Toys That Develop Empathy
Our Top 5 Picks
Groom and Play at the Riding Stable
Playmobil Riding Stable Extension invites children into the delightful world of horse care and management! As they groom their horse and tend to its needs, kids will develop responsibility, empathy, and fine motor skills in an engaging way. The interactive elements, like the two-part stable door, allow for imaginative play while keeping the horse safe and secure. 4-10 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Groom and Play at the Riding Stable features interactive elements like a two-part stable door, nurturing responsibility and creativity while keeping play imaginative and fun.
Mood-Expressing Penguin Plushie
The TeeTurtle Reversible Penguin Plushmates is a delightful way for children to express their emotions while developing emotional intelligence and social skills. With its unique design that allows little ones to flip between happy and angry expressions, this plush toy encourages discussions about feelings and empathy. Perfect for cuddles or as a calming sensory fidget, parents can feel good knowing their child is engaging in meaningful, open-ended play. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Mood-Expressing Penguin Plushie features reversible designs, allowing kids to explore their feelings while snuggling up with a plush buddy that also sparks important conversations about emotions.
Express Yourself with Reversible Bee Plushie
The TeeTurtle - The Original Reversible Bee Plushie is not just a cute companion; it's an interactive tool for emotional expression that encourages kids to identify and communicate their feelings. Perfect for teaching empathy and emotional intelligence, this sensory fidget stuffed animal allows children to showcase their moods in a playful way—ideal for developing social skills and understanding emotional cues. Plus, it’s a delightful way to celebrate inclusivity and diversity, making it a thoughtful choice for parents and educators alike. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Express Yourself with Reversible Bee Plushie is perfect for helping children showcase their moods playfully, making emotional conversations as sweet as honey.
LEGO Adorable Dogs Building Set
The LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Adorable Dogs Building Toy Set is the ultimate delight for dog lovers and budding builders alike. Perfect for kids aged 7 and up, this set fosters creativity and engineering skills as children assemble various playful pups, including a beagle, poodle, and labrador. By combining imaginative play with valuable lessons in empathy and responsibility, our young builders can also engage in fun role-play scenarios while caring for their furry friends. 7+ years
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Why we love it:
LEGO Adorable Dogs Building Set includes opportunities to build a beagle, poodle, and labrador, making learning about empathy and responsibility feel like a playful adventure!
Pamper and Play Spa Fun!
Little Tikes Play & Pamper Spa Set with 17 Accessories is a delightful way for children to explore their creativity and imagination! As kids pretend to run their own beauty spa or salon, they develop essential social skills through role play, fostering empathy and cooperation. This engaging set encourages fine motor skills as they use the various tools, like the mess-free nail polish and hair accessories. 2-5 years
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Why we love it:
Pamper and Play Spa Fun! includes 17 accessories that pave the way for little ones to explore creativity while bonding through pretend play and role reversal.
Woodland Adventures with Mini Baby Dolls
Baby Born Surprise Mini Babies Woodland-Themed Bundle is the perfect playset for igniting your child's imagination! With five adorable mini babies and a charming swing set, children can explore imaginative role-play in a playful woodland setting. This engaging playset not only encourages creative storytelling, but its poseable features help develop fine motor skills as little hands manipulate and arrange the babies in cute poses. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Woodland Adventures with Mini Baby Dolls includes five adorable mini babies that inspire creative storytelling and nurture empathy through imaginative play in a delightful woodland setting.
Higgle the Hedgehog: Cuddly Learning Fun!
Higgle the Hedgehog is the perfect interactive companion for your child! This delightful plush pet engages young minds with over 50 sounds, sparking imagination and nurturing social skills as kids learn to play and care for a new friend. As parents and educators, we appreciate how Higgle encourages empathy and communication while providing a soft, comforting buddy that loves to giggle and interact. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Higgle the Hedgehog features over 50 sounds, making it a cuddly friend that sparks communication and nurtures empathy in little ones as they learn to play together.
Ahsoka Tano Electronic Mask Adventure
The STAR WARS Ahsoka Tano Electronic Mask opens up a universe of imaginative play for our young Jedi. Designed for kids aged 5 and up, this mask encourages role play, creativity, and confidence as they channel the fearless spirit of Ahsoka, navigating through themes of justice and bravery. With exciting sound effects and iconic phrases, children not only relive thrilling moments from their favorite series but also develop their storytelling skills as they craft their own galactic adventures. 5+ years
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Why we love it:
Ahsoka Tano Electronic Mask Adventure features exciting sound effects and iconic phrases, sparking children’s creativity while encouraging them to become the heroes of their own galaxy.
Gabby's Dollhouse: Set Sail on Imagination!
