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2021 Holiday Shopping Guide

A curated selection of items that stimulate and support speech and language development.



 


The Countdown Is On!


2 months until Christmas

34 days until Hanukkah


If you haven't started shopping, now is the time, especially if you need items shipped! Between stocking issues and delays with shipping, it seems the days of getting last minute gifts may be few and far between. But fear not! I've created a list of top items that are sure to not only stimulate and support speech and language development for your child, but also spark their interest for hours of play to come!



 

How Was The List Created?


When I create this annual list, I look for toys and activities that check off the following requirements:

  1. Encourages use of speech and language skills

  2. Has opportunities for turn-taking in either play and/or conversation

  3. Encourages a child to use their imagination and allows them to get creative

  4. Is fairly priced

This year, I'm keeping the list simple and organizing gift based on areas of speech and language. For an in-depth list, I've included a link to my 2020 Holiday Shopping Guide, which includes an ultimate list of goodies for you to explore!



Articulation (Speech Sounds)


Targeting speech sounds at home can be overwhelming, but fret not! Below is a list that includes items that make keeping track of trials fun and engaging. I added a link to Bjorem Speech Sound Cards for either fellow SLPs or parents who have used them in sessions with their SLPs. Remember that the key to articulation therapy is modeling clear articulation!


Language (Expressive and Receptive)


If you have been following me for a while you know that books are my favorite gift. They are also my favorite way to target language goals. Check out my list on Amazon for several book options.


Some ways to use books to target language:

  1. Identifying pictures - label the picture and have your child point to it

  2. Talk about what the pictures are - label them

  3. Describe using your 5 senses - what do you see, what might you hear, smell, or touch if you saw it in real life.

  4. Connect what you see to real life experiences. Have a farm scene in the book? Reminisce about when you went to the farm or talk about how you're going there!

Pretend play is another excellent way to target language development. You can target:

  1. Following directions

  2. Labeling

  3. Spatial concepts (in, on, under, next to, etc.)

  4. Temporal concepts (before, after, first, next, etc.)

  5. Describing (use your 5 senses to talk about color, shape, size, texture, smell, etc.)

Gift suggestions for language:


Pragmatics


Pragmatics, or social language, can be targeting by all sorts of play, but especially with board games and activities. You can practice abstract language (humor, sarcasm), turn-taking, perspective taking, predicting, and inferencing.


Stuttering


Some ideas for stuttering include a journal for jotting down thoughts and reflecting on feelings towards stuttering. Journaling can also help with reflecting on progress towards ones' own goals. Check out some of the books below written by people who stutter.


Voice

Check out my Amazon list for gift ideas related to voice. Some items on the list are water bottles, reusable straws, and a vocal mist humidifier.


Feeding/Swallowing


I highly recommend consulting with your SLP regarding specific items for feeding and swallowing. The following can help with sensory needs. The play food is also an option to get familiar with different foods during play.


Cognition


When I think about cognitive communication, not only do I think about attention and memory skills, but I also think about logic games. STEAM toys are perfect for this area.


Literacy


Language and literacy games are the perfect way to get your little one on the path towards reading and writing.


Crate and Kids


Not a toy, but a great site for those of you who do not have a budget in mind. Crate and Kids has a huge selection of toys. It is a pretend play dream! They also appear to have minimal plastic in their toys.


 

Toy Stores in Fairfield County


Check out the following toy stores for your shopping needs and to support local!


 


Don't forget to check out my additional Amazon Lists!


 

DISCLAIMER:


  • COMMUNICATE ANEW HAS NO AFFILIATION WITH THE AFOREMENTIONED COMPANIES OR WEBSITES.

  • THIS LIST IS SOLELY FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND BASED ON PROFESSIONAL OPINION AND EXPERIENCE ONLY.

  • ALL ITEMS ARE RECOMMENDATIONS.

  • USING ANY ITEM ON THIS LIST DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT YOUR CHILD WILL START SPEAKING ON THEIR OWN, NOR DOES IT REPLACE THE PROFESSIONAL OPINION AND RECOMMENDATION OF YOUR OWN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST.

  • IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS REGARDING YOUR CHILD'S SPEECH AND LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT, CONSULT WITH A LICENSED SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST.

  • PLEASE USE YOUR DISCRETION WHEN PURCHASING GIFTS AND CONSIDER THE AGE OF THE PERSON YOU ARE SHOPPING FOR.

  • NO TOY OR ACTIVITY CAN REPLACE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONE.


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©2019-2024 by Communicate Anew LLC

Newtown, CT 06482

Information shared on this website is for the sole purpose of education and should no be used as medical advice. For specific medical advice, please speak with a health care provider in your area.

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