The Vision Development Center of Lancaster, located in Lancaster PA, has helped treat countless children with our unique ADD therapy, ADHD therapy, and vision therapy programs.
With the holidays upon us, we thought it would be a fantastic idea to share some great gift EYEdeas for kids that will not only entertain them, but will help continue to develop their vision as well. Whether you are fresh out of your own ideas, or you are a last-minute shopper, here are some excellent gift ideas that can serve a dual purpose for children of all ages.
Building Toys
Building toys is a terrific way to develop hand-eye coordination, as well as fostering a healthy imagination and creativity. They can stimulate the brain and enhance visual-spatial organization. Children as early as age 1 can start playing with building toys. Between ages 1 and 2, traditional building blocks are the best choice, as they are simple and easy for children to pick up (and are generally not a swallowing or choking hazard).
For children ages 3 through 7, toys like Lincoln Logs, K’Nex, and Legos will teach children how to build and understand the connection between their eyes, their brain, and their hands. Children at this age can build whatever they want and are only limited by their imagination!
For children age 8 and up, ERECTOR Sets are a great gift. With a variety of different sets and simple tools to use, children can even learn a bit about engineering in the process!
Fine Motor Skills Toys
Fine motor skills are generally categorized as making movements with the smaller muscle groups in our fingers, hands, and wrists. But they also play a role in visual-motor integration. Children can visualize something and then use their hands to create that image. For children ages 1 and 2, finger paints or kinetic sand are a great choice. Once children get to ages 3 through 7, they can begin to play with things like coloring books and crayons, Lite-Brite, silly putty or modeling clay, or a Rainbow Loom. Children 8 years old and up may be more entertained by an origami set, Spirograph, or model cars, planes, and ships that they can put together.
Visual Thinking Games and Toys
Some games and toys can assist with expanding visual discrimination, visual memory, sequencing, and pattern recognition in children. Children need these skills to accel in areas like reading, mathematics, and spelling. Wooden form board puzzles with handles are a great toy for children ages 1 and 2. Jigsaw puzzles, dominoes, and bingo are appropriate for ages 3 and 4. Tangrams, checkers, or the game Perfection are perfect for children ages 5 and 6. Children 7 and above will love games like Uno, Battleship, or Guess Who, as well as toys like Bop It or a Rubik’s Cube.
The Vision Development Center of Lancaster hopes that this list of toys and games will help you finish up your holiday shopping this year. Many of them will help build upon some of the work we do for patients being treated with ADD therapy and ADHD therapy. If you believe your child may need vision therapy, contact us today to have your child evaluated. Our certified experts are standing by and ready to help you and your child!