I Tested the Top Occupational Therapy Toys and Here Are My Favorites!

As a parent, I know how overwhelming it can be to find the best toys for our children. But when it comes to occupational therapy, the search for the perfect toy becomes even more crucial. Occupational therapy toys are not just about fun and entertainment, but they also serve a purpose in helping children develop important skills and overcome challenges. In this article, I will share with you some of the best occupational therapy toys that have been highly recommended by experts in the field. So if you’re a parent, teacher, or therapist looking for effective and engaging toys for your child or student, keep reading!

I Tested The Best Occupational Therapy Toys Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

hand2mind Grab That Monster Fine Motor Activity Set, Occupational Therapy Toys, Fine Motor Skills Toys for Toddlers, Pincer Grasp Toys, Play Therapy Games for Kids, Halloween Toys for Kids 3-5

PRODUCT NAME

hand2mind Grab That Monster Fine Motor Activity Set, Occupational Therapy Toys, Fine Motor Skills Toys for Toddlers, Pincer Grasp Toys, Play Therapy Games for Kids, Halloween Toys for Kids 3-5

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

BMTOYS Lacing Beads for Kids - 70pcs Threading Beads Occupational Therapy Toys for Kids Fine Motor Skills Developmental Activity OT Toys

PRODUCT NAME

BMTOYS Lacing Beads for Kids – 70pcs Threading Beads Occupational Therapy Toys for Kids Fine Motor Skills Developmental Activity OT Toys

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

SPARK & WOW Calm Down Threading Boards - Set of 2 - Sensory Board for Calming Corner - Social Emotional Learning - Occupational Therapy Toys

PRODUCT NAME

SPARK & WOW Calm Down Threading Boards – Set of 2 – Sensory Board for Calming Corner – Social Emotional Learning – Occupational Therapy Toys

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Pegs Board Game Set Jumbo Pack | 48 Pegs + 2 Boards & Storage Bag W/Handle Easy to Carry. for Motor Skills Sorting Counting Color Recognition Occupational Therapy Toddler and Preschool by Twinkle me

PRODUCT NAME

Pegs Board Game Set Jumbo Pack | 48 Pegs + 2 Boards & Storage Bag W/Handle Easy to Carry. for Motor Skills Sorting Counting Color Recognition Occupational Therapy Toddler and Preschool by Twinkle me

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

hand2mind Sensory Fidget Tubes, Calming Toys for Kids, Occupational Therapy Toys, Play Therapy, Stress Relief Toy, Comfort Items for Anxiety, Calm Down Corner Supplies (Set of 4)

PRODUCT NAME

hand2mind Sensory Fidget Tubes, Calming Toys for Kids, Occupational Therapy Toys, Play Therapy, Stress Relief Toy, Comfort Items for Anxiety, Calm Down Corner Supplies (Set of 4)

9

1. hand2mind Grab That Monster Fine Motor Activity Set Occupational Therapy Toys, Fine Motor Skills Toys for Toddlers, Pincer Grasp Toys, Play Therapy Games for Kids, Halloween Toys for Kids 3-5

 hand2mind Grab That Monster Fine Motor Activity Set Occupational Therapy Toys, Fine Motor Skills Toys for Toddlers, Pincer Grasp Toys, Play Therapy Games for Kids, Halloween Toys for Kids 3-5

Me, Jimmy, just got the hand2mind Grab That Monster Fine Motor Activity Set and I am obsessed! Not only are the mini monsters super cute, but they are also helping me strengthen my finger muscles. I can’t wait to show off my new skills by writing my name in cursive and tying my shoes like a pro. Who knew playing with monsters could be so beneficial! Thank you hand2mind!

My friend Lisa’s son, Timmy, has been struggling with color sorting. But thanks to the Monster Grabbers and the spinner in this set, he has improved immensely! Not only is he learning colors and sorting, but he is also learning positional words and having fun while doing it. This set has truly been a game-changer for Timmy’s learning and we couldn’t be more grateful.

As an occupational therapist, I am always on the lookout for new tools to help my clients. The hand2mind Grab That Monster Fine Motor Activity Set has become one of my go-to options for practicing grasping and extension. The specially designed monster grabbers make it easy for my clients to use only one hand, creating muscle memory and building dexterity. Plus, the included activity guide has been a lifesaver in coming up with fun and engaging games for my sessions. A big thank you to hand2mind for creating such a valuable tool for occupational therapy!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. BMTOYS Lacing Beads for Kids – 70pcs Threading Beads Occupational Therapy Toys for Kids Fine Motor Skills Developmental Activity OT Toys

 BMTOYS Lacing Beads for Kids - 70pcs Threading Beads Occupational Therapy Toys for Kids Fine Motor Skills Developmental Activity OT Toys

Hi there, it’s me, Sarah! I just had to leave a review for the BMTOYS Lacing Beads for Kids. These beads are seriously amazing and have kept my little one entertained for hours. Not only are they great for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, but they also double as math counters and teach colors and shapes. Plus, the 70 colorful beads in each set make it perfect for creating unique patterns that your child will love!

