• Christmas Gift Guide's for all Ages

    From: Growing Kind Jul-24-2022 02:23:am
    Ideas for You to gift and make Christmas Magical

    Are you struggling  with Gift Ideas for your little one this Christmas?

    We have put together a developmentally appropriate Gift Guide full of fun and magical gifting ideas. There are ideas to create connection, foster memories and get creative.

    A Ball

    Why? Balls are good for trajectory and transporting schemas, good for gross and fine motor skills and social development. They teach early turn taking, verbs and provide past, present and future tense language exposure e.g. “You threw the ball”, “I’m going to throw the ball” “the ball is rolling”. For babies who are starting to sit, it can give them something to chase to reach and the development of gross motor skills. 
     

    Silks

    Why? Silks are perfect for playing peek a boo and sensory stimulation with your bub. Singe songs together, and wave the coloured silks around as your little one watches inawe. They are also a great sensory toy, as the material is soft and lightweight.
     

    Stacking Cups

    Why? Stacking bowls are great for fine motor skills, encouraging toddlers to take things out and put them into the bowls, and to try to fit the bowls into each other. They can be enriching for a child going through the enveloping and transporting schema. And are great for exposure to colours, sizes, and prepositions vocabulary, eg “You put the small purple cup inside the big green cup” or “You put the small blue bowl on top of the big red bowl”. Between 1 and 2 years children will enjoy stacking and knocking over objects. They may also use these in positioning schema play.
     

    Teethers

    Why? Children explore the world through their senses and as an infant the mouth is always the first to be explored. As children learn to grasp and bring things to their mouths, it is important to safely facilitate this skill. A range of different textured teethers are recommended for 0-1 years.

    Rainbow Felt Ball - 12.5cm
    Rainbow Felt Ball - 12.5cm
    A$18.99
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    Ethan the Hedgehog Fabric Rattle with Rubber Teether by Bonikka
    Ethan the Hedgehog Fabric Rattle with Rubber Teether by Bonikka
    A$16.00
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    Pasel Bead Grasper by Grimm's
    Pasel Bead Grasper by Grimm's
    A$38.00
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    Dual Discs By QToys
    Dual Discs By QToys
    A$13.90
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    Babymaraki Shaker by Djeco
    Babymaraki Shaker by Djeco
    A$18.00
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    Sherbet Play Silk (90cm) by Play Silkies
    Sherbet Play Silk (90cm) by Play Silkies
    A$38.00
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    Winter Play Silk (90cm) by Play Silkies
    Winter Play Silk (90cm) by Play Silkies
    A$38.00
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    Dimpl Stack - Sensory Therapy Toy by Fat Brain
    Dimpl Stack - Sensory Therapy Toy by Fat Brain
    A$29.99
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    Pram

    Why? Prams are great for transporting schema for all sorts of toys and good for imitating household tasks like taking their baby for a walk. This is also great for gross motor skills of lifting, lowering, pushing and pulling. It’s also good value as it will be an attractive toy for years to come. A good solid, stable pram, like a hardwood pram, can be used for stability by 1 year olds who may still be falling frequently.
     

    A Doll

    Why? Dolls are great for 1-2 year olds who will enjoy pointing to and identifying body parts such as eyes, nose, mouth, ears, belly button, feet, and hands. 1-2 year olds tend to enjoy imitating household tasks. A doll can be used to imitate parenting tasks, such as bathing baby, settling baby for a nap or sleep, and feeding baby. Great for transporting and enveloping schemas as toddlers will enjoy wrapping the doll, playing peekaboo, pushing their doll in a pram, and carrying their doll from container to container. Dolls also help with early empathy development and language development so are great for all children.
     

    Things with Wheels

    Why? Toy vehicles are great for toddlers in the rotation schema. Toddlers can find tipping a small toy vehicle or ride on vehicle upside down and spinning the wheels fascinating when they are in this schema. Toys with wheels are good for exploring concepts such as gravity and friction. They can also be used for lining up (positioning schema), wrapping up (enveloping schema), or be surrounded by a barrier, such as a toy fence or wall of blocks (enclosure schema).
     

    Climbing Equipment

    Why? At 1 children are starting to explore climbing. They may be climbing up onto chairs and coffee tables. Giving them something safe that they are allowed to climb on gives them freedom to explore this skill, without having to tell them “no” or “stop”. Early climbing can help strengthen shoulder and wrist muscles, assisting with pencil grip and other fine motor skills in the future.
     

    Art Supplies

    Why? Between 1 and 2 toddlers will start to make marks on paper with the crayon in their fist. They will still need to be supervised, but this is a great fine motor activity, and a way they can observe cause and effect and make an impact on the world around them.
     

