Toddlers are at such a fun age. They’re learning about the world and discovering new things, but they still have that sense of wonder that makes everything exciting.
Their imagination is running wild and they want to explore everything with their hands. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that their toy box is full of great toys that will stimulate all five senses!
| Sensory Toy | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Play Tunnel | Promotes crawling and encourages exploration |
| Sensory Balls | Helps with gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination |
| Musical Instruments | Develops fine motor skills and encourages creativity |
| Water Toys | Helps with tactile exploration and sensory integration |
| Shape Sorters | Builds problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination |
| Play Kitchen Set | Encourages imaginative play and socialization |
| Sensory Board | Helps with cognitive and sensory development |
| Stacking Blocks | Develops hand-eye coordination and spatial reasoning |
| Fidget Toys | Improves focus and attention |
| Sand and Water Table | Encourages sensory exploration and imagination |
| Puzzles | Develops problem-solving and fine motor skills |
| Play Dough | Enhances sensory exploration and fine motor skills |
| Balance Board | Promotes balance and coordination |
| Textured Balls | Stimulates tactile exploration and sensory development |
| Art Supplies | Encourages creativity and fine motor skills |
Light Up Paints
Light up paints are fun for kids of all ages. Whether you’re introducing your child to the world of art, or your toddler is ready to get messy with some paint, light up paints are a great way to go! They come in many different colors and styles that make them easy to use.
Light up paints work great for parties or any other gathering where you want something unique. Your guests will be amazed by how the light shines through these innovative products!
Choosing the right sensory toys for your toddler can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Our beginner’s guide provides useful tips and insights on how to make the right choice for your child’s developmental needs
Jelly Belly Sticky Decks
Jelly belly sticky decks are a great sensory toy for toddlers. Not only do they love the bright colors, but they also learn how to sort by color, shape and size. In addition to being fun, jelly beans are also a great way to encourage children to eat more fruit and vegetables.
Jelly beans come in all different shapes and sizes, so it’s easy for kids to find one that matches their favorite fruit or vegetable! Plus with these sticky decks you can make your own food groups with whatever fruits/vegetables you would like!
To make this activity even more fun try adding some stickers from our collection of alphabet stickers!
GoGo Snoballs
A Snow Cone Maker is a great toy for kids to use on hot summer days. This can be used to make snow cones, but it’s also great for making other foods like chocolate and fruit. It’s also perfect for making ice cream sundaes, slushies, smoothies and frozen drinks!
Sensory toys can be an excellent tool to help your child’s growth and development, but with so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit. Our guide on choosing sensory toys can help you select the most appropriate toys for your child based on their interests and abilities.
Munchkins Farm Ball
The Munchkin Farm Ball is a ball that can be played with in many different ways. It’s soft and squishy, so it’s great for little hands who are just learning how to grasp things. It can be rolled, bounced, thrown and caught by adults or children.
Toddlers will love watching the animals inside move around as they roll it across the floor. This toy also helps develop hand-eye coordination because toddlers have to aim at targets while they’re playing with this toy.
They’ll also learn how to share their toys if you let each family member take turns rolling the ball during playtime!
The Munchkin Farm Ball is available at Target stores nationwide for $8.00 USD (or $6 after coupon).
DIY Sensory Toys
| Sensory Toy | Materials |
|---|---|
| Sensory Bottles | Clear plastic bottles, water, food coloring, glitter, and small objects |
| Sensory Bags | Ziplock bags, hair gel, and small objects |
| Sensory Bin | Plastic storage bin, rice, beans, or other materials for sensory play |
| Sensory Playdough | Flour, salt, water, cream of tartar, and food coloring |
| Sensory Bottles | Clear plastic bottles, water, food coloring, glitter, and small objects |
Rattle Tootsie Pop Chairs
Rattle: A rattle is a baby toy that rattles when shaken. It’s a great way to introduce your baby to cause and effect, because the sound comes from them shaking it.
Tootsie Pop: The Tootsie Pop is a hollow chocolate lollipop that you can fill with any kind of liquid (water, juice, etc.). It helps develop motor skills through pouring and holding onto something warm.
How to use it: Put an empty Tootsie Pop in one hand and shake it while singing “The Wheels on the Bus.”
Then put another empty Tootsie Pop in your other hand and repeat the song again you’ll see how well they can hold two items at once!
Gross motor skills are essential for a toddler’s physical and cognitive development. Our article on sensory play for building gross motor skills explains how sensory play can improve your child’s coordination, balance, and overall physical well-being.
Monkey Magic Hammer
A foam hammer with a mirror on it is the perfect toy for your little one to bang around and get some sensory play in.
It’ll also help them learn about shapes and colors, as they can see what their hammer looks like when its reflection bounces off of the floor or wall.
You can even use it to teach them about opposites by showing them how to hold up their mirror hammer and say “Look! It’s not heavy.”
Bibble Bibble Loom
A loom is a great way to introduce kids to the idea of knitting. It can be used to make bracelets, headbands, and more.
