Toys That Develop Tactile Exploration
Our Top 5 Picks
Calico Critters Adorable Sheep Twins
Calico Critters Sheep Twins is a delightful set featuring twin baby figures, Sean and Shona, perfect for sparking imagination in little ones. These charming, flocked figures are not only soft to touch but also encourage tactile exploration, making playtime both comforting and engaging. As children dress and undress the twins in their detailed clothing, they can develop fine motor skills and creativity. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Calico Critters Adorable Sheep Twins features soft, flocked figures that inspire children to engage in imaginative play while dressing up Sean and Shona, boosting their creativity and fine motor skills.
Cuddly Elmo for Learning and Fun
The GUND Sesame Street Official Cuddly Corduroy Elmo Muppet Plush is a delightful companion for children aged 1 and up. This soft and huggable plush not only sparks imaginative play but also encourages emotional development and a sense of security in young learners. With Elmo's friendly face and tactile corduroy texture, kids can explore the joy of learning and social interaction while enjoying the warmth of a cherished friend. 1+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Cuddly Elmo for Learning and Fun features a soft and huggable design that fosters security and sparks imaginative scenarios, making learning feel like a warm embrace.
Lena Lamb: Musical Plush for Little Ones
GUND Baby Lena Lamb is the perfect companion for your little one as they explore the world of sound and comfort! With its soothing Brahms’ Lullaby and gentle swaying motion, Lena not only promotes relaxation but also encourages sensory development. This cuddly plush is designed to engage babies' senses, from the soft textured materials to the gentle music that helps foster a love for melodies. 10 months & up
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Why we love it:
Lena Lamb features soothing Brahms’ Lullaby and a gentle swaying motion, making it a delightful bedtime companion that encourages cozy moments and a love for melodies.
Sensory Adventure Wooden Blocks
The Bigjigs Toys FSC Certified Sensory Blocks are a delightful sensory experience crafted for little explorers! Designed for children aged 12 months and up, these engaging wooden blocks encourage sensory development through a variety of textures and sounds, promoting tactile exploration, curiosity, and early learning skills. Parents and caregivers will love how these blocks inspire creative play while fostering fundamental cognitive abilities in a safe and sustainable way. 12 months and up
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Sensory Adventure Wooden Blocks offer a delightful array of textures and sounds, turning early learning into an exciting hands-on adventure that ignites curiosity and creativity in little explorers.
Crinkly Wonders Sensory Adventure Toys
Crinkly Wonders is a delightful trio of sensory and crinkle toys designed just for our little ones! Featuring a sun, moon, and cloud, these colorful companions engage babies with their bright visuals and delightful sounds. As they explore, infants develop crucial visual, auditory, and tactile skills, setting the foundation for future learning. 0+ months
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Crinkly Wonders Sensory Adventure Toys features a delightful trio of colorful companions that engage infants while laying the foundation for future learning—perfect for curious little hands and ears on the go.
Playfoam Sand Sensory Adventure
The Educational Insights Playfoam Sand Sensory Set invites kids into a world of tactile exploration and creative expression! Designed for children aged 3 and up, this engaging set promotes fine motor skills through active play with sifting, scooping, and molding. Parents and educators will love how it inspires self-confidence and imaginative play, all while providing safe, non-toxic materials that never dry out. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Playfoam Sand Sensory Adventure features non-toxic materials that never dry out, offering endless fun while boosting creativity and fine motor skills in a mess-friendly way.
Discover Joy with Playfoam Sand!
Educational Insights Playfoam Sand 8-Pack brings the thrill of sensory play right to your fingertips! This moldable crafting compound invites kids aged 3 and up to explore fine motor skills while they squeeze, shape, and dig into this soft, squishy sand. Each vibrant color not only sparks creativity but also enhances tactile exploration in both home and classroom settings. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Discover Joy with Playfoam Sand! invites kids to mold and shape vibrant colors, turning sensory play into an educational experience that feels just like fun.
Taco Time Sensory Fun
The Melissa & Doug Multi-Sensory Soft Taco Fill & Spill Infant Toy is a delightful way for babies ages 6 months and older to explore textures, sounds, and vibrant colors. This engaging toy encourages sensory development, fine motor skills, and problem-solving as little ones sort, squeeze, and stuff the various tactile food pieces. With its adorable design and versatile play options, it’s a must-have for fostering hands-on, screen-free learning and exploration. 6+ months
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Taco Time Sensory Fun includes vibrant tactile food pieces that turn mealtime pretend play into a sensory adventure, boosting little ones’ development one adorable taco at a time.
