Physical Therapist Recommended Toys to Support Childhood Development

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and so much shopping to get done, it's easy to choose any toy you might see on the shelf for the kids in your life. It may excite them in the moment, but soon enough be tossed aside and forgotten in the playroom. Giving a gift, while an opportunity to spread joy, is also an opportunity to help a child learn and grow! The right toys not only keep kids entertained but also encourage healthy movement and promote motor skills, balance, strength, and overall physical well-being. To help you find a gift that will support your child's development, our Physical Therapists have put together a gift guide for different age groups.

For Babies and Toddlers (0-2 Years)

At this stage, babies are developing core strength, beginning to roll, crawl, and eventually pull up to stand. Toys that encourage movement, tummy time, and sensory exploration are essential.

1. High Contrast Tummy Time Mirror

Tummy time is one of the most important activities in early months, helping babies build neck, shoulder, and core strength. A high-contrast tummy time mirror is a great tool for keeping babies engaged and visually stimulated while strengthening muscles needed for rolling and crawling.

2. Prop-A-Pillar

This fun toy helps babies build upper body strength and stability. It's perfect for propping up little ones during tummy time, giving them the support they need while also encouraging them to reach, lift their head, and eventually push themselves into crawling positions.

3. Radio Flyer Push Toy

For toddlers just starting to walk, a push toy like this helps build balance and coordination. The sturdy design allows toddlers to hold on and push themselves along as they develop strength in their legs and improve their walking skills.

4. Shopping Cart Toy

A classic shopping cart encourages walking and balancing while promoting imaginative play. It’s a great way for toddlers to practice walking around the house, improving their gait and stability.

5. Foam Climbing Pieces

Think of these as mini obstacles! Foam climbing pieces, similar to those found in our PT gyms, help babies and toddlers develop gross motor skills through crawling, climbing, and navigating different textures and heights.

6. Whirly Squigz

These colorful, tactile toys are great for engaging core muscles and fine motor development. Simply suction one of these to any smooth flat surface and encourage your child to sit or reach up to give it a spin. The vibrant colors keep little ones engaged and the reaching movement is great practice.

7. Indoor Slide

An indoor slide provides opportunities for toddlers to practice climbing and sliding, which can help develop their coordination, balance, and muscle strength. It’s an exciting way for little ones to engage in active play indoors.

8. O-Ball

Lightweight and easy to grasp, the O-Ball is perfect for helping babies develop hand strength, grip, and coordination. It’s also great for rolling and throwing games once they start to crawl or walk!

9. Pop-Up Tunnel

Crawling through tunnels is fantastic for developing core strength and coordination. Plus, it’s just plain fun! A pop-up tunnel promotes sensory exploration and movement, helping babies work on motor skills in a playful way.

For Preschoolers (3-5 Years)

At this age, kids are refining their motor skills, building strength, and becoming more active. Toys that encourage jumping, running, balance, and coordination will keep them engaged while helping them grow.

1. Mini Trampoline with Bar

Jumping is an amazing way for preschoolers to build strength, coordination, and balance. A mini trampoline with a safety bar provides a fun way to improve proprioception while developing lower body muscles.

2. Indoor Basketball Hoop  

A small indoor basketball hoop encourages hand-eye coordination, strength, and agility. It’s a great toy for promoting throwing skills and fine motor control while having a blast scoring some baskets.

3. Indoor Balance Beam

Balance is one of the most important skills to work on during the preschool years. An indoor balance beam lets kids practice walking on a narrow surface, improving balance, focus, and coordination.

4. Radio Flyer Tricycle  

Tricycles are perfect for building leg strength, improving coordination, and enhancing balance. A Radio Flyer tricycle is sturdy and safe, allowing preschoolers to practice pedaling and steering while developing their gross motor skills.

5. Success Balls

These soft foam-pellet filled balls are great for practicing throwing and catching skills. Their easy to grab design makes them a great toy for kids just beginning to develop their hand eye coordination.

6. Balance Bike

Balance bikes are a fantastic tool for teaching children how to balance and steer before transitioning to a pedal bike. It builds confidence and motor skills while also helping to develop leg strength and coordination.

7. Stepping Stones

Stepping stones are an exciting way for preschoolers to practice balance, coordination, and agility. These colorful, movable “stones” help children develop body awareness as they leap, step, and hop across them.

For School-Aged Kids (6+ Years)

At this stage, kids are refining their skills and can engage in more complex physical activities. Toys that encourage speed, strength, balance, and teamwork will keep them challenged while promoting fitness and coordination.

1. 2-Wheeled Bike 

Learning to ride a two-wheeled bike is a rite of passage for many kids. It’s a fantastic way to promote balance, coordination, and leg strength. Riding also provides cardiovascular benefits and gives kids the chance to explore the outdoors.

2. Hover Soccer Ball

This fun, dome shaped soccer ball glides across the floor like a hovercraft, making it a great way to encourage movement. It promotes leg strength, coordination, and team-based play in a fun and unique way.

3. Soccer Goal and Soccer Ball  

Whether they’re playing in the backyard or at the park, a soccer ball and goal set helps kids develop agility, foot-eye coordination, and teamwork. Kicking and chasing the ball are great ways to improve overall fitness.

4. Jump Rope 

Jumping rope is a classic exercise that helps build cardiovascular health, coordination, and agility. It’s a great solo or group activity that improves timing, rhythm, and endurance.

5. Zoom Ball 

Zoom balls are a high-energy, interactive toy that requires kids to coordinate their movements as they pass the ball back and forth. It improves hand-eye coordination, speed, and teamwork skills.

6. 3-Wheeled Scooter  

A 3-wheeled scooter is perfect for developing balance, coordination, and core strength. It allows children to practice leg strength and control while offering hours of fun and active play.

7. Stomp Rocket  

The stomp rocket is an exciting way for kids to work on their jumping, balance, and coordination. The more they jump, the higher the rocket soars—great for developing power and strength in their legs!

8. Balance Board 

Balance boards are a fantastic tool for older children to practice their balance and coordination. Kids can perform a range of activities on a balance board, from gentle rocking to more advanced balance challenges.

This holiday season, choose gifts that not only keep kids entertained but also contribute to their physical development. From tummy time mirrors for babies to balance boards for school-aged kids, each of these toys offers a unique opportunity to support motor development in a fun and engaging way. When kids are active and play in ways that build strength, coordination, and balance, they’re not just having fun—they’re laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy movement. Happy Holidays, and happy playing!