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Top 6 Fine Motor Tools That Build Hand Strength Through Play

As an occupational therapist, I know the importance of making therapy fun and functional. Fine motor skills are crucial for kids to master tasks like handwriting, buttoning clothes, and using utensils. But practice doesn’t have to be boring — these OT-approved tools turn hand strengthening into a game! All of these tools are available on Amazon and easy to integrate into playtime, therapy sessions, or home routines.

5/22/20242 min read

🛠️ 1. Theraputty

Theraputty is a classic for a reason. Kids can roll, stretch, pinch, and press it to build hand and finger strength. Try hiding small beads or coins inside to turn it into a treasure hunt for extra motivation!

Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3Zv6Phz

🛠️ 2. Pop Beads or Snap Toys

These colorful, connectable beads are great for building pincer grasp and bilateral coordination. Kids don’t even realize they’re working — they’re just making bracelets and patterns.

Pro tip: I like to put pom poms in these pop beads too; you can make it even more of a fine motor challenge to add tweezers to manipulate the pom poms too!

Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3Si7380

🛠️ 3. Scissor Skills Set

Cutting is a powerful way to build control and dexterity. A fun scissor activity book or cutting kit lets kids practice safely with visual guides, improving grip and hand-eye coordination.

Here is a link to my favorite tools that engage the same hand skills as cutting! https://amzn.to/4ks7zvT

🛠️ 4. Tweezer Games

Games that involve tweezers — like picking up small animals, pom-poms, or bugs — are great for building the tripod grasp. Bonus: they also support focus and attention.

My students absolutely love this game, and you can easily make it more difficult or more simple! https://amzn.to/43E5WFX

🛠️ 5. Lacing and Beading Kits

These toys encourage bilateral hand use and visual-motor skills. They’re also great for practicing sequencing and concentration. Choose kits with large beads for beginners and smaller ones as skills grow.

This one is awesome and has all that you need! https://amzn.to/3YYyxmH

🛠️ 6. Hole Punch Tools

Hole punches take serious hand strength! Let kids punch shapes into construction paper to create cards or crafts — it’s a sneaky but super effective workout for little hands.

This one really emphasizes tip pinch strengthening, especially in the thenar eminence (thumb muscles)! https://amzn.to/4mLB12f

✨ Wrap-Up:

Fine motor play doesn’t need to feel like work. These tools bring therapy into everyday moments and encourage kids to strengthen their hands while having fun. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or therapist, these affordable tools make a big impact.

For more ideas, check out my daily Pinterest pins and Amazon lists — and feel free to message me with questions or requests!

🔒 Affiliate Disclosure

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my small business and helping me continue sharing OT tools with families who need them.