Toys That Develop Sensory Exploration
Our Top 5 Picks
Pompom Penguin Learning Buddy
The Aurora® Playful Pompom Penguin™ Mini Stuffed Animal is a delightful companion for children of all ages, sparking imagination and fostering emotional connection. With its soft, huggable form and vibrant colors, this charming penguin encourages sensory exploration and imaginative play, helping young learners develop social skills and emotional intelligence through nurturing and pretend play. Plus, its thoughtfully crafted safety features ensure peace of mind for parents and educators alike. All ages
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Pompom Penguin Learning Buddy's soft, huggable form invites kids to nurture and connect, turning emotional growth into playtime fun.
Hygloss Play Modeling Dough Fun
Hygloss Play Modeling Dough is a delightful and engaging way to spark creativity in children! With 6 pounds of vibrant, unscented dough packed in resealable containers, kids can explore endless possibilities while developing fine motor skills through squishing, rolling, and molding. This all-natural, non-toxic dough not only encourages imaginative play but also introduces the fascinating world of color mixing, allowing little hands to create secondary colors from primary ones. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Hygloss Play Modeling Dough Fun includes six pounds of vibrant, non-toxic dough that transforms tiny hands into colorful artists, making creativity a squish away.
Scented Fun with Hygloss Play Dough
Hygloss Play Modeling Dough is the perfect blend of creativity and learning! This delightful 6lb set comes in a vibrant array of colors and fruity scents, making playtime an engaging sensory experience for our little ones. Not only is it made from safe, all-natural ingredients, but it also helps develop fine motor skills as kids squish, roll, and mold their masterpieces. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Scented Fun with Hygloss Play Dough comes in a delightful 6lb set of vibrant colors and fruity scents, making every squish and roll a sensory adventure that sparks creativity.
Squeezy Tweezers for Tiny Hands
Learning Resources Squeezy Tweezers are a fantastic resource for toddlers eager to explore the world around them! These colorful tweezers not only make picking and placing small items a fun activity, but they also promote essential fine motor skills, enhance hand strength, and boost hand-eye coordination. As educators and parents, we love how these tweezers engage little ones in sensory play, allowing them to discover textures and develop critical nerve connections in their brains. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Squeezy Tweezers for Tiny Hands feature a colorful design that makes picking up small items feel like a playful adventure, turning every pinch into a chance to grow essential skills.
Sensory Play with Fine Motor Tools
The Learning Resources Helping Hands Fine Motor Tool Set ignites imagination while building essential skills! Perfect for children aged 3 and up, this set features four engaging tools designed to enhance fine-motor skills and strengthen hand muscles critical for writing. As fellow parents and educators, we know how effective sensory play can be in boosting coordination and focus. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Sensory Play with Fine Motor Tools features four engaging tools that transform playtime into a hands-on learning adventure, making skill-building feel like a fun treasure hunt.
Spark Creativity with Mushroom Stampers!
READY 2 LEARN Paint and Dough Mushroom Stampers are the perfect introduction to the wonderful world of arts and crafts for our little ones! With their easy-to-grip designs tailored for small hands, these 4 charming mushroom-shaped stampers help develop fine motor skills while promoting creativity and self-expression. Each stamper features a unique pattern, encouraging kids to explore textures and designs in their paint or dough projects, making art time both fun and educational. 2+ years
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Why we love it:
Spark Creativity with Mushroom Stampers! features easy-to-grip designs, making it a delightful way for kids to explore textures while developing their fine motor skills.
Cuddle and Learn with Snowy Owl
The Aurora® Adorable Mini Flopsie™ Snowy Owl Stuffed Animal is a delightful companion that encourages imaginative play and emotional development. This plush toy, designed for ages 3 and up, provides a safe and comforting presence, fostering social-emotional skills through cuddling and storytelling. Plus, its lightweight, cloud-like softness makes it perfect for little hands to explore, enhancing sensory experiences and creative expression. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Cuddle and Learn with Snowy Owl is a lightweight, cloud-like plush that not only cuddles but also inspires storytelling and emotional growth in little ones.
Infantino Fun Foot Rattles Set
The Infantino Foot Rattles, Zebra & Cheetah, are a delightful exploration tool for babies who are just starting to discover their feet! These vibrant sock rattles provide a joyful sound with every little kick, sparking curiosity and engagement. Designed for tiny toes, they promote hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, all while ensuring sensory play that supports brain development. 0-12 months
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Why we love it:
Infantino Fun Foot Rattles Set features vibrant sock rattles that delight babies with joyful sounds, making every kick a fun learning opportunity for those tiny explorers.
