We have received thousands of requests from parents to help them find toys, materials, equipment and products that can help them help their children. Parents are often lost when trying to figure out what would be fun and helpful and actually get used by their children. None of us are thrilled when we spend good money for a gift only to discover that after five minutes it gets discarded and vanquished to some closet.

NACD has been working with children and adults of all ages and all levels of ability and disability for over 35 years. We help guide families in all aspects of their child’s development and education. We are here to help. We have created this dynamic list of toys and products that are targeted to each specific developmental group. Every product has been researched and reviewed by one of our professional staff members. As parents, if we are going to spend a buck on our kids, lets try to get the most bang for our buck as we can.

NACD receives a small commission if you use our Amazon referral link to buy our recommended products. All of the proceeds will go to help scholarship kids at NACD. NACD also receives a small commission for everything else you buy that is in your cart when you buy our recommended product.

NACD Newsletter, December 2017 ©NACD

Categories

The post NACD Gift Ideas appeared first on NACD International | The National Association for Child Development.

At NACD, we work with children that have every imaginable developmental issue in addition to typical and gifted children. In the process we have explored, researched and utilized many thousands of toys and products that we have found to be fun, educational, engaging and helpful. At the request of families from throughout the world, we have put together a list of items that would make great gifts. Each item has been researched and reviewed by our professional staff. All items on the list below can be found either at our NACD Store or on Amazon.

Developing large/gross motor skills (walking, running, jumping, sports) and small/fine motor skills (self-feeding, dressing, writing, drawing, playing an instrument), is important for a child’s overall development and wellbeing. Most everything we do is in some way dependent on our gross and fine motor skills. Developing early motor skills opens the door for almost everything we would want our children to do. Whether our child is a baby, a preschooler, of school age or older, motor development is tremendously important. We can help our children with the development of their motor skills by providing them with appropriate toys, games, activities, equipment and opportunities and make it fun.

NACD receives a small commission if you use our Amazon referral link to buy our recommended products. The funds collected will go directly into a scholarship fund for our NACD families. NACD also receives a small commission for everything else you buy that is in your cart when you buy our recommended products. If you are going to purchase items based on our suggestions please use our referral link to help our incredible dedicated families.

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16 Great Motor Development Gift Ideas for Holidays, Birthdays & Special Occasions

3 Wheel Recumbent Bikes

These bikes come in various size ranges. Match your child’s height to the right bike. Bikes are adjustable so you can accurately adjust the bike to properly fit your child or adult. These bikes are low to the ground, safe and provide many benefits including: improve strength and endurance, develop good leg muscle balance and development, help correct leg muscle imbalance issues, provide a fun activity that helps keep children engaged and present. —Bob

[amazon_link asins=’B00TKVONPS,B00UM2A0EM,B06Y4KYKQR,B00OMT1CO8,B016OPJPDW,B01DU43THS,B001J0FWWQ,B003VGFN7K,B016OPJS70′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’nacd0d-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’97f31c9c-d49f-11e7-b92d-b91b30a214aa’]

Weehoo Kids Turbo Bicycle Trailer

This is great for our kids that need the pedal motion of a recumbent but can’t ride a bike independently. It hooks on to an adult bike. One of our clients uses it and loves it! —Sara


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Climbing

COMINGFIT Indoor/Outdoor Rope Climbing Ladder for Kids

Climbing is a great exercise for children, building strength, developing good muscle balance, proprioception, vestibular function/balance, FUN and more. One of my preferred sport activities for children is indoor climbing wall. The rope ladder can build a good foundation for climbing walls.—Bob


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Climbing Cargo Rope Net Ladder for Kids – Outdoor and Indoor

Climbing is a great exercise for children, building strength, developing good muscle balance, proprioception, vestibular function/balance, FUN and more. The cargo net and build a good foundation for climbing walls.—Bob


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Basketball

Basketball is such a great sport to build endurance, strength and coordination. If you are playing indoors in a gym, I suggest the Wilson evolution. It’s soft, durable and high quality. —Laird

Wilson Evolution Indoor Game Basketball

Spalding NBA Neverflat Indoor/Outdoor Basketball

For playing outdoors, I suggest the neverflat because it holds air a lot longer, so you don’t have to be constantly pumping it up. —Laird


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Indoor Basketball Hoop and Backboard

This is perfect for those long winter days when we want the kids active and improving their coordination skills. —Ellen


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Other

Play Tunnel, Tent and Ball Pit

This setup encourages creeping and exploring but also includes a little hoop for ball throwing/aiming. The good news is that it folds up for storage.



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LeapFrog Learn & Groove Music Table

Boy did my kids get a lot of use out of this table! Before your baby is walking, he/she can play with the cause and effect toys on the board without the legs. Once your baby is pulling to a stand he/she can stand and continue to enjoy all the play on the board. This helps to strengthen their legs and ability to stand with minimal assistance. —Sara


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Fisher-Price Bright Spin & Crawl Tumble Beats Ball

This is a great toy to have your beginning crawler or creeper move toward. It has fun sounds and music and cause and effect buttons as your baby creeps to get to it.


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Perfect Pull-Up Bar

Used for, hang from bar. Encourages upper body strength specifically in the hands and arms. For children that are too heavy to hold on a dowel, a perfect pull up bar is great. It will affix to any normal sized doorway. Check the specifications to ensure you get one that will work for your door frame. —Staci


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Confidence Fitness Vibration Platform

This has seen to be helpful in helping to develop tone, motor development and balance through vibrating deep tactile input. Several of our families have reported good results when using these and the results are definitely getting NACD Evaluators attention. —Lyn


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The post NACD Gift Ideas for Motor Development appeared first on NACD International | The National Association for Child Development.

