Holiday Gift Giving with a Purpose!

Don’t forget that offering experiences can a great gift that lasts throughout the year. A pass to swim at a local indoor pool during winter, a pass to the childrens museum; try skating at Greenheck Field House (they have red gliders for those who don’t skate to push on the ice), or a pass to the movie theatre for a favorite movie night out. Some of these will provide exercise and social experiences of a night out in the middle of winter. These are just a few ideas so be creative and offer your child.

Here are some holiday gift ideas for all ages and with a purpose!

Nesting and Sorting Garages and Cars or Barns and Animals by Melissa and Doug: Great for hand-eye coordination, concepts of color, size,
and number, counting, problem solving, and creative play!

Stack and Sort board by Melissa and Doug: Practices hand coordination, shape identification, counting.

Adventurer Kit by Lovevery: Practice two-handed coordination, process and manage emotions, explore gravity, motion, and changing direction, build finger strength and dexterity. There are other sets available for ages up to 6-7.

Button Art by Alex Discover: Practices fine motor skills, creative thinking colormatching, eye hand skills.

Tall Stacker Pegs Pegboard Set by Lauri: A great early construction set that promotes STEM, encourages fine motor skills, counting, color sorting, matching and more, and allows children to use their imagination!

Kinetic Sand: For older kids (who will not eat it) Kinetic sand offers endless fun working on fine motor, imagination and sensory play.

Slice and Bake Cookie set by Mellisa and Doug: Pretend play and fine motor skills.

Magna – Tiles by Clear Colors: Promotes imagination, fine motor skills, color and shape identification. Come in a variety of fun sets such as forest or arctic animals.

Roll ‘n Go Wooden Marble Run by Fat Brain Toys: Practices visual tracking, fine motor skills and counting.

Teeter Popper by Fat Brain Toys: Practices balance and coordination.

Kids Explorer Sofa by Member’s Mark: This is a slightly cheaper version of the Nugget. It offers cushions for lounging, fort play and practicing motor skills. Great for all ages.