Musical Bug for Interactive Playtime Fun
The Infantino Hug and Tug Musical Bug is the perfect companion for your little one's adventure in discovery! As they pull down on this huggable bug, it rewards them with enchanting music and delightful motion, engaging senses and sparking curiosity. Featuring clacker rings and a peek n' see mirror, it fosters hand-eye coordination and sensory exploration, while the knotty legs are perfect for tiny fingers to tug and grasp. 0-12 months
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Why we love it:
Musical Bug for Interactive Playtime Fun features huggable design and enchanting music, making it a delightful way to turn playtime into an engaging learning adventure!
Very Hungry Caterpillar Gel Soother
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Gel Soother is the perfect companion for your little one during their teething journey! This delightful toy not only soothes baby’s gums but also introduces them to a beloved storybook character that has spurred imaginations for generations. As parents, we appreciate how it fosters sensory exploration and provides comfort in a variety of settings—whether in the car, stroller, or during naptime. 0-12 months
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Why we love it:
Very Hungry Caterpillar Gel Soother not only soothes baby’s gums but also introduces a beloved storybook character, making teething a tad more delightful and imaginative.
Colorful Keys for Tiny Explorers
B. toys – LucKeys – Pretend Play Keys invite little ones to embark on imaginative adventures while developing crucial skills! These engaging toy keys enhance sensory exploration and fine motor development through fun sounds and a push-button flashlight, making it easy for tiny fingers to interact. 10+ months
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Why we love it:
Colorful Keys for Tiny Explorers includes fun sounds and a push-button flashlight, making every play session a delightful adventure that sparks curiosity and promotes independent play.
My First Teddy Bear: Cuddle and Learn
My First Teddy Bear is the perfect companion for our little ones! With its ultra-soft plush that’s gentle on baby’s skin, this adorable teddy not only offers comfort but also promotes emotional development through cuddling and play. The embroidered details ensure safety as babies explore their world, while the classic design fits beautifully into any nursery decor. 0-2 years
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Why we love it:
My First Teddy Bear features ultra-soft plush that’s gentle on baby’s skin, providing a comforting companion that encourages cuddles and sparks imaginative adventures.
My First Teddy Bear for Cozy Comfort
The Baby GUND My First Teddy Bear is the ultimate companion for babies, designed to foster comfort and emotional development from day one. This ultra-soft plush toy not only offers snuggly warmth but also meets the highest safety standards, reassuring parents that their little one can cuddle safely. Engaging with this delightful bear encourages sensory exploration and emotional bonding, making it a cherished gift for milestones like baby showers or first birthdays. 0+ years
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Why we love it:
My First Teddy Bear for Cozy Comfort is ultra-soft and machine washable, making it the perfect cuddly companion that’s stress-free for parents and endlessly comforting for babies.
My First Teddy Bear: Cuddle and Learn
My First Teddy Bear is the ideal companion for little ones, designed with ultra-soft plush materials that provide comfort and warmth. As educators and parents, we know that this adorable bear encourages sensory exploration and emotional bonding, essential for early development. With its charming design and machine-washable fabric, it not only adds a touch of whimsy to a nursery but also supports infants in developing their social skills through imaginative play. 0-12 months
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Why we love it:
My First Teddy Bear: Cuddle and Learn features ultra-soft plush materials that provide warmth and comfort, making it the perfect cuddly companion for nurturing emotional connections.
Crayola Washable Marker Variety Pack
The Crayola Washable Broad Line Marker Variety Set is a dream come true for every little artist! Packed with 48 ultra-clean markers in 32 vibrant colors, including fun Gel FX and Window Markers, this set offers kids the tools they need to explore their creativity in truly unique ways. As parents and educators, we love how this set encourages artistic expression, fine motor skills, and even color theory as children mix and blend colors on various surfaces—from paper to glass! 4+ years
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Why we love it:
Crayola Washable Marker Variety Pack includes 48 ultra-clean markers that let kids explore their creativity without the fear of adding colorful splatters to their walls.
Daniel Tiger's Bathtub Adventure Set
The Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Baby Bath Tub Toy Daniel's Bathtub Voyage Adventure, 6 Piece Set is here to turn bath time into an exciting learning experience! With Sailor Daniel, Fishy, and Octopus, children aged 18 months and up can engage in imaginative play while developing fine motor skills and water confidence. This set not only makes bath time fun but also encourages sensory exploration and social skills as little ones navigate their watery adventures together. 18 months and up
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Why we love it:
Daniel Tiger's Bathtub Adventure Set includes 6 delightful pieces that turn every splash into an opportunity for creative learning, making bath time an exciting adventure in growth.
