Need gift ideas for a little one? Give them something fun and educational that supports language development! Here are just a few of my favorite toys for little ones (ages 6 months to 2 years)
⚽ 1. BALL POPPER: I’ve never met a child who doesn’t love this toy! I gift it to every friend with a baby. This toy is great for turn-taking and setting up opportunities to request “more.” It also turns off and on, so the child must engage with the toy.
🏥2. CRITTER CLINIC: Kids love opening and closing things, and this toy provides an endless amount of that! You can switch up what is hidden in each door as you please. The lock can be tricky (intentionally) setting up the perfect opportunity for a child to request “help.” Practice pretend play and work on naming and identifying colors and animals!
🚗 3. PULL BACK CARS: Toys don’t have genders. Cars are for everyone – especially these types that you can pull back and let zoom through your play area. Parents say, “Ready.. Set..” as you pull back the car and let your child fill in “go!” Make the cars go “under” and “over” objects to practice location words. Add sound effects as often times, children imitate sounds before words! “ZOOM! BEEP!”
🐷4. PIGGY BANK: Take the batteries out of this one if you’re little one gets distracted by it. This is another toy that’s great for putting things in and taking out – a baby/toddler fav thing to do! Children can request “more” or label the animals on the colorful coins. This is a great toy to practice animal sounds. If all else fails, do something unexpected and put a coin on your head instead of in the bank. Your little one will likely giggle 😂 and try to correct you – a great opportunity to use their communication skills!