Good sensory toys help children explore one of their seven senses, but the best sensory toys tap into multiple senses at once.
I taught before I had kids, and I have two of my own now in the 0 to 6 range. Sensory is one of the 11 categories in our toy rotation system, right alongside fine motor and gross motor toys. This guide is written for that everyday version of the category. 🌈
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What are Sensory Toys?
A sensory toy is anything built around input to one of the senses on purpose. For example: a textured ball is a sensory toy, but a regular ball is not (even though you technically feel it too).
We’re all familiar with the five basic senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell), but there are seven senses that kids can explore:
- Sight: not just what we’re seeing but how we’re interpreting it and recognizing faces, shapes, and patterns.
- Sound: Music, language, sounds of nature, and even traffic noises or city sounds. These sounds help kids communicate with the people and world around them.
- Touch: How hot or cold is something? Is it slimy or soft? Wet or dry? Am I applying too much pressure or not enough? These kinds of questions set children up for making predictions about the world.
- Balance: Balance is important as kids grow for gross motor development.
- Interoception: Fancy word for “listening to your body.” Comes into play when we’re using toys to regulate emotions like stress, frustration, and anger.
- Smell: Kids build memories based on familiar smells; they can also use smell to make predictions about how something might taste, feel, etc.
The best sensory toys for kids don’t focus on one of these senses, but many. It comes back to my general philosophy that toys that can be played with in many different ways will be the winners over time.
I love sensory bins because they keep my kids busy long enough for real independent play.
The Best Sensory Toys by Age
Sensory toys for toddlers can be as simple as dry pasta and a scoop. I know if I gave a 6-month-old, some Play-Doh (albeit non-toxic) that Play-Doh is going to be less of a toy and more of a snack 🍰.
The Best Sensory Toys for Infants (0-12 months)
Baby Einstein Ocean Explorers Sensory Splash Water Play Mat
A water mat is a great way to spruce up tummy time when your baby is little. It helps them move their head and arms for gross motor control. As they get older they can start to use their fingers to push around the objects for fine-motor development.
I think I mentioned on most of my other toy category pages that play silks appear on almost all of them.
Newcotte 5 Set Magic Color Silk Scarf
One minute you're running these silks through your newborn's fingers for sensory play, the next your toddlers are wearing them as capes, tying them into ropes, building forts, and more.
- More Fun Than You Realize: can use it as a game prop, play hide and seek with their friends, throw the handkerchief and more, offering a diverse range of open ended play experiences
- Versatile: we can use this play scarves as carriers, scarves, capes, grass for rocking horses dance props and even to build forts with play clips, and also can be a sling for a doll or stuffed animal, a decorative backdrop for a make faith scene, there is more fun waiting for you to discover
- Durable: our large square scarves are made of durable reusable satin chiffon fabric ideal for playing dress up, doll blankets, dancing and twirling, capes, activities and songs, Halloween costumes, picnics, traveling, movement, juggling, and more
- Promotes Motor Coordination: the flowing scarves are ideal for dance and movement activities helping to improve balance coordination and rhythm they can also for tossing catching waving and storytelling promoting physical development and boosting confidence
Melissa & Doug K’s Kids, Flip Fish Stuffed Animal
Babies can feel different textures with their fingers and teeth, flip the scales, and squeak the squeaker.
- Engaging Sensory Play: This cuddly fish friend is a squeaking & crinkling, multi-textured baby toy, with hidden pictures under brightly colored peek-a-boo scales, inviting exploration & early learning
- Soft, Safe & Easy to Clean: This lovable playmate for baby comes with a squeaker tail, shatterproof baby mirror, and multiple textures, crafted from surface washable fabrics for everyday use
Bright Starts Oball Easy Grasp Classic Ball
Bright Starts Oball Shaker Rattle
Nuby Teethe N' Pop Sensory Play Teether
Our babies loved the feel of Nuby teething toys. This turtle has different textures for them to explore with their teeth and gums. It also practices hand-eye coordination.
- TURTLE TEETHING TOY FOR 3+ MONTHS: Playful Teethe N' Pop Turtle soothes your little one's discomfort and assists in the emergence of teeth
- SUPER SOFT BABY TEETHER: This teether toy is made of 100% soft silicone for sensitive, tender mouths, which provides teething relief without being rough on sore gums
- COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT: Multiple textures and fun turtle shape captivate baby's attention and help stimulate sensory development; Fun Pop Center assists in the development of fine motor skills
- MADE FOR SENSORY PLAY: This teething toy is thoughtfully designed to encourage sensory play
Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys
These teething keys were perfect for our little ones to soothe sore gums during teething. You can put them in the freezer (or fridge if the freezer is too intense) for some relief.
