medical kit allows them to process and practice trips to the doctor/dentist, that otherwise may be scary experiences! Don’t want to spend too much money on this? Remember that one first aid kit you have tucked away in the back of your bathroom cabinet that you haven’t used in years *wink wink*
- Baby Dolls: You know how I said kids in the early childhood years love copying adult activities? This is where baby dolls can come in! Kids love acting like the “parents” who are taking care of the baby (pushing it in a stroller, feeding it, changing their clothes/diaper). ESPECIALLY a good choice if your kiddo is (or is a soon-to-be) sibling!
- Doll Houses: These are great for allowing kids the opportunity to explore family dynamics! If they are having any issues related to school, getting a school house may be helpful.
- Middle Childhood (7-9 years old)
- Swords: It may come as no surprise that kids this age are loving the fake swords. Playing with swords allows for kids to work on feelings of power and control in a way that is still safe but also allows for healthy release of those emotions.
- Animal Figurines: Okay, I am maybe biased here because this was by far my favorite toy when I was a kid. But animal figurines are so great and versatile. Regardless of whether you get the cheaper or the more expensive ones, I can guarantee your older kiddo will engage with these (try taking them outside for extra fun and stimulation).
- Costumes: Surprised this one is on here? I am also. But kids at this age are growing out of early childhood and may be navigating their identity, seeing how that relates to others, and also exploring dynamics of power/control, which a lot of costumes assume the role of (e.g., king/queen, knight/princess, teacher, doctor, etc.).
- Late Childhood/Tweens (10-12 years old)
- Some “imaginative” toys for tweens to consider: Barbies (or anything similar), animal figurines (remember Littlest Pet Shops? So cute!), Magnatiles, Minecraft magnetic blocks (such a good investment)
*Disclaimer: Children in late childhood or the tween stage are navigating an important shift in cognitive development where they are beginning to think more abstractly and are not as concrete in their thinking as they were in middle or early childhood. What that means is they might not engage in symbolic play as much as they did before. HOWEVER, don’t let tweens fool you (as I know they so often do)! They still can benefit from imaginative play. In fact, tweens may disengage from imaginative play due to a variety of factors, including increased screen time, more structured and scheduled activities, a focus on logic and academics in school, and a fear of judgment from peers.
Expressive/Creative:
- Early Childhood (3-6 years old)
- Markers, Crayons, Colored Pencils etc.: Yes you don’t have to get anything “fancy” for the younger kids! Stick to getting a variety of the basics and they’ll be just fine.
- Paint Sticks: Your child wants the fun of paint but you don’t want the mess? These are my fav to use in session when I have minimal time to clean up. Younger kids are loving them!
- Crafting Materials (e.g., toilet paper tubes, brown paper bags, glue sticks, paper): Young kids love random things and these materials (which you can easily find at home) are great for supporting your child’s creativity! I can’t tell you how many kids have wanted to make binoculars or sensory tubes using toilet paper tubes in my sessions.
- Middle Childhood (7-9 years old)
- Jewelry (Rainbow Loom): Kids love making jewelry out of this! A very popular choice amongst older kids.
- Sticker-By-Number: Like color by number but somehow the older kids are finding them more interesting?! Idk but they are fun! Also a GREAT idea for Holiday traveling. No table required, they are easily something your kiddo can do in the car or on the plane.
- Air Dry Clay: A more “elevated” version of Play-Doh for your older kiddo, Air Dry Clay is soft, easy to shape, and hardens at room temperature, eliminating the need for any sort of special equipment like a kiln. From helping your child improve their motor skills to encouraging creativity, air dry clay provides so many benefits!
- Late Childhood/Tweens (10-12 years old)
- Oil Pastels: A fun material that is great for blending, the texture of oil pastels is unmatched! If you’re thinking of purchasing this item, make sure to buy pastel paper to use it with (yes, I did make this mistake and bought the wrong type of paper).
- Alcohol Markers or Acrylic Paint Pens: Another blendable medium that is different from your traditional marker. They have so many cute coloring books for alcohol markers your pre-teens are sure to love! Acrylic paint pens are also fun (and easier and more mess free) to use on a canvas.
- Diamond Art or Perler Beads: Okay I am biased, but I LOVED perler beads as a pre-teen and *I think* they are still popular! If you don’t think you’re pre-teen will enjoy it, diamond art is another great option (even for teens!).
"So, where do I buy this stuff?":
- Amazon
- Five Below
- Creative Reuse
- 2005 Wheless Ln, Austin, TX 78723
- Kid to Kid
- North Austin: 14010 US-183 Suite #420, Austin, TX 78717
- South Austin: 5300 S MoPac Expy, Austin, TX 78749
- Once Upon a Child
- 7010 State Hwy 71 #155, Austin, TX 78735
- Walmart
- Target
- Home Goods
