The abundance of options for young children today offers exciting, but potentially intimidating opportunities to choose gifts that truly inspire learning and imagination. At Rice's School Literacy and Culture, we pride ourselves on ensuring that what we offer young learners is grounded in research and supports their development, creativity and play.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy and research. In a 2019 post by Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., also known as “Dr. Toy,” she stated, “children need to read from books, hear stories read aloud, and also draw, write creatively, and play with many different kinds of products (paper, clay, art supplies, puzzles, blocks, dolls, soft toys like puppets, musical instruments, and many others) for optimal learning and for their own enjoyment. Electronic toys, regardless of how many bells and whistles and gadgetry, should not ever replace the experience of reading a book, enjoying a story, playing with real objects, and creating with their hands, whether finger painting or building a tower of blocks.”

Guided by these recommendations, we’ve curated a selection of thoughtful gift options to inspire meaningful, play-based choices this season. Click on each image for more details.

Glitter Magnetic Tiles (Age: 3+)

Magnetic tiles offer children the opportunity to build, explore and improve motor skills. The second option offers a smaller kit that is portable and can be a great alternative to screen time over dinners or while out with your children.

Tempera Washable Sticks (Age: 3+)

Creative activities, such as making something from recycled cardboard, can be both entertaining and beneficial. Not only will kids get to design, but you can also extend these activities by combining a storytelling element or activity. These washable paint sticks are bright and easy to use.

Storytelling Sets

Choose a book for your child to read and give it to them with props, allowing them to retell the story with you. The storybook set props can be created using cardboard, felt boards or natural materials found at home.

LEGO StoryTales (Age: 4+)

Children can engage in imaginative storytelling to practice early literacy and communication skills through collaboration. This storytelling set can support young kids in using their creativity while developing effective communication and narrative skills.

Lakeshore Create-A-Scene Felt Board Series (Age 3+)

Improving Gross and Fine Motor Skills

While many solutions must come from broader policy changes, it’s important for educators to develop meaningful ways to care for themselves. We’ve rounded up some helpful strategies that are rooted in research and recommended by real-world educators.

Active Play (Age varies by product)

Active play, where kids are jumping, skipping, kicking a ball and throwing, can all improve balance and coordination. Playgrounds, balls, swings, trampolines and bicycles can all support play and gross motor skills for young children.

Pretend Play Sets (Age varies by product)

Toy doctor’s kit, grocery store and kitchen, or construction — all foster vocabulary, empathy, and social play. In addition to creativity and exploration, children will improve fine motor skills by working with their hands.

Creative gifts (Age varies by product)

We understand gifts can often be expensive, but there are many ways to be creative when it comes to supporting play with children. Things like creating a writing basket can be more cost-effective, and kids can take these with them on experiences like nature walks or when exploring outside. This can also stimulate self-expression, allowing for a variety of writing utensils and mediums, such as crayons, markers, watercolors, cardboard and tape.

Read more about toys for young children based on their developmental stages and age.

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