    Board Books

    Why? Reading to your child has benefits for social and language development, and their relationship with caregivers. Making Faces is a great choice. Books about faces and body parts are interesting at this age, as toddlers are starting to point at and be able to identify body parts. The book also has a mirror inside which becomes interesting as toddler start to develop self awareness, on average at around 18 months of age. If you would like to take the guess work out of growing your little one’s library,  a book subscription can be a great Christmas gift. In the Growing Kind Book Club (0-2 years), you receive 2 board books or small hard cover books per month, chosen by a qualified early educator. You can start or cancel whenever you like. Orders close on the 20th of each month, and are shipped on the 1st of the next month.
    Wicker Pram with White Bedding & Knitted Blanket
    Wicker Pram with White Bedding & Knitted Blanket
    A$169.00
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    Wooden Dolls Stroller
    Wooden Dolls Stroller
    A$79.95
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    Pink Cherub Baby Doll by Bonnika
    Pink Cherub Baby Doll by Bonnika
    A$32.00
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    Caucasian Down Syndrome Boy Doll - Miniland 38cm (Undressed) Anatomically Correct Doll
    Caucasian Down Syndrome Boy Doll - Miniland 38cm (Undressed) Anatomically Correct Doll
    A$50.99
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    The Ultimate Pikler Bundle (FREE SHIPPING) by WoodenToyCo
    The Ultimate Pikler Bundle (FREE SHIPPING) by WoodenToyCo
    A$540.00
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    Mini Vehicle by Rubbabu
    Mini Vehicle by Rubbabu
    A$12.99
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    Maxi Markers - Chunky (Set of 10)
    Maxi Markers - Chunky (Set of 10)
    A$12.99
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    Let's Count Wildflowers (Board Book)
    Let's Count Wildflowers (Board Book)
    A$14.99
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    A Balance Board

    Why? Balance boards are great for balance, proprioception (awareness of the position and movement of one’s own body), stimulating the vestibular system, and assisting with emotional self-regulation on rough days. They can also be used with toy vehicles to explore concepts of movement and gravity. They are designed for children from 18 months plus so it can be given as a Christmas gift before 2.


    Building Sets

    Why? At 2-3 children are starting to build structures 5-7 objects high. So a proper block set is a wonderful way to encourage this new skill. They may also start to use their imagination to play with a block as different items, such as food or vehicles. So having blocks of different sizes and shapes will be valuable. They may also be used to explore the connection schema, by stacking and knocking down structures, and positioning schema by lining up blocks.
     

    Dress Ups / Imaginative Play

    Why? 2 is when make believe play really starts to take off. Some simple costumes and props can really help encourage, and create scaffolding for this type of imaginative play. Butterfly wings can help children explore trajectory schema and even rotation schema in new ways by changing the experience of running and spinning in circles.
     

    Sensory Play

    Why? At 2 children are likely to enjoy the sensation and process of painting, without necessarily having a product in mind. Finger paints are a great way to explore the feeling and colours of the paint, and how the colours interact with each other, and are a great first sensory toy.
     

    Loose Parts

    Why? At 2-3 children are starting to play symbolically. With loose parts the opportunities are endless. A dolly peg can be a person, or a stick insect. A wooden ring can be money, or some carrot for a soup, or a monocle. They can be lined up for positioning schema. They can be used to construct something for connection schema. They can be used to make transitional art, or play shop to develop language and social skills.
     
    Natural Kinderboard by Kinderfeets
    Natural Kinderboard by Kinderfeets
    A$174.99
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    Small Stacking Box (Ocean) by Grimm's
    Small Stacking Box (Ocean) by Grimm's
    A$92.40
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    Large Building Blocks Set (60 Piece) by HABA
    Large Building Blocks Set (60 Piece) by HABA
    A$199.99
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    Monarch Butterfly Wings
    Monarch Butterfly Wings
    A$15.99
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    Kids Colour Finger Paints with Stamp (Set of 4) by Mont Marte
    Kids Colour Finger Paints with Stamp (Set of 4) by Mont Marte
    A$8.99
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    Natural Birch Wooden Slide by My Happy Helpers
    Natural Birch Wooden Slide by My Happy Helpers
    A$349.00
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    Goldilocks and the Three Bears Finger Puppet Set by Tara Treasures
    Goldilocks and the Three Bears Finger Puppet Set by Tara Treasures
    A$25.00
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    Wooden Stars (Set of 10) by Qtoys
    Wooden Stars (Set of 10) by Qtoys
    A$34.99
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    Imaginative / Role Play

    Why? At 3-5, Imaginative play is becoming more complex. Children will enjoy more detailed scenarios and may enjoy more detailed dress up costumes and props. Their vocabulary and social skills increase substantially during this time, through imaginative play scenarios and story telling, and they will enjoy toys they can use with their peers and siblings to create social play scenarios.
     

