Toys That Develop Empathy
Our Top 5 Picks
Bug & Critter Exploration Adventure Kit
Nature Bound Bug & Critter Bucket is the ultimate tool to spark your child's curiosity about the natural world! With 20 intricately detailed insect figures, this kit transforms playtime into an engaging STEM experience where young explorers ages 3 to 13 can discover, observe, and learn. Each real-life creature invites imaginative play and encourages important skills in observation, critical thinking, and empathy for living things. 3-13 years
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Why we love it:
Bug & Critter Exploration Adventure Kit includes 20 intricately detailed insect figures that turn backyard excursions into exciting opportunities for young explorers to learn about the natural world.
Engage with the Desert Rain Frog Puppet
Folkmanis Desert Rain Frog Hand Puppet is the perfect companion for sparking creativity and imagination in young minds! This delightful puppet encourages storytelling and role-playing, helping children develop their language skills, social interactions, and understanding of empathy. With the ability to control the mouth, forelegs, and even a squeaker, the hands-on experience makes learning fun and interactive, whether at home, in the classroom, or during playdates. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Engage with the Desert Rain Frog Puppet features controllable mouth and limbs, making storytelling a vibrant experience that nurtures creativity and social skills in a fun, interactive way.
Cuddlekins Eco Arctic Fox Adventure
Wild Republic Cuddlekins Eco Arctic Fox is not just a cuddly companion; it’s an entry point to explore the wonders of nature with our little ones! This plush friend, made from recycled materials, offers more than warmth and fluff; it opens the door to important conversations about wildlife conservation and our environment. With its soft, inviting textures and charming features, it encourages imaginative play while subtly teaching kids about the tough challenges faced by Arctic creatures. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Cuddlekins Eco Arctic Fox Adventure, made from recycled materials, inspires heartwarming conversations about wildlife conservation while wrapping kids in a cozy cuddle of nature's beauty.
Care Bears Rainbow Loom Bracelet Kit
The Rainbow Loom® Care Bears™ Rubber Band Bracelet Kit brings the magic of creativity to life through crafting. Perfect for children aged 7 and up, this kit enhances fine motor skills, inspires color recognition, and encourages sharing, making it a fantastic educational tool for collaborative play. As kids design and wear their own bracelets, they not only express their unique styles but also absorb the valuable lessons of kindness and community promoted by the beloved Care Bears. 7+ years
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Why we love it:
Care Bears Rainbow Loom Bracelet Kit comes with colorful rubber bands that spark creativity and teach kids the joy of sharing while they craft their unique bracelets.
Cuddlekins Harpy Eagle: Eco-Friendly Fun
Cuddlekins Harpy Eagle is not just an adorable stuffed animal; it's a gateway into the fascinating world of wildlife and conservation! As parents and educators, we can appreciate how this plush toy inspires curiosity about nature while promoting kindness towards our planet. Its soft, huggable design, made from spun recycled water bottles, provides a unique opportunity to teach children about environmental responsibility and animal conservation. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Cuddlekins Harpy Eagle features a soft, huggable design made from recycled water bottles, making it a cuddly way to teach kids about nature and conservation.
Vet Adventures for Little Animal Lovers
The Le Toy Van Animal Vet Set is a fantastic wooden role play set that sparks children’s imaginative play while teaching them about empathy and animal care. With beautifully constructed pieces, this set encourages storytelling, fine motor skills, and teamwork as kids take on the role of veterinarians, creating a nurturing environment for learning. It’s the perfect gift for toddlers who are just beginning to understand the world around them! 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Vet Adventures for Little Animal Lovers includes beautifully constructed pieces that inspire kids to care for animals while fostering invaluable lessons in compassion and cooperation.
Jiji Nakayoshi Plush for Creative Play
Jiji Nakayoshi Plush is not just an adorable piece from the beloved film 'Kiki's Delivery Service'; it’s a gateway to creative storytelling and imaginative play! Measuring at a cozy 14. 96 inches, this cuddly cushion encourages children to explore their artistic side as they engage in pretend play, fostering language skills and emotional expression. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Jiji Nakayoshi Plush is a cozy 14.96-inch companion that inspires kids to dive into creative storytelling, making empathy and problem-solving a soft, snuggly adventure.
Eco-Friendly Crocodile Cuddles
Wild Republic Earthkins Crocodile is not just a cute plush toy; it’s a fantastic gateway to learning about our planet's ecosystems! As parents and educators, we know the importance of fostering a love for wildlife in our children. This cuddly crocodile, crafted from spun recycled water bottles, is an eco-friendly choice that sparks interesting conversations about sustainability and the role of reptiles in nature. 2-6 years
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Why we love it:
Eco-Friendly Crocodile Cuddles is crafted from spun recycled water bottles, making sustainable snuggling fun while sparking conversations about wildlife and ecosystems at home.
