Are you wondering what to buy for a 16-24 -month-old this holiday? Let us make it easy for you! As Speech-Language Pathologists, we are often asked what toys to buy to target speech and language through play. We decided to put a list together so that parents will have the right toys to encourage language development this holiday season. We want to help YOU! Please enjoy this free holiday gift guide download.
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We know there are so many options out there! Remember that you can target speech and language with almost anything just remember to keep it FUN. Here are the 5 things we recommend for your 16-24-month-old.
16-24 months children should begin to or continue:
- Imitating words
- Making requests
- Walks without assistance
- Uses pull toys
- Has a growing receptive vocabulary
Toys that are appropriate are for 16-24 month olds:
- Toy housekeeping tools
- Dolls
- Play Dough
- Push or Pull toys
- Ride-on Toys
1. FatBrain Spin Again
I can vouch for the fun factor in this toy. Requesting, making choices, simple naming, basic concepts. Target so much with this engaging toy. Target fun first words like, up, on, go, weeee, more and down.
2. Little People Farm
Although this tried and true classic toy has changed over the years it is a staple of most speech therapy toy closets. A great introduction to pretend play for little chubby hands. Target so many language goals: vocabulary, spatial concepts, sound imitation to name a few. This toy is a big hit with the littles in my life.
3. Push Toys -Dump Truck
Trucks and cars are highly motiviating and engaging for kid of this age. Put things in and dump them out. Hours of fun and fine motor and speech practice. Fantastic for indoor our ourdoor play. This brand is also eco friendly and the toys are made from 100% post consumer plastics. They are extremely durable. My boys have a dump tuck that has lived outside in the Florida sun through many an adventure with out fading or getting a flat tire.
4. Play Kitchen
Toddlers love to do what they see the adults in their life do. A play kitchen is a perfect place for kids to play. Lots of vocabulary, sequencing, basic concepts, and fun. This is also a toy with evolving uses as the kids get older. An excellent investment for years of fun.
5. Piggy Bank Toy
Practice fine motor skills, requesting, simple vocabulary in, out, open, closed. Play all sorts of games with this toy: hide the coins, count the coins, and sing along with the piggy. This is also a fan favorite in the clinic. No, really we have two!
We hope that this list is helpful to you! Find the free download for the 5 gifts we recommend for your 16-24 month old below. Send it to family members to make their lives easier this year! What toys are YOUR favorite for your 16-24 month-old? Please share so we can add it to our list. For other ages check out our gift lists for 12-15 months, 2-3 years, 3-4 years, and 4-5 years.