Rudolph’s Top 5 List of Most-Loved Toys

We asked Rudolph and our ABA therapists here at The Uncommon Thread for a list of the most loved toys used in our centers. These toys are not only favorites of our kiddos aged 1-5, but they also provide great developmental benefits for those that have been diagnosed with autism. While the simplicity may surprise you, there are no misfit toys on this TOP FIVE list! Read on for Rudolph’s Top 5 List of Most-Loved Toys.

1. Colorful Large Piece Puzzles:

Benefits: Develop fine motor skills, color recognition, hand-eye coordination, sequencing, literacy, and numeracy
Why We Love Them: Puzzles are engaging, help improve focus and provide a sense of accomplishment as children complete them. Add the fact that puzzles are available in so many different price ranges, you don’t need a big budget to make someone smile this holiday season.

2. Fisher-Price Toys (Helpful Neighbor Garage & Count and Learn Piggy Bank):

Benefits: Foster fine motor skills, imaginary storytelling, pretend play, cause-and-effect relationships, counting, and number recognition.
Why We Love Them: The vibrant, animal-shaped toys capture attention and engage children, making learning fun and interactive.

3. Musical Toys and Instruments:

Benefits: Aid communication, social interaction, and sensory regulation. Music can have a calming effect and improve the organization of sensory systems.
Why We Love Them: Music is one of our favorite things at The Uncommon Thread! In addition to weekly therapeutic visits by our friend, Jammin’ Jenn, our kiddos love to play with our musical toys and instruments. Music provides calming sensory input and is an enjoyable medium for children with autism to express themselves and engage with others.

4. Magnetic Tiles:

Benefits: Help develop fine motor skills, shape recognition, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities through building and creating.
Why We Love Them: The vibrant colors and versatility of magnetic tiles make them a dynamic choice for sensory play and creative exploration. By offering an engaging way to create structures and objects, children are required to use critical thinking and problem-solving while developing great building skills.

5. Stacking Toys:

Benefits: Provide calming repetitive actions, support fine motor skills, sensory stimulation, spatial awareness, and concentration.
Why We Love Them: The predictability and simplicity of stacking toys offer both soothing and developmental benefits, making them a favorite for children who enjoy routine.

It’s clear that these toys offer way more than just fun playtime for our kiddos. These toys are proven winners that, when used with ABA therapy, offer therapeutic value contributing to important aspects of a child’s growth in a fun and engaging way. Rudolph and the Uncommon Thread give these great toys two thumbs up which make them near and deer to our hearts!