Our Favorite Toys to Support Development
As pediatric occupational therapists, we love using play as a tool to build foundational skills. The right toys can support everything from fine motor strength to emotional regulation and most importantly, they make learning fun. Below is a list of our therapist-approved toy recommendations by age range and the key skills each one can help promote.
Ages 3–5: Building Foundations Through Play
At this age, children are developing hand strength, early problem-solving skills, body awareness, and emotional regulation.
Play-Doh & Tool Kits
Supports: Hand strength, tactile exploration, creativity
OT tip: Hide small beads/buttons inside for a fun “treasure hunt” that builds pincer grasp.
Amazon: Dough tools set 9 pcs dough tools sets for kids ages 4-8
Link for Purchase: Play Doh Accessories Amazon Link
Stringing Beads (large wooden or plastic beads)
Supports: Fine motor precision, bilateral coordination, visual-motor integration
OT tip: Start with thicker string or pipe cleaners for success, then increase difficulty as skills grow.
Amazon: Montessori wooden lacing bead toys
Link for Purchase: Montessori Bead Stringing Toy Amazon
Emotion Matching Toys or Cards
Supports: Emotional recognition, social-emotional development, early communication
OT tip: Have your child match two faces with the same feeling, then label it together (“These both look happy! When do you feel happy?”).
Amazon: Aizweb feelings emotions match game
Link for Purchase: Aizweb Feeling and Emotions Matching Game Amazon
Ring Toss or Bean Bag Toss
Supports: Motor planning, body coordination, balance
Bonus: Great for rainy-day movement breaks.
Amazon: Carnival Games Combo
Link for Purchase: Carnival Game Combo Amazon
Ages 6–9: Strengthening Motor Skills & Early Executive Functioning
Children at this stage benefit from toys that challenge motor planning, problem solving, and teamwork.
Puzzles (24–100 pieces)
Supports: Visual discrimination, perseverance, problem solving
OT tip: Start with the border to promote organization and strategy.
Purchase: Choose a puzzle based on a topic your child is excited about.
Scooter Boards
Supports: Core strength, shoulder stability, sensory input
Great for: Kids who seek movement or need help with postural control.
Amazon: Scooter board with handles
Link for Purchase: Scooter Board with Handles Amazon
Card Games - Spot it
Supports: Impulse control, turn-taking, working memory
Great for: Building social-emotional skills during family game nights.
Amazon: Spot it
Link for Purchase: Spot it Amazon
Classic LEGOs
Supports: Fine motor precision, spatial awareness, creativity
Great for: Following a LEGO manual also boosts sequencing and direction-following.
Purchase: Choose a lego set based on your childs interests.
Ages 10–13: Growing Independence & Supporting Cognitive Skills
Upper elementary and middle schoolers often benefit from games that challenge flexible thinking and support emerging academic skills.
Blokus or Logic Grid Games
Supports: Executive functioning, planning, organization, cognitive flexibility
OT tip: Great for kids who become frustrated easily we practice “reset strategies.”
Amazon: Blokus Game
Link for Purchase: Blokus Game Amazon
Balance Boards / Wobble Cushions
Supports: Core strength, sensory regulation, postural endurance
Great for: Can be used at homework time for kids who have trouble sitting still.
Journaling + Art Supplies
Supports: Emotional regulation, self-awareness, handwriting fluency
OT tip: Many children find it easier to open up when they can express themselves through writing or drawing, helping them reflect on both the positives and the challenges of their day.
Purschase: Either a notepad or sketch pad depending on your childs interests.
Mindfullness cards and Movement Activities
Supports: Coordination, regulation, body confidence
Great for: Children and Teens who benefit from structured but non-competitive movement.
Amazon: Mindfullness Cards
Link for Purchase: Mindfulness Cards Amazon
Summary
These activities and toys are recommendations from an occupational therapy perspective to help support developmental skills through play. Every child is unique, and as always, you know your child best—choose the activities that match their interests, personality, and what brings them joy! Purchase is not required; we simply wanted to share a list of some of our favorite activities to inspire meaningful play at home.