As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I’m always asked for gift recommendations for little ones. Here are my top picks for SUMMER FUN products that lend themselves to excellent language & play opportunities!
Water Table: We love this tiered water table for endless splashing fun! Fill it with water, or jump into some themed play by adding your favorite animals, create a giant bath by adding bubbles/foam, or play with colors by throwing in some dye! The possibilities are endless. Shop Here!
Collapsible Buckets: We have way too much to lug around to the beach or sand box already - these collapsible buckets are a life saver! They fold flat & pop up to make storage & transporting super convenient! I love to target prepositions, action words, descriptor words & exclamatory words (sand IN, SCOOP the sand, tap tap tap!, WOW!) with sand castles! Shop Here!
Sidewalk Chalk: A classic! Target descriptor words like colors, action words (drawing, washing,) label the names of what you draw.. so many possibilities! Shop Here!
Splash Pad: I love splash pads for a quick way to cool down in the summer heat! This one features tons of animal pictures that are great for labeling and practicing animal sounds, as well as letters if your little one is learning their sounds or alphabet! Shop Here!
Ice Cream Cart: This toy has been an absolute favorite of my toddler this summer. Though it features sound effects, we opted to leave the batteries out to encourage more open-ended play! Target naming/labeling, descriptor words (cold, yummy,etc) action words (scoop, eat,) prepositions (on, up, in,) and pretend play with this all-in-one set! Shop Here!
Sink Set: While this toy could be used all year round, stick it outside for some functional & pretend water play! This sink set is great for labeling kitchen & washing related vocabulary, action words, prepositions, descriptor words, and play skills. Shop Here!
Fish Bubble Machine: This battery-operated bubble machine is a perfect addition to summer play! Target action words & early sounds (POP!) and requests (turn on, more bubbles, etc) with this fun toy while burning some energy! Shop Here!
Magnetic Fishing Set: Lay these fishies out in the grass, in a kiddie pool, or anywhere else and get fishing! Great for targeting prepositions (fish are IN the water, UNDER the water, pull them OUT,) action words (catching, throwing, etc) descriptor words (BIG fish, purple fish, etc). Shop Here!
Grow a Garden Set: Target pretend play, descriptor words (big, little, colors,) action words (dig, plant, grow, cut, etc) prepositions (on, up, down, etc) & more with this creative “build a garden” set! Shop Here!
Pop Up Camping Set: Let’s go camping! This adorable pretend camping set is full of play & language opportunities. Talk about all the names of supplies, what they do (flashlight turns on! it’s bright! The tent is big! Let’s go in!) and pretend to be on the camping trip of your life! Shop Here!
Happy Summer, all!