Educational Insights: Great Toys for Special Needs

I was provided with these products to facilitate this review; all opinions are my own.

It’s almost time for holiday shopping and on my list this year is not just my own kids, but some younger kids in my family and a few others. I’m always looking for toys that really engage Zoe. Kids with autism and special needs can be really fussy and have a tough time engaging, not just with toys, but with school subjects, extracurricular activities and science or sports. Any time I find a toy that engages those challenging levels, I get right to playing and recommending! Without further ado, here is my review of these toys from Educational Insights.

Music Skills: Magic Moves Rainbow Jam

As soon as I figured out how to work this toy, Zoe grabbed it out of my hands and used for the rest of the night. This hand held “microphone” allows kids to play music when the mic is pressed into the booklet it comes with. Not only do children get to play scales and traditional kiddie tunes, they also learn what colors “mean” as the mic describes the psychological meaning of different colors. This toy is very engaging but I’m not sure what happens if you lose the book!

I highly recommend this toy for kids who are either struggling with learning music in school, have a hard time listening to music or kids with a big interest in music. I think this toy may give some kids a good foundation in musical arts.

Fine Motor Skills, Design & Engineering: Design & Drill Flower Power

This adorable set does require batteries (3 AA) but it’s a wonderful set! As you can see, Amelia enjoyed using this all day long. This is an excellent toy to help children with their fine motor skills as they change the drill bits and drive in screws to hold down flowers and other decorations. Of course, this also builds in basic engineering and crafting principles and a look at design. Zoe, naturally, loves the drill and Amelia enjoyed learning the different ways you could use – loosen one way, tighten with the other.

And my husband just thought it was fun to do this:

With lots of pieces, bright colors and a working toy drill, kids will really get a lot of use out of this toy, particularly if they need help with fine motor skills. And for the adults, apparently it’s a stress reducer!

A Foundation for Science: GeoSafari Jr. Jungle Crew Lab Set

Today my daughter and I went on a field trip to our local wastewater treatment facility and her aide told me she’s been playing with water. That, then, explains why she’s been filling these vials and using dropper and tubes! It’s a little juvenile for my 10 year old, although as you can see, Amelia soon co-opted the toy anyway, but it’s ideal for little ones. The baby-friendly containers are great to inspire young children to explore the world around them. A small book filled with easy-to-do experiments with household items is included, too, but you can explore any other simple experiments that don’t require glass containers as well.

This is a great gift or toy to start kids on the road to science!

Love of Drama: Puppet-on-a-Stick™ Rainbow Prancers

These really are for kids who are very young (ages 3+). The bright colors and shiny hair will appeal to little ones. Totally easy to use so these are also great for kids learning motor skills as well.

Educational Insights lives up to their name by selling toys that are truly educational. Check them out online for more great toy ideas!