Occupational Therapist Recommended Toys

Occupational Therapist Recommended Toys | OT Favourites

These are the toys I reach for again and again in my occupational therapy sessions. Not once-off choices, but the ones that consistently work. The ones that help children engage, regulate, and develop real skills through play.

As a paediatric occupational therapist, I am intentional about the toys I use. Every item in this collection has been used in therapy, tested with real children, and selected because it supports development in a meaningful way. These are also recommended by other occupational therapists, making them trusted, go-to tools used across therapy settings.

Why this matters
Children don’t need more toys, they need the right toys at the right time. When a toy is well matched to a child’s developmental level, it supports participation, builds confidence, and reduces frustration. These occupational therapist recommended toys support gross and fine motor skills, sensory processing, and early learning, like visual perception,  all through play that feels natural and achievable.

What to look for
Toys in this collection are chosen because they:

• Are used regularly in occupational therapy sessions
• Support fine motor skills, coordination, and sensory development
• Allow for grading (making activities easier or more challenging)
• Encourage active participation and problem-solving
• Can be used across different ages and developmental levels

These are not just favourites, they are trusted occupational therapy tools, carefully selected to support children’s development through meaningful play.