Eureka Strawberry Stickers for Learning Fun
Eureka Strawberry Stickers are not just adorable; they spark creativity and encourage positive reinforcement in our little ones! These scented stickers are perfect for rewarding achievements, be it in the classroom or at home, and they offer a sensory experience that engages children in a unique way. As parents and educators, we love how these stickers can help develop fine motor skills through placement and application while making learning moments more joyous. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Eureka Strawberry Stickers are scented rewards that spark joy and creativity, turning everyday achievements into delightful celebrations that brighten learning moments.
Safari Adventure Floor Mirror
The Bright Starts Sit and See Safari Floor Mirror is an exciting gateway for your baby’s self-discovery journey! This engaging tummy time activity toy features a large mirror that encourages little ones to explore their reflections, fostering self-awareness and social-emotional skills. With crinkly leaves and colorful fabrics, it captivates their senses and enhances visual tracking. Newborn+
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Why we love it:
Safari Adventure Floor Mirror features a large mirror that transforms tummy time into a delightful self-discovery adventure, encouraging babies to connect with their reflections and giggle at their own cuteness.
Splash into Creativity with Finger Paint
School Smart Washable Finger Paint, Red, 1 Pint Bottle is the perfect way to introduce your little ones to the colorful world of art! It encourages creativity while developing fine motor skills as children squeeze, swirl, and explore with their fingers. The fast-drying, water-based formula makes cleanup a breeze, ensuring that the focus stays on fun and imagination instead of mess. 2-5 years
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Why we love it:
Splash into Creativity with Finger Paint features a fast-drying, washable formula that transforms mess into masterpiece while letting imaginations run wild without the cleanup stress.
Peekaboo Adventures for Tiny Explorers
The Melissa & Doug Soft Activity Baby Book - The Wonderful World of Peekaboo! invites little ones into a world of delightful surprises and sensory discovery. This engaging lift-the-flap book encourages cognitive development and language skills through interactive play, as toddlers identify animals and explore charming scenes together. 0-3 years
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Why we love it:
Peekaboo Adventures for Tiny Explorers features interactive lift-the-flap surprises that turn reading into an engaging game, sparking curiosity and laughter during bonding moments.
Charming Pompom Penguin Plush
The Aurora® Playful Pompom Penguin™ Brights Stuffed Animal is a delightful companion for children of all ages. This cuddly penguin fosters emotional development through nurturing play while sparking curiosity about wildlife and the environment. With its soft and fluffy texture, it encourages sensory exploration and invites children to develop their imaginative storytelling skills, making it a wonderful addition to any learning environment. All ages
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Why we love it:
Charming Pompom Penguin Plush, with its soft and fluffy texture, encourages gentle cuddles that spark conversations about wildlife while nurturing little hearts and imaginations.
Engaging Elephant Activity Toy for Babies
Skip Hop Bandana Buddies Baby Activity and Teething Toy is much more than just a cute companion! This delightful elephant encourages multi-sensory exploration, helping our little ones discover a world of textures, sounds, and patterns. As they shake, squeeze, and chew, they're developing fine motor skills and coordinating their senses—all while having a blast! 0-12 months
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Why we love it:
Engaging Elephant Activity Toy for Babies includes a detachable bandana teether, making it the perfect companion for sensory discovery and teething relief during any adventure.
Engaging Hedgehog Baby Rattle for Development
Skip Hop Baby Rattle Toy, Explore and More Roll Around Rattle, Hedgehog is the perfect companion for your little one's early adventures in learning! Designed with flexible, easy-to-grasp openings, it encourages infants to develop their dexterity while having fun. With its vibrant colors, rattling sounds, and teething surfaces, this delightful toy stimulates sensory exploration and motor skill development. 3+ months
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Why we love it:
Engaging Hedgehog Baby Rattle features flexible, easy-to-grasp openings that make developing tiny skills a lively adventure, turning every shake and toss into delightful discovery.
Color Paddles: Illuminate Young Minds
LEARNING ADVANTAGE Color Paddles are an exciting way to engage toddlers in the wonderful world of colors! As parents and educators, we know how curious young minds can be, and these six translucent paddles are perfect for exploring color mixing in a fun and hands-on manner. With activities that seamlessly weave together science, math, and art, children can learn about primary, secondary, and tertiary colors without the mess of traditional art supplies. 2-5 years
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Why we love it:
Color Paddles: Illuminate Young Minds are six translucent paddles that transform color mixing into a dazzling visual experience, making learning about colors exciting and mess-free!