- BABY TEETHING TOYS: Our teething toys are perfect for soothing sore gums during every stage of baby teething; Place in refrigerator to provide a soothing, cooling sensation for your little one
- SAFETY FIRST: Parents can feel safe knowing Nuby baby products are developed, researched, and manufactured to exceed all government safety regulations and standards
Bright Starts 5-in-1 Your Way Ball Play – Jumbo Play Mat
Both of my kids loved this play gym as infants. From laying on their back watching the singing elephant, to tummy time on the silky mat, to propped up with the included pillow, and when they are ready to sit and play, it converts to a ball pit!
- Includes 40 balls with carrying case for easy storage
- Cheerful elephant toy lights up and plays 20 minutes of music (and detaches for on-the-go fun)
- Includes 7 tropically cool take-along toys: elephant musical toy, crinkle toy, mirror, flash cards, hanging leaf toy and bead rattle
- Grow with me from infant to toddler, ages newborn and up
- Machine washable mat and easy-to-clean wipeable toys
Fat Brain PipSquigz
We never owned this jumbo baby version, but my kiddos LOVED the regular Squigz, and these provide so much sensory input for babies, they had to make the list.
- FUN LITTLE SUCKERS! – Fat Brain Squigz toys are innovative suction toys that stick to each other and most flat surfaces, then pull apart with a POP. Sized for tots, this 6-piece pipSquigz set is a larger, chunkier version, each with fun shapes, textures, and bold colors.
- SAFELY DESIGNED – BPA-free silicone baby toys are easy for little hands to grasp, encouraging creative play. Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, they won't leave residue on your tables or windows, and make soothing teething toys.
- BABY FIDGET TOY SENSORY STIMULATION – Fat Brain baby toys encourage the development of motor skills, hand-eye coordination, visual thinking, and concentration. Featuring cool, textured surfaces, the unique pieces rattle when shaken.
- VERSATILE AND PORTABLE – Fun baby bath toys, pipSquigz are also a great baby high chair toy, handy baby airplane travel accessories, and an amusing car window toy. Each baby toy stores neatly in the included zippered case.
- AWARD-WINNING GIFT IDEA – An ASTRA Best Toys for Kids Award winner, this pipSquigz combo makes an awesome birthday, holiday or baby shower present for ages 6 months and up.
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The Best Sensory Toys for Toddlers & Preschool
1. Play-Doh
There are so many good Play-Doh kits that target sensory play as well as STEM, art, and engineering. Here are some of our favorites…
Play-Doh Starter Set
This was the exact first set I bought, and it's still in circulation 6 years later! Granted the play-doh itself has long been dried up, mashed together, and stuck to my carpet… But the tools and case remain!
- Reusable storage is bas great for storage and to take Play-Doh on the go
- 9 tools & 4 cans of doh
- Rigorously tested for quality, Play-Doh compound is made primarily with flour, salt, and water, making it a great choice for arts and crafts for kids who love modeling clay (contains wheat)
Play-Doh Gravel Yard Construction Playset
Our kids spend so much time with their Play-Doh bulldozer and construction sets. They combine the fun of Play-Doh with pretend play!
- GRAVEL GRINDER, DUMP TRUCK, AND STEAMROLLER: 3 construction toys in one set for imaginative pretend play for kids 3 and up
- CRANK IT AND CRUSH IT: Load Play-Doh compound into the gravel grinder, turn the handle, and watch it crumble out as pretend rocks and gravel right into the bed of the dump truck
- HAUL IT AND ROLL IT: Squeeze Play-Doh rubble from the dump truck bed, then roll it along to press in pretend tire tracks. Use the steamroller to flatten and pave imaginary roads
- BUILD A WHOLE CONSTRUCTION ZONE: The base and molds let kids shape pretend road signs, traffic cones, and other construction-themed creations to build out their own Play-Doh scene
Play-Doh Drill 'n Fill Dentist Toy
I do truly love this kit, with the one disclaimer that making teeth takes a long time (for them just to be squished by my son!). My kids will play dentist, drill cavities, and talk their patient through procedures.
Play-Doh Stamp & Saw Tool Bench
One of our favorite sets (and yes, we have a lot of sets!). You can make "wood" pieces and then use the working saw and toolbench to practice fine motor construction skills.
