Do you have a toddler or young child who loves to play with toys? If so, you may be wondering which sensory toys are the best for them. There are many different types of sensory toys available, and each one can provide a different type of stimulation. 

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best sensory toys for toddlers and young kids. We will also provide tips on how to choose the right toy for your child. 

So, if you’re looking for a new toy for your little one, keep reading!

Benefits of Sensory Toys

The connection between the senses and the brain is essential for development and learning. 

Babies and young children are constantly exploring the world around them through their senses, and they use this information to develop their motor skills, social skills, and language skills. 

Sensory toys are designed to provide stimulating experiences that can help children learn about their environment and themselves.

 For instance, one type of sensory toy is a tactile toy, which can help children learn about texture, temperature, and shape. 

Another type of sensory toy is an auditory toy, which can help children learn about sound. Visual toys can also help children learn about color and form. In addition to promoting learning, sensory toys can also provide a source of entertainment and enjoyment for children. 

Whether they’re exploring the world around them or simply spending time with their friends, sensory toys can help make the experience more enjoyable.

Are Sensory Toys Good for All Kids?

When it comes to choosing toys for kids, there are many factors to consider. One important question is whether the toy will help to stimulate the child’s senses. 

For some children, sensory toys can be a great way to encourage exploration and promote learning. However, for other children, these same toys can be overwhelming and may actually hinder development. 

So, how can you tell if a sensory toy is right for your child? 

One way to decide is to consider your child’s age and stage of development. If your child is still in the early stages of development, it may be best to avoid sensory toys altogether. However, if your child is a bit older and has started to show an interest in the world around them, then a sensory toy may be just what they need to take their learning to the next level. 

Ultimately, only you know your child or student best, so trust your instincts and choose a toy that you think will be beneficial for them.

What to Look for When Shopping for Sensory Toys

If you have a child with sensory processing disorder, you know that choosing the right toys can be a challenge. 

What Sensation is Your Child Looking for?

Not all sensory toys are created equal, and it’s important to consider what sensation your child is looking for. 

For example, if your child is seeking proprioceptive input, you might want to consider a toy that can be squeezed or held. If your child is seeking visual input, you might want to consider a toy that has brightly-colored lights or patterns. 

And if your child is seeking vestibular input, you might want to consider a toy that promotes movement, such as a swing or trampoline. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. 

However, by considering what sensation your child is seeking, you can narrow down the choices and find the perfect sensory toy for your little one.

Child Age

When shopping for sensory toys, it is important to consider your child’s age and needs. For younger children, simple objects that make noise or light up are often the most appealing. As they get older, they may be attracted to more complex toys that offer a variety of textures and colors. 

Look for toys that are specifically designed for sensory development, as these can help your child to explore their senses in a safe and fun way. Avoid toys with small parts, as these can pose a choking hazard, and be sure to supervise your child while they play. 

Environment 

When shopping for sensory toys for children with special needs, it is important to keep the environment in which the toys will be used in mind. 

For example, if the child will be using the toy in a sitting position, a toy that requires the child to stand may not be appropriate. Furthermore, if the child will be using the toy in a group setting, a toy that is too loud or produces too much light may be disruptive to others. 

Taking the time to consider the environment in which the toy will be used can help to ensure that the child gets the most enjoyment and benefit from it.

Best Sensory Toys for Toddlers and Young Kids

If you’re looking for some great sensory toys for toddlers and young kids, look no further! We’ve put together a list of the best sensory toys out there, perfect for helping your little one to explore their senses. 

1. Play-Doh

Play-Doh is a great sensory toy for children because it is soft and easily moldable. Children can use their hands to squish it, roll it, and shape it into all sorts of different shapes. The act of squishing and shaping the Play-Doh helps to develop fine motor skills. 

In addition, the colorful Play-Doh is visually stimulating, and the scent of the Play-Doh is also appealing to children. The combination of these sensory elements makes Play-Doh a great toy for children to explore and play with.

2. Ball Pit

Ball pits are great sensory toys for kids because they provide a stimulating environment that can help encourage exploration and discovery. The bright colors and different textures of the balls can help to stimulate your child’s visual and tactile senses, while the movement of the balls can provide a stimulating proprioceptive input. 

In addition, the enclosed space of the ball pit can help your child to feel safe and secure while they play. And because ball pits are usually packed with a large number of balls, they can also help to develop your child’s sense of balance and coordination as they move around in the pit. 

So if you’re looking for a toy that can provide your child with a stimulating and fun environment, then a ball pit like this is definitely worth considering.

