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Great Developmental Gifts for 6-Year-Olds

Did you know that 6-Year-Olds are…

 

• Becoming competitive and likes board games
  see Games »
• Really into crafts and other constructive projects
  see Arts & Crafts »
• Attempting activities that exceed their capabilities
  see Sports »

Our child-experts matched these gifts to a 6-year-old's development.

Things are getting kinda hectic for these 6 year olds, especially as it relates to toys. Getting the appropriate toys for six year olds can be tough. Is it a toy for a 6 year old boy? Or a gift for a 6 year old girl? Here is why…6 year olds will want toys or will attempt activities that are beyond their capabilities.

Before we get into what toys are good for 6 year olds….just so you know…for all other ages at ebeanstalk, we match the toys to the 3 month developmental milestones. For 6 year olds, we match the toys ‘to the year’. We do this because development gets less predictable down to the 3 month increment. As you look through ebeanstalk’s selection of great toys for six year olds, try to keep these things in mind (if you want more detail on what toys and gifts are appropriate for 6 year olds, please check out our developmental milestones for six year olds).

Toys & gifts for six year olds: It’s interesting…often a 6 year old will appear LESS coordinated than a 5 year old because they are constantly on the go. And remember, these six year olds will try to do things that are beyond their abilities. So be patient and keep an eye on ‘em as the run, jump and through things around. “Mom always says, don’t play ball in the house…”

From a thinking perspective, these six year olds are like rocket ships. They are moving quickly towards abstract thinking. Socially, a six year old can be rigid AND a lot more competitive and independent.

In our opinion, here are the categories of toys and games you should consider for the active 6 year old.

Given their active imaginations we like toys to really challenge the 6 year olds…advanced arts and crafts (bead making, drawing, jewelry making) all will bring out the creative side. Go beyond the typical football and basketball with ‘design your own’ type activities. And for some creative sports-related toys, check these out. Many times these 6 year olds are feeling less secure, and whenever you can add to their sense of self worth (through projects where they make things) will help to add to their sense of security.

Also, as we’ve said before, these kids will push themselves to potentially go beyond their abilities. So help them with this desire. Set goals beyond what they are used to, but don’t stretch them too far. Make sure (with practice) that they can achieve their goals. Oh yeah, 6 year olds crave attention from their parents and teachers, so being involved in goal setting, positive reinforcement (now more than ever) will really help them through this transitional year.

You thought you were free and clear when you left the 5th year in the dust. After some potential challenges this year, you little one is really growing and development and taking on much more complicated tasks and tackling and experiencing more complicated emotions.

Life is more about toys for a 6 year old. Here is a great article from our Special Educator, Gopi Patel on the 6th year of life.

Our team of child specialists brings a comprehensive approach to child development. Using their collective experiences - Shari, Andy, Deanie, Jenn, Barbara, and Gopi - ensure each and every facet of child development is covered. Specifically, they looked at over 10,000 toys, selected the best learning toys and matched each to a stage of development. They also create graduated play ideas for each toy, author the eBeanstalk instruction cards, answer great FAQs, and much, much more.

Andy Eig PhD.   Clinical Psychologist   Skills: Social, Emotional	Shari Harpaz MS, CCC-SLP   Speech-Language Pathologist   Skills: Language, Imagination	Deanie Barth MSPT   Physical Therapist   Skills: Dexterity, Locomotion	Barbara Greenspan OT   Pediatric Occupational Therapist   Skills: Dexterity	Gopi K. Patel, MSE.d Special Educator   Behavioral and Parent Training   Skills: Education, Emotional, Social

The ebeanstalk Happy Kid Guarantee

We are so confident in the toys we pick that if your toy is not age-appropriate or your child doesn't like the toy, return it to us within 30 days from the date of purchase for a refund. Happy?

All our toys are tested, selected & matched to a
child's stage of development by our experts.

Plus, each toy comes with a custom instruction card, written by our experts,
to help you and your child get the most ouf of each toy.