At NACD, we work with children that have every imaginable developmental issue in addition to typical and gifted children. Our families deal with a broad range health and related developmental issues. Each year it has become more and more evident that our environment as well as what we consume is incredibly important. Toxins that we all live with are being seen as the underlying cause of many of our health and developmental issues. Eating the proper foods, getting the necessary nutrients and avoiding toxic chemicals is becoming not just important, but vital for most of us.

Our professional staff has reviewed and put together a list of products that are worth your consideration. One of the things we have learned at NACD is that there is close relationship between our physiology and our neurology, meaning what affects our health affects how our brain works. And, the less efficiently our brains work, as with those with developmental problems the more significant becomes our health and nutrition.

NACD receives a small commission if you use our Amazon referral link to buy our recommended products. The funds collected will go directly into a scholarship fund for our NACD families. NACD also receives a small commission for everything else you buy that is in your cart when you buy our recommended products. If you are going to purchase items based on our suggestions please use our referral link to help our incredible dedicated families.

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12 Great Healthy Living Gift Ideas for Holidays, Birthdays & Special Occasions

Melatonin

Melatonin is a natural hormone that your body produces that helps you maintain your walk/sleep cycle. Many things can negatively impact a child’s sleep cycle including light. It is advisable to consult your physician before starting Melatonin and for dosage recommendations.—Bob

Melatonin Time Release 3 mg.

Melatonin Liquid

Easy to administer and easy to adjust dosage.

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Merax Whole Body Vibrating Platform Exercise Fitness Machine

We have found that vibrating platforms can be helpful for building strength and tone or reducing /breaking up high tone. Helps with balance, tactility, proprioception and circulation.—Bob

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Puracy Natural All Purpose Cleaner

The Best Household Multi Surface Spray, Streak Free on Glass and Stainless Steel, Child and Pet Safe

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Ozone Cleaning

I love cleaning with ozone because it destroys bacteria, viruses and funguses without any chemicals. These machines can also be used to freshen air by actually cleaning the air, not covering it up with odors. Use it in rooms, closets and cars—especially cars! Ozone water can also remove stains from fabrics and clothes because the stain attaches to the ozone molecule and it releases from the fabric. Even old stains. —Laird

Ozone Generator machine Food Water Air Sterilizer Vegetable Fruit Fresher Ozonator

Robolife Air Purifier Ozone Disinfector Fruits Vegetables Sterilization US Plug

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Vita-Mix

Dr. Julian Neil, a highly respected health professional, once told me that there are 2 items every household seeking to improve health should have. At the top of his list was a Vitamix. Shortly thereafter I purchased my own and have been so very thankful for those words of wisdom. Here are a few models to choose from. —Lyn
[amazon_link asins=’B01688AFFC,B0758JHZM3,B008H4SLV6,B00LBFUKIA,0062407201,1537760637′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’nacd0d-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’010db34f-d495-11e7-92f9-01ab7d460f0d’]
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Premium MCT Oil

If you are looking for a great way to increase the benefits of healthy fats, MCT oil can be a good addition. I use it in my coffee each morning and can tell that it has made a difference in energy levels and softer skin. See the link for additional benefits. —Lyn

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Infrared Sauna

Of all of the different healthy living products I have ever used, this on is the real gem! Today’s world is so full of toxicity and what better way to decrease the effect that they can have on your health than to pull them out through the skin rather than crucial organs that do not regenerate as easily. Here is a great price on one made with non-toxic components. —Lyn

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Reverse Osmosis Water Filter

Just turning on the tap makes me nervous when I think about the “allowed” contaminants. Here is Amazon’s Choice for a top selling Under-the-couter Reverse Osmosis System. —Lyn

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Countertop Water Distiller

This water distiller is housed in a stainless steel unit and dispensed into a glass container so that the water never touches plastic. Many health benefits are believed to be achieved by periods of time consuming distilled water. This is the distiller I use myself and it is backed up by a good number of positive reviews:

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The post NACD Gift Ideas for Healthy Living appeared first on NACD International | The National Association for Child Development.

At NACD, we work with children that have every imaginable developmental issue in addition to typical and gifted children. In the process we have explored, researched and utilized many thousands of toys and products that we have found to be fun, educational, engaging and helpful. At the request of families from throughout the world, we have put together a list of items that would make great gifts. Each item has been researched and reviewed by our professional staff. All items on the list below can be found either at our NACD Store or on Amazon.

The preteen and teen years are exciting and challenging for most all children. This can be a vital time for parents and children to build their relationship and bond through shared interests and activities. It’s also important for children at this age to develop interests that they can pursue themselves. This is good time to supply them with the tools to explore science, art, music, and learning in general. Interests developed during these years can lead to careers and options in their futures.

NACD receives a small commission if you use our Amazon referral link to buy our recommended products. The funds collected will go directly into a scholarship fund for our NACD families. NACD also receives a small commission for everything else you buy that is in your cart when you buy our recommended products. If you are going to purchase items based on our suggestions please use our referral link to help our incredible dedicated families.

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17 Great Gift Ideas for Holidays, Birthdays & Special Occasions – Ages 12+

Simply Smarter Family

Its hard to imagine a better gift for a family than a tool that everyone can use to get smarter and do better. The families that I work with that utilize this program for the kids, mom, dad and even the grandparents see great benefits for everyone. Kids are much more motivated to try hard and compete when they know everyone else is doing the program right alone side of them. Its great hearing from amazed parents when start realizing how they are changing their own lives.

Simply Smarter Online Software

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3 Wheel Recumbent Bikes

These bikes come in various size ranges. Match your child’s height to the right bike. Bikes are adjustable so you can accurately adjust the bike to properly fit your child or adult. These bikes are low to the ground, safe and provide many benefits including: improve strength and endurance, develop good leg muscle balance and development, help correct leg muscle imbalance issues, provide a fun activity that helps keep children engaged and present. —Bob

[amazon_link asins=’B001J0FWWQ,B003VGHRWO,B003VGFN7K’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’nacd0d-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’f5d8d6b5-d49a-11e7-8169-dfa6b03b8ae3′]

Weehoo Kids Turbo Bicycle Trailer

This is great for our kids that need the pedal motion of a recumbent but can’t ride a bike independently. It hooks on to an adult bike. One of our clients uses it and loves it! —Sara


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STEM Toys

Science, Technology, Engineers and Math. This is about building your child’s future through toys and play. Tough to beat.

Scientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Kit

Designed for kids 6 and older. This set is filled with very cool science experiments to turn kids on to science. One of Amazon ’s top STEM toys.—Bob

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The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments Book

Targeting kids from 7-12 this is a great source of experiments that you can do with you children.—Bob

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Creativity for Kids Grow ‘n Glow Terrarium-Science Kit for Kids

For kids from 6-96 this kit permits kids to grow their own little habitat with plants and water. Contains everything they need.—Bob

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4M Magnet Science Kit

This kit is designed for children 8 and older. Children can learn about magnetism through a combination of fun science experiments and games. A top STEM toy.—Bob

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Wonder Workshop Dash Robot

This is advertised for kids from about 6 -12, but I would probably wait until about 8 unless you have a precocious child. This is a very cool toy, a real robot that is ready to use right out of the box. It teaches children to code and uses free apps from Apple, Android or Kindle Fire. This little robot is used in over 10,000 schools.—Bob

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Coding

Teaching kids to code and having them understanding how coding works is becoming more and more important. Coding teaches problem solving and debugging. Debugging is the act of finding errors and fixing them. These are fantastic skills for all kids to have. Understanding and using code at an early age sets kids up success later on in life. —Laird

Kano Computer Kit (2017 Edition) | Make a computer. Learn to code

Kano Pixel Kit | Make & Code with Light

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Basketball

Basketball is such a great sport to build endurance, strength and coordination. If you are playing indoors in a gym, I suggest the Wilson evolution. It’s soft, durable and high quality. —Laird

Wilson Evolution Indoor Game Basketball

For playing outdoors, I suggest the neverflat because it holds air a lot longer, so you don’t have to be constantly pumping it up. —Laird

Spalding NBA Neverflat Indoor/Outdoor Basketball

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Indoor Basketball Hoop and Backboard

This is perfect for those long winter days when we want the kids active and improving their coordination skills. —Ellen


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Other

Scrabble Deluxe Edition

I have played this for years. My mother-in-law won every time. My boys and I have our thoughts on why… In any event, we continue to play this every time we get together. The boys beat me bad now and they don’t “cheat”! —Glenda

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Simon Electronic Memory Game

The classic memory game that can be played alone or with others at the same time to compete! Sequencing for sure with this game!

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Yahtzee

One of the most popular dice strategy game which can be fun for the whole family . I can’t count how many times I have played this one over the years and love it to this day! —Glenda

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Jenga

Play alone or make it a family strategy game – Challenge themselves or compete with others. They love it when you are the one to make it drop. —Glenda

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The post NACD Gift Ideas for Ages 12+ appeared first on NACD International | The National Association for Child Development.

At NACD, we work with children that have every imaginable developmental issue in addition to typical and gifted children. In the process we have explored, researched and utilized many thousands of toys and products that we have found to be fun, educational, engaging and helpful. At the request of families from throughout the world, we have put together a list of items that would make great gifts. Each item has been researched and reviewed by our professional staff. All items on the list below can be found either at our NACD Store or on Amazon.

From eight to twelve, children are beginning to discover who they are and can begin developing interests and abilities that can help shape their futures. We need to help direct their play, interaction and time so that they are learning important skills and traits that will help shape their futures. Schools don’t generally teach children what is important or develop their interests—parents do. This is a time to turn them on to many things including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) toys, hobbies and activities. Children can get excited about learning through play, learn to use their time productively and learn that learning can be fun and exciting. Build skills, excitement and knowledge through play and help build their sense of accomplishment and self respect at the same time.

NACD receives a small commission if you use our Amazon referral link to buy our recommended products. The funds collected will go directly into a scholarship fund for our NACD families. NACD also receives a small commission for everything else you buy that is in your cart when you buy our recommended products. If you are going to purchase items based on our suggestions please use our referral link to help our incredible dedicated families.

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32 Great Gift Ideas for Holidays, Birthdays & Special Occasions – Ages 8 to 12

Simply Smarter Family

Its hard to imagine a better gift for a family than a tool that everyone can use to get smarter and do better. The families that I work with that utilize this program for the kids, mom, dad and even the grandparents see great benefits for everyone. Kids are much more motivated to try hard and compete when they know everyone else is doing the program right alone side of them. Its great hearing from amazed parents when start realizing how they are changing their own lives.

Simply Smarter Online Software

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3 Wheel Recumbent Bikes

These bikes come in various size ranges. Match your child’s height to the right bike. Bikes are adjustable so you can accurately adjust the bike to properly fit your child or adult. These bikes are low to the ground, safe and provide many benefits including: improve strength and endurance, develop good leg muscle balance and development, help correct leg muscle imbalance issues, provide a fun activity that helps keep children engaged and present. —Bob

[amazon_link asins=’B01DU43THS,B001J0FWWQ,B004GMAJ2M,B003VGFN7K,B003BOPLBU,B01DU43THS’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’nacd0d-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’84430994-d499-11e7-8d03-9311c73a2ef2′]

Weehoo Kids Turbo Bicycle Trailer

This is great for our kids that need the pedal motion of a recumbent but can’t ride a bike independently. It hooks on to an adult bike. One of our clients uses it and loves it! —Sara


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Blocks and Building Toys

Block and building toys have been a staple forever. There are block sets that can be helpful from the youngest child to adults. Blocks and building toys can help develop motor skills, eye hand coordination, creativity as well as a sense of accomplishment and pride. As children get older and cognition advances, building moves into mathematics, mechanics, engineering, and robotics and on and on.—Bob

