Question: How do you go about toy selection? My son has a ton and I need to get rid of a bunch and "simplify" his room. What toys out there now days do you think are best?
Answer: Having a sensory kid myself, I have all sorts of recommendations. :-) From the day my son was born I was already planning on only buying him toys that promoted and enriched his sensory development. (Little did I know he was REALLY going to need them). The best part is sensory and therapy toys and tools are often PREFERRED by all children! And yes, they can be more expensive, but will last throughout the years and are so beneficial for the brain. Anytime family wanted birthday or Christmas gift ideas, I always requested sensory toys.
Here is a list of things to get rid of first...
1. Most toys today are made of plastic. First of all, plastics are full of toxins and unless you specifically bought toys without BPA the toy needs to go. Plastic toys are also not texture rich, all children need to explore texture in the environment from infancy throughout childhood.
2. Minimize anything electronic...screen time is a whole separate topic, but electronics do not promote creativity and down to earth simple sensory play...which is crucial for child development.
Here is the list of toys that
3. The little odds and ends random toys, they tend to create visual clutter and usually do not have a purpose in regards to sensory or child development.
The "GOOD STUFF" list!!!
1. Vestibular based toys: Hippity hop ball, mini trampoline, therapy ball, swings, scooter board, balance board, pogo stick, skateboard, bike, Rody, etc
2. Proprioceptive based toys: Body sock, resistance tunnel, weighted ball, etc
3. Tactile based toys: Vibrating toys, playdough, clay, messy play toys, sandbox, water play table, fidget toys, etc.
4. Development enriching toys such as those for visual perception, fine motor, and visual motor....Puzzles, building blocks, constructional based toys such as Tinker Toys or Lincoln Logs, easel, chalkboard, etc
5. Musical instruments and toys
6. If possible, a large memory foam beanbag, they are expensive, but well worth the money....it has been the most used sensory "toy and tool" in our house throughout my son's life. It is so versatile, from being used as a sensory retreat to active vestibular and proprioceptive play!
I could add so many more! And I will get to work on a page on my website for links and more ideas. In the meantime I will link you to a few pages on my website down in the comments of this post.
Answer: Having a sensory kid myself, I have all sorts of recommendations. :-) From the day my son was born I was already planning on only buying him toys that promoted and enriched his sensory development. (Little did I know he was REALLY going to need them). The best part is sensory and therapy toys and tools are often PREFERRED by all children! And yes, they can be more expensive, but will last throughout the years and are so beneficial for the brain. Anytime family wanted birthday or Christmas gift ideas, I always requested sensory toys.
Here is a list of things to get rid of first...
1. Most toys today are made of plastic. First of all, plastics are full of toxins and unless you specifically bought toys without BPA the toy needs to go. Plastic toys are also not texture rich, all children need to explore texture in the environment from infancy throughout childhood.
2. Minimize anything electronic...screen time is a whole separate topic, but electronics do not promote creativity and down to earth simple sensory play...which is crucial for child development.
Here is the list of toys that
3. The little odds and ends random toys, they tend to create visual clutter and usually do not have a purpose in regards to sensory or child development.
The "GOOD STUFF" list!!!
1. Vestibular based toys: Hippity hop ball, mini trampoline, therapy ball, swings, scooter board, balance board, pogo stick, skateboard, bike, Rody, etc
2. Proprioceptive based toys: Body sock, resistance tunnel, weighted ball, etc
3. Tactile based toys: Vibrating toys, playdough, clay, messy play toys, sandbox, water play table, fidget toys, etc.
4. Development enriching toys such as those for visual perception, fine motor, and visual motor....Puzzles, building blocks, constructional based toys such as Tinker Toys or Lincoln Logs, easel, chalkboard, etc
5. Musical instruments and toys
6. If possible, a large memory foam beanbag, they are expensive, but well worth the money....it has been the most used sensory "toy and tool" in our house throughout my son's life. It is so versatile, from being used as a sensory retreat to active vestibular and proprioceptive play!
I could add so many more! And I will get to work on a page on my website for links and more ideas. In the meantime I will link you to a few pages on my website down in the comments of this post.