Melissa & Doug toys have been part of our life since Max was a baby. They've been integral to his growth—and enjoyment. His occupational therapists have regularly recommended them (see: 7 ways to encourage play for kids with special needs). They're engaging, creative, fun and great quality; ours have lasted for years. So I'm thrilled to partner with them for a giveaway.
In case you haven't yet seen it, Melissa & Doug have a Toys for Special Needs catalog. The collection was chosen by consultant Melissa Ligouri, Ed.D., a psychologist and educational consultant. You can search toys by need—Social & Emotional, Oral Motor Skills, Gross Motor Skills, Fine Motor Skills, Cognitive Skills, Speech & Language, Life Skills, Sensory Awareness and last (but not least!) Picky Eater. Someday, wouldn't it be great if parents could also search toys by "Most likely to occupy your child while you make dinner"? Ha ha ha!
Some of Max's favorites:
Both kids have gotten approximately a gazillion hours of use out of this easel. It has a dry-erase board on one side and a chalkboard on the other, so there is plenty of room to repeatedly write, say, "Max loves purple!" There's also a paper-roll holder, a kid-safe paper cutter, grip clips and plastic trays with holders for supplies. Ours has stood the test of time—as in, it is still standing after years of use. And in good shape.
This is one of those toys that's so much fun, your kid won't have a clue it's great occupational therapy. The seven pieces of fruit have Velcro on the ends so kids can "cut" them into a total of seventeen slices. At first, I'd hold my hand over Max's; eventually, he learned to hold the knife and cut them on his own. I wrap the knife with molding clay to make it even easier to hold. Although this does not teach your child to prepare three-course meals for you, it is still awesome.
Jumbo Triangular Crayons
These are grasp-able by kids who otherwise can't get a grip on skinny crayons; their shape means they won't roll away; and they're made of plastic (not wax) so they really, really last. Win, win, win!
Play Money Set
This is one seriously realistic money set, with $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 paper bills and coins in various denominations. I've used it better help both kids understand the meaning of money, and they like playing "store" with it. Max gets a kick out of offering me $100 so he doesn't have to take a bath.
Vehicles Maze Puzzle
It's great for hand-eye coordination and fine-motor skills. There are nine pieces that slide around tracks—and they're attached, so they will not get lost in the wilds of your playroom.
These are grasp-able by kids who otherwise can't get a grip on skinny crayons; their shape means they won't roll away; and they're made of plastic (not wax) so they really, really last. Win, win, win!
This is one seriously realistic money set, with $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 paper bills and coins in various denominations. I've used it better help both kids understand the meaning of money, and they like playing "store" with it. Max gets a kick out of offering me $100 so he doesn't have to take a bath.
It's great for hand-eye coordination and fine-motor skills. There are nine pieces that slide around tracks—and they're attached, so they will not get lost in the wilds of your playroom.
Sort & Snap Color Match
This comes with ten reversible picture cards; kids snap the color caps into holes on the picture side. The reverse sides have pictures in black and white, so kids can create their own patterns and decides. This is great for teaching colors, sorting, beginning math, and encouraging pincer grasps and focus.
This comes with ten reversible picture cards; kids snap the color caps into holes on the picture side. The reverse sides have pictures in black and white, so kids can create their own patterns and decides. This is great for teaching colors, sorting, beginning math, and encouraging pincer grasps and focus.
READY TO WIN A SHOPPING SPREE?
(Sure you are!)
(Sure you are!)
1 winner will receive a $200 shopping spree at MelissaAndDoug.com
1 winner will receive a $100 shopping spree at MelissaAndDoug.com
1 winner will receive a $50 shopping spree at MelissaAndDoug.com
Shipping is included!
HOW TO ENTER
• Enter via the Rafflecopter form below, which includes an area to privately enter your email. Additional entries can be gained by signing up for the Melissa & Doug newsletter and doing social media shares.
• The entry deadline is Tuesday March 25 at 11:59 P.M. EDT. No entries accepted past deadline. For complete entry rules, see "Terms and Conditions."
WINNER DETERMINATION
• The three winners will be randomly selected within 48 hours after the giveaway is closed. I will email the winners at that time. Once winners have been verified, they will be named on this post.
• If I do not hear back from a winner within five business days, another winner will be chosen.
Good luck!
Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
3/26/14 UPDATE: THE WINNERS!
Congrats to Diana Gendreau, Michelle Brunson and Analissa Cruz, who won the $200, $100 and $50 shopping sprees. Happy shopping!
This giveaway has been sponsored by Melissa & Doug LLC. For more information, please visit MelissaAndDoug.com