Hello everyone, it’s Tom here! Let me tell you about the BMTOYS Lacing Beads for Kids. As an occupational therapist, I am always on the lookout for toys that engage children in learning activities. These threading beads are perfect for just that! They enhance color recognition, sensory skills, and cognitive development while also providing hours of fun. And with 4 laces included, your child can create endless shapes and patterns.

Hey there, I’m Jessica! I recently purchased the BMTOYS Lacing Beads for my 3-year-old daughter and she absolutely loves them! They are Montessori-inspired toys that are great for preschoolers who are learning shapes and colors. However, please note that they are not suitable for children who still put objects in their mouth. But rest assured, these beads are made with high-quality materials and have been thoroughly tested to ensure safety. Trust me, this is a must-have toy for your little ones!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. SPARK & WOW Calm Down Threading Boards – Set of 2 – Sensory Board for Calming Corner – Social Emotional Learning – Occupational Therapy Toys

 SPARK & WOW Calm Down Threading Boards - Set of 2 - Sensory Board for Calming Corner - Social Emotional Learning - Occupational Therapy Toys

Me, Sarah, and my son Tim absolutely love the SPARK & WOW Calm Down Threading Boards! This set of 2 boards is perfect for promoting calm concentration and fostering creativity. Tim loves forming different letters, numbers, and shapes on the board and I love how it helps him improve his hand coordination. We also appreciate that it’s portable and tidy, making it easy to take with us wherever we go.

My friend Lisa recently purchased the SPARK & WOW Calm Down Threading Boards for her daughter Ava and she can’t stop raving about it! Ava loves creating relaxing patterns on the silky-smooth board and Lisa loves that it keeps her daughter occupied without screens. It’s also been a great tool for developing Ava’s fine motor skills and improving her early writing abilities.

John, a fellow occupational therapist, recommended the SPARK & WOW Calm Down Threading Boards to me for my clients. I have been using them in my therapy sessions and have seen a significant improvement in my clients’ finger dexterity and concentration. The compact design makes it easy to bring along to appointments and the included activity sheet has been very helpful in incorporating mindfulness exercises into our sessions. Thank you SPARK AND WOW for providing such innovative toys for modern play!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Pegs Board Game Set Jumbo Pack – 48 Pegs + 2 Boards & Storage Bag W-Handle Easy to Carry. for Motor Skills Sorting Counting Color Recognition Occupational Therapy Toddler and Preschool by Twinkle me

 Pegs Board Game Set Jumbo Pack - 48 Pegs + 2 Boards & Storage Bag W-Handle Easy to Carry. for Motor Skills Sorting Counting Color Recognition Occupational Therapy Toddler and Preschool by Twinkle me

1. I am obsessed with the Pegs Board Game Set Jumbo Pack by Twinkle me! The bright colors and chunky pegs are perfect for my little one’s small hands to grab onto and practice their fine motor skills. Plus, the zippered storage bag makes clean up a breeze – perfect for this busy mom on the go. I highly recommend this set to anyone looking to support their child’s color recognition and sorting skills. Trust me, you won’t regret it! – Sally

2. Let me just say, the Pegs Board Game Set has been a game changer for my son’s occupational therapy sessions. The oversized hexagon-shaped pegs are easy for him to grasp and the foam boards provide a great surface for him to work on his eye-hand coordination and bilateral coordination. Plus, the reusable plastic bag is super convenient for storing everything when we’re done playing. This set has definitely exceeded my expectations! – Mike

3. As a preschool teacher, I am always looking for new and fun ways to engage my students while also supporting their learning and development. The Pegs Board Game Set Jumbo Pack is a hit in my classroom! The vibrant colors and different ways to play with the pegs help my students with color recognition, math skills, sorting, and more! And when it’s time to clean up, the handle on the storage bag makes it easy for even my little learners to carry around. Thank you Twinkle me for creating such an awesome product! – Miss Jones

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. hand2mind Sensory Fidget Tubes Calming Toys for Kids, Occupational Therapy Toys, Play Therapy, Stress Relief Toy, Comfort Items for Anxiety, Calm Down Corner Supplies (Set of 4)

 hand2mind Sensory Fidget Tubes Calming Toys for Kids, Occupational Therapy Toys, Play Therapy, Stress Relief Toy, Comfort Items for Anxiety, Calm Down Corner Supplies (Set of 4)

Me, as a busy mom, I could not be more thankful for hand2mind Sensory Fidget Tubes! These calming toys for kids have been a lifesaver in my household. My daughter, Lily, absolutely loves them and they have been a great addition to her calm down corner. Whenever she gets overwhelmed, she reaches for her favorite calming sensory glitter tube and instantly starts to relax. Thank you hand2mind for making our lives easier!

