Key Takeaways
- Toys can build language when you play together.
- Cause-and-effect, turn-taking, sensory, building and pretend play toys each target different skills.
- Label actions, model short phrases and expand on your child’s words while you play.
Perfect for the Holidays!
Help your child develop their language skills through play! Here’s a list of toys categorized by the type of play they promote, along with tips for using them to enhance speech and communication.
Cause and Effect Toys
Toys that teach action and reaction.
GIFT IDEAS
Pop-Up Toys (e.g., animals that pop out when a button is pressed)
Musical Instruments (e.g., tambourines, maracas)
Bubble Machines
Balloon Pump
Ball Popper
HOW TO USE
Label actions like “press,” “pop,” “on,” or “off.”
Use simple phrases like “Push the button!” or “More bubbles?”
Encourage joint attention by pausing and waiting for your child to request help or say “again.”
Turn-Taking Toys and Games
Toys that encourage social interaction.
GIFT IDEAS
Board Games (Jumping Jack, Banana Blast)
Building Blocks
Hedgehog
Ball Games (rolling or tossing)
HOW TO USE
Model phrases like “My turn,” “Your turn,” or “I go.”
Use games to teach patience and following directions.
Celebrate successes with language like “You did it!” or “Nice try!”
Sensory Play Toys
Toys that engage touch, sight, and sound.
GIFT IDEAS
Kinetic Sand or Slime Kits
Play Doh
Fidget Toys
Musical or Textured Books
Sensory Bins (filled with rice or beans)
HOW TO USE
Label sensory experiences like “squishy,” “soft,” or “wet.”
Encourage exploration with action words like “pour,” “mix,” or “find.”
Use sensory activities for calming breaks paired with simple language.
Building and Construction Toys
Toys that promote problem-solving and descriptive language.
GIFT IDEAS
Magnetic Tiles
Lego Sets
Marble Runs
Play-Doh Sets
Train Tracks or Cars
HOW TO USE
Label colors, shapes, and actions (e.g., “stack,” “roll”).
Teach positional words like “on top,” “next to,” or “under.”
Encourage sequencing language: “First, we build the bridge. Then, the car goes over it.”
Pretend Play Toys
Toys that foster imagination and storytelling.
GIFT IDEAS
Play Kitchens and Food Sets
Dollhouses or Figurines
Vehicles
Toy Doctor/Dentist Kits
Toolkits
HOW TO USE
Create scenarios like “Let’s cook dinner!” or “Time to fix the car!”
Expand on your child’s phrases. If they say, “Car,” you can say, “Yes, the car is broken. Let’s fix it!”
Practice social phrases like “Hello!” or “Can I have some, please?”
Pro Tip for Families:
No matter the toy, play together! Turn playtime into an opportunity to model language, ask questions, and celebrate every word and sound your child makes.
Related reading: 5 Core Vocabulary-Loaded Books to Enhance Speech and Language and Speech and Language Tips for the Holidays
How GentleCare can help: Learn more about our Speech Therapy services, or visit our Enrollment page to get started.
Supporting families in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Camden, Mount Laurel, Gloucester, Deptford, Burlington, Marlton and throughout Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties. We’re currently enrolling! Contact us to learn more and to get started.
