2020 has been a challenging year for everyone and has changed many things. One of the things it has changed for me is my family’s tradition to go Black Friday shopping for the holidays. We might not be able to go shopping together but we still have to-do-lists to finish!

As you start to think about holiday or birthdays or finally-this-year-is-over gifts, here are some ideas of games that our PT’s recommend. Whether you use these toys to continue working on physical therapy goals during the winter break or just to have fun with everyone at home, we hope you enjoy your holidays!

Balls $-$$

Weighted balls are great to build arm and leg strength or to practice future shot put competitions.

Lighter balls can be used to practice hand-eye coordination such as throwing overhand and underhand, catching, and kicking.

Toss and Catch Velcro Paddle game $

Another fun way to practice catching and throwing (with less running after balls).

Bikes $$-$$$

Bikes are great for balance, leg strength, and endurance. They are also a fun way for the whole family together to get some exercise.

Balance beam $$

Balance beams are great for practicing walking on a line or standing on one foot. Use it as part of a board game or to challenge everyone in the family to see who can do it the best.

Image from https://www.amazon.com/Best-Choice-Products-Medium-Density-Gymnastic/dp/B07XYG6VBS

Bowling set $-$$

Bowling is a great way to work specifically on underhand throwing.

Sturdy Birdy $-$$

This board game is a great way to practice imitating movements, standing on one foot, and your best bird imitation!

Image from https://boardgamegeek.com/image/2225154/sturdy-birdy

Twangled $-$$

This game is a great way to challenge your balance as you play with other friends and family!

Image from https://www.amazon.com/MindWare-MW-59386-Twangled-Board-Game/dp/B0794QVXXV

Fisher-Price: “Go Baby Go!” or “Play & Crawl” toys $-$$

These toys are great motivators to encourage your baby to crawl after them and catch them. 

Dyna disc or stability discs $

Dyna discs are great for challenging your balance in standing, sitting, kneeling, jumping over, or jumping onto. Playing games like the “floor is lava” is a great way to work on balance and quickness.

Image from https://www.officedepot.com/a/products/210266/Black-Mountain-Products-Stability-Disc-13/?cm_mmc=PLA-_-Google-_-Medical_Supplies-_-210266&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhZT9BRDmARIsAN2E-J1GbegJQUlNQk-wTubCR67Q_PQ7Ae5PEoqpw34jwIBGI-ycwqtp4sIaAn5DEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Bosu ball or wobble boards $$-$$$

Wobble boards are a great way to work on balance, jumping, and your surfing skills!

Hula Hoops $

Hula hoops are a great way to work on coordination and core strength.

Scooter boards $-$$

Scooter boards are great to work on leg and arm strength depending on which one you use to move yourself forward to win the race! Just watch out for your fingers-don’t want to pinch them!

 Hoberman Spheres $-$$

These folding balls are a fun way to practice catching, throwing, and squatting to bend down and pick them up. You can also work on jumping to throw them, or crawling through them like our friend here!