Top 10 Toys for Fine Motor Development in Toddlers
At Eyas Landing, our team of multidisciplinary therapists are always thinking about ways for our families to reinforce the work we do at our clinic in the home. Gift giving is the perfect opportunity to give children with developmental conditions, such as Autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorders, gifts that will promote their development. Below are our Top Ten with a major focus on promoting fine motor development while having fun!
1. Tomy Toomies Hide and Squeak Eggs– The Tomy Toomies Hide and Squeak Eggs are excellent for fine motor development because children must use precise finger movements to open and close each egg. Cracking the eggs apart and fitting them back together strengthens hand muscles and improves hand–eye coordination. Matching the egg halves encourages controlled grasping, twisting, and alignment skills that are essential for later tasks like writing. The toy also promotes bilateral coordination as children use both hands together to manipulate the pieces. Its simple, affordable design keeps children engaged while repeatedly practicing these important fine motor movements.
2. Vtech Latches and Doors Busy Board–
3. Playskool Explore ‘N’ Grow Busy Gears– The Playskool Explore ‘N’ Grow Busy Gears toy promotes fine motor development by encouraging children to grasp, hold, and place the interchangeable gears. Turning and stacking the gears strengthens hand and finger muscles needed for precise movements. Lining up the gears helps improve hand–eye coordination and control. As children experiment with how the gears fit and move, they develop spatial awareness and an understanding of cause and effect. The lights and music keep children engaged, allowing for repeated practice of fine motor skills through play.
4. Learning Resources Spike The Fie Motor Hedgehog–
5. Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Piggy Bank–The Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Piggy Bank supports fine motor development by encouraging children to grasp and hold the chunky coins. Dropping the coins into the slot requires controlled hand movements and accurate hand–eye coordination. Picking up and releasing the coins helps strengthen finger muscles and improve grasping skills. Pressing the piggy’s nose promotes finger isolation and fine motor control. The interactive songs and sounds motivate children to repeat these actions, reinforcing fine motor practice through engaging play.
6. Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube– The Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube supports fine motor development by encouraging children to grasp and manipulate the easy-to-hold wooden shapes. Fitting each shape into the correct opening requires precise hand movements and strong hand–eye coordination. Turning and adjusting the shapes helps strengthen finger and hand muscles. The sturdy design allows children to practice controlled movements without frustration. Repeated sorting and handling of the shapes builds confidence and refines fine motor skills through hands-on play.
7. Playy22 Activity Cube with Bead Maze– The Playy22 Activity Cube with Bead Maze supports fine motor development by encouraging children to grasp, slide, spin, and move a variety of interactive pieces. Manipulating the beads along the wires strengthens finger and hand muscles while improving control. Using the different activities helps develop hand–eye coordination as children guide pieces with accuracy. Turning blocks and spinning features require precise movements and bilateral coordination. With multiple ways to play, the cube keeps children engaged and practicing fine motor skills while also building early learning and problem-solving abilities.
8. Step2 Ball Buddies Tunnel Tower– The Step2 Ball Buddies Tunnel Tower promotes fine motor development by allowing children to grasp, hold, and release the balls using controlled hand movements. Guiding the balls through the tunnel and onto the ramp strengthens hand–eye coordination and finger control. Picking up and placing the balls helps build small hand muscles needed for precision tasks. Manipulating the pieces encourages bilateral coordination as children use both hands together. Watching the balls move through the tower reinforces cause-and-effect learning while motivating repeated fine motor practice.
9. Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Peek and Play Busy Garden–
10. Learning Resources Hoot the Finer Motor Owl– The Learning Resources Hoot the Fine Motor Owl helps develop fine motor skills by encouraging children to grasp, squeeze, and place the colorful, shape-based pieces. Using the tools to pick up and sort the pieces strengthens hand muscles and improves coordination. These actions support the development of scissor skills by building hand strength and control. Matching shapes and colors also requires precise hand–eye coordination and controlled movements. Its budget-friendly, engaging design encourages repeated practice of essential fine motor skills through playful learning.
Eyas Landing is a therapy clinic with a mission to provide evidence-based and family-centered therapy services for children, adolescents, and their families. The primary goal is to deliver relationship-based interventions within the most natural environments and to empower families to reach their full potential. To achieve this goal, our highly educated, compassionate staff dedicates time and expertise to create experiences that maximize therapeutic outcomes. The strength, determination, and perseverance of our clients are evident as they succeed in therapy, and ultimately in their daily lives.
Eyas Landing offers a wide range of comprehensive services including Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, ABA Therapy, Social Work, Family Therapy, and Neuropsych testing. Services are provided throughout the Chicagoland area via Telehealth, In-Home, and in our state of the art clinic.
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