    Spinning / Rotation Toys 

    Why? Spinning tops are another great toy for children exploring rotation schema, and good for wrist strength, which is important for pencil grip and fine motor skills. 
     

    Sensory Play

    Why? Sensory play has so many benefits for cognitive development, which is starting to take off at this age. Vocabulary is exploding, and children will enjoy experimenting with new words. Sensory play will provide opportunities for experimenting with so many new descriptive words, as well as provide a fun way to practice fine motor manipulation. Sensory bases can also be used to explore transporting schema, moving items from one container to another, and trajectory schema.
     

    Play Dough

    Why? At 3-5, children are starting to make things out of play dough, with an expanding attention span and drive to create. They may also use playdough with loose parts to explore the connecting schema.
     

    Books

    Why? At 3-5 children may start to show bigger feelings and this age, and need help to organize their feelings, and be gentle with peers and siblings. They are also becoming more aware of the feelings of others. These are very good themes for books in this age group. 3-5 year olds will also ask a lot of questions about the world, so educational books are ideal at this age. Children in this age group are practicing following instructions, imitating the movement of animals, and balancing. So they may have fun following along with the Yoga Bug book.
    PolarB Wooden Ice Pop and Ice Cream Set by Viga Toys
    PolarB Wooden Ice Pop and Ice Cream Set by Viga Toys
    A$24.50
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    Hair / Grooming Wooden Role Play Set by Astrup
    Hair / Grooming Wooden Role Play Set by Astrup
    A$64.99
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    Natural Healer Kit by Make Me Iconic
    Natural Healer Kit by Make Me Iconic
    A$89.99
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    Dough Mini Set (6 pieces) by Mont Marte
    Dough Mini Set (6 pieces) by Mont Marte
    A$6.99
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    Spinning Top by Janod
    Spinning Top by Janod
    A$4.99
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    Spinning Top 25cm - Bullseye
    Spinning Top 25cm - Bullseye
    A$26.00
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    Yoga Friends; A pose-by-pose partner adventure
    Yoga Friends; A pose-by-pose partner adventure
    A$30.99
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    Sensory Play Prompts; Taste-Safe Ideas for Sensory Play
    Sensory Play Prompts; Taste-Safe Ideas for Sensory Play
    A$22.95
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    Hands, Head & Heart Play

    Why? As children get older they are getting more skilled at following instructions and rules, and may be more inclined to create something for an outcome, rather than just the process. They may also use creating and craft as a stress relief or a family bonding activity. Activities that stimulate the hands, head and heart at the same time are a favourite at Growing Kind.

    Art Materials

    Why? From 5 onwards, as children get better at following rules and instructions, they may be ready for more advanced art materials. These art materials will allow them to feel competent to turn their plans into reality, and to learn specific art techniques that may be harder to with poster paints.

    Outdoor / Nature Play

    Why? Sadly less than 47% of Australian children are getting enough active outdoor play. Outdoor play makes children happier, healthier and smarter! It’s also been proven to have a positive impact on mother’s mental health, which allows you to be a more productive and passionate parent. Let’s keep children in touch with the natural world and support their ongoing curiosity.

    Games & Family Activities 

    Why? From 5, children are getting better at rule following and cooperation, and may enjoy bonding with family over board games. These types of games are helpful with social skills required for school and life beyond.

    Numeracy 

    Why? Children love learning and plenty of research has been formulated to support learning through play and hands-on approaches.

    Books

    Why? Books can be a timeless gift, and a great way to grow a child’s library.

    After 5, children are beginning to really expand their view out to others and the world. Books like Earth Heroes, Everybody Counts, and Be Your Best Self explore larger themes appropriate to this wider world view.

    Let's Eat Weeds!: a kids' guide to foraging
    Let's Eat Weeds!: a kids' guide to foraging
    A$24.99
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    Healing Affirmations for Kids with Anxiety
    Healing Affirmations for Kids with Anxiety
    A$29.99
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    Paper Marbling Kit
    Paper Marbling Kit
    A$36.90
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    Bath Bomb Lab Science Kit (DIY)
    Bath Bomb Lab Science Kit (DIY)
    A$39.00
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    Nature Play Prompts by Growing Kind
    Nature Play Prompts by Growing Kind
    A$28.95
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    Yahtzee Junior Game by Djeco
    Yahtzee Junior Game by Djeco
    A$26.99
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    Early Math101 Number and Measurement L1 by EdX
    Early Math101 Number and Measurement L1 by EdX
    A$80.50
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    Watercolour Cake Set - 38 pce by Mont Marte
    Watercolour Cake Set - 38 pce by Mont Marte
    A$13.95
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    This gift guide has been written by Alicia Mason specifically for Growing Kind. You can contact Alicia over at @filltheirbucket
    Copyright © 2021 Growing Kind, All rights reserved.
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