Explore the Ocean with Eco Orca Toy
Wild Republic Pocketkins Eco Orca is not just a plush toy; it’s an opportunity for our little explorers to dive into the wonders of marine life! This adorable orca, made from recycled materials, encourages children to learn about wildlife while fostering a sense of responsibility for our planet. With its soft, huggable design, it becomes a perfect companion for imaginative play and cozy cuddles. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Explore the Ocean with Eco Orca Toy is made from recycled materials, making learning about marine life and caring for the planet as cuddly as it is fun!
Sparkling Imagination with EyeLuvs Cat
The EyeLuvs 8-inch Large Cat is an enchanting companion that not only entertains but also sparks creativity and emotional development in children. With its mesmerizing glitter globe eyes, kids can explore imaginative storytelling while engaging their visual senses—cultivating skills like focus and empathy through pretend play. This lovable plush buddy, made with kid-safe materials, is perfect for hours of interactive fun, making it a delightful addition to any child's learning journey. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Sparkling Imagination with EyeLuvs Cat features mesmerizing glitter globe eyes that inspire creative storytelling, making emotional connection and imaginative play fun and engaging for kids.
Philbin Classic Teddy Bear Cuddles
Philbin Classic Teddy Bear is not just a fluffy friend but an invaluable partner in adventure! This plush companion is perfect for sparking imaginative play in young minds, encouraging creativity, and providing comfort during new experiences. With his soft, huggable design and adorable expression, Philbin engages little ones while teaching them empathy and nurturing skills. 1+ years
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Why we love it:
Philbin Classic Teddy Bear Cuddles is a soft, huggable companion that not only sparks imagination but also teaches kids about empathy and caring for others.
Snuggly Snuffles Bear for Learning Fun
GUND Original Snuffles Teddy Bear is your child's new best friend, offering not just comfort, but opportunities for learning and emotional growth. Designed with an irresistibly soft texture and a unique crescent shape, Snuffles invites endless cuddles that can soothe and calm. As parents and educators, we know the importance of emotional support in early development, and having a soft companion helps foster social skills and empathy. 1+ years
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Why we love it:
Snuggly Snuffles Bear, with its irresistibly soft texture, offers comfort that supports emotional growth while teaching kids about responsibility through its sewn-in nametag.
Paso Peruano Horse Adventure Set
The Schleich Horse Club 4-Piece Paso Peruano Horse Toy Set invites children to explore the magical world of equestrian adventures. With lifelike details, this set not only sparks imagination but also fosters empathy and storytelling skills as kids engage in role play with their Paso Peruano mare and stallion. Perfect for encouraging social interactions during playdates or enriching a child's animal collection, this toy supports learning through creative expression and constructive play. 5+ years
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Why we love it:
Paso Peruano Horse Adventure Set includes two lifelike horses, encouraging kids to weave their own equestrian tales while developing important social skills during playdates.
Cuddle Up with Kai the Bear!
GUND Kai Teddy Bear Plush Toy is not just an adorable companion; it’s a delightful tool for fostering emotional development in our little ones. With his soft touch and friendly face, Kai encourages kids to explore feelings of empathy and comfort. Together, they can engage in imaginative play, nurturing storytelling skills that spark creativity. 1 and up
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Why we love it:
Cuddle Up with Kai the Bear! features a soft touch and friendly face that encourages kids to explore their feelings while embarking on imaginative adventures together.
Muttsy: Your Child's Cuddle Companion
The GUND Muttsy Dog Plush is more than just an adorable 14” lounging puppy; it’s a gateway to imaginative play and emotional development for children ages 1 and up. With its soft texture and comforting presence, Muttsy helps little ones develop empathy, social skills, and attachment through nurturing play. Parents will appreciate how this beloved plush can soothe and support their child's emotional growth, making it an ideal companion for every adventure. 1+ years
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Muttsy: Your Child's Cuddle Companion is a soft 14” plush puppy that not only soothes but also supports emotional growth through nurturing and imaginative play adventures.
Explore Nature with SCHLEICH Goat Figure!
SCHLEICH 17074 Goat Toy Figure is a delightful addition to any playroom that not only sparks imagination but also teaches little ones about the fascinating world of animals. Did you know that during the day, goats' pupils narrow into almost rectangular, horizontal slots? This intriguing detail can inspire curious conversations about animal biology and adaptations. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Explore Nature with SCHLEICH Goat Figure features realistic details that spark curiosity and encourage conversations about the animal kingdom, all while promoting hands-on learning and imaginative play.
