How to Choose the “Right” Toys in Speech Therapy for Preschoolers and Toddlers

Have you ever planned a speech therapy session with what you thought were amazing toys, only to have the child show zero interest? It used to happen to me all the time—until I realized I wasn’t choosing the right toys for that child.

So, what makes a toy the “right” toy for speech therapy?

1) The Child Is Developmentally Ready for It
Would you give a six-month-old a board game? Of course not. We all know that board games aren’t appropriate for infants, yet somewhere between ages one and five, adults can lose sight of what counts as an appropriate toy. Just like speech and language skills, play skills follow developmental milestones. The toys you choose should match the child’s stage of play, not just their age.

2) The Child Is Interested in It
Even if a toy is developmentally appropriate, it won’t be effective if the child isn’t interested. If you’ve tried cars twice and the child ignores them, it’s time to move on. Having a go-to list of toys matched to different developmental stages makes planning sessions much easier.

3) The Toy Doesn’t Do All the Work
Toys with flashing lights and preset functions can be fun for a few seconds, but they often limit creativity and engagement. Open-ended toys—those that can be used in many ways—encourage more communication, problem-solving, and pretend play. Skip the batteries when possible and choose toys that invite interaction.

When you choose toys that are developmentally appropriate, interesting to the child, and open-ended, you’ll see better engagement, more opportunities for communication, and more learning during every session.

I’ve created a free handout with ideas for toys that match different stages of play. You can use it to plan therapy sessions, coach parents, or refresh your toy cupboard. Grab it (and more free resources) by signing up for the newsletter at annadeeslp.com.