Our editors independently selected these items because we think you will enjoy them and might like them at these prices. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY .

“On your mark … Get set … Go!"

I cheer in delight and crash the toy car into the paper blocks. Today, the child I am working with learned to respond to fill-in-the-blank statements and improve his language skills using simple toys and lots of energy.

As a behavior analyst, my daily life consists of treating children with autism spectrum disorders and then coming home and implementing similar practices with my own children. I use the same toys in the same way. Why? Because all kids like to have fun while they are learning. The challenge lies in finding developmentally appropriate toys and creating opportunities for learning and play.

An even bigger challenge? Finding non-electronic toys that will also yield great benefits for early learners. Toys are only as fun as we make them, so bringing them to life adds to the learning experience. Here are our top 10 toys that are effective in both therapy and at home for children of all abilities.

When we release our 2019 gift guides, we make sure all prices are current. But prices change frequently, so there’s a chance the prices are now different than they were the day of publication.

Age Range: 2+

Skill: Fine Motor, Expressive and Receptive Language

Pro Tip: Have the learner find their body part before putting it on the toy.

Age Range: 3+

Skill: Fine Motor and Visual Perception

Pro Tip: Label each item they paint to increase expressive language.

Age Range: 3+

Skill: Fine Motor, Receptive Language, Math

Pro Tip: Have the learner touch each animal inside the door to practice counting.

Stuff We Love Get a daily roundup of items that will make your life easier, healthier and more stylish. This site is protected by recaptcha

Age Range: 3+

Skill: Following instructions, Attending skills, Fine motor, Play

Pro Tip: Use silly voices as you read to bring the book to life

Age Range: 3+

Skill: Expressive Language and Play

Pro Tip: Sing the child's favorite song while shaking the instruments, then pause briefly for them to fill in the lyric.

Age Range: 2+

Skill: Play, Motor and Social

Pro Tip: Challenge your learner to take turns with a peer building a tower together.

Age Range: 2+ (with close supervision)

Skills: Play, Cooperation, Expressive Language, Motor, Oral motor

Pro Tip: Start blowing up a balloon then stop and ask the learner to tell you to blow more. Continue several times. This will provide motivation to use language.

Age Range: 2+

Skill: Play, Imitation, Sequencing, Expressive and Receptive language

Pro Tip: Work on imitation by pretending to take big bites of food then provide verbal praise when the learner copies you.

Age Range: 2+

Skill: Fine motor, Visual spatial, Language

Pro Tip: Puzzles can be boring so boost the fun making the animal sound when the learner puts the missing piece in the puzzle.

Age Range: All

Skill: Gross motor

Pro Tip: Using a larger ball can help teach large motor movements like kicking, throwing, rolling or tossing. Set up some cones and have the learner roll the big ball down the lane to play an adapted version of bowling.

AJ Rodrigue is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with two energetic kiddos and two angels above. She founded The Behavior Momma, a platform that helps parents connect with their kids using simple, behavioral-science strategies. AJ believes that behavior analysis is a life-changing methodology that can help anyone with anything.

Finding the perfect present can be a challenge, but Shop TODAY's up to the task. Try our interactive gift finder to sort gifts by price, person and interest. And no matter who you're looking for, we've got gift guides for everyone on your list, including:

To discover more deals, shopping tips and budget-friendly product recommendations, download the new TODAY app and subscribe to our Stuff We Love newsletter!