Blue Bear Onesie for Baby Dolls
Blue Bear Onesie is the perfect outfit to ignite your child's imagination and creativity! Designed for dolls measuring 12-14 inches, this charming outfit comes complete with a hat and pacifier, making pretend play even more delightful. As our little ones dress their dolls, they develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and empathy—all essential parts of early childhood development. 2+ years
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Why we love it:
Blue Bear Onesie for Baby Dolls comes with a hat and pacifier, making it a charming way for kids to elevate their pretend play while developing essential social skills.
Thoughtful Sympathy Cards Collection
The Hallmark Sympathy Cards Assortment celebrates connection and compassion during challenging times. This beautifully curated set of 12 assorted cards features watercolor nature designs that invite kindness and understanding, allowing us to express our heartfelt emotions. As educators and parents, we recognize the importance of communication in nurturing empathy and emotional intelligence in our children. All ages
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Why we love it:
Thoughtful Sympathy Cards Collection features 12 beautifully designed cards that teach kids the art of expressing kindness and support during tough times, nurturing their emotional connections.
Decora Girlz Dolls - Fashion & Fun
Decora Girlz 5" Dolls - 3 Pack B bring the joy of creativity and self-expression to life through vibrant fashion play! As parents, we know how crucial imaginative play is for our kids’ social skills and artistic development. Each doll—Blossom, Buzzy, and Sweetie—offers unique themes and accessories that encourage storytelling and role-playing, helping our little ones develop their empathy and imaginative abilities. 4+ years
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Why we love it:
Decora Girlz Dolls - Fashion & Fun come with customizable stickers and outfits, making creative self-expression a playful way for kids to develop empathy and social skills.
Collect Martin Prince for Learning Fun!
Funko POP TV: Simpsons - Martin Prince As Calliope is not just a collectible; it's a gateway to imagination and creativity for both kids and adults! With this charming figure, children can engage in storytelling, enhancing their narrative skills while expressing themselves through play. As parents and educators, we know that involving kids in character-driven adventures fosters critical thinking and empathy, making this little Martin a fantastic addition to any learning environment. 6+ years
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Why we love it:
Collect Martin Prince for Learning Fun! is a charming collectible figure that sparks storytelling, making it a perfect tool for boosting creativity and discussion about fun pop culture themes.
Feelings Fun with Fox Plushie
The TeeTurtle Reversible 6" Fox Plushie is the perfect companion for helping children and adults express their emotions in a fun and cuddly way. This soft, huggable plushie encourages emotional awareness and communication skills, making it a fantastic tool for social-emotional learning. With its cozy design and two charming faces, it's not just a toy; it’s a tool for understanding feelings and connecting with others. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Feelings Fun with Fox Plushie features two charming faces, making it an engaging way for kids to understand and express their emotions while snuggling up for comfort.
Explore Friendship with LEGO Wicked Set
LEGO Wicked Glinda, Elphaba & Nessarose at Shiz University Building Toys allows our kids to dive into the enchanting world of friendship, creativity, and imagination. As they build and recreate iconic scenes, they enhance their fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities while learning about collaboration and empathy through the characters' magical moments. Plus, the inclusion of playful elements like Glinda’s sailboat and Elphaba’s spell book sparks storytelling and imaginative play! 7+ years
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Why we love it:
Explore Friendship with LEGO Wicked Set features Glinda’s sailboat and Elphaba’s spell book, inviting kids to build, create stories, and explore friendships in a magical way!
Dream Big with Donut Dreams Bed Set
American Girl Doll & Donut Dreams Bed & PJs Set is the perfect way to spark creativity and imaginative play in our little ones! This delightful set not only includes a cozy chair that transforms into a comfy bed but also comes with adorable donut-themed pajamas, complete with a plush donut pillow and slippers. As children engage in role-playing adventures with their dolls, they develop narrative skills and practice empathy in caring for their doll friends. 5-10 years
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Why we love it:
Dream Big with Donut Dreams Bed Set includes a cozy chair that turns into a comfy bed, sparking creativity while teaching kids about bedtime routines and caring for their doll friends.
Transformative Doctor Playset Fun
The Super Wings Doctor Kit Toys are an exciting way for toddlers to delve into the world of healthcare while playing! This imaginative playset transforms from a helicopter to a hospital, fostering creativity, empathy, and problem-solving skills in children aged 3 and up. Perfect for parents seeking to bond with their little ones, this toy not only eases anxieties about doctor visits but also provides a fun introduction to medical tools and roles in a nurturing environment. 3-9 years
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Why we love it:
Transformative Doctor Playset Fun features a helicopter that turns into a hospital, making doctor visits less scary while nurturing a passion for helping others.