3. Splashin’ Tummy Time Mat

The Splashin’ Tummy Time Mat is a great sensory toy for infants and toddlers. The mat is filled with colorful, floating toys and brightly colored balls that move around when touched. It is soft and squishy, making it perfect for tummy time. 

The Splashin’ Tummy Time Mat is also machine-washable, making it easy to keep clean. The mat is a great way to encourage exploration and discovery in young children.

It is also a great way to promote sensory development and provide a stimulating environment for play.

4. Sensory Bins

Sensory bins are a great way to engage kids in imaginative play. 

By filling a bin with different materials, like sand, water, rice, oatmeal, or even just beans, you provide kids with a blank canvas for their imaginations.

Of course, you can always buy a premade sensory bin to save time, too.Regardless of which you choose, sensory bins are invaluable to a child’s development. They can build towers, dig for buried treasure, make soup, or simply enjoy the sensation of being surrounded by a certain material. 

Best of all, sensory bins are easy to set up and clean up. Simply choose a bin that’s the right size for your child and fill it with whatever material you like. Then let your child explore and have fun!

5. Bristle Blocks Play Set 

Bristle blocks are a great sensory toy for a number of reasons. First, they offer a variety of textures for kids to explore. The soft, rubbery blocks are enjoyable to touch and can calm fidgety kids. 

Additionally, the bright colors and assorted shapes of the bristles help to stimulate visual senses. And finally, the clicking sound that the blocks make when they snap together can help kids to focus and concentrate.

For all of these reasons, bristle blocks are an excellent choice for a sensory toy. They provide visual, tactile, and auditory stimulation, making them a well-rounded option for kids who are looking to explore their senses.

6. Balance Board

There are many benefits to using a balance board as a sensory toy. For starters, it can help to improve balance and coordination. It also helps to develop proprioception, which is the ability to sense where your body is in space. In addition, balance boards provide a great workout for the core muscles. 

And last but not least, they’re just plain fun! Balance boards are a great way to get kids moving and engaged in play. They can be used indoors or outdoors, and they’re perfect for solo play or for challenges with friends.

If you’re looking for a sensory toy that’s both fun and beneficial, a balance board is a great option.

7. Monkey Strings Wax Yarn Sticks

The Monkey Strings Wax Yarn Sticks is a great sensory toy for a number of reasons. 

First, the colorful wax yarn is visually stimulating and can help to calm and focus children who are feeling overwhelmed or anxious. The textured surface of the yarn also provides tactile input that can be calming and grounding. Additionally, the sticks can be used to create patterns and shapes, which can help to develop fine motor skills. 

And finally, the soft jingling sound that the sticks make when they are moved is both soothing and entertaining. For all of these reasons, the Monkey Strings Wax Yarn Sticks is an ideal toy for children who crave sensory input.

8. Colorful Spinning Tops

Colorful spinning tops are a great sensory toy, particularly for children with autism. The spinning motion and bright colors offer a visual and kinesthetic stimulating experience. The calming effect of the spinning top can help to ease anxiety and stress. In addition, the repetitive nature of the spinning top can help to improve focus and concentration. 

The act of spinning the top also helps to develop fine motor skills. 

One of the best things about colorful spinning tops is that they can be enjoyed by children of all ages and abilities. Whether your child is just beginning to explore the world of sensory play or is a seasoned pro, colorful spinning tops offer endless fun and possibilities.

9. Kinetic Sand

For children with sensory processing disorder, finding the right toys can be a challenge. Sensory-sensitive kids can be over- or under-responsive to certain stimuli, making it difficult for them to focus and stay engaged. 

Kinetic sand is a great option for these kids because it provides both tactile and visual stimulation. The sand is soft and malleable, making it ideal for kids who crave deep pressure input. 

At the same time, the colorful sand is visually stimulating and can help kids focus while they play. Best of all, kinetic sand is non-toxic and easy to clean up, so parents can rest assured that their kids are safe while they play.

10. Scooter Board

Scooter boards are a great way to get kids active and help them develop their gross motor skills. But did you know that scooter boards can also be a great sensory tool? 

Here’s why. Scooter boards provide proprioceptive input, which is helpful for kids who are seeking more information about their body in space. Additionally, the vestibular input from scooting can help kids who are seeking more movement and activity. 

And finally, the bilateral coordination required to move a scooter board can be helpful for kids who are working on developing that skill. 

So next time you’re looking for a fun and engaging toy for your child, don’t forget the humble scooter board!

Final Thoughts 

Sensory toys can be a great way to help young kids develop their sensory skills. If you’re looking for the best sensory toys for toddlers and young kids, consider products that stimulate as many senses as possible. 

We’ve provided some of our favorites below, but keep in mind that every child is different so what works for one may not work for another. What are your go-to sensory toys?