2022 Holiday Gift Giving, Part 2: A Gift Guide for Children by Age, Skill Level, or Adaptive Need

We at Diversity in Toys love the end-of-year holiday season, but we recognize that it can come with a lot of stress, particularly around the tradition of gift-giving. We want to help you find the perfect gift for the kids in your life with minimum worry. So, we are continuing our 2022 Holiday Gift Giving Guide with suggestions for children according to their skill level or adaptive need.

Gift giving is fun, but you want to give gifts that are appropriate for the children you’re giving them to. In this article we break down the anticipated developmental patterns for children of different ages and suggest toys or products suitable for children at that level.

Broadly speaking, there are four main areas of childhood development: social/emotional, language/communication, cognitive, and motor/physical, which can be further divided into gross and fine motor skills. Each one of these categories has a certain anticipated progression, which different children may follow at their own pace. The skills within each category also build upon themselves, so it is important to help children acquire foundational skills in order to prepare them to tackle higher order abilities later in their development.

Social/emotional development refers to a child’s capability for interacting with others and comprehending other people’s points of view and emotions, as well as understanding and managing their own emotions. Socioemotional skills help children develop relationships, improve their self-confidence and self-perception, and equip them with the skills to manage difficult emotions like stress, anxiety, and worry (as well as positive emotions like anticipation, joy, and love!).

Language/communication development refers to a child’s proficiency in conveying their own thoughts to others as well as understanding meanings that other people convey to them. Communication aptitude helps children express their needs and wants. Language or communication formation also interacts with several other developmental areas.

Cognitive development refers to the evolution of a child’s thought process and their ability to understand and interact with their environment. Cognitive development is key in processing new information, solving problems and making decisions, and learning and retaining facts and concepts.

Motor/physical development, which can be further divided into gross and fine motor skills, refers to a child’s physical maturation. Balance, strength, and bodily awareness all fit into this category of development, as do small movements like writing and self-feeding.

Below are gift ideas for children that help foster these categories of growth and are appropriate for children at varying stages of development.

Gift Ideas for the Youngest Recipients (Newborn – 2 years old)

At their youngest ages, children are developing broad-strokes abilities and learning the most foundational skills in each developmental category. Their brains are learning how to process external stimuli and their bodies are growing primarily gross motor skills. Newborns and young babies are especially practicing focusing their attention, vision, and/or hearing on the world around them, which includes identifying when someone is interacting with them. Children at this stage are also learning to love and trust their caregivers and are experiencing their first social cues.

Ideal gifts for children at this stage require little physical adeptness to use and deliver strong sensory experiences that will help train developing brains to identify and distinguish various stimuli. Children at this stage can also benefit from being read to and played with by their caregivers, even if they are too young to fully engage back.

Toys that grow pre-elementary Social/Emotional skills:

  • Wild Republic Ecokins Stuffed Animals ($10.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/cheetah-stuffed-animal/    Stuffed and plush animals are more than just toys; they provide a host of potential benefits for both children and adults. For children, stuffed animals can provide comfort and security at bedtime or stressful situations, opportunities to develop and practice social development skills, boost imaginative play and relief from pain in post-surgical settings. EcoKins Stuffed Animals are made of 100% recycled materials.
  • Warmies Stuffed Animals ($24.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/warmies-golden-retriever/  Looking for a new best friend?  Look no further – these traditional stuffed animals are perfect to snuggle up with. Warmies Plush Animals are fully microwavable plush stuffed animals designed to provide hours of soothing warmth and comfort. The plush pet is filled with flaxseed and is lightly scented with dried French lavender, perfect for positive soft sensory experience.

Toys that improve pre-elementary Language/Communication ability:

  • Hooray for You! Picture Book ($8.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/hooray-for-you/  The perfect read-aloud book. Conveys a positive message accompanied by captivating, colorful collage illustrations. Hooray for You! is a celebration of You-Ness, the grand sum of mind, body and heart that makes every person truly unique.
  • Uncle Goose Wooden Blocks ($47.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/wooden-blocks-spanish/  Uncle Goose Classic Wooden Blocks Teach children to spell, sequence, and stack; sort, build, and match. These beautiful handmade blocks feature detailed embossing and colorful designs on two sides of each block. Available in a variety of languages.

Toys that help pre-elementary Cognitive skills:

  • Baby Paper Cupcake Series ($8.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/baby-paper-chocolate-cupcake/     Sensory cupcake toys good enough to eat! These sensory  crinkle cupcake toys are a fun perfect toy for any baby or toddler who needs some extra spark during play time as it will make a rewarding “crunch” sound when squeezed.
  • Sensory Toy Balls by Miniland ($42.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/sensory-balls/ Sensory balls help provide a foundation for physical activities. This set of natural rubber sensory balls is made of 100% natural rubber from hevea trees. Their especially soft natural material makes them very easy to grip and suitable for handling and biting by infants.

