Teacher-Recommended Gifts & Tools for Kids
Parents and teachers ask us all the time: “What else do you recommend?” Here are the brands we point people to, alongside our own Training Ties. Everything here supports the same goal: kids doing more for themselves.
Heads up: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Training Ties may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only include brands we think fit what parents and teachers ask us about.
Our own tools
🎁 Our #1 pick (we make it)
Training Ties® Holiday Gift Set — $40
Patented, made in the USA and invented by a special-ed teacher. Training Ties holds the laces in place at the steps where kids get stuck, so one slip doesn’t mean starting over. The gift set adds two-color practice laces and a printable “I Tied My Shoes!” certificate.
Shop the Gift SetLearning & play
Ages 0–4 · play-based learning
Lovevery Play Kits
Stage-based play kits designed around what babies, toddlers and preschoolers are learning at each age. A favorite gift from grandparents because it arrives ready to play.
See LoveveryAges 2+ · hands-on STEAM
KiwiCo crates
Monthly project crates with everything included, from simple make-and-play kits for little kids to science and engineering builds for older ones. Great for kids who love to build things with their hands.
See KiwiCoAges 3–8 · learn to read
Hooked on Phonics
A step-by-step learn-to-read program with short lessons, books and an app. Pairs well with the independence of learning to tie: small steps, real wins.
See Hooked on PhonicsAges 3–18 · live online classes
Outschool classes
Small-group live classes on almost anything: reading, art, coding, social skills and life skills. Gift a class instead of another toy.
Browse OutschoolSensory & special needs
Sensory & OT favorites
Harkla sensory tools
Sensory products like weighted blankets and compression swings, plus courses made with occupational therapists. A thoughtful pick for kids who seek or avoid sensory input.
See HarklaShoes & everyday independence
For new shoe-tyers
Stride Rite lace-up shoes
Ready to graduate from Velcro? A first pair of real lace-up shoes is the perfect partner for Training Ties under the tree.
Shop lace-up kids’ shoesBig-kid life skills
Ages 6+ · money skills
Greenlight
A debit card and app for kids, managed by parents. A great “big kid” gift for building another life skill: earning, saving and spending wisely.
See GreenlightAges 7+ · first phone or tablet
Bark
Parental controls and monitoring for a child’s first device. Worth knowing about if a phone or tablet is on the list this year.
See Bark