Building Bricks-1100 Piece Set

This is a great economical way to move into Lego type toys. This set offers endless possibilities for the child who is ready to move into these smaller very versatile toys. —Bob


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Climbing

COMINGFIT Indoor/Outdoor Rope Climbing Ladder for Kids

Climbing is a great exercise for children, building strength, developing good muscle balance, proprioception, vestibular function/balance, FUN and more. One of my preferred sport activities for children is indoor climbing wall. The rope ladder can build a good foundation for climbing walls.—Bob

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Climbing Cargo Rope Net Ladder for Kids – Outdoor and Indoor

Climbing is a great exercise for children, building strength, developing good muscle balance, proprioception, vestibular function/balance, FUN and more. The cargo net and build a good foundation for climbing walls.—Bob


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STEM Toys

Science, Technology, Engineers and Math. This is about building your child’s future through toys and play. Tough to beat.

Brackitz Inventor 170 piece Set: Educational Construction Set

This set can be used at various levels starting with children as young as six or seven, but is a great entry into the world of STEM toys. They company says this toy is suitable for those from 3 to 103. Looks like a lot of educational fun. Designed as a building set with endless possibilities it strengthens imaginary play, problem solving and creativity. One of Amazon’s top STEM toys.—Bob


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Scientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Kit

Designed for kids 6 and older. This set is filled with very cool science experiments to turn kids on to science. One of Amazon ’s top STEM toys.—Bob

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The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments Book

Targeting kids from 7-12 this is a great source of experiments that you can do with you children.—Bob

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Creativity for Kids Grow ‘n Glow Terrarium-Science Kit for Kids

For kids from 6-96 this kit permits kids to grow their own little habitat with plants and water. Contains everything they need.—Bob

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4M Magnet Science Kit

This kit is designed for children 8 and older. Children can learn about magnetism through a combination of fun science experiments and games. A top STEM toy.—Bob

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Wonder Workshop Dash Robot

This is advertised for kids from about 6 -12, but I would probably wait until about 8 unless you have a precocious child. This is a very cool toy, a real robot that is ready to use right out of the box. It teaches children to code and uses free apps from Apple, Android or Kindle Fire. This little robot is used in over 10,000 schools.—Bob

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Snap Circuits SC-300 Electronics Discovery Kit

For any child age 6-12 this is a must for a budding engineer. Learn how circuits work and create your own radio, buzzer, or light. My lego building kid LOVED these! —Sara


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Other

Zipline

This is a 35 foot zipline for high intensity play. Super fun! —Ellen


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Beginner Slackline by “Goodtimes”

Fun that requires balance and attention. It’s like a balance beam but trickier and loads of fun. —Ellen

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Indoor Basketball Hoop and Backboard

This is perfect for those long winter days when we want the kids active and improving their coordination skills. —Ellen

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Alex DIY – Friends Forever Jewelry Kit

“Makes 22 friendship bracelets – Fun alone or with friends to work on together (ages 8 or older) .Works on fine motor skills and fun to have a finished product they can share.” —Glenda

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Rummikub

My kids love this game. It is fun for ages anywhere from 8-adult. It teaches number order, grouping, and is a great thinking game. —Sara

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Scrabble Deluxe Edition

I have played this for years. My mother -in-law won every time. My boys and I have a thoughts on why…In any event, we continue to pay this together every time we get together. They boys beat me bad now and they don’t “cheat”! —Glenda

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Simon Electronic Memory Game

The classic memory game that can be played alone or with others at the same time to compete! Sequencing for sure with this game!

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Yahtzee

One of the most popular dice strategy game which can be fun for the whole family . I can’t count how many times I have played this one over the years and love it to this day! —Glenda

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Jenga

Play alone or make it a family strategy game – Challenge themselves or compete with others. They love it when you are the one to make it drop. —Glenda

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Connect 4

The ever popular Strategy Game – Makes for some good family fun. Even if they beat me every time! —Glenda

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K’Nex 70 Model Building Set

For ages 7+ – Curiosity and creativity, fine motor and eye/hand coordination, all while having a great time and showing you what they did. —Glenda

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Mastermind

For ages 6 and up. Break the code in 10 or less moves by figuring out which 4 colors go in which 4 slots. A great game to keep a child thinking and build attention span. —Lyn


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Clue

Appropriate for players 10+. Growing up I can remember playing Clue with all my family members. Clue builds conceptual thinking through deductive reasoning. Players have to use a process of elimination to solve a murder mystery. —Lyn

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Superhero 3 in 1 Craft Kit by JackInTheBox

This kit has all the necessary things to make a super hero cape, mask and cuffs. Boys 5-10 can have fun while working on their fine motor and creativity skills with the result being their very own superhero outfit.


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Freddy the Pig Book Series

These are a series of books written by Walter R. Brooks for grade level 4 and up. These books were written in the 1920s through the 1940s, so your children are exposed to a larger vocabulary range, but the stories are timeless. The characters are richly developed and each book puts Freddy in a unique setting i.e Freddy the Detective, Freddy Goes to Florida, Freddy the Pilot etc… Highly recommended for independent reading or high interest reading as a family. —Staci

Freddy the Pig Book Series – View All

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Telegraph Kit/Morse Code

Are you looking for something fun for your 8+ year old that will also build auditory attention? How about learning morse code? A nice unit study are the development and use of morse code would go hand in hand to build those learning tornados Bob talks about. —Lyn

And speaking of that fun unit study….here is a great book to accompany your telegraph kit:

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National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit

One Christmas my dad got my boys into rock tumbling and supplied them with everything they needed. This sparked a brand new interest that they have carried on to this day. In fact, they can enter a gym and mineral show and know the vast majority of everything in the building. This kit is a great way to get your children interested in a whole new area of learning.—Lyn

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Music Maker Lap Harp

This is an excellent way to start a child in the direction of playing a musical instrument. This lap hard comes with pages that insert underneath the strings to guide in playing well known tunes. Not only will it start them off with an instrument that is easy to learn, but it also helps reinforce cortical opposition and fine motor movement. —Lyn

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The post NACD Gift Ideas for Ages 8–12 appeared first on NACD International | The National Association for Child Development.