This loom is especially fun because it comes with colorful pegs that stick into holes on the board so that your child can weave their chosen material (such as yarn) around them. This will help them develop fine motor skills while they have fun!
Hatchimals Adorable Plush Nests
Hatchimals are interactive toys that hatch from eggs. They’re a great way to teach your child about the life cycle of animals, as well as responsibility and caring for animals.
Hatchimals can be used to model what happens when an animal is born, what it eats, how it grows up, and where it goes when it dies (i.e., back into its egg).
Sensory play is not only beneficial for older children but also for babies. Our guide on sensory play for babies explains how different types of sensory play can help your baby develop essential cognitive, social, and emotional skills in their early stages of life.
Skip Hop Nature Sensory Pillow
This pillow is filled with beans, but you don’t have to tell your toddler that. The Skip Hop Nature Sensory Pillow is made from cotton and polyester and can be machine washed. It folds into its own carrying case so that toddlers can take it wherever they go.
They might use the pillow while watching TV or reading a book, or they might just like having it next to them while they play on the floor or in their cribs but either way, this toy will give them something soft to squeeze when they need comfort!
Musical Instruments By Tootie Boo
Musical instruments are great for developing motor skills. They help kids learn how to coordinate their hands and fingers with their eyes, which is something they’ll need to do when they start reading and writing.
It also helps them develop language skills, so if you have a child who doesn’t speak yet, having musical instruments in the toy box can help stimulate them into talking more.
Music is a great way to help kids develop social skills by being able to play together as a family or with friends. And it’s also an emotional outlet for children, so having music involved in their playtime helps teach emotional intelligence at such an early age as well!
Mr. Potato Head Pop-up Play Tent
The Mr. Potato Head Pop-up Play Tent is a colorful and fun way to create a secret hiding place for kids. It also helps them store their favorite toys, which means less clutter in your home!
The tent can be used indoors or outdoors, making it perfect for fun in the sun or rainy days of winter.
The pop up design makes this tent simple enough that even toddlers will be able to set it up on their own without much help from an adult, meaning you don’t have to worry about getting dirty fingers at all!
If you want more ideas for how your little ones can make use of this tent, check out our list below:
Create a reading nook by placing pillows in front of the entrance as seating areas where kids can sit down with books during quiet time after school; alternatively, use blankets instead so they can nap inside during nap time instead!
> Use it as storage space for stuffed animals when not in use (and keep them clean). They will stay nice and fluffy inside without needing any ironing thanks to special insulation materials used within each piece that prevent damage caused by heat/light exposure due to daily usage over time periods ranging anywhere between weeks months years depending on how often they’re used per day.
Choosing the right toys for infants and toddlers can be a daunting task. Our article on the best sensory toys for infants and toddlers provides an excellent list of toys that will help your child develop essential skills while keeping them engaged and entertained.
Pull & Feed Play Mat with Handlebar
A pull & feed play mat is a great way for your toddler to learn how to pull a wagon, and it features a removable feeding trough that can be filled with plastic or wooden food pieces (sold separately). The toy is made of plastic, and recommended for ages 12 months and up.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the toys that not only stimulate your child’s senses and help them learn through play, but also teach them important skills like hand-eye coordination and counting. As you can see from our list, there are many options available!
If you’re looking to find some more ideas on what types of toys would be good for your little one’s development, check out our blog post all about sensory toys for toddlers.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about sensory toys, here are some additional resources to check out:
We Are Teachers: This article provides a comprehensive guide to sensory toys and how they can benefit children’s development.
Your Kid’s Table: This website offers a list of sensory toys and games for children of all ages, along with helpful tips on how to use them.
ReadyKids: This article discusses the benefits of sensory toys for toddlers and provides recommendations on the best ones to use.
FAQs
What are sensory toys?
Sensory toys are toys designed to stimulate one or more of a child’s senses, including touch, sight, sound, smell, and taste. They are often used to promote cognitive, social, and emotional development.
How do sensory toys benefit children’s development?
Sensory toys provide children with a range of experiences that help them learn and develop new skills. For example, they can help improve a child’s hand-eye coordination, fine and gross motor skills, and ability to process sensory information.
Are there specific types of sensory toys that are best for children with special needs?
Yes, there are many types of sensory toys that are specifically designed to meet the needs of children with various special needs, such as autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder. Examples of these toys include weighted blankets, chewable jewelry, and fidget toys.
How can I choose the right sensory toys for my child?
When choosing sensory toys for your child, consider their age, interests, and developmental needs. It’s also important to choose toys that are safe and made from high-quality materials.
Are there any safety concerns to keep in mind when using sensory toys?
Yes, it’s important to supervise your child when they are using sensory toys to ensure they are being used safely. Some sensory toys, such as small objects or toys with small parts, may pose a choking hazard for young children.
Meet Hellen James, the multi-talented writer and nurturing mother who takes young readers on a thrilling journey through her sensory-infused blog. Drawing inspiration from her own experiences as a parent.