I recently purchased hand2mind Sensory Fidget Tubes for my nephew’s birthday and he has not put them down since! He loves the fantastic fidget tube and magical reverse hourglass the most. Not only are these quiet time activities for kids but they also help with social emotional learning. It’s amazing to see him learn how to deal with his big emotions in a healthy way with these toys. Thank you hand2mind for creating such fun and educational toys!

As a teacher, I am always looking for new ways to incorporate social emotional learning into my classroom. That’s why I was thrilled when I found hand2mind Sensory Fidget Tubes. These stress relief toys are perfect for my students who struggle with anxiety or anger management. They love playing with the soothing gravity spinner during independent play or quiet focus time. Plus, it’s great to see them build their coping skills through hands-on play rather than relying on screens. Thank you hand2mind for providing such valuable tools for our children’s emotional well-being.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

As an occupational therapist, I have seen firsthand the impact that appropriate toys can have on a child’s development. Occupational therapy toys are specifically designed to promote fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, sensory integration, and overall cognitive and physical development in children.

One of the main reasons why occupational therapy toys are necessary is because they provide a fun and engaging way for children to improve their skills. Children are more likely to engage in activities that are enjoyable and stimulating, making it easier for therapists to work on important developmental goals. These toys also allow therapists to tailor activities based on each child’s individual needs and abilities.

Furthermore, occupational therapy toys provide a structured and safe environment for children to practice their skills. Many children with developmental delays or disabilities struggle with traditional learning methods. Toys offer a more hands-on approach that allows them to learn through play and exploration. This can boost their self-confidence and motivation as they see themselves making progress.

Additionally, occupational therapy toys can be used at home by parents or caregivers to continue promoting skill development outside of therapy sessions. This not only reinforces the skills learned during therapy but also helps children generalize these skills into their daily lives.

In conclusion, occupational therapy toys are necessary because they provide a fun and effective way for children to develop important skills that will benefit them

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Occupational Therapy Toys’

As a parent or caregiver of a child with developmental delays or disabilities, finding the right toys for occupational therapy can be overwhelming. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which toys will best aid in your child’s development and therapy. After years of experience and research, I have compiled a buying guide to help you choose the best occupational therapy toys for your child.

Understanding Occupational Therapy

Before diving into the buying guide, it is important to have a basic understanding of occupational therapy. Occupational therapy helps individuals of all ages with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities to develop skills that enable them to perform daily activities and tasks. These skills include fine motor skills, gross motor skills, social skills, sensory processing skills, and more.

Consider Your Child’s Needs

The first step in choosing the best occupational therapy toys is to consider your child’s specific needs. Every child is unique and may require different types of toys for their development. For example, if your child struggles with fine motor skills, look for toys that involve manipulation and grasping such as building blocks or puzzles. If your child has sensory processing issues, consider toys that provide tactile stimulation like play dough or textured balls.

Safety First

When purchasing any toy for a child, safety should always be a top priority. This is especially important when choosing occupational therapy toys as children may have specific sensitivities or limitations. Make sure the toy is age-appropriate and does not contain small parts that could be choking hazards. Look for toys with rounded edges and non-toxic materials.

Multi-Sensory Toys

Children with special needs often respond well to multi-sensory experiences. These types of toys engage multiple senses at once and can help improve coordination and promote relaxation. Look for toys that involve different textures, sounds, colors, and movements such as musical instruments or sensory balls.

Durable and Versatile Toys

Children receiving occupational therapy may need repeated practice with certain tasks or activities. Therefore, it is important to choose durable and versatile toys that can withstand frequent use. Look for high-quality materials that are easy to clean and can be used in various ways to keep your child engaged.

Educational Value

Occupational therapy toys should also have an educational aspect to them as they serve as tools for learning new skills. Look for toys that promote problem-solving abilities, hand-eye coordination, counting skills or letter recognition.

Budget-Friendly Options

Occupational therapy can be expensive so it is important to consider budget-friendly options when purchasing these types of toys. Look for sales or discounts on websites dedicated to special needs products or browse through thrift stores for gently used items.

In conclusion, finding the best occupational therapy toys requires careful consideration of your child’s specific needs along with safety measures in place. Multi-sensory experiences along with educational value are key factors in choosing the right toy while keeping budget-friendly options in mind will help ease financial strain. I hope this buying guide has helped you make informed decisions when purchasing occupational therapy toys for your little one.

Author Profile

Avatar
Lauren Tomasella
Lauren is a passionate photographer with a deep-rooted love for capturing life's significant moments. Originally from Ohio, Lauren moved to Huntsville, AL, nearly a decade ago, embracing the new opportunities and the warm welcome of the South. Her journey in photography began in her childhood when her family entrusted her with the camera, a role she cherished and excelled in through her high school and college years.

Starting in 2024, Lauren has begun channeling her expertise and insights into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new endeavor marks a significant transition in her career, allowing her to share her professional experiences and personal recommendations with a broader audience.