Developmental Holiday Gift Guide for Kids: OT-Recommended

Small child hands holding heart-shaped lego blocks

Holiday toy tips from pediatric occupational therapy experts

The holiday season is just around the corner, and finding the perfect gift for your child can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially if you're looking for something that’s both fun and beneficial for their development. That's why our team of Occupational Therapists at Connecticut Children’s has curated this list of holiday gift recommendations that support essential child development skills.

Below, we’ve broken down our gift suggestions by age group, making it easier for you to find toys that match your child’s developmental milestones. Each item is carefully selected to promote specific skills, whether it’s sensory integration, fine motor development, emotional regulation, or more.

We hope these OT-approved gift ideas help you choose presents that encourage learning and play, while also keeping the holidays fun and engaging for your family!
 

Best Holiday Gifts for Infants (0–1 Years)

At this stage, babies are exploring the world around them through all of their senses. Gifts that engage their senses and promote early motor skills are ideal for their development.

  • Rain Sticks (Sensory, Visual Motor, Fine Motor)
  • Soft Crinkle Books (Sensory, Fine Motor)
  • Silicone Textured Pull Toy (Visual Motor, Fine Motor, Coordination)
  • High Contrast Cards/Books (Visual Motor)
  • Large Stacking Blocks (Visual Motor, Fine Motor, Coordination)
  • Ring Stacker (Visual Motor, Fine Motor, Coordination)
  • Shape Sorter (Visual Motor, Fine Motor, Coordination)
  • Suction Cup Spinner Toys (Sensory, Visual Motor, Fine Motor, Coordination)
  • Stacking Cups (Visual Motor, Fine Motor, Coordination
     

Best Holiday Gifts for Toddlers (1–3 Years)

Toddlers are refining their fine motor skills, building balance and coordination, and developing early social-emotional skills. These toys are both fun and educational, helping them grow in these areas.

  • Pegboard (Visual Motor, Fine Motor)
  • Simple Puzzle Boards (Visual Motor, Fine Motor, Coordination)
  • Art Supplies (bulky crayons, large paper, art easel) (Sensory, Fine Motor, Visual Motor)
  • Matching Eggs (Fine Motor, Visual Motor, Coordination)
  • Button Art (Fine Motor, Visual Motor)
  • Stringing Beads (Fine Motor, Visual Motor, Coordination)
  • Balance Bike (Coordination)
  • Balance Stepping Stones (Sensory, Coordination)
  • Collapsible Tunnel/Tent (Sensory, Coordination)
  • Musical Toys (drums, xylophone, music mat)
  • Busy Board (Sensory, Fine Motor, Coordination)
     

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Best Holiday Gifts for Preschoolers (3–5 Years)

Preschoolers are developing greater emotional regulation and social skills while continuing to work on their fine motor and cognitive skills. Here are some great gift options that encourage imaginative play and problem-solving.

  • MagnaDoodle, Paint Sets, Water-Wow (Fine Motor, Visual Motor)
  • Feelings Pineapple (Sensory, Emotional Regulation)
  • Sensory Bottles (Sensory, Emotional Regulation)
  • Books:
    • Breathe Like a Bear (Emotional Regulation)
    • Little Spot Books (Emotional Regulation)
    • Wemberly Worried (Emotional Regulation)
  • Sneaky, Snacky, Squirrel Game (Fine Motor, Visual Motor, Coordination)
  • Play Doh (Sensory, Fine Motor)
  • Zoobs (Sensory, Fine Motor, Visual Motor, Coordination)
  • Squigz (Sensory, Fine Motor, Coordination)
  • Legos/Duplos (Fine Motor, Visual Motor, Coordination)
  • Spot It Jr. (Emotional Regulation, Visual Motor)
  • Highlights Hidden Pictures/Puzzles (Visual Motor)
  • Magna Tiles (Emotional Regulation, Visual Motor, Fine Motor)
  • Grab That Monster (Emotional Regulation, Fine Motor, Visual Motor, Coordination)
     

Best Holiday Gifts for School-Aged Kids (5+ Years)

For kids ages 5 and up, gifts that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and social-emotional learning are perfect. These toys and games can also help improve fine motor skills, coordination, and emotional regulation.

  • Books:
    • What Do You Do With a Problem? (Emotional Regulation)
    • The Marvelous Now (Emotional Regulation)
    • The Curious Why (Emotional Regulation)
    • The Magical Yet (Emotional Regulation)
  • Bracelet/Craft Making Kits (Fine Motor, Visual Motor, Coordination)
  • Legos (Fine Motor, Visual Motor, Coordination)
  • Simon Memory Game (Visual Motor, Coordination)
  • Noodle Knock Out (Fine Motor, Visual Motor, Coordination)
  • Operation (Emotional Regulation, Fine Motor, Visual Motor)
  • Rush Hour (Emotional Regulation, Visual Motor, Coordination)
  • Connect 4 Spin (Emotional Regulation, Visual Motor)
     

Where to Shop for OT-Friendly Gifts

You can find these wonderful developmentally-appropriate gifts at popular retailers such as:

•    Target
•    Walmart
•    Amazon
•    Lakeshore Learning

We hope this list provides you with great ideas for holiday gifts for kids that support your child’s development while making the holidays extra special. Remember, each child is unique, so always feel free to use your own judgment about what might work best for them.