Adam Trickey

Toys for children with special needs vary across many categories based on age, developmental ability, and the specific needs of each child — from ASD (autism) to ADHD to developmental delays. While we do not have a specific section of Special Needs toys, many of our toys can be used to engage children with specific needs, whether they are visual, tactile, focus/concentration, developmental, or any other special needs.

Our play experts are happy to brainstorm with you to find a toy that meets your child’s special needs and assist with the development and engagement.

For children ages 11 and up, challenges abound. As bodies change and social interactions become more important, it’s critical for middle school boys and girls to have healthy, safe, and educational outlets that help them grow, gain self awareness, and discover what they’re passionate about.

Elementary school adds more structure to children’s lives, but they still need time to play! Curiosity abounds, so it is important to continue to allow exploration into many different areas. Games and puzzles can involve more strategy, science experiments can be child-led, art and construction can be more structured OR more open-ended with growing abilities, and outdoor activities can involve more coordination.

In preschool, children are interacting with each other, and their world is expanding beyond the family. Unstructured, imaginative play encourages them to imitate what they see their parents and teachers doing, which, in turn, develops communication and an understanding of social and emotional cues and reactions. They also love messy exploration, so art supplies and sensory materials are perfect for these ages.

Before the age of 3, children’s brains develop faster than at any other time of life. From 0-6 months, babies gradually discover the world around them with their senses. Tummy time strengthens neck muscles, hanging toys encourage reaching and gross motor development, colorful toys and rattles focus attention, and games like peek-a-boo begin the discovery of object permanence.