Our Holiday Gift Guide 2023
Looking for those last minute gifts to put under the tree? We’ve got you covered!
Here are our top gifts for each age and stage, depending on whether your child is an early communicator, a big kid, or a teenager.
Gifts for little ones and/or early communicators
For early communicators, we love cause-and-effect toys!
With these toys, to get involved in your little ones’ play. Think of toys that you can use to create a play chain, that is a predictable, repeatable pattern that your child can anticipate what comes next. You each have a role to play! When looking for toys, we prefer ones that don’t make noise (unless of course these are your child’s favourite things!) as it gives YOU the opportunity to make noise in play and add language.
One of our most-loved toys in the Elemenoe clinic is the xylophone ball popper. To create a play chain, we often let the child use the hammer to push the balls down, which creates a lovely sound on the xylophone as the balls roll out of the toy. You can use words like, “bang, bang, bang, roll!!” as the ball rolls through the toy. Then hold the balls in your hand and see if your child will look up to you for another turn!
We also love the piggy coin bank for practicing imitation (e.g., you can put a coin in the slot, then see if your child will do the same!) and words like “open, shut, close, in, out.”
Toys for preschoolers and young kids
We love pretend play toys for preschoolers!
Dentist and doctor kits are ultimate favourites in our clinic. Bring your child’s stuffies wrapped in a toilet paper bandage or come with a sore tooth and let your child’s imagination lead the way! We have this on the list for preschoolers and young kids but it’s also a favourite for kids aged 5-8!
Acorn Soup is a really fun, simple game for little ones. It’s great for following directions, expressive language and vocabulary, and pretend play! This game is for 2 years + and is a favourite in Shawna’s house these days!
Cooperative Games for Kids
Our centre is full of cooperative games for kids. Why? They’re fun, encourage turn-taking, and collaboration!
For autistic kids, these can be hard skills to learn. Practicing playing collaboratively with a sibling or a friend can encourage play skills, inferencing, perspective taking, and learning to be flexible.
Our favourite line of toys are the cooperative games by Peaceable Kingdom. Let us know which one is the fave in your house!
Games for Older Kids and Teens
Have an older kid or teenager on your list? We’ve found a few cool games that motivate our learners in the clinic. Hint: you’ll probably love these ones too!
