December 2006 - Holiday Gifts | TRIS Project | SIU

Holiday Gifts

With the holiday season quickly approaching, TRIS is offering information on adaptive toys and games in order to help you this gift-giving season.
Play is an important part of every child's development. Through play a child learns to control and interact with his or her physical environment, interact with others, and develop self-esteem.

There are manufactures that have developed lists of suggested toys such as Toys R Us that provide all children learning opportunities during play. Another great place to look is on EBay. An great idea would be to do your homework on some of the sites provided, find the toys you want to purchase, and then see if you can find a ‘gently used’ one on EBay for a lot less than retail prices.

TRIS has divided information about adaptive toys into three price ranges to assist you in your choices.

Toys and games under $25

Toys and games under $25 that focus on auditory, fine motor, gross motor, visual, and tactile are easy to find online or in catalogs. Examples of tactile toys for children are the Bounce and Giggle Animals by Beyond Play priced at $14.95 and Spinning Balls Top also by Beyond Play priced at $14.95. If you are looking for a toy that encourages auditory, fine motor, tactile, gross motor, visual and language skills try the Discovery Ball by LeapFrog priced at $19.99.

Toys and games up to $50

If your budget allows for up to $50, consider the Musical Hands Mat by Beyond Play priced at $29.95. This toy allows children to listen to different melodies as buttons are pressed and is a great toy for developing sensory and auditory skills. Another option is the Double-Sided Activity Center that can be attached to a wheelchair or crib, or positioned on the floor. This toy promotes fine motor skills and cognitive development. It is priced at $39.95 at Beyond Play.

Toys and Games over $50

There are also many adaptive toys over $50. If your child likes to music, then the Nuerosmith Together Tunes Block is a great toy. Priced at $63.00, this toy is an oversized fabric block that begins to sings as soon as your child turns it on its side. To find more information about ordering the Tunes Block, visit Small World Toys.

The Flying Colors Basic Finger Fascination is great for all children and allows a for sensory stimulation. It is priced at $92.95 and can be ordered from FLAGHOUSE.

The Busy Box is a toy that provides stimulation and finger isolation. With the touch of a button, the Busy Box lights up, vibrates, gives off a gentle breeze, or sings. Priced at $157.95, you can find ordering information at Enabling Devices.

Also look at the Soft Frame Bubble Mirror which creates multiple images plus changes of shape and sizes and available at Beyond Play, it is priced at $189.00.