- BUILD KIDS' IMAGINATIONS: Little builders can imagine a fun day in the workshop with this Play-Doh construction set featuring lots of hands-on creative activities for kids
- STAMP, SLIDE, AND SAW: Press the handle to stamp a pretend wood block, then push the slide rule to bring it over to the spinning saw station
- 3 INTERCHANGEABLE STAMPERS: Place an attachment on the stamping station and then pull the handle to stamp circles, squares, and triangles
- 3 TOY TOOLS: Play-Doh accessories include the toolbox book-mold, toy screwdriver, and hammer stamper
Play-Dph Kitchen Creations Cookie Playset
This Play-Doh kit comes with cool accessories like cookie cutters, a spatula, and rolling pin. They are great for playing with Play-Doh and also great to use in your play kitchen.
- LET'S PLAY PRETEND BAKER: Little future chefs can imagine their own kitchen creations again and again with 10 fun Play-Doh tools
- MAKE-BELIEVE COOKIE PAN: The toy cookie tray has molds that create lots of different play food cookie shapes and pretend toppings
- TEXTURED ROLLING PIN: Roll cool designs onto the pretend cookies
Play-Doh Care 'n Carry Vet Playset
You can play with this set with or without Play-Doh, so it makes a great beginner vet set. You can teach kids all about caring for and grooming pets.
- GIVE THE PUP A CHECK UP: This toy vet kit for kids 3 years and up lets them get creative and play pretend veterinarian. It's up to them to groom and care for the adorable toy dog
- GROOM AND STYLE: Make the doggy grow a long Play-Doh tongue and silly Play-Doh hair from its ears and back. Kids can also mold pretend fleas, pick them off with the tweezers, and style up the pup
- TAKE-ALONG CARRIER: Storage and on the go fun all in one. Yes, please. The play pet carrier also features fun molds to make Play-Doh medicine, bows, and more
Play-Doh Stamp & Spin Pizza Playset
Another family favorite. We can always count on the pizza kitchen being open when the Play-Doh is out.
- LET'S PLAY PRETEND PIZZERIA: This complete Play-Doh kit comes with all the right toy kitchen accessories for kids to imagine their own pizza restaurant
- STAMP A MAKE-BELIEVE CRUST: Place Play-Doh compound in the toy pizza oven and press the button on top to make a pretend crust come spinning out
- ADD OVER 25 WACKY TOPPINGS: Sprinkle silly cheese with the grater and create make-believe meats and veggies with the variety of built-in molds on the kitchen playset
Play-Doh Cash Register Toy
Run your own grocery store with this Play-Doh set. I really love it because it can be used with or without Play-Doh.
- LET'S PLAY SUPERMARKET: This supermarket playset for kids is a great Play-Doh kit that lets them play pretend with a classic grocery store theme
- REGISTER MAKES DING SOUND: No batteries required! Just press the button above the drawer to open it and hear the bell
- SQUEEZE SILLY RECEIPTS: Make it look like the toy cash register is printing a Play-Doh receipt
Play-Doh Disney Junior Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
For young Play-Doh-ers, this simple kit comes with familiar faces, easy-to-use stamps, and lots of Doh!
- IMAGINE MINI PLAY-DOH DISNEY ADVENTURES: Sensory play and imagination toys come together in this Disney Junior Play-Doh set
- 3 FIGURES WITH STAMPERS: Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, and Mickey Mouse toy figures all have their own stampers on the bottom to make fun shapes
- 3 FUN VEHICLE STAMPERS: The figures can ride in the toy boat, car, and train for stacking fun
2. Kinetic Sand
We love Kinetic Sand, and yes, it is worth paying for the brand name here. Other magic sand acts more like sand you’d find on the beach (and then all over your house). We’re a natural-color-only house, and our favorite sets are in my Kinetic Sand guide.
Heads Up: I only promote natural color Kinetic Sand. In fact, I will not buy colored Kinetic Sand. I find it dries out, and it stains, especially carpet.
Kinetic Sand 3.25lb Beach Sand
We are an exclusive natural Kinetic sand only household. We once bought a kit with colored sand, and it got in the carpet (years ago) and the pigment is still visible, although it is coming out. Plus the colored sand always seems dried out.
- Amazon exclusive 3.25lbs Kinetic Beach Sand: This play sand develops creative & sensory skills for endless creativity; store sand in the resealable bag (packaging may vary) for quick clean up
- Loads of sensory sand fun: Kinetic Sand for kids develops creative & sensory skills & allows kids to create anything they can imagine; this Kinetic Sand kit is a welcome addition to the sensory bin
- Made with natural sand: The One & Only Kinetic Sand is reusable, never dries out & magically sticks together for easy cleanup; itu2019s safe for creative play, sand art & kids crafts
Kinetic Sand Folding Sandbox
We loooove Kinetic sand, but only the natural color sand. There aren't as many kits to choose from, but this one came on vacation with us because of the folding travel case and provided lots of entertainment.
