It’s that time of year! If you’re looking for Christmas present inspiration for your child or a family member, look no further. In this blog, we cover 16 present options that are suitable for toddlers all the way up to teens that are OT approved! Our OTs have specifically picked presents that are fun but also help develop key skills such as fine motor, sensory processing, turn-taking and more.
Plus, all of these are under $50 and available to buy locally!
Let’s get started:
Creativity For Kids Sensory Bin – $39.99
Save the time on DIY-ing with this Outer Space themed Sensory Bin. With a bean base (not sand), it’s packed full of different items with all shapes, sizes and texture, it even comes with tongs and scoops to get those little hands moving. Plus, some bits glow in the dark! The bin is fully resealable for no mess and easy storage. Suitable for ages 2 – 6 years old.
Skills targeted: fine motor, finger dexterity, visual and tactile inputs.
Spot It Card Game – $17.00
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/spot-it-card-game-42817949/
This fast-paced card game (suitable for multiple players) challenges children to find the one matching symbol across two cards with eight different symbols! With 55 different cards, the combinations are endless. Suitable for ages 4+
Skills targeted: visual perception, attention and processing speed.
Pop-Up Game (T-Rex, Bluey or Pirate) – $19.95
https://www.bigw.com.au/product/tomy-pop-up-jurassic-t-rex-game/p/9901254243
In this game, players take turns sliding pieces into a trigger-set barrel. The aim? If nothing happens, you’re safe, but you need to add as many pieces as you can before the character pops out! This is a game of precision, patience and pops! Suitable for ages 4+
Bluey version and Pirate Version available from Big W
Skills targeted: fine motor, visual-motor control, turn taking and impulse control.
Tabletop Football – $15.00
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/tabletop-football-43545506/
Who doesn’t love an old classic? This miniature foosball table sits right on top of any table or desk, forming a perfect two player pitch for your child to test their skills. And when you’re done playing, it packs away nicely. Suitable for ages 4+
Skills targeted: fine motor skills, bilateral coordination, social interaction and winning/losing.
Some classics:
Make your Own Charms & Jewellery Kit – $16.00
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/make-your-own-charms-and-beads-necklace-and-bracelets-set-43261321/
Get those fine motor skills moving with this DIY bead and charm jewellery making kit. It comes with everything they need to build over 40 bracelets, necklaces and key rings while building strength. Suitable for ages 5+.
Skills targeted: fine motor skills, bilateral coordination, planning and visual-motor skills.
Hot Wheels Double Loop Playset – $39.00
Feel the need for speed when you launch a Hot Wheels car down the straight and over the double loop! But don’t go too fast or you’ll spin off the track, you’ve got to get the power just right. This set is for two players but can be reassembled in single-player mode for one really long track. Plus, everything folds up in a couple of easy steps for storage and on-the-go fun. Suitable for ages 4+.
Skills targeted: fine motor skills, winning and losing, turn-taking and emotional regulation.
In my Heart: A Book of Feelings – $14.00
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/in-my-heart-a-book-of-feelings-by-jo-witek-42937623/
In My Heart explores emotions – happiness, sadness, bravery, anger, shyness and more. Unlike other feelings books that tend to oversimplify, In My Heart lyrically explains what an emotion feels like, physically, inside but in a way the child can understand. Suitable for ages 5+
No physical skills here, but it explains what a child may be feeling in ways they can relate to which can help emotional regulation and processing.
Pop the Pig – $25.00
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/pop-the-pig-42503835/
A fun game to play with your little ones! Give the spinner a rip, chuck a hamburger into the pig’s open mouth and pump the head! The more you pump, the larger the pig’s belly grows. Suitable for ages 4+
Skills targeted: Turn taking, Cause and Effect, Colour matching and Fine motor.
Ideas for the little ones:
That’s not my Koala Book – $8.00
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/thats-not-my-koala-by-fiona-watt-book-42953906/
Little ones will love touching the textured patches as they meet lots of adorable koalas. The bright pictures and textures to stroke are designed to help develop sensory and language awareness. Suitable for ages 1+
Skills targeted: sensory exploration, early emotion development and literacy.
2-in-1 Magnetic Farm Set with Blackboard – $15.00
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/2-in-1-magnetic-and-blackboard-set-42820901/
This 2-in-1 magnetic and blackboard set can be used to play and learn! The magnetic farm scene comes with animals, machinery and trees to be placed on the background. The flipside of the board is a simple blackboard for drawing and writing. Suitable for ages 2+
Skills targeted: fine motor, visual motor, finger dexterity.
Animal Lift and Reveal Wooden Board – $10.00
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/wooden-lift-and-reveal-board-43264971/
Let your little one lift the pieces to reveal the hidden animal. Help teach them the animal names, their shapes and their habitats. All while improving their fine motor skills and cognitive thinking. Suitable for ages 2+
Skills targeted: fine motor skills, cognitive thinking, tactile skills.
Magnetic Fishing Set – $16.00
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/wooden-fishing-set-42882220/
Simulate their imagination while they learn and refine their skills! This wooden and magnetic fishing set comes with two rods that have magnetic tips. The child has to use the precision to attach the rod to wooden animals, treasure and more under-the-sea themed items! Suitable for ages 3+
Skills targeted: fine motor, concentration, cognitive thinking.
Sensory Tile – $22.00
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/sensory-tile-blue-43582341/
Spark curiosity and develop sensory skills with this engaging Sensory Tile! Designed to encourage touch and visual exploration, it helps boost focus and tactile learning. Buy multiple tiles to make obstacle course. Suitable for ages 2+.
Skills targeted: sensory play, visual input, tactile exploration.
Some for the older kids:
BUildzi Building Game – $44.95
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/carma-games-buildzi-building-game-110013047/
Take construction, problem-solving and balance to a whole new level with this more-difficult tower building game. Race the clock as you build a new design. A great game to challenge yourself or turn it into a friendly competition. Suitable for ages 6+
Skills targeted: concentration, pattern recognition, fine motor skills.
Air-dry Clay Kit $10.00
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/craft-maker-air-dry-clay-kit-43248315/
Develop those fine motor skills while making something useful for their bedroom or the home with this air-dry clay kit! This kit contains everything you need to create little plates, candle holders, bowls and more (including a project book, instructions and paints! Suitable for ages 7+
Skills targeted: fine motor skills, attention to detail, patience.
Beginner Crochet Kits – Animals $10.00
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/craft-maker-cute-crochet-kit-43351374/
Bring aussie creatures to life with this crochet kit. Follow the step-by-step guide to create a furry friend at your own pace. It’s a great way to entertain older kids in front of the TV to minimise double-screen usage or to help them unwind and reset. Suitable for ages 8+
Skills targeted: fine motor skills, patience, attention span, self-regulation.
If you’re looking for a specific present that aligns with your child’s current OT goals, don’t be afraid to ask your OT! They’ll provide you a list of OT approved Christmas gifts suitable and tailored to your child.
Need some additional help or think your child may benefit from occupational therapy? 📞 Call us on (02) 9913 3823 or email hello@occupationaltherapy.com.au
