The gifts under the tree tend to be the focus when thinking about Christmas presents, but the stocking stuffers can be just as fun and meaningful.
Thinking about ideas for children who are learning to talk? Here are some stocking stuffers that may help with speech and language development:
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Bubbles – Check out this link for play ideas with bubbles
Wind-up toys – One of my favorite toys that requires minimal attention span with a fun incentive! Check out this link for using wind-up toys to help little ones ask for help.
Voice changer – Anything that gets little ones interested in using their voice is a winner with me! You might just want to start with blowing or “aaahh”.
Basic flashlight – A flashlight in a darkened room can help keep your little one’s interest so that you can “find” things and stay on the same topic! Check out this link to indoor activities for some flashlight play ideas.
Whistles, horns, kazoos, harmonicas, trumpets, party blowers – Again, anything that gets the mouth moving wins! Take turns, have a parade, or just put it out of reach so they can ask for it again.
Playdough – Check out this link for play ideas with playdough
Stickers – A non-messy way to be creative…or to just stick a bunch of pictures on some paper (or the wall, the doors, the furniture…ha!) Just be sure to name the stickers as you peel them off.
Bath books or small board books – Check out this link for play ideas for books and this link for books that should never be read.
Little People figures and animals – Pretend play is so much better with small figures and animals that little ones can hold. Check out this link for pretend play ideas.
Crayons, markers – Making lines, circles, and dots are excellent ways to practice imitation and then pair it with fun sounds. Check out this link for play ideas with doodling.
Mittens, socks, and chapstick might be some of the more traditional stocking stuffers but if you get some with fun designs or colors then it gives you more opportunities to offer choices to your toddlers and practice vocabulary: “Do you want socks with cars or planes?” “Pink mittens or purple?”
Vibrating toothbrush – Give little ones some independence when brushing their teeth by giving them one that vibrates! You even get to create an opportunity for them to ask “on” or “off” or “help” – if the button or switch is a bit too difficult.
Be sure to check out some of my other Christmas-themed blog posts for helping little ones learn to talk and play:
25 Sounds to Practice When You Find Your Elf Each Morning
Best Toys and Gifts: a speech therapist’s list!
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Let's Play: the speech and language way 
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