- One & only Kinetic Sand: Made from natural sand, Kinetic Sand is reusable, never dries out & sticks together for easy cleanup. Itu2019s safe for creative play, sand art & kids crafts
- Endless fun with 7 tools & molds: With over 20 ways to play, 7 tools & molds, the Folding Sand Box has everything kids need to create the sandcastles of their dreams
- Contained play area & storage: This Kinetic Sand set opens to reveal a contained play area to keep things tidy while kids play. After play, close it up for quick & easy storage
- Loads of sensory sand fun: Kinetic Sand for kids develops creative & sensory skills, allowing kids to create anything they can imagine. This Kinetic Sand kit is a welcome addition to the sensory bin
- Made with natural sand: The One & Only Kinetic Sand is reusable, never dries out & magically sticks together for easy cleanup. Itu2019s safe for creative play, sand art & kids crafts
Kinetic Sand Construction Site
We are an exclusive natural colored sand only household. So I only look for kits with natural sand. We love this one for the storage case, and it has lots of fun construction tools for pretend play.
- Working crane: Dig, build & crush with a crane & 2 attachments. Hook the sand bucket on to dig & move Kinetic Sand, then demolish with the wrecking ball u2013 this Kinetic Sand set is so much fun
- Dump truck toy with brick molds: With 2lbs of mesmerizing Kinetic Sand for kids, wheel the dump truck around the site & use the trucku2019s 3-brick mold in the back to build brick walls
- Contained play space: Open the Construction Site to reveal a contained play space. After play, the sandbox easily folds up & fits everything inside for storage or portable play
- Construction-themed sensory sand toy: This Kinetic Sand kit & Kinetic Sand toys are exciting building toys for kids. A must-have gift for kids for birthdays, holidays or any occasion
Kinetic Sand Farm Set
This is a fun pretend-play Kinetic Sand set with animals and a barn that doubles as a storage case.
- Educational farm play: Kids can explore their imagination & develop fine motor skills as they stamp chicken & cow footprints, plant & pick veggies, use the tractor to stamp numbers & practice counting with this Kinetic Sand set
- 12oz Kinetic Sand & 6 tools: The Sandy Farm Set includes 12oz brown colored sand, 2 multipurpose farm animals, a tractor the animals can ride & 3 vegetables to inspire pretend play
- Reusable barn storage case: Introduce kids to sensory sand play with this fun arts and crafts Kinetic Sand kit; the barn opens, keeping play contained; store tools & sand inside the case until next time
Kinetic Sand Beach Sand Kingdom
This was our first Kinetic sand set. We love that it comes with natural sand (I won't buy the colored stuff), and that it has familiar sand tools like you'd find at the beach.
- AWARD-WINNING TOY: 2018 PAL Award Winner for promoting play that advances language in children, Winner of the Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards, and Parentsu2019 Choice Fun Stuff Award
- BRING HOME SAND FUN WITHOUT THE MESS: Kinetic Sand feels cool to the touch u2013 just like wet beach sand, but never sticky! The play sand magically flows through your hands! Itu2019s easy to clean, shape, mold!
- 8 CASTLE-THEMED MOLDS AND TOOLS: The Beach Sand Kingdom has everything you need to create epic sandcastles! Use the molds to create walls, bridges, and towers. Use the 2 multi-use tools to cut, dig, and shovel!
- GREAT GIFTS FOR KIDS: Kinetic Sand toys are great building toys gifts for creative kids! Alternative to kids crafts, slime kit, modeling clay, & fidget toys. Add to your craft kits and learning games!
Kinetic Sand Dig N' Demolish
This is so fun to mold and stack bricks (yes they actually stay bricks!) and then demolish them!
- 2-in-1 truck & mold: Scoop & crush with the trucku2019s detachable Kinetic Sand tools. Mold bricks & crush them with the jackhammer tool, then clip the scooper onto the front loader & clean up your site
- Enclosed play space: Open the box to reveal a play space for the setu2019s 1lb of brown Kinetic Sand for kids. When youu2019re finished playing, pack everything back into the box for easy clean up & storage
- One & Only Kinetic Sand: Feel the difference with Kinetic Sand, the original moldable & mesmerizing magic sand. Kinetic Sandu2019s unique formula makes it stick together so it easily shapes & molds
3. Slime
Whether you’re making your own, or playing with a store-made batch, prepare for messy chaos. There is no way around it.
