2018 Holiday Shopping Guide – Toys To Promote Vision and Support Vision Loss
“What should I get them???”
As therapists we hear this all the time.
You know what else we hear often?
“My kids don’t really play with toys.”
Here’s our 2 cents on this as professionals who believe in the power of play. We all play. All mammals. No matter how old. We were designed for play. It’s the best form of stress release. It recharges creative pathways. And most importantly, it brings JOY.
Sometimes as parents the hardest part is finding the right toy for the right kid (or adult). But we believe Santa has the perfect one for everyone 
.
So here’s what we’ve done this week.
We’ve made our lists and we’ve checked them twice.
We added toys we have in our homes. Toys we’ve learned about in patient’s homes. Toys recommended by therapists around the globe. And toys that span a large range of interests and prices. Remember that toys and interest vary by age, so something on another list may really interest a child even if it is not included on the list for your child’s particular age.
We’ve given suggestions by age but here we are sharing some of our favorite VISION toys! Toys on this list include items that we or other therapist like using in children who have vision loss and/or are working to strengthen their visual abilities with conditions such as CVI. Just like kids, vision and visual abilities are very unique, so please consult with your child’s vision specialist, but here are some great ideas to try. Here’s our picks for this group this year!
Dimpl Duo –
This sensory toy gets rave reviews. We love that it strengthens fine motor muscles and includes braille for early learners.
Baby Sees Colors Book-
Love this high contrast book including colors baby sees best early on.
Mini Rainmaker-
With simple activation of a soothly sound with touch, this is an easy choice.
Shakin Eggs-
Easy cause and effect toy with simple movements. Great for practicing imitation.
Orange Slinky-
Versatile for draping over just about anything, and in a color motivating to many with vision challenges, slinky is fun for grabbing and batting at.
Hearth Song Light Up Shoe Strings-
We love the fact that these illuminate feet to enhance motor skills with a highlighter for vision!
Heart Songs Liquid Color Tiles
While an investment as a set, these are sold individually and could be illuminated from behind for motivation for movement and exploring!
Rocket Tent-
Sometimes closing off the clutter of the world outside helps us see the beauty of the things we bring in…and tents like this fun one are a simple way to do just that.
Koosh Ball-
Easy to grab, easier to see, even more easy to play.
Mirror-
Babies loves to look at faces and what cuter one than their own!
Red Rope Lights-
These are a staple for any vision specialist and they can be used in a variety of ways to motivate play and illuminate a child’s day.
Red Pom Pom-
Shiny, textured, with a fun sound to touch. We are giving a cheer for this!
Speaker With Light Show-
Bring the vision party to any room with this great speaker.
** Do not use with children with seizure disorder without discussing with physician first.