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Toy Recommendations
4+ years

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Below are several toy recommendations that may be useful in encouraging the use of two hands during play. Of course, this is not an all inclusive list. Try to find similarities and observe the way toys are used to encourage bimanual play with toys you already have at home. 

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Not every toy listed requires two hands to play with. For these toys, try labeling some as "affected hand only toys" or designating the affected hand a "job" when playing with that toy. Often the affected hand can act as a stabilizer while the unaffected hand does the more complex manipulation of the toy (this counts for a lot!). 

Slinkies 

Fun to grasp with both hands, pull apart, and let them bounce back together. Likely to find at any dollar store, Target, Walmart, Amazon, etc.

Handheld Balloon Pump

Requires one hand on the red part and one on the black. Make it more fun by having them pump a balloon and then take it off to watch it fly around.

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Geo Board

Idea: Can use one hand to stabilize the board and the other to manipulate the rubberband. 

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Pegboard

Idea: Can use one hand to stabilize the board and the other to manipulate the pegs. 

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Zoom Ball

Idea: Requires two hands to make the ball fly towards the other person on the string - could be fun for siblings! 

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Pop tubes

Fun to grasp with both hands and pull apart to make a funny noise. 

Balloon Car Launcher

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Idea: For a pump that sits on the ground, have this be an affected hand activity by encouraging the child to push down on the lever with their affected extremity.

Legos

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Idea: Can require two hands to pull apart and push together blocks. 

Stencils

Idea: Can use one hand to stabilize the stencil and the other to hold the writing utensil. 

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Nuts and Bolts

Idea: Can use one hand to stabilize and the other to manipulate the nut/bolt. 

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