Elmer's Fruity Fusion Slime Kit
We love slime (in contained environments) and have even made a few batches of our own. Slime definitely needs adult supervision as the ratios can be difficult to master (read: if you add too much it's going to make a big mess).
- All-inclusive slime kit lets you create custom, fruit-inspired slime
- Includes Elmer's Clear Glue and Magical Liquid Slime Activator to create slime base
- Slime supplies include everything you need: clay color pigments, scent add-ins, mix-ins, mixing bowl, and a spoon!
- Safe, washable, and nontoxic, a great activity for kids!
Discovery Big Creepy Science Lab
These science kits do come with harsh components to make the reactions. This should be done with close adult supervision. These kits might be too advanced, even for a 6 year old. But my oldest has been able to do a lot of the projects with help.
- u2714 65 GROSS & CREEPY EXPERIMENTS u2013 Explore the science behind the seriously disgusting! From slimy intestines and fake blood to boogers and erupting noses, this educational kit includes 25 guided experiments + 40 bonus DIYs at home.
- u2714 CREEPY & GROSS LEARNING FUN u2013 Make glow-in-the-dark centipedes, vomit slime, boogers, fake blood, erupting noses, and bubbling swamps while learning real STEM principles behind the gross-out fun.
- u2714 DISCOVER CHEMISTRY & PHYSICS u2013 Each revolting experiment teaches a real scientific principle like pH changes, states of matter, acid-base reactions, or light refraction. Itu2019s smart disguised as silly!
Play-Doh Scented Slime
These sensory slimes offer lots of textures to squish, squeeze, and stretch. My oldest doesn't care for slime in general, but my youngest goes crazy for this stuff and will play for hours!
- 6 SUPER SCENTED SLIMES: Squish, twist, squeeze, and stretch your way into a world of sensory fun with 6 colorful gooey compounds in all kinds of sweet scents, including strawberry, grape, cotton candy, watermelon, and more!
- 6 COLORS & SCENTS: Squish, twist, squeeze, and stretch a rainbow of colors and scents, including strawberry, grape, cotton candy, watermelon, and more!
- FEEL THE FUN OF 4 COOL COMPOUNDS: From glossy Super Stretch Slime to crackly Foam Slime, soft and smooth Butter, and even a compound that feels like a cloud, there are so many satisfying textures to explore with this value pack!
- FEEL THE FUN OF 4 COOL COMPOUNDS: From glossy Super Stretch Slime to crackly Foam Slime, soft and smooth Butter, and even a compound that feels like a cloud, there are so many satisfying textures to explore with this value pack!
- REUSABLE: Every compound comes in a reusable container with a lid to store and enjoy anytime, anywhere u2014 they make great party favors, stocking stuffers, on-the-go fidget toys, or even desk accessories!
Original Squishmallows Mini Slime Charms
These little slime tubs would make cute party favors or travel toys. I wouldn't take slime in a hot car (seems like a recipe for disaster), but for use at a restaurant or waiting room would definitely work!
- 3 MINI SLIME KEYCHAINS: This bundle features three mini slimes, each with a soft, fluffy cloud texture and Squishmallows topper u2014 stretch and squish your way to sensory bliss!
- DISCOVER 3 SWEET SCENTS AND u2019MALLOWS: Boyle with blueberry, Graciela with strawberry, and Howland with cake u2014 which one will you get?
- CLIP IT, FLAUNT IT, SQUISH IT: Each slime comes with a built-in carabiner so you can take your Squad anywhere u2014 backpacks, purses, keys, you name it.
4. Sensory Bins
I love to make my own sensory bin. Take some dried grains (think pasta, rice, etc.), put it in a shallow container with some scoops, trucks, bowls, tongs, etc., and my kids will have a blast.
Sometimes I switch it up and use bubbles for the base, or even colored water. It depends on how much mess I want to deal with.
Bowtie pasta really earns a spot in my heart ❤️ for being fun enough for kids but super easy to pick up off the floor if it spills.
Learning Resources Helping Hands Sensory Scoops
You can play with these scoops in so many ways! Add them to the bath for water play, pair it with a bowl of dried rice or pasta for scooping practice, or add add it to your Kinetic sand or Play-Doh tools.