At NACD, we work with children that have every imaginable developmental issue in addition to typical and gifted children. In the process we have explored, researched and utilized many thousands of toys and products that we have found to be fun, educational, engaging and helpful. At the request of families from throughout the world, we have put together a list of items that would make great gifts. Each item has been researched and reviewed by our professional staff. All items on the list below can be found either at our NACD Store or on Amazon.

These important years establish the foundation for education and learning. From five to eight years of age we want to use play, toys and targeted activities to help develop language skills, social skills, cognition, small/fine motor abilities, appreciation of and hopefully a love of reading, math, science, art, history and learning in general. Parents interacting with children and directing their child’s time is incredibly powerful. Developing children shouldn’t be wasting time, they should be learning to enjoy life, participate and learning to love learning.

NACD receives a small commission if you use our Amazon referral link to buy our recommended products. The funds collected will go directly into a scholarship fund for our NACD families. NACD also receives a small commission for everything else you buy that is in your cart when you buy our recommended products. If you are going to purchase items based on our suggestions please use our referral link to help our incredible dedicated families.

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45 Great Gift Ideas for Holidays, Birthdays & Special Occasions – Ages 5 to 8

Cognition Coach Preschool

After 50 years and of helping children learn and think nothing has produced the same bang as building processing power. Seeing these children play for a few minutes with Cognition Coach and have fun and actually increase their ability to do well in school and life is simply amazing. Seeing these brilliant happy little people brings me great joy.

Currently Available for iPad here:

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3 Wheel Recumbent Bikes

These bikes come in various size ranges. Match your child’s height to the right bike. Bikes are adjustable so you can accurately adjust the bike to properly fit your child or adult. These bikes are low to the ground, safe and provide many benefits including: improve strength and endurance, develop good leg muscle balance and development, help correct leg muscle imbalance issues, provide a fun activity that helps keep children engaged and present. —Bob

[amazon_link asins=’B00TKVONPS,B00UM2A0EM,B00JLLDSVW,B01DU43THS,B001J0FWWQ,B008BV8CVO’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’nacd0d-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’9c773e64-d497-11e7-8da0-1bf4ed610b48′]

Weehoo Kids Turbo Bicycle Trailer

This is great for our kids that need the pedal motion of a recumbent but can’t ride a bike independently. It hooks on to an adult bike. One of our clients uses it and loves it! —Sara


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Language Play

KidKraft Chelsea Cottage Doll Cottage with Furniture

Language based play can be of significant help in developing basic language and communication skills. With a dollhouse and dollhouse family modeling basic language becomes fun and easy. Dollhouses are also great for auditory processing and can be used in many ways to develop this critical function.—Bob


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Kidcraft Doll Family of 7

Add the family to the doll house and the dynamics and possibilities increase.—Bob






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Blocks and Building Toys

Block and building toys have been a staple forever. There are block sets that can be helpful from the youngest child to adults. Blocks and building toys can help develop motor skills, eye hand coordination, creativity as well as a sense of accomplishment and pride. As children get older and cognition advances, building moves into mathematics, mechanics, engineering, and robotics and on and on.—Bob

Lincoln Logs 111 All-Wooden Pieces. Ages 3+

I need to write an article about the role Lincoln Logs played in my development and life, but for now these simple wooden pieces can be used to create endless masterpieces of design. Use these for fine motor development, creativity and to hel build a sense of pride and accomplishment. Fun and simple.—Bob


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Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid-Wood Building Blocks with Wooden Storage Tray.

This set of blocks is a step up, containing a variety of 60 blocks in a variety of shapes. Designed for children 3 years and up. You can also purchase wooden people, vehicles and more to go with this set. These are educational toys that children can use for years.—Bob


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Melissa & Doug Wooden Town Play Set with Storage Tray.

This set of little wooden building is great for language-based play and processing. You can add a whole new dynamic to processing activities with this fun set.—Bob


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98 PCS Magnetic Blocks with Wheels, Magnetic Building Set, Magnetic Tiles for kids Toddlers

This is a great set for interaction between younger children with older siblings and parents. The magnetic pieces make it easy to attach the pieces, but all of the components and models make this fun and interesting for everyone.—Bob


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Building Bricks-1100 Piece Set

This is a great economical way to move into Lego type toys. This set offers endless possibilities for the child who is ready to move into these smaller very versatile toys. —Bob


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STEM Toys

Science, Technology, Engineers and Math. This is about building your child’s future through toys and play. Tough to beat.

Brackitz Inventor 170 piece Set: Educational Construction Set

This set can be used at various levels starting with children as young as six or seven, but is a great entry into the world of STEM toys. They company says this toy is suitable for those from 3 to 103. Looks like a lot of educational fun. Designed as a building set with endless possibilities it strengthens imaginary play, problem solving and creativity. One of Amazon’s top STEM toys.—Bob


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Scientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Kit

Designed for kids 6 and older. This set is filled with very cool science experiments to turn kids on to science. One of Amazon ’s top STEM toys.—Bob


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Creativity for Kids Grow ‘n Glow Terrarium-Science Kit for Kids

For kids from 6-96 this kit permits kids to grow their own little habitat with plants and water. Contains everything they need.—Bob


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Coding

Teaching kids to code and having them understanding how coding works is becoming more and more important. Coding teaches problem solving and debugging. Debugging is the act of finding errors and fixing them. These are fantastic skills for all kids to have. Understanding and using code at an early age sets kids up success later on in life. —Laird