Toys that promote pre-elementary Motor/Physical development:

Gift Ideas for Preschool-Level Recipients (3-5 years old)

Toddlers at this level are starting to understand how the world around them works and are motivated to identify underlying rules and exceptions for their everyday experiences. They also are beginning to understand social rules. Children in this category often start to test the boundaries of their newfound physical and cognitive abilities. This age group teeters on the edge of wanting independence while still requiring help with higher-order tasks.

Ideal gifts for children at this stage offer a combination of order & guidance, such as games with clear, easy rules, and freedom & creative exploration, such as props for make-believe sessions. Many children at this stage also have developed the gross motor skills that allow for independent movement and choice, but may still struggle with fine motor skills, so activities that allow them to practice precise movements will also contribute to their growth.

Toys that grow preschool-level Social/Emotional skills:

  • Children of the World Puzzle ($15.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/children-of-the-world-puzzle/  Children of the World 100 piece puzzle features children in traditional clothing from nations around the world.  Each Letter of the alphabet is represented by a country from all over the world that begins with the same letter.  This puzzle helps encourage diversity and inclusion.  A fun and beautiful way to expand horizons and nuture curiosity about the world around us. 
  • “How Am I Feeling?” Hand Puppets ($35.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/how-am-i-feeling-hand-puppets/  Teaching children about feelings may seem daunting, but the right tools can help parents and caretakers start complex conversations about emotions with their little ones. These “How Am I Feeling?” Hand Puppets provide support for exploring five big emotions that everyone experiences. Talking with your child about these feelings can decrease anxiety, promote resilience and the ability to self-regulate, and can cultivate long-term emotional health.

Toys that improve preschool-level Language/Communication ability:

  • Go Fish Card Game ($8.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/go-fish-card-game/  This classic children’s card game depicts underwater creatures to keep the game going swimmingly. Go Fish is a fun, easy game for 2 or more players. No partner to play with? That’s OK! The deck of cards can be used as a solitary memory matching game.
  • What to Do Conversation Flash Cards ($13.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/what-to-do-conversation-cards/  These What Do I Do Flash Cards are a wonderful tool for helping children to gain a better understanding of subtle social expectations. This deck of 48 cards helps children understand how to handle various social situations with poise, grace, and confidence.

Toys that help preschool level Cognitive skills:

  • Jumbo Multi-Theme Coloring Pad ($11.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/jumbo-coloring-pad/  Help your kids’ imaginations go BIG with this Jumbo Coloring Pad from Melissa & Doug. As children get older, having a larger canvas is exciting and also helps them visualize projects on a new scale. This oversized coloring book features pictures with 50 different themes on one side of the page and blank space on the other.
  • Storytime Pinocchio’s Puppet Theater Book and Playset ($25.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/pinocchios-puppet-theater-book-and-playset/  In this twist of the classic Pinocchio, your child will read about Pinocchio’s adventures and construct a mini-stage where they can act out the story themselves! The Theater and characters fit together like a 3-D puzzle and fold flat in a portable carrying case, conveniently designed to fit on your bookshelf. Assembling the set is as easy as pressing tabs into place. No tools or screws required.

Toys that promote preschool level Motor/Physical development:

  • Lego Creative Ocean Fun ($20.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/lego-creative-ocean-fun/  The world is your oyster with this LEGO® Classic Creative Ocean Fun playset. This set features a colorful selection of LEGO pieces and 6 inspiring ocean-themed build ideas to kick-start the fun, plus 2 bags of extra bricks for free building. Includes step-by-step, instructions to help kids create a Viking ship, yellow submarine, underwater drone, seahorse, whale and a turtle. Even first-time builders can experience the pride and joy of constructing their own LEGO toys.
  • Busy Body Gross Motor Exercise Cards ($30.19) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/busy-body-gross-motor-exercise-cards/  Practice gross motor movements with this set of brightly colored exercise prompt cards. Each card is printed on the front with a photographic action pose and on the back with illustrated instructions.

Gift Ideas for Elementary School-Level Recipients (6-10 years old)

By their mid-childhood, many children have developed a sense of independence and capability. Toys and activities that encourage independent development and skill-building can help instill confidence and trust in a child at this stage. Children at this level may also be starting school and engaging with a larger world than they had previously known, so games and tasks that foster social competency and societal awareness are beneficial.

Toys that grow elementary school-level Social/Emotional skills:

  • All the Way to the Top Picture Book ($10.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/all-the-way-to-the-top/  This is the true story of a little girl who just wanted to go, even when others tried to stop her. This beautifully illustrated book provides a slice of activism history and will inspire young readers to imagine how one person can impact the world.
  • Mattel Creatable World Doll ($17.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/mattel-creatable-world-doll/  Creatable World Dolls provide kids with a blank canvas on which to create their own characters. Mix, match, swap or share — this Creatable World Deluxe Character Kit allows children to play freely and imagine a wide spectrum of personalities.