- SENSORY EXPLORATION: Engage children with four uniquely designed scoops that encourage tactile play while they pour, sift, scoop, and funnel different materials in sensory bins, sand tables
- FINE MOTOR DEVELOPMENT: Build essential hand strength and coordination as little ones manipulate these perfectly sized tools, developing the precise finger control needed for writing
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Made from thick, high-quality plastic that withstands enthusiastic daily play, these sturdy scoops won't break or crack like typical sandbox toys even with regular use
- MADE FOR LITTLE HANDS: Specially designed with easy-grip handles and child-friendly shapes that allow toddlers and preschoolers to scoop and pour independently, boosting confidence
Learning Resources Helping Hands Fine Motor Tool Set
Droppers, scoopers, and tweezers all made for little hands and fine motor development. Use them in DIY sensory bins with dried pasta or rice, add them to the bath for water play, or use them with Kinetic sand or Play-Doh.
- FINE MOTOR DEVELOPMENT: Strengthen hand muscles, dexterity, and pincer grasp skills with 4 specialized tools designed to support writing readiness, sorting, and everyday learning activities
- VERSATILE SENSORY PLAY: Use these sensory tools with sensory bins, water beads, rice, beans, pom poms, and other sensory bin materials for hands-on exploration and discovery
- 4 ESSENTIAL LEARNING TOOLS: Includes tweezers for kids, sensory scoops, tongs, and droppers that help children grab, pick, squeeze, transfer, and sort objects with precision
- IDEAL FOR HOME & CLASSROOM: Perfect for preschool sensory bins, occupational therapy activities, STEM learning, fine motor centers, and sensory table accessories for kids
Learning Resources Helping Hands Tactile Tools
These can be used in sensory bins or with Play-Doh or Kinetic sand. They work well for any kind of sensory play, and are made for little hands for fine motor development.
- BUILDS FINE MOTOR SKILLS: Kids strengthen hand muscles and coordination as they grasp, pour, pinch, and transfer sensory materials in bins, trays, and tables
- VERSATILE SENSORY PLAY SET: Works with sand, clay, play doughs, rice, water beads, and other sensory bin fillers; a useful add on for any sensory table or large bin
- OPEN ENDED CREATIVITY: Encourages imaginative scooping games, small world play, and calming sensory exploration; pairs with existing sensory packs and play sand
Educational Insights Pluffle Hide & Seek Sensory Set
Pluffle came out after we had already invested heavily in Play-Doh, Kinetic sand, and other sensory bins…But this set comes with everything you'd want in a sensory bin including fine motor tools, a fun medium (pluffle), and characters to play with.
- PLUFFLE SENSORY BIN: Get set up for sensory play right away with this all-in-one kit that helps kids develop fine motor skills & imagination as they play with Pluffle, a unique sensory bin filler
- MESS-FREE PLAY SAND ALTERNATIVE: Pluffle is the feel good fluffy stuff that's non-toxic, gluten free, nut free, and easy to vacuum off any surface, so every toddler can get in on the sensory learning
- ENDLESS PLAY: Unlike dough, clay, slime, and other sensory table materials, Pluffle never dries out or hardens; it's a reusable sensory table filler that kids will love for years
- OCEAN-THEMED SENSORY KIT INCLUDES: Sensory bin (doubles as box), two colors of Pluffle, scissor scoopers, and five ocean friend figures (dolphin, shark, seal, octopus, and turtle); for kids ages 3+
Creativity for Kids Sensory Bin: Ice Cream Shop
I love sensory bins (they keep my kids busy for so long!). They can be time consuming to come up with a theme and gather all of the supplies, so this is a done-for-you option.
Creativity for Kids Sensory Bin: Outer Space
I love sensory bins (they keep my kids busy for so long!). They can be time consuming to come up with a theme and gather all of the supplies, so this is a done-for-you option.
- BLAST OFF TO SPACE: Launch into an exciting galaxy adventure with the Creativity for Kids Outer Space Sensory Bin! Kids can explore 2.5 pounds of space rocks while discovering glowing stars, an astronaut, squishy alien, rocket, planets, and hidden treasures. Designed for children ages 3+, this sensory bin encourages imaginative, screen-free play through hands-on exploration
- REUSABLE & EASY TO STORE: The durable sensory bin keeps everything organized for quick setup and cleanup. When the mission is complete, simply snap on the lid to store all the sensory materials until the next adventure. Perfect for playrooms, classrooms, rainy days, travel activities, and quiet time at home
5. Pop Tubes
My kids must have come up with 1000 different ways to play with these tubes. I bought them as a last-minute, keep-them-entertained-for-30-minutes-in-the-car purchase, and they became an all-time favorite in our toy rotation.