Gabby’s Dollhouse, Gabby Cat Friend Ship is the ultimate playset that lets children embark on creative adventures across pretend seas! Packed with 18 delightful pieces, from a shimmering pool and smoothie bar to a disco with a dazzling light-up ball, this cruise ship toy not only entertains but fosters storytelling and imaginative play. As kids navigate this whimsical world, they develop social skills, fine motor abilities, and an early sense of empathy while playing with their favorite characters. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Gabby's Dollhouse: Set Sail on Imagination! is packed with 18 delightful pieces, making it a fabulous way for kids to explore creativity while developing essential social skills.
Educational Fun with Jans Fruit Punch!
The Squishmallows Original 14-Inch Jans Fruit Punch Juice Pouch brings learning to life through imaginative play! Jans, as a marine biologist, encourages children to explore the wonders of the ocean while promoting social-emotional skills like empathy and comfort through cuddly companionship. With a variety of personalities and collectability, this plush not only sparks creativity but also invites discussions about marine life and science. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Educational Fun with Jans Fruit Punch! features a cuddly companion that inspires ocean exploration while nurturing empathy, making learning feel like a warm, friendly hug.
Hug Your Learning with Pyle!
The Squishmallows Original 20-Inch Pyle Purple Mushroom is not only a cozy companion but also a delightful tool for social-emotional learning. Its ultrasoft texture and friendly face invite children to explore feelings, enhance empathy, and foster creative storytelling as they engage in imaginative play. Perfect for nurturing those key developmental skills in a snuggly, approachable way, Pyle is a memorable addition to any child's toy collection. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Hug Your Learning with Pyle features an ultrasoft texture that invites delightful exploration of feelings, making emotional learning as cozy as a big mushroom hug.
Danny Dino: The Perfect Snuggle Buddy
Squishmallows Original 12-Inch Danny Dino with Bow Tie is not just a cuddly companion; he’s a friend that encourages imaginative play and social connection! With his ultrasoft materials, Danny provides comfort through hugs, helping little ones learn the value of empathy and emotional support. As parents, we know that toys like Danny also inspire creativity as children invent their own adventures and stories. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Danny Dino, with his ultrasoft materials, is not just a snuggle buddy but a catalyst for imagination, helping kids explore stories and feelings through play.
Snuggle Up with Learning Fun
The Squishmallows Original FlipAMallows 12in Dragonfruit and Dragon Flippable Plush is the perfect cuddle companion for kids while encouraging social-emotional learning. With each plush offering unique personalities, children can explore concepts like empathy and friendship, fostering rich conversations during snack time or play. Additionally, these delightful toys promote imaginative play and creative storytelling, supporting language development in a cozy, engaging way. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Snuggle Up with Learning Fun features flipping plush that sparks rich conversations, charmingly combining cuddles with lessons in empathy and creativity during your child's playtime.
Dear Teal Frog: Your Child's New Best Friend
Squishmallows Original 20-Inch Dear Teal Poison Dart Frog is more than just a plush toy—it's a nurturing companion that supports your child's emotional and interpersonal skills. The ultrasoft materials provide a comforting embrace, perfect for imaginative play and storytelling, which can boost creativity. Let's face it, the more we cuddle with these cuties, the more we foster empathy and emotional intelligence in our little ones. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Dear Teal Frog's ultrasoft materials make it the ultimate cuddle buddy, nurturing emotional skills while sparking wild adventures in your child's imagination.
SpongeBob's Cuddly Adventure Buddy
The Simba Toys SpongeBob Squarepants Plush is the ultimate snuggle companion for kids ages 3 and up. This delightful plush not only offers warmth and comfort with its ultra-soft texture but also encourages imaginative play and social interaction as children recreate their favorite Bikini Bottom adventures. Parents will appreciate the eco-friendly design filled with 100% recycled material, making it a safe and responsible choice for their little ones. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
SpongeBob's Cuddly Adventure Buddy features an ultra-soft texture that makes snuggling irresistible, turning playtime into heartwarming adventures in Bikini Bottom while being eco-friendly too.
Emotion-Exploring Big Feelings Pineapple
The Learning Resources Big Feelings Pineapple Deluxe Set is a must-have for any child learning to navigate their emotions! With over 40 facial expression pieces, this interactive toy helps kids recognize and articulate their feelings while developing essential social emotional skills. Its double-sided design offers a unique way to compare and contrast emotions, making discussions about feelings engaging and fun. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Emotion-Exploring Big Feelings Pineapple features over 40 facial expression pieces, making it a fun and interactive way for kids to articulate their feelings and understand emotions.
