2015 Gift Guide

Are you looking for a gift for a child who struggles with gross motor skills?  Look no farther!

Rody

Rody is a fun alternative to a peanut ball for working on balance skills and trunk/leg strengthening.  His legs offer more stability and his ears are a handy place for kids to hold on while they bounce.  Not only is Rody super cute, but they come in all kinds of fun colors. 




Teeter Popper

This toy is similar to a standard rocker or balance board, but with one fun feature -- it's suction cup bottom provides great auditory feedback!  The suction cups also provide a bit more stability for those who struggle with their balance.  WARNING:  This may not be the best choice for those who are sensitive to sound.  For them, try a standard rocker board.

Wobble Deck

For a different type of challenge, try the Wobble Deck.  By playing one of its 3 games, kids' balance is challenged even further.  Because it moves in multiple planes, this toy is more appropriate for kids 4 and up with good balance.

Magic Moves Electronic Wand

Not only does this toy encourage movement, but it also helps kids to follow simple commands.  Kids will move like animals, dance, or freeze -- perfect for motor group activities, as well!

Cat in the Hat "I Can Do That!" Game

This is a quieter option to encourage movement and following directions.  Some of the activities are quite silly, which just makes them more fun!  It also comes in a smaller card game version.

Twister Moves

This is another fun game to encourage gross motor skills, balance, and following directions.  The CD will instruct players to step on the colored circles to dance along with the music.  It's a bit fast-paced, so it may frustrate beginners.  And because the instructions ask the players to step on certain colors, it may be difficult for those with visual impairments.

Hopscotch Rug

This is a way to bring hopscotch indoors during inclement weather and to add some cute decor to your home at the same time.  These are a fun way to learn numbers, sequencing, counting forwards and backwards, jumping, and hopping.

Bean Bags

Bean bags are a painless way to learn throwing and catching.  Throw them into a bucket, play corn hole, throw them into hula hoops laid on the ground or taped to the wall, try to strike a target -- the possibilities are endless.  And as a bonus, they come in really cute colors and shapes that can add to the learning by teaching colors and letters.  "Throw the bean bag with the letter A."  "Catch the green frog!"

2011 GIFT GUIDE - Gifts for Preschoolers

Preschoolers are such a fun group of kids to work with because their emerging language, cognitive, and social skills make it easier to play structured games and to teach them more advanced motor skills.  Here are some gift ideas for the special preschool-aged kids in your life who may need a little help with their gross motor skills:


Tricycle


A tricycle is always a milestone gift, so if you're not the child's parent, please ask if you can buy one.  Parents may be cherishing the special moment when they give their child their first tricycle and it would be a bummer to deny them that joy.


That being said, tricycles are great for strengthening, balance, coordination, and following directions.  My favorite is the Kettler.  They have many different colors and options, but all of them are very sturdily built and the push handle is very useful when teaching a kiddo how to propel the tricycle.  Kettlers cost a bit more than popular brands like Radio Flyer, but the quality is worth the price, especially if multiple kids will be using it.

Basketball Hoop


Basketball hoops are fun in general, but they also help kids learn to throw underhand, to throw with accuracy, and to tiptoe and jump to slam dunk.  We have the Fisher-Price Give Me Five Sports Center, which includes basketball, hockey, soccer, football, and baseball.  It may be discontinued, which is unfortunate because it's a great toy that "grows" with your child.  There are several kids' basketball hoops on the market, however, so you'll be able to find a suitable one.

Soccer Net


Soccer drills are a great way to help kids practice balance and kicking with accuracy.  You can make a goal out of something as simple as two plastic cups or cones, or you can get something like the Talk To Me Soccer Set, which gives auditory feedback when a child scores a goal.

From Head to Toe Game


Other than being just plain cute, this game is a fun way to help kids practice body awareness and balance as they stomp like elephants, wave their arms like monkeys, and bend like giraffes.

Trampoline with Support Bar

If your child is having difficulty jumping, try one of these fun trampolines!  The support bar allows children to bear some weight through their upper extremities so their lower extremities don't have to work so hard.  The bar also helps them to maintain balance.  These are also great for children who seek the sensory input from jumping and the bar will help them to remain safe and in control as they bounce.

Before shopping, don't forget to consider the trampoline's weight limits.  Some models also have removable bars.

This trampoline from Urban Rebouding is designed for adults, so it has a larger weight capacity.  The support bar is removable, but it a bit high for young children.  Another great feature is that the legs fold inward so that it stores flat.

2011 GIFT GUIDE - Gifts for New and Expectant Parents

As a parent, I want to start off by encouraging people to buy off the expectant parents' registry!  You never know what people already own and they typically register for things that they truly want and need.  That being said, if you need an idea for a gift, or want to know which registry item to buy, here are some ideas:

The Biddy Belly

I reviewed this product in October and think it would make a cute gift that is both fun for baby and may give mom and dad some peace of mind.

Bebepod


There are a couple of seats like this on the market, but I personally like the Prince Lionheart Bebepod;the best.  It's easy to clean and can also be used for feeding if you don't have room for a high chair.  An added bonus: on the days when baby will not let mommy shower, it's easy to pop baby in the Bebepod and take a shower together!  (I do this frequently with my very attached 8-month-old)  The seat is not as contoured as the Bumbo Baby Seat, so it encourages baby to use his/her own muscles to sit up.  Remember, baby should always be supervised in the Bebepod and it should NEVER be put up on a table where baby can fall.

Baby Carriers


I will preface this by saying please do not buy a forward-facing baby carrier!  It is not a natural position and creates poor body mechanics for both baby and parent. 


Good carriers to try are slings and soft structured carriers.  My favorite sling is the Hotslings Designer Pouch Style Baby Carrierbecause it's made of sturdy material and has a padded rail for baby's thighs.  Hotslings come sized, so you may need mom's measurements in order to get a perfect fit!  Other slings to consider are the Peanut Shell Baby Sling;and the Peanut Shell Adjustable Sling, whose material is a bit stretchier than the Hotsling.  If you're looking for a more affordable option, you can consider a Seven Sling, though the material is thinner than the Hotsling's.

 

As for soft-structured carriers, I am partial to mei tais myself, but also like the Ergo Baby Carrier, Beco Baby Carrier, and Boba Classic Baby Carrier.  All of these can be used for both front- and back-carry positions.  Mei Tais are Asian-inspired carriers that are tied on.  It looks a bit tricky, but it's easy once you've done it a couple of times.  Baby rests against the parent in a natural position and because they tie on, anyone can use it without having to make adjustments to the straps.  If you're looking to save money, the Infantino Ecosash Baby Carrier is a nice alternative and it is similar to both a Mei Tai and a soft structured carrier.

Over the Shoulder Bag

I admit, this isn't really something to help with a child's development, but Mom will have better body mechanics while carrying it because its weight is distributed across the body.  Plus, it can also be a real lifesaver when struggling to carry around a baby, a baby carrier, a diaper bag, and your purse.   Thirty-One Gifts carries a cute one called the Pop Crossbody for $49, the smaller version is the Organizing Shoulder Bag for $42.  If you need to carry larger items, try their Messenger Bag for $98.  I like Thirty-One's products because they are well-made, have cute prints and patterns, and can be personalized.

Pop Crossbody Purse

Organizing Shoulder Bag

Messenger Bag

Because it can be carried hands-free and cannot slip off of my shoulder while reaching, this type of purse is the only kind I will carry when I'm out and about with my kids!





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I hope that this installment of my 2011 Gift Guide comes in handy for you!  Next week, look for my guide on gifts for infants.