Nutty Toys Pop Tubes
We have used these giant tubes for so many activities. It's amazing how many uses my kids have found for these.
- ud83dude03 FUN STEM TOY FOR KIDS – bright coloured pop tubes are EASY TO CONNECT together giving your little ones freedom to explore designs and applications of their own; teach the kids LETTERS and SHAPES with this educational stem toy and get toddlers to improve their motor skills or simply let them fidget on a car ride; STRESS RELIEF FOR ADULTS – no joke, give an adult a pop tube and transform him into a child who won't let his new toy down and keep popping it and making noise.
6. Play Silks
I think I mentionned on most of my other [11 TOY CATEGORY PAGES] that play silks appear on almost all of them… That’s because they are great at so many things!
When it comes to sensory play, kids can feel the silk on their fingers, toes, faces, and hair. They can turn them into bags and fill them to feel heavy and soft. They can even put them in sensory bins or soak them in water to feel new temperatures, textures, and sensations.
Newcotte 5 Set Magic Color Silk Scarf
One minute you're running these silks through your newborn's fingers for sensory play, the next your toddlers are wearing them as capes, tying them into ropes, building forts, and more.
- More Fun Than You Realize: can use it as a game prop, play hide and seek with their friends, throw the handkerchief and more, offering a diverse range of open ended play experiences
- Versatile: we can use this play scarves as carriers, scarves, capes, grass for rocking horses dance props and even to build forts with play clips, and also can be a sling for a doll or stuffed animal, a decorative backdrop for a make faith scene, there is more fun waiting for you to discover
- Durable: our large square scarves are made of durable reusable satin chiffon fabric ideal for playing dress up, doll blankets, dancing and twirling, capes, activities and songs, Halloween costumes, picnics, traveling, movement, juggling, and more
- Promotes Motor Coordination: the flowing scarves are ideal for dance and movement activities helping to improve balance coordination and rhythm they can also for tossing catching waving and storytelling promoting physical development and boosting confidence
8. Crayola Toddler Touch Lights Board
Crayola Light Up Drawing Pad
We love this board for the lights sounds, and easy creations using just your fingers. Plus it lights up and glows in the dark!
- CRAYOLA TODDLER DOODLE BOARD: The Crayola Toddler Touch Lights Musical Doodle Board comes with 6 Songs, 12 Light Up Colors, and 1 Instruction Sheet. Requires 3 AA batteries (not included).
- MESS FREE PAINTING PAD: Enjoy mess free finger painting right on the self-contained gel surface for stress-free playtime.
- TODDLER SENSORY TOY: This sensory board stimulates tiny fingertips with textures and colors, making it a great educational and learning toy for toddlers!
- 6 SONGS: Toddlers can hum along to 6 tunes that stir creativity while doodling!
9. Squigz
They are kind of a block and kind of a sensory toy, depending on how you play with them. Kids can stick these to different surfaces to feel the different pops (my kids especially liked sticking them to their heads); they also have a fun texture.
Fat Brain Toys Squigz Starter Set
I have so many fond memories of playing with Squigz when my kids were younger. We'd build things, stick them to windows, and even stick to our foreheads.
- Squigz will stick to virtually any flat surface
- Leaves no residue
- Push them together then pop them apart
- Always up for playful experimentation and defying gravity
Large Sensory Toys
These toys get your kids up and moving. And, let’s face it, they are just more fun because they aren’t just exploring their senses with their hands, but with their whole bodies!
Little Tikes 3' Trampoline
This trampoline is always a hit at our house! It folds down for easy storage. It's perfect for little ones learning to jump with both feet. Once your child gets older (and can jump higher) you may have to move to a bigger model as we have found it can be a little unstable for our tall 6 year old.
- Perfect trampoline for toddlers to burn off energy
- Features large jumping surface and handle bar for stability
B. toys Balance Beam Set
These balance beams and stepping stones connect together to form obstacle courses and pathes. Kids can use their imagination to create all kinds of different designs.
- Balance Beams: Get creative and active with a modular set of balancing beams that connect any which way!
- Easy Assembly: Match up the pieces to form beams and connect to the foot pads with a click.
- Active Play: Playing with this balance beam set helps improve coordination and turns playtime into full-body fun!
National Geographic Kids Balance Stepping Stones and Beams
My kids love stepping stones and balance beams, but sometimes they become too cumbersome to store. These stack like trays, but are durable enough to step and hop on.
- 12 COLORFUL PIECES u2013 Includes 4 hard plastic stepping stones, 4 straight beams, and 4 curved beams, so kids can design endless obstacle courses while building balance, coordination, and gross motor skills through imaginative play.
