A pretend cup of tea. A tractor stuck in the mud. A tower that comes crashing down.
These little moments give you something to share, react to and talk about with your child. When choosing toys for speech and language development, look for toys your child enjoys—and ways you can join the fun.
You don’t need an overflowing toy cupboard. A few favourites can offer plenty of opportunities for communication.
Start with your child’s interests
Watch what your child chooses and how they play. Do they enjoy moving vehicles, caring for dolls, arranging animals or building things?
Following their interests gives you a natural starting point. If they’re rolling a tractor across the floor, you could roll another vehicle alongside them and say, “Here comes mine!” Following a child’s lead and responding to what they do can help keep an interaction going.
There’s no need to introduce a whole new game when they’re already enjoying one.
Look for a few useful features
Before buying, ask yourself:
- Will my child enjoy it? Their interests matter more than an “educational” label.
- Can we play together? Look for opportunities to join in, share a surprise or take a turn.
- Can it be used in different ways? Blocks might become a tower, a road or a bed for a toy animal.
- Is it suitable and safe? Check the manufacturer’s age guidance, small parts and supervision requirements.
Here are five types of toys worth exploring, with simple ideas you can try.
1. Pretend food and kitchen toys
Food play offers familiar situations: making breakfast, pouring a drink, packing a picnic or serving someone lunch.
It also gives you plenty of actions to talk about. Alongside naming apple or cup, try words such as cut, pour, stir, hot and empty.
Try this: Put a teddy at the table and offer it breakfast.
You might say: “Teddy’s hungry. Some toast? More toast!”
A pretend breakfast set works well, but you can also start with suitable cups, spoons and containers you already have.
2. Farm animals and vehicles
Animals and vehicles offer lots of possibilities for small adventures. The sheep could ride in the trailer, the cow might hide behind the barn, or the tractor could need rescuing.
Try this: Make a little enclosure and let your child decide which animals go inside.
You might say: “Cow’s in. Sheep’s outside. Oh! Sheep jumped over!”
Animal sounds can be part of the fun, alongside action words and short phrases. Your child can join in through movement, pointing, sounds or words.
3. Wooden blocks
Blocks give you something to build, change and explore together. A simple construction can introduce ideas such as up, down, on, under, tall and short.
Try this: Build a bridge for a favourite vehicle.
You might say: “Under the bridge. It’s stuck! We need a bigger bridge.”
If your child prefers lining up the blocks, join them there. You could make a line beside theirs and comment on what’s happening.
4. Dollhouses and small-world sets
A dollhouse creates opportunities to act out everyday events, from waking up to getting ready for bed. You can also invent visitors, missing pets and unexpected adventures.
Try this: Let your child choose where a character goes.
You might say: “Baby’s upstairs,” or “Dad’s looking for his shoes.”
For a child who enjoys longer stories, add a small problem: “It’s raining, and the dog is outside!” See what they decide happens next.
Scandi Doll House with Furniture & Doll Family
A furnished wooden house with two dolls for everyday routines and little stories. Ages 3+.
Product preview · Not currently available to order.
5. Simple puzzles
Puzzles offer opportunities to notice details, make choices and ask for help.
Try this: Work alongside your child and describe a piece they’re interested in.
You might say: “A long tail,” “Turn it around,” or “You found its spot!”
Keep the pieces accessible so your child can enjoy the puzzle without needing to say a particular word to receive one.
Animal Tray Puzzle
Twelve removable wooden animals for puzzle play, sorting and make-believe. Ages 2+.
Make room for communication
Once you have something your child enjoys, keep the interaction relaxed:
- Comment on what’s happening: “The tractor’s climbing!” gives them language without requiring an answer.
- Leave a little space: Pause so they have a chance to contribute.
- Build on their message: If they say “cow”, you might respond, “Cow’s sleeping.”
- Notice different ways of communicating: A gesture, sign, sound, word or AAC message can all be part of the exchange.
Talking during shared play gives children opportunities to hear words connected to what they’re doing and noticing. You can use the language or languages your family feels most comfortable speaking.
Start with one favourite
Choose one toy, sit alongside your child and see what catches their attention. A small, enjoyable interaction is a useful place to begin.
For more inspiration, explore the SpeechToys range and look for our visual play guides on product pages, with practical activities and example words to use with your toys.
These ideas provide general information about communication through play. Toys don’t replace individual assessment or therapy. If you’re concerned about your child’s speech, language or communication, speak with a speech pathologist.