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-Pillar Toy

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Learning Resources Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set, 83 Pieces 

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ALEX Toys Future Coders Robot Races Coding Skills Kit

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Climbing

COMINGFIT Indoor/Outdoor Rope Climbing Ladder for Kids

Climbing is a great exercise for children, building strength, developing good muscle balance, proprioception, vestibular function/balance, FUN and more. One of my preferred sport activities for children is indoor climbing wall. The rope ladder can build a good foundation for climbing walls.—Bob


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Climbing Cargo Rope Net Ladder for Kids – Outdoor and Indoor

Climbing is a great exercise for children, building strength, developing good muscle balance, proprioception, vestibular function/balance, FUN and more. The cargo net and build a good foundation for climbing.—Bob


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Other

Melissa & Doug Construction Vehicles Wooden Puzzle (48 pieces)

Those boys love their construction vehicles – You’ve driven by them and studied them and now you can put the pieces together. Plus puzzles make your child think. —Glenda


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Melissa & Doug Solar System Floor Puzzle (48 pieces)

Solar System is your unit study and now you can have fun putting together what you have learned in their relationship to one another. —Glenda


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Melissa & Doug USA Floor Puzzle (51 pieces)

Doing a fun unit study on the USA? How about a puzzle to add to that. Get a visual of the US and where the states are in relationship to others. —Glenda


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Step 2 LifeStyle Custom Kitchen Playset

A full kitchen with all the essentials for working on language skills, sequencing and more. So many opportunities with your kids in this “kitchen”. My boys had something similar when they were young and I still remember the hours they spent playing with it. —Glenda


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My First Sewing Kit

Never too early to teach our children how to sew! This kit has felt pieces and everything you need to foster creativity, hand eye coordination and fun at the same time. 7-12 years of age. —Glenda


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Labyrinth

Ages 6 and up – Improves concentration, perception and fine motor skills —Glenda


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Connect 4

The ever popular Strategy Game – Makes for some good family fun. Even if they beat me every time! —Glenda


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Fishing Game Magnetic Wood

Eye/hand coordination and fine motor development for children ages 3+. Plus it can help you with another creative way to do processing. —Glenda


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Hi Ho Cherry-O

Help your 3-6 year old work on their basic math skills, fine motor, and learning to take turns all while playing this fun board game. I remember playing it too when I was young with my cousin and loving it! —Glenda


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Chutes and Ladders

Ages 3+ – Learn the concept of up and down, counting, language play all while having a fun and my boys loved watching their brothers have to slide down! Competition began early. —Glenda


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Candyland

Ages 3-6 – A great first board game that works on counting, colors, fine motor and more. All my boys loved this one! —Glenda


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K’Nex 70 Model Building Set

For ages 7+ – Curiosity and creativity, fine motor and eye/hand coordination, all while having a great time and showing you what they did. —Glenda


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Tinkertoy 30 Model Super Building Set

This has been around for as long as we parents and grandparents can remember. The good news is these snap together so they can play with them after building their model. Let their (ages 3+) imagination run wild with what they build or let them follow visual instructions for something to replicate. —Glenda


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Mancala

This game brings back so many wonderful memories with my boys in their early years on program. Mancala can be played from age 4+ and helps the child learn to think ahead by visualizing outcomes. Easy to play, with simple instructions and can provide hours of fun. —Lyn


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Battleship

“You sunk my battleship” –I sure heard this plenty of times. This game is another wonderful way to work on building strategy. Battleship is appropriate for ages 5 and up and can keep a child engaged and thinking. —Lyn


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Made By Me Create Your Own Sand Art

Creativity and fun for your 6+ year old. 6 projects to keep them engaged and a unique project to share. This was one of my son’s favorites and we still have them on his shelf 5 years later! —Glenda


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Made By Me Create Your Own Window Art

20 different projects for a child age 6+ – Includes 12 suncatchers – This will work on their creativity and they can decorate your home or share with other family members. —Glenda


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Creativity for Kids Make your Own Water Globes

Set includes everything your child needs for 3 Under the Sea water globes. Works on eye/hand coordination, planning, problem solving and creativity. Ages 6+ —Glenda


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Made By Me Build & Paint Your Own Wooden Cars

All the materials needed to build and design 3 cars. Your child (Age 6+) can show their creativity with this finished product and work on fine motor at the same time.


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Superhero 3 in 1 Craft Kit by JackInTheBox

This kit has all the necessary things to make a super hero cape, mask and cuffs. Boys 5-10 can have fun while working on their fine motor and creativity skills with the result being their very own superhero outfit.


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Beginner Slackline by “Goodtimes”

Fun that requires balance and attention. It’s like a balance beam but trickier and loads of fun. —Ellen


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Alex DIY – Friends Forever Jewelry Kit

“Makes 22 friendship bracelets – Fun alone or with friends to work on together (ages 8 or older) .Works on fine motor skills and fun to have a finished product they can share.” —Glenda


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Curious Chef

Building fine motor and maturity through chores and independence.
If you are wanting to take your child up a notch in regards in regards to cooking and food prep in order to push their global maturity as well as confidence, these tools are great. Listed below are several links to kid friendly cooking utensils. Especially take note of the knives that cut food but not fingers. —Lyn
[amazon_link asins=’B002Q5YH9C,B01LTHY0EE,B002OSQD4S’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’nacd0d-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’318aa756-d497-11e7-bbfc-fda510b83d2d’]

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Music Maker Lap Harp

This is an excellent way to start a child in the direction of playing a musical instrument. This lap hard comes with pages that insert underneath the strings to guide in playing well known tunes. Not only will it start them off with an instrument that is easy to learn, but it also helps reinforce cortical opposition and fine motor movement. —Lyn


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The post NACD Gift Ideas for Ages 5–8 appeared first on NACD International | The National Association for Child Development.