- SAFE, NON-SLIP DESIGN u2013 Each stone and beam features a non-slip rubber base for maximum stability and secure play indoors or outdoors (not recommended on wet surfaces).
- BUILD, ROLL & JUMP u2013 Kids can create their own course, roll the included foam dice, and jump to their color for an interactive and exciting challenge.
- STACKABLE & DURABLE u2013 Lightweight yet sturdy construction supports kids up to 150 lbs. Stackable design makes for easy storage and travel.
- PLAY & LEARN CARDS INCLUDED u2013 Four Play & Learn cards introduce fun games and activities that spark creativity for toddlers and preschoolers.
Nugget The Original Play Couch
Our friends have a Nugget couch and the kids love to build forts, make slides, secret hideouts, and just jump around on piles of cushions.
Fat Brain Toys Bilibo by MOLUK
These came out after my kids had passed the prime window, but we've played with similar sensory and gross motor toys so when I saw this one I knew it needed to make the list!
- ENCOURAGES IMAGINATIVE PLAY: The simplified design of these toddler outdoor toys allows kids to explore endless play possibilities, from a turtle shell to a hero mask, fostering creativity and imagination as 2 year old toys.
- PROMOTES ACTIVE PLAY: Children can use bilibo outdoor toddler toys as a spinning seat, stepping stone, or helmet, engaging in physical activities that improve motor skills and coordination.
- SUPPORTS OPEN-ENDED PLAY: bilibo''s versatile nature of outdoor toddler toys encourages problem-solving and creativity, offering a unique way to entertain and stimulate a child''s mind.
Fat Brain Toys Teeter Popper
My kids have played with a smilar version (that doesn't have suction cups on the bottom). These types of boards are great for balancing, spinning, and pretend play (hello helicopter!).
- PROMOTES ACTIVE PLAY: Rock, roll, sit, and stand with the these sensory toys for toddlers, featuring sturdy silicone suction cups for endless ways to engage and play
- DESIGNED FOR DURABILITY: This pop it toy is made from exceptionally strong plastic with handles on each end for stability
- IMPROVES MOTOR SKILLS: These learning toys help improve core strength, balance, coordination, and gross motor skills, stimulating senses and engaging imagination
- VERSATILE PLAYTIME: Sit, rock, tilt, or wobble on these toddler pop it toys; suction cups pop with every movement, providing fun and active sensory excitement
Who Sensory Toys Are For
The word sensory is often associated with neurodivergence. But it’s worth mentioning that sensory play is beneficial for all children.
💾 Blast from the past: Do you remember playing in large water bins and sand tables when you were in elementary or preschool? Did your parents let you run through the grass with bare feet? These are all types of sensory play, and I’m sure they bring back concrete memories because they taught us to use and explore our senses.
If your child has a diagnosed sensory processing difference, autism, ADHD, or is working with an OT, that professional’s guidance on specific tools and goals should always come first. I am a former teacher and a mom, not a therapist, and nothing here replaces that kind of individualized care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Any toy built around input to a specific sense on purpose, touch, sight, sound, movement, or the body’s sense of itself in space. A textured ball is a sensory toy in a way a regular ball is not, even though both can technically be touched.
No. Kids with autism, ADHD, or diagnosed sensory processing differences often rely on specific sensory tools as therapeutic support from their care team. But every kid can benefit from exploring their senses.
From birth. High-contrast visual toys and simple textures are appropriate for newborns.
Some of the senses don’t need toys to be explored. For example sound can come from nature, traffic, music, and listening to others. Smell and taste can come from cooking, eating, and being out in nature (think: passing freshly laid manure).
Others can be explored without toys (like balancing on a sidewalk, or touching grass, flowers, and tree bark), but are also good to have toys to supplement with other textures, materials, [GROSS MOTOR] and balance.
If sensory toys could calm all meltdowns, my house would be a much quieter place. I’d say that for some children, a sensory toy could definitely help. For my oldest, jumping on a trampoline or launching himself into a pile of Nugget cushions would definitely be beneficial. For my youngest, some Play-Doh or Slime will fix just about any problem he has. But it’s about trial and error, and some kids may not respond to sensory input when they really need a hug or a good cry (or meltdown).
There are seven senses so logic says seven would be a good number of sensory toys. That being said, some of the senses (like sound, smell, and taste) you don’t need toys for. Maybe your child is in dance or tumbling so they don’t need to practice balance at home. It comes down to the areas where they aren’t getting a lot of chances to explore those senses, and offering toys to fill the gap.
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