Toys to Foster Social Development in Kids
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
As parents and educators, we understand that social development is crucial for our children's growth. This page explores engaging activities and play experiences that promote teamwork, empathy, and communication skills in kids. Discover how specific play scenarios can help little ones build friendships, resolve conflicts, and express their emotions effectively, setting a strong foundation for their social lives.
Our Top 5 Picks
VTech Magic Star Learning Table Fun
Our Rank:
The VTech Magic Star Learning Table is a delightful educational toy that keeps our little ones engaged and learning! With engaging bilingual activities in both English and Spanish, kids are encouraged to explore new concepts while developing essential skills. As our toddlers turn the steering wheel to drive the bear, flip through nursery rhyme pages, and press light-up buttons, they enhance their fine motor skills and cognitive abilities—all while having a blast! 6-36 months
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
VTech Magic Star Learning Table features engaging bilingual activities that inspire our kiddos to explore while enhancing their skills in a fun, interactive way.
Feelings Family Hand Puppets for Kids
Our Rank:
The hand2mind Feelings Family Hand Puppets are the perfect companions for toddlers aged 4-8 to explore emotions and build social skills. These friendly puppets engage young minds with their unique designs, inviting children to express themselves through play. Each puppet not only showcases different feelings through its expressive faces and body positions but also offers delightful crinkle sounds that enhance sensory experiences. 4-8 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Feelings Family Hand Puppets for Kids invite toddlers to express a range of emotions while engaging in delightful role-play, fostering communication and connection in a fun, interactive way.
Toddler Gardening Play Set
Our Rank:
The Learning Resources New Sprouts Grow It! Toddler Gardening Set introduces little ones to the joy of gardening in a playful and engaging way. Perfect for children aged 2 and up, this set sparks imagination, encourages social interaction, and aids vocabulary development as kids pretend to plant and pick their favorite flowers and veggies. 2+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Toddler Gardening Play Set includes durable, easy-to-grip plastic pieces that spark imagination and cultivate a love for nature while enhancing essential developmental skills.
Explore Community Careers Flash Cards
Our Rank:
Community Helpers & Careers Pocket Flash Cards offer a vibrant way to engage children in learning about various occupations that shape our communities. With 27 unique jobs represented, these cards introduce kids to important concepts in language arts while promoting diversity and inclusion through varied imagery. They are not just fun and informative; they help develop crucial skills like critical thinking and communication as children discuss and explore each profession. 8+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Explore Community Careers Flash Cards feature 27 unique jobs, turning learning about professions into a colorful adventure that sparks discussions on diversity and inclusion in our communities.
Wooden Activity Workbench for Future Builders
Our Rank:
The Early Learning Centre Wooden Activity Workbench is an incredible addition to any little builder's playtime! Designed for toddlers aged 18 to 36 months, this engaging workbench sparks imaginative play while enhancing essential skills like hand-eye coordination and physical development. With 22 fun accessories including tools and a chalkboard, it turns construction play into a lively experience. 18-36 months
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Wooden Activity Workbench for Future Builders includes 22 fun accessories that spark imaginative construction play while doubling as a sturdy platform for practicing balance on those wobbly first steps.
Social Skills Games for Collaborative Learning
Our Rank:
Junior Learning 6 Social Skills Games is a delightful way for our kids to grow together! Designed to enhance important social abilities, these games provide fantastic opportunities for children to engage with one another, differentiate between right and wrong, and effectively express their emotions. We love that they not only learn how to recognize their feelings but also understand the emotions of those around them. 5-10 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Social Skills Games for Collaborative Learning features self-correcting elements that help kids engage with emotions and each other while keeping the fun frustration-free.
Engaging Outdoor Activities for Kids
Our Rank:
Busy Ideas for Bored Kids Outdoor is the perfect tool for parents and educators looking to spark creativity and energy in children. With 50 diverse activity cards, kids can explore their imaginations, develop physical skills, and enjoy quiet moments outside. Whether they’re painting a masterpiece, running around with friends, or diving into a good book under a tree, this handy travel tin ensures they're always engaged and learning in the fresh air. 4-10 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Engaging Outdoor Activities for Kids includes 50 diverse activity cards that turn outdoor moments into imaginative adventures, encouraging kids to learn and play beyond screens.
Gear Up for Learning Fun!
Our Rank:
Learning Resources Build & Spin: Farm Friends brings imaginative play to life while encouraging essential developmental skills! This vibrant 17-piece set captivates little builders, helping them boost their fine motor skills and spark creativity as they create dynamic designs and spinning fun. We love how this engaging toy introduces the basics of cause and effect, all without a screen in sight! 2+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Gear Up for Learning Fun! features a vibrant 17-piece set that transforms playtime into a dazzling adventure of dynamic designs while building essential skills without any screens.