United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

My goddaughter (age 19) and I were playing in Toys R Us tonight looking for toys for Gabrielle this Christmas. Every toy I look at the first thing I think is THERAPY. How will this toy entertain, teach, and provide good therapy for Gabrielle? Gabrielle will be 20 months old on Christmas Day. She is just now walking along the furnitue and wants to stand on her own. She loves books and balls. I would love to get some ideas from any of you with older children. What worked for your little ones? Any great toys we should put on our list this year? Just didn't want to miss the boat on a great therapy, fun toy. Thanks guys!!

Hi, I have a few ideas that I know worked great for my child at that age. These are all toys that not only my child loved but any kids loved to play with that come over to play:
Ball and hammer toys - good practice for both arms(alternate using left/right),
Shape sorter w/keys for doors(Gazoobo?), great fine motor and educational too.
Blow up punching bag - kids can punch it or carry it around. Socker Boppers are fun too - they still make those?
Dress up clothes!!!! Lots of fun and great practice!! Hats, shoes, dresses, whatever is fun looking. We bought a big rubbermaid chest to put them all in and the girls still love to dress up - she's 9.
Dolls that have clothes to change, a doll buggy (can push baby around after dressing it)
Play musical intruments - like cylinders or horns or drums
Legos - always great for arm use, fine motor, imagination - lego table helps too so she can stand and reach while she's building
Art easle - encourage big two handed painting projects
Big Magnets for frig
Little kitchen - with pots, pans, lids, spoons.
These are just a few ideas - Gabrielle is at such an exciting age - I hope you have lots of fun with her!!

I'm trying to think back that far!

What about the shape sorter from Tupperware that you have to pull both sides of to open? I loved that toy for Ian, it covered a lot of growing and learning. Fitting the shapes is good fine motor also.

Also, what about a little trike/scooter? That was a great balance enhancer and required reaching out and using both arms and hands to grip the steering wheel.

Can't think of the name of this toy right now, but it was also really great...it was like a seat on a rocking base with lots of toys on the "dashboard" for fine motor skills, plus to rock you needed to hold on with both hands. Anyone know the name of this, that was also a great toy/therapy tool?

I think the stretching the limits article in the awareness section of this site has a great list of other toys...check it out.

Good luck!
Bridget

Hi! TOMY has/had a toy that resembled a gumball machin e. It has a lever that the child pushes down and the colorful balls come rolling out one at a time. Great for strengthing those muscles!!