Toys that improve elementary school-level Language/Communication ability:

  • Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Ghost Writer) ($12.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/alices-adventures-in-wonderland-ghost-writer/  How strange! thinks Alice, when she spots a white rabbit in a plaid vest run by her in the park. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Ghost Writer) offers an incredible story masterfully adapted by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich. This playful retelling of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is sure to delight today’s readers for years to come. This hardcover book features an introduction by Newbery and Coretta Scott King Award winning poet and writer Kwame Alexander.
  • I Spy Eagle Eye Board Game ($18.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/i-spy-eagle-eye/

I SPY combines beautiful photographs, familiar object collections, and rhyming riddles to create brain teasing puzzles for kids and adults alike. Our collection of I SPY games and puzzles reinforces verbal and visual identification in a variety of fun and unique ways.

Toys that help elementary school level Cognitive skills:

  • Solar System Puzzle ($14.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/solar-system-puzzle/  Have a space lover on your holiday list?  This Solar System puzzle with be sure to send them into orbit.  This puzzle is  full of facts about the planets, their moons, and the science behind space travel.
  • Making Change Board Game ($22.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/making-change-board-game/   Looking for a fun way to help your kids understand money or develop math skills in their head? Making Change offers lessons in basic math, money sense, and social rules. This game is a fun way to become familiar with elementary math skills and develop confidence with money.

Toys that promote elementary school level Motor/Physical development:

  • Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty Assortment Pack ($14.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/crazy-aarons-thinking-putty-assortment-pack/   Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty helps build hand and finger strength through a fabulous tactile play experience with unique, unexpected properties and provides relaxing, yet stimulating interaction for anyone with sensory integration issues. Crazy Aaron’s putty is non-toxic, won’t dry out, and won’t leave a sticky or slippery residue on your fingers. It’s great for stretching, molding, bouncing, tearing, popping and playing by kids and adults alike.
  • Body Poetry Yoga Cards ($30.19) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/body-poetry-yoga-card-pack-16/    Introduce yoga to your child with this set of brightly colored exercise prompt cards. The cards are split into three levels, easy, intermediate and challenging. On the front is a photograph of a child performing a yoga stretch illuminated by a bright image to help young learners remember the pose. On the reverse are illustrated instructions for each pose.

Gift Ideas for Middle School-Level Recipients (11 – 14 years old)

Many pre-teens and young teens exhibit strong desires for interpersonal relationships with others their own age and increasing independence from their family units. Healthy relationships are highly important for most children in this category, but peer pressure also begins to play a large role in their everyday lives. Activities and practices that boost self-confidence and a strong sense of self can help youth at this level make good decisions. Physically, children in this age group are on the cusp of puberty; having a clear understanding of the changes their bodies are about to go through will help mitigate disorientation and stress.

Good gifts for children in this level promote healthy social interaction and provide opportunities for engaging with their peer groups. On the other hand, pre-teens are better equipped to complete independent projects and may have a stronger sense of personal hobbies, so look for activities that advance their interest skill sets. Tools that can help them regulate their fluctuating emotions are also constructive at this age.

Toys that grow middle school-level Social/Emotional skills

  • Shashibo Shape Shifting Box ($25.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/shashibo-puzzle-boxes/  Chaos has never been so calming.  This Shashibo fidget cube will help ease those fidgeting fingers with over 70 combinations of shapes to create. With every satisfying click, the puzzle box enfolds users into a calm, focused rhythm that soothes stress and nerves.

Toys that improve middle school-level Language/Communication ability:

  • Scrabble – Harry Potter Edition ($27.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/scrabble-harry-potter-edition/    This classic Scrabble game with a Wizarding World theme is perfect for fans of wordplay or Harry Potter! The vocabulary in the Harry Potter books are rich with unique words. Players can use these words for extra bonus points – truly magical fun!

Toys that help middle school-level Cognitive skills

  • Jenga – National Parks ($23.00) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/jenga-national-parks/   It’s the classic Jenga game with a National Parks twist – pull out a block without crashing the stack to win at Jenga. This set celebrates America’s national treasures – from Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, learn about the amazing history and wonder of these parks with over 100 educational facts and trivia.
  • UGears Models ($range) – https://diversityintoys.com/product/product-8/   UGEARS is a 2014 Ukrainian startup with a growing worldwide reputation for producing unique, self-propelled, wooden mechanical DIY models, puzzle boxes and educational toys. Each UGEARS model has its own mechanical action that will amaze and delight. Each model kit comes with everything you need to assemble it.

Read: 2022 Holiday Gift Giving, Part 1: A Gift Guide for Children of All Types

Read: 2022 Holiday Gift Giving, Part 3: A Gift Guide for Teachers

BACK TO HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2022

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