Bright Starts Teething Relief Gift Set
The Bright Starts Teeth Relief 8pc Gift Set is a wonderful solution for teething babies aged 3 months and older. With a delightful array of textures and shapes, these teethers not only soothe sore gums but also encourage babies to explore and develop their tactile senses. The refrigerable options provide extra cooling relief, making it a go-to for meltdowns. 3 months+
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Bright Starts Teething Relief Gift Set includes a delightful array of textures and shapes that not only soothe sore gums but also support babies' developmental milestones in a fun way.
Kinetic Sand Sensory Playset Fun!
Kinetic Sand, Squish N’ Create Playset combines the magic of tactile exploration and imagination! As fellow parents, we can truly appreciate how this vibrant play sand can captivate our little ones while developing their fine motor skills and creativity. The unique squishing and shaping experience not only entertains but also cultivates sensory development—perfect for little hands to discover colors and textures. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Kinetic Sand Sensory Playset Fun! features vibrant play sand that captivates kids and encourages them to squish, shape, and explore their imaginative worlds—great for fine motor skill development.
Plush Bunny with a Purpose
The GUND Baby Sustainable Bunny Plush is not just a soft companion, but an eco-friendly toy designed for babies and newborns. Crafted from 100% recycled materials, this cuddly bunny helps introduce little ones to the importance of sustainability while also supporting their sensory development and emotional well-being. Its ultra-soft textures encourage tactile exploration, making it a thoughtful gift for nurturing creativity and compassion in the next generation. 0-2 years
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Why we love it:
Plush Bunny with a Purpose is crafted from 100% recycled materials, introducing eco-consciousness to little ones while they enjoy a soft, snuggly companion.
Spirited Play with the Teal Elephant Chime
GUND Baby Safari Friends Collection Plush Elephant with Chime is the perfect companion for our littlest ones! With its friendly smile and gentle chime, this sensory toy engages baby's hearing and helps develop auditory skills right from the start. The floppy design encourages tactile exploration and comfort, making it ideal for cuddling during nap time or on-the-go fun. 0+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Spirited Play with the Teal Elephant Chime features a gentle chime that engages babies' hearing, turning cuddling into an exciting sensory adventure that fosters early learning and connection.
Splash, Splash Baby: Fun Bath Learning!
Bright Starts Splash, Splash Baby 15pc Bath Set transforms bath time into a joyful learning experience! With delightful friends like a rubber ducky, playful sea animals, and vibrant stacking cups, this set stimulates fine motor skills and color recognition as little ones splash and play. The included waterproof book adds a new layer of excitement, letting us share stories while they explore textures—and we all know how kids love a good story! 6 months+
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Why we love it:
Splash, Splash Baby: Fun Bath Learning! includes a waterproof book that turns bath time into a creative storytelling adventure, making learning irresistible and splash-tastic!
Scent-sational Slime Play Experience
The Cra-Z-Slimy 24oz Premade Slime in Cake Batter scent is an engaging way for children aged 6 and up to explore sensory play while developing their creativity and fine motor skills. This stretchy, glossy slime not only delights with its sweet aroma but also encourages imaginative play and tactile exploration, helping kids learn about texture and consistency in a fun and interactive way. Perfect for group activities or solo fun, this slime bucket sparks joy while nurturing essential developmental skills. 6+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Scent-sational Slime Play Experience features delightful cake batter scent, making sensory exploration a deliciously fun way for kids to engage their creativity and develop essential skills.
Ocean Explorers Sensory Teether Toy
The Baby Einstein Ocean Explorers Sea of Sensory Teether Toy is a delightful underwater adventure for babies aged 3 months and up! Designed with vibrant colors and various textures, this set of five BPA-free teethers not only soothes sore gums but also stimulates your little one's visual and tactile senses. We love that two of the teethers can be chilled for extra relief, making them perfect for on-the-go comfort. 3+ months
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Ocean Explorers Sensory Teether Toy features vibrant colors and various textures that not only soothe sore gums but also spark early sensory exploration for curious little adventurers.
Interactive Fun with Pull, Play & Boogie
Bright Starts Pull, Play & Boogie Musical Activity Toy for Stroller - Giraffe is a delightful companion for our little ones on the go. With a gentle tug on the vibrant leaf, we can watch as our baby giggles while the giraffe expands and contracts, bringing a joyful 60-second melody to life! This engaging toy is designed not only for fun but also for fostering essential developmental milestones like tactile exploration, visual engagement, and motor skills through reaching and grabbing. Newborn +
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Why we love it:
Interactive Fun with Pull, Play & Boogie features a vibrant leaf that activates a delightful melody, making every stroll an adventure filled with giggles and learning opportunities.