At NACD, we work with children that have every imaginable developmental issue in addition to typical and gifted children. In the process we have explored, researched and utilized many thousands of toys and products that we have found to be fun, educational, engaging and helpful. At the request of families from throughout the world, we have put together a list of items that would make great gifts. Each item has been researched and reviewed by our professional staff. All items on the list below can be found either at our NACD Store or on Amazon.

In these first years, appropriate play and toys can help build the child’s ability to understand and develop language, motor skills, self-help skills, social interaction, imagination, a joy of learning and more. The years from birth to four are incredibly important and can have a tremendous impact on a child’s future. Learning during these first wonderful years needs to be focused on fun and play. Engaging these babies, toddlers and preschoolers through appropriate play and activities can and should be fun and educational. Time spent interacting with our little ones can turn into the most significant learning and bonding experiences of their lives and build some of our greatest and fondest memories.

NACD receives a small commission if you use our Amazon referral link to buy our recommended products. The funds collected will go directly into a scholarship fund for our NACD families. NACD also receives a small commission for everything else you buy that is in your cart when you buy our recommended products. If you are going to purchase items based on our suggestions please use our referral link to help our incredible dedicated families.

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43 Great Gift Ideas for Holidays, Birthdays & Special Occasions – Ages 0–4

Cognition Coach Toddler

Watching little Toddlers and children under three years play a game for a couple of minutes and actually build their processing power is wonderful to see. Then as their processing increases we watch the resulting blossoming of their language and understanding. Every little bit of help we give these little ones has the potential to enhance the rest of their lives.—Bob

Currently Available for iPad here:

3 Wheel Recumbent Bikes

These bikes come in various size ranges. Match your child’s height to the right bike. Bikes are adjustable so you can accurately adjust the bike to properly fit your child or adult. These bikes are low to the ground, safe and provide many benefits including: improve strength and endurance, develop good leg muscle balance and development, help correct leg muscle imbalance issues, provide a fun activity that helps keep children engaged and present. —Bob

Mobo Total Tot The Roll-to-Ride Three Wheeled Cruiser, 12-Inch

Mobo Tot Disney Pixar Cars- Lightning McQueen: A Toddler’s Ergonomic Three Wheeled Cruiser Ride On, Red

Classic recumbent bike for children 2-5 years. —Bob


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Weehoo Kids Turbo Bicycle Trailer

This is great for our kids that need the pedal motion of a recumbent but can’t ride a bike independently. It hooks on to an adult bike. One of our clients uses it and loves it! —Sara


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Language Play

KidKraft Chelsea Cottage Doll Cottage with Furniture

Language based play can be of significant help in developing basic language and communication skills. With a dollhouse and dollhouse family modeling basic language becomes fun and easy. Dollhouses are also great for auditory processing and can be used in many ways to develop this critical function.—Bob


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Kidcraft Doll Family of 7

Add the family to the doll house and the dynamics and possibilities increase.—Bob






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Melissa & Doug Wooden Town Play Set with Storage Tray.

This set of little wooden building is great for language-based play and processing. You can add a whole new dynamic to processing activities with this fun set.—Bob


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Construction Site Playset

Not only is this a great tool for language based play age 3+, but it can lay a foundation for unit studies to come.  Children love learning how things are built! —Lyn


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Step 2 LifeStyle Custom Kitchen Playset

A full kitchen with all the essentials for working on language skills, sequencing and more. So many opportunities with your kids in this “kitchen”. My boys had something similar when they were young and I still remember the hours they spent playing with it. —Glenda


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Melissa & Doug Star Diner Restaurant Play Set House

Ages 3 and up – Language, sequencing and fun.  The things you can use this for are endless. —Glenda


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Big Red Barn (Farmer and 4 Animals)

Here’s another way to work on language based play – Doors to open can work on fine motor AND sequencing with the animals! 3 in 1 —Glenda


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Peekaboo Barn

Many of you ask me what kinds of things can I do for young child on program – Here’s one with an opportunity for some sequencing, fine motor and at the same time as you are having fun with your toddler playing this game! —Glenda


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Cash Register Toy

If you are looking for more fun ways to get Sequential Processing in without making it look like “therapy”, this is perfect for children ages 3+. Using the play foods, the “checker” can scan the items and hear a realistic scan sound. By giving the child specific orders of groceries, you can work on processing as you play.  This is also a great tool for Language Related Play. —Lyn


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Blocks and Building Toys

Block and building toys have been a staple forever. There are block sets that can be helpful from the youngest child to adults. Blocks and building toys can help develop motor skills, eye hand coordination, creativity as well as a sense of accomplishment and pride. As children get older and cognition advances, building moves into mathematics, mechanics, engineering, and robotics and on and on.—Bob

Mega Blocks 80-Piece Big Building Bag

These are large blocks that do not require cortical opposition, but will help build it. These large blocks are a great toy to help build motor function, attention, eye-hand coordination and a sense of accomplishment.—Bob


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Lincoln Logs 111 All-Wooden Pieces. Ages 3+

I need to write an article about the role Lincoln Logs played in my development and life, but for now these simple wooden pieces can be used to create endless masterpieces of design. Use these for fine motor development, creativity and to hel build a sense of pride and accomplishment. Fun and simple.—Bob


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Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Block Set – 100 Blocks in 4 colors and 9 shapes

These are classic wooden blocks that have entertained and have developed motor and visual skills and creativity in children for ages.—Bob


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Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid-Wood Building Blocks with Wooden Storage Tray.

This set of blocks is a step up, containing a variety of 60 blocks in a variety of shapes. Designed for children 3 years and up. You can also purchase wooden people, vehicles and more to go with this set. These are educational toys that children can use for years.—Bob


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STEM Toys

Science, Technology, Engineers and Math. This is about building your child’s future through toys and play. Tough to beat.

