Pediatrician-approved gifts for every child
The official kickoff to holiday shopping is just days away. Before you check-off your child’s wish list, check-out some pediatrician-approved gifts that every kid will love!
Pretend.
When a child is given the freedom to play without rules or guidelines, their imagination will take over. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) said it best: “Pretending through toy characters (such as dolls, animals, and action figures) and toy objects (like food, utensils, cars, planes, and buildings) help children learn to use words and stories to imitate, describe, and cope with real life events and feelings. Imagination is the key here! Imaginary play is a large part of a child’s social and emotional development.”
Pretend Shopping List:
- Play kitchen with accessories (food, utensils, plates, etc.)
- Vehicles (diggers, cars, emergency vehicles, planes, etc.)
- Dress-up clothing and accessories
- Microphone
- Chalk board
Assembly required.
A simple puzzle holds so many benefits for a young mind – problem-solving, fine motor, language and cognitive skills. Looks for age and developmentally appropriate building blocks, puzzles, train tracks.
Assembly Required Shopping List
- Building Blocks
- Puzzles
- Train tracks
- Magnet tiles
Art
It’s amazing to see what kids are capable of without restrictions. Consider give an art basket to build their creativity and fine motor skills.
Art Shopping List:
- Crayons/Markers/Color Pencils
- Age appropriate paints
- For older children, encourage them to try new media like oil pastels, chalk pastels, ink, etc.
- Blank sketch books (try different sizes, large and small)
- Glue
- Kid-friendly scissors
- Clay
- Art accessories: pipe cleaners, pom poms, tissue paper, stickers and anything else you can think of!
Skip the video games.
There are educational apps and video games that work to teach the ABCs, but what they are missing – creative thinking, emotional development and impulse control – are much more important factors in the healthy development of your child. According to the AMA, Research suggests tablet-based toys may actually delay social development for infants and young children, because they don’t include real life facial expressions, gestures, and vocalizations.
Skip the Video Games Shopping List:
- Match games
- Card games
- Board games
- Age and interest appropriate Books
- Magazine subscription
- Busy board with a variety of locks and latches
Play!
Especially in the winter months, getting physical activity is so important – for kids and grown-ups alike! Not only does it help to develop good habits for later in life, but being physically active also holds benefits for emotional health.
Play! Shopping List:
- Hula hoop
- Sports gear (football, baseball, basketball – choose based on what interests your child)
- Twister
- Indoor bowling set
- Yoga mat paired with child appropriate exercise classes or DVDs
- Roller blades (don’t forget the helmet and pads)
- Gym shoes
- Push and riding toys for little ones just walking
IHA Urgent Care locations are open on holidays! Don’t spend your holiday waiting in a waiting room. Save your spot in line at an Urgent Care location near you, and wait at home.