Stylish Pram Cosy for Imaginative Play
Bayer: Pram Cosy - Blue, Pink, Hearts is the perfect addition to your child’s imaginative playtime! This charming doll pram encourages role-playing, helping little ones develop nurturing skills and empathy as they care for their dolls. With its easy maneuverability thanks to big wheels and a soft handle, children can confidently navigate their mini-worlds while also improving their coordination. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Stylish Pram Cosy for Imaginative Play comes with a blanket and shoulder bag, turning every doll adventure into a nurturing experience that develops empathy while they joyfully pretend.
Ginger the Interactive Bedtime Kitty
Little Live Pets Cozy Dozys Ginger The Pet Cat Toy is an enchanting companion that encourages nurturing play and gentle bedtime routines. This interactive plush cat mimics the real thing with over 25 adorable sounds and reactions, fostering empathy and emotional connection in children as they engage in imaginative role-playing. Watching Ginger's eyes magically open and close as kids wind down is not only comforting but also promotes emotional regulation and responsibility. 4+ years
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Why we love it:
Ginger the Interactive Bedtime Kitty features over 25 adorable sounds and reactions, making bedtime routines feel like a warm hug of nurturing play and emotional connection.
Mama Surprise Mouse Playset Adventure
Little Live Pets Lil Mouse Toy Playset Pack is a delightful way to spark creativity and imagination in our kids! With engaging interactive features, children can explore the joy of nurturing and caring for their very own mouse family. As they reveal adorable baby mice through a magical blush transformation, kids develop fine motor skills and an understanding of empathy, all while enjoying the excitement of surprise accessories and family themes. 5+ years
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Why we love it:
Mama Surprise Mouse Playset Adventure includes adorable baby mice that magically transform, inspiring kids to nurture and emotionally connect while diving into a world of creativity.
Interactive Puppy Playtime Adventure
Little Live Pets My Puppy's Home Playset brings the joy of pet ownership to your child in an interactive and engaging way. As parents and educators, we know the power of imaginative play in nurturing compassion, responsibility, and fine motor skills. This delightful playset encourages kids to build their own puppy's home while fostering a sense of care and companionship through more than 25 sounds and responses. 5+ years
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Why we love it:
Interactive Puppy Playtime Adventure features over 25 sounds and responses, making pet care feel engaging and teaching kids compassion and creativity in a dynamic way.
Lil' Bird with Magical Light-Up Wings
Little Live Pets - Lil' Bird & Bird Cage is the perfect blend of play and learning! This enchanting little bird not only captivates with its beautiful light-up wings and royal design but also encourages speech development as it records and repeats your child's words in delightful chirps. With over 20 sounds to explore, children can engage their auditory senses, enhancing their understanding of rhythm and sound. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Lil' Bird with Magical Light-Up Wings not only chirps back your child's words but also sparks a fun way to cultivate empathy and communication skills during playtime.
Discover Fun with Barksters Dog Family!
Honey Bee Acres The Barksters Dog Family is an adorable set that includes four miniature dog characters—two loving parents and their playful kids! This delightful toy fosters imaginative play, allowing children to create their own stories and scenarios. As they engage with the Barksters, kids develop essential social skills, empathy, and creativity while exploring family dynamics and relationships. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Discover Fun with Barksters Dog Family! features four adorable miniature dog characters that spark conversations about caring for pets and exploring family relationships in a playful way.
Charming Outfit for Creative Play
Corolle 12” Baby Doll Outfit - Loire Riverside Pants & Striped T-Shirt is the perfect addition to your child's imaginative playtime. Designed specifically for 12-inch dolls, this cute outfit invites little ones to engage in storytelling and role-playing, enhancing their social skills and creativity. With easy-to-use self-adhesive closures, even the youngest hands can practice fine motor skills while dressing their favorite dolls. 18 months and up
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Why we love it:
Charming Outfit for Creative Play features easy-to-use self-adhesive closures that empower even the littlest hands to dress their dolls, sparking creativity and nurturing instincts.
Jack Skellington Plush: Celebrate Disney Magic
Disney100 Years of Wonder 17-inch Jack Skellington Large Plush is more than just a cuddly toy; it’s a gateway to a universe of imagination and storytelling. Designed to commemorate a century of Disney magic, this plush encourages creativity and role-playing, allowing our little ones to explore the enchanting world of Halloween Town and beyond. With its soft, huggable design and vibrant colors, it helps develop fine motor skills and empathy as children engage with their favorite characters. 2+ years
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Why we love it:
Jack Skellington Plush, a soft and huggable 17-inch companion, transforms storytime into an imaginative adventure, helping kids connect with their favorite characters in a delightful way.