Brackitz Inventor 170 piece Set: Educational Construction Set

This set can be used at various levels starting with children as young as six or seven, but is a great entry into the world of STEM toys. They company says this toy is suitable for those from 3 to 103. Looks like a lot of educational fun. Designed as a building set with endless possibilities it strengthens imaginary play, problem solving and creativity. One of Amazon’s top STEM toys.—Bob


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Coding

Teaching kids to code and having them understanding how coding works is becoming more and more important. Coding teaches problem solving and debugging. Debugging is the act of finding errors and fixing them. These are fantastic skills for all kids to have. Understanding and using code at an early age sets kids up success later on in life. —Laird

Primo Toys Cubetto Playset Coding Toy

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Other

Mozart Cube

This cause and effect toy plays classical music with different instruments or full orchestra each time the child presses one of the large sides of the cube. Listed as a best toy for 2017 it was a favorite for my grandchildren as well. —Ellen


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Interactive Tiger

This tiger will interact with a child in a large variety of ways to keep the child attending for longer periods of time with 100 sounds and motions. Great for visual attention and cause and effect. My grandkids are hoping for this toy. —Ellen


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Interactive Dog

The dog responds to being patted on the head or back but also responds to movement. He’s cute and highly interactive. My grandchildren played with this toy for a year before losing interest. —Ellen


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Musical Set

With “drums”, little keyboard and xylophone. This set is very entertaining each time the child hits or touches it, they produce music. —Ellen


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Jumping Frog Game

This game requires isolating your index finger to make the frog jump toward the goal. This game states that it is for preschoolers but it’s also good for older kids as it require score keeping. —Lyn


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V.Smile

A fun learning system presented in video game format for ages as young as 3 years old.  Good for children whose manual skills and abilities are quite ready for video games.  Good for attention, central vision and learning. —Lyn


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Pop-Up Pals – Cause & Effect Learning Toy for Babies

“This is a great cause and effect toy for babies. It has bright colors and fun animals that pop up when the child flips a switch or pushes a button. This is not only a good toy to teach cause and effect but also helps with fine motor development.” —Sara


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Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Piggy Bank

This is a fun cause and effect toy that works on numerous skills.  Fine motor, counting ,and colors in addition to getting appropriate sounds for putting the money in the pig are all provided in this toy. —Sara


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LeapFrog Learn & Groove Music Table

“Boy did my kids get a lot of use out of this table! Before your baby is walking, he/she can play with the cause and effect toys on the board without the legs.  Once your baby is pulling to a stand he/she can stand and continue to enjoy all the play on the board”. —Sara


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Fisher-Price Bright Spin & Crawl Tumble Franky Beats Ball

This is a great toy to have your beginning crawler or creeper move toward.  It has fun sounds and music and cause and effect buttons as your baby creeps to get to it. —Lyn


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Melissa & Doug Farm Wooden Peg Puzzle

A good first 8 piece peg puzzle with easy to grasp plastic pegs. Promotes hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and problem solving. You could even do some sequencing with it! —Glenda


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The Learning Journey Lift and Learn Colors & Shapes

Puzzles come in a whole range of themes.  They increase our child’s spatial awareness and an additional understanding on the topic.  Fine motor work too! —Glenda


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Number Puzzle – Wooden 1-20

Working on teaching your child numbers?  Why not add another way of inputting or outputting what they have learned! —Glenda


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Fishing Game Magnetic Wood

Eye/hand coordination and fine motor development for children ages 3+. Plus it can help you with another creative way to do processing. —Glenda


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Seek a Boo

Although this is a toddler memory game it can also work on vocabulary.  Real photos that you have to find the object, etc.  But you can be creative and use it in many ways….they even will give you the ideas! Another game to incorporate into program. Works similar to receptive cards and Where is? —Glenda


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Roll & Play

A first game that encourages creativity, active play and gross motor skills. Picture cards tell you what to do – “Roar like a lion”, “Find something red”, etc. Try having your older children read the card to the younger one. Sounds like program activity to me! —Glenda


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Where’s Bear Hide and Seek Stacking Block Game

2 years olds stack blocks and find hidden objects in a game that can work on problem solving, matching, sorting all while bonding with mom or other family members. —Glenda


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Hi Ho Cherry-O

Help your 3-6 year old work on their basic math skills, fine motor, and learning to take turns all while playing this fun board game. I remember playing it too when I was young with my cousin and loving it! —Glenda


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Chutes and Ladders

Ages 3+ – Learn the concept of up and down, counting, language play all while having a fun and my boys loved watching their brothers have to slide down! Competition began early. —Glenda


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Candyland

Ages 3-6 – A great first board game that works on counting, colors, fine motor and more. All my boys loved this one! —Glenda


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Lego Duplo – My First Carousel

24 pieces for ages 1 1/2 – 3 years old.   They can be added to other LegoDuplo sets . It will give your child the chance to build and use their imagination….Oh, yes, it works on processing too! —Glenda


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Tinkertoy 30 Model Super Building Set

This has been around for as long as we parents and grandparents can remember. The good news is these snap together so they can play with them after building their model. Let their (ages 3+) imagination run wild with what they build or let them follow visual instructions for something to replicate. —Glenda


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Play-Doh Shape N Slice Set

Ages 3+ can let their imaginations go for some  creative role playing. Let’s see what they can put together for you….Yep, sequencing works here too! —Glenda


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Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Magical Oven

Age 3+ – This is a fun set to get cooking . It even makes sizzling sounds as they show you their creation. Good for fine motor and throw some sequencing in there with it! —Glenda


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Play-Doh Max The Cement Mixer

Age 3+ – Everyone loves to play with play-doh and when you can let their imagination run wild all the better. See what they can create! —Glenda


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The post NACD Gift Ideas for Ages Birth–4 appeared first on NACD International | The National Association for Child Development.