Pull, Play & Boogie Monkey Toy
The Bright Starts Pull, Play & Boogie Musical Activity Toy for Stroller is an absolute delight for our little ones! Designed for newborns, this charming monkey encourages tactile exploration with its soft fabrics while introducing the joyful world of music through a playful 60-second melody. As babies gently tug on the leafy pull, they get to experience the magic of cause and effect, building essential motor skills as they reach and grab. Newborn and up
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Why we love it:
Pull, Play & Boogie Monkey Toy features soft fabrics and a playful 60-second melody, making every stroller ride an engaging adventure filled with music and movement.
Tug Tunes Elephant: Melody and Exploration
The Bright Starts Tug Tunes On-The-Go Toy for Stroller and Carriers - Elephant is a delightful companion for little explorers! Designed for newborns and up, this vibrant toy not only brings tunes to life with every gentle tug but also encourages sensory and motor skill development. With its soft, mixed materials, it invites tactile exploration while engaging your baby in cause-and-effect play. Newborn and up
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Tug Tunes Elephant features soft, mixed materials that encourage tactile exploration and spark curiosity, making every outing feel like a little musical adventure.
Mermaid Magic: Fidget Fun for Kids
Fashion Fidgets Mermaids Fantasy Series brings creativity and fun together for our children. These delightful dolls not only capture the imagination with their vibrant, shimmer details but also encourage fine motor skills through 15 different fidget options—from their charming cheeks to their bendable tails! As parents, we appreciate how the interactive pop tube mermaid tail can transform into a mini skirt, fostering creativity and changing how our children engage with their toys. 5-10 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Mermaid Magic: Fidget Fun for Kids features 15 different fidget options that make developing fine motor skills feel like a magical adventure under the sea.
Sensory Turtles Counting Adventure
The hand2mind Tactile Turtles Math Activity Set transforms early math learning into a fun-filled sensory adventure! Packed with 36 charming turtles in vibrant colors and textures, this set encourages our little ones to explore counting, sorting, and classifying while nurturing their fine motor skills and tactile experiences. Designed to captivate the curiosity of toddlers, these engaging turtle companions not only foster mathematical understanding but also inspire creativity and imaginative play, making them an ideal choice for parents and educators seeking meaningful, hands-on learning materials. Preschool
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Sensory Turtles Counting Adventure includes 36 vibrant turtles that make counting feel like a colorful game, turning math into a playful sensory experience for little learners.
Stretchy Fun with Gold Charge Flash!
Heroes of Goo Jit Zu Goo Shifters DC Super Hero Stretchy Action Figure Gold Charge Flash is a delightful way to engage young minds while they play! This incredibly squishy figure not only encourages imaginative storytelling and role play but also aids in developing fine motor skills as kids squish and stretch him up to 3 times his size, then watch him return to form. Perfect for sparking creativity and promoting hands-on learning in a fun, tactile way, this action figure is a playful addition to any educational toy collection. 4+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Stretchy Fun with Gold Charge Flash encourages squishy, hands-on play while developing fine motor skills; it's a fun way for kids to stretch their imaginations!
Explore Nature with 3D Reptile Stickers!
READY 2 LEARN Foam Stickers - Reptiles & Amphibians invite kids to dive into the enchanting world of nature! These self-adhesive, colorful critters are not just fun to stick on books and crafts; they also spark creativity while teaching kids about different species in an engaging way. With 3D designs that entice little hands and eager minds, children can develop fine motor skills and unleash their imagination with each project. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Explore Nature with 3D Reptile Stickers! features self-adhesive, colorful critters that transform learning into a vibrant art project, making nature fun and accessible for little hands.
Sensory Learning with Ocean Explorers Starfish
The Baby Einstein Ocean Explorers Pop & Glow Starfish Light Up Sensory Popper Toy is an exciting way to introduce your little one to early learning skills! Designed for babies aged 6 months and up, this vibrant toy features engaging textures and bright colors that stimulate tactile exploration. As your baby spins the starfish, they not only witness a delightful light display but also grasp the concept of cause and effect. 6 months and up
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Why we love it:
Sensory Learning with Ocean Explorers Starfish features engaging textures and bright colors, making early learning an exciting experience that lights up as they play!
Engaging Sensory Activity Cube
The Learning Journey: Pop & Discover Activity Cube is a vibrant, multi-textured toy designed for kids aged 12 months to 3 years. With its geometric shape sorter, elastic band sides, and bubble popper features, this sensory delight not only introduces colors and shapes but also builds essential motor skills and spatial awareness. Perfect for parents seeking a developmental gift, it aligns beautifully with STEM learning principles while encouraging tactile exploration and cause-and-effect understanding. 12 months to 3 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Engaging Sensory Activity Cube features vibrant, multi-textured designs that turn learning colors and shapes into a tactile adventure—who knew skill-building could be this much fun?