Top Toys to Enhance Fine Motor Skills

Shopping Guide: The 17 Best Toys for Fine Motor Development

We only endorse products we genuinely appreciate and believe you will too. A portion of sales from items featured in this article may support our efforts, as compiled by our Commerce team.

By Sarah Thompson
August 27, 2022

From infants shaking rattles to preschoolers exploring with crayons, mastering the use of their hands, thumbs, and fingers is a continuous journey for children. Much like other learning experiences, children improve these skills through play. The most effective toys for fine motor skills are so engaging that kids won’t even realize they’re “working.” To gain insight into essential toys for bolstering fine motor abilities, we consulted Pediatric Occupational Therapist Emily Carter.

Meet the Expert

Emily Carter is a pediatric occupational therapist boasting over 12 years of clinical expertise. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Chicago. Additionally, she founded Bright Beginnings, a platform dedicated to guiding new parents with her insights on child development, sleep, feeding, toilet training, and more.

What Toys Foster Fine Motor Skills?

To grasp what fine motor skills encompass, Carter notes that these abilities are crucial for children to independently “feed themselves, dress, brush their teeth and hair, open containers, draw, and write.” As with any skill, practice is essential. She suggests toys that “encourage small finger movements” and are “suitable for their developmental stage” to ensure kids face just the right amount of challenge without frustration.

Shopping Tips for the Best Toys for Fine Motor Skills

To assist you in selecting the ideal toy for your child’s developmental stage, here’s what you should understand about emerging skills for toddlers and preschoolers.

For Toddlers

Building on babyhood skills, toddlers refine their grasping abilities with their thumb and index finger. They also learn to accurately place small items into containers and manipulate their fingers and wrists for precise placement. Carter suggests toys that promote stacking, sorting, play dough, building blocks, and large beads for threading.

For Preschoolers

Preschoolers begin focusing on self-care skills essential for kindergarten readiness, such as buttoning shirts and using scissors. According to Carter, they benefit from toys like threading and lacing sets, puzzles, play dough, drawing tools, and building blocks. These also help further develop their hand-eye coordination and finger strength.

Using Carter’s recommendations, we’ve compiled a list of fantastic toys that will engage your children while strengthening those fine motor skills, ranging from STEM-based options to creative playthings.

A Set of Chunky Lacing Beads for Endless Fun
Melissa & Doug Primary Lacing Beads
This vibrant lacing bead set is a classic tool for enhancing your child’s pincer grasp and dexterity. It features 30 colorful beads in five distinct shapes, and one parent remarked, “High quality! My child plays with this for hours.” Available in a sturdy storage box, it holds an impressive 4.8-star rating from over 15,000 reviews on Amazon.
Recommended Age: 3 years and older
A Best-Selling Game that Incorporates Fine Motor Skills
Educational Insights The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game
This preschool-friendly board game is a favorite for kids and parents. Players utilize fine motor skills with a spinner to collect colored acorns, using squirrel tweezers to pick them up. One satisfied parent noted, “It’s great for teaching turn-taking and color matching without them realizing they’re developing fine motor skills.”
Recommended Age: 3 years and older
A Portable Peg Stacker Set
Lauri Tall-Stackers
This building set includes 25 colorful pegs and an 8-inch pegboard, promoting three-dimensional play while developing various finger motions. With a convenient storage box, it’s perfect for travel. A reviewer noted the durability, stating, “The board has survived our playroom with three boys and twin girls.”
Recommended Age: 2 years and older
A Dino Creation Set
Smarkids Take Apart Dinosaur
Ideal for tool-loving kids, this dinosaur encourages dexterity and problem-solving through assembly. “The mouth, neck, legs, and tail move, which adds to the fun,” one reviewer stated, highlighting its safety and ease of use.
Recommended Age: 3 years and older
A Garden-Themed Construction Set
Green Toys Build-a-Bouquet
With 44 pieces, this garden set promotes creativity and fine motor skills. Made from recycled materials, it’s easy to clean and durable. A reviewer remarked on its versatility, calling it “simple yet endlessly creative.”
Recommended Age: 3 years and older

For more insights on home insemination, feel free to check out our other blog post here.

Explore more about this topic and resources like those from Mount Sinai for valuable information regarding pregnancy and home insemination.

Search Queries:

In summary, enhancing fine motor skills in children is essential for their development, and the right toys can make this process enjoyable. From lacing beads to engaging games, a variety of options are available to suit different age groups and interests. These toys not only entertain but also